and when I first saw you

We went in for our fetal echo yesterday. We had to go up to the Children's National Medical Center in DC. Driving to and around DC is usually a nightmare, but yesterday it was like a nightmare we couldn't wake up from. We had never been to that area of DC so naturally we were driving around like tourists. Thankfully, my dear friend was willing to watch the kids so that Nick and I could go together. If I had to drive myself I probably never would have gotten there! After many detours from road construction we finally got there, just a tad later than expected. We had to check in at the front desk for security issues and get picture name tags. While I appreciated this because it is a children's hospital, I wasn't too happy because I had been holding it all in for an hour waiting for the ultrasound, per my doctors orders.

We got through the line and came upon the most sophisticated elevator system I've ever seen. Seriously, Nick and I were mind-boggled at the technology in that place! We finally made it to the third floor and got all checked in. Then, waited another hour.

It was a welcome quiet moment, except I had to tinkle REAL bad. Turns out the tech didn't need my full bladder anyway. Sheesh! While Nick and I sat there we had time to talk and pray about the appointment. When I think about the hour we sat there, I could have sat in fear and worry. It was just such an odd feeling to feel such peace. I went in just knowing everything would be OK. There really are no words to explain something like that. This appointment was to view my child's heart, to make sure his blood pumping powerhouse was in the best condition, to rule out any defects. I should have been afraid. I should have had a racing heart, been pacing the waiting room, tapping my foot on the floor, but I was talking with Nick about how much Gavin loves Mickey Mouse and the food wedged between the waiting room seats.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.- Philippians 4:7

During the echo we had the chance to see our sweet boy. This was Nick's first time and my fourth of catching a glimpse of his tiny body. It instantly brought me back to the first ultra sound I had with him. He was a teeny, tiny, bean shaped embryo. I loved him then. I loved the fingers and toes he hadn't grown yet, his eyes which haven't yet formed any color, his belly button that I didn't know wouldn't be like the other 99% of babies, but I did see his heart. There in that room, with amazing technology, I was there to view the first thing I had seen of my baby boy. This time though, instead of a tiny beating heart, it was a heart with chambers, arteries, veins, and we could even see the blood flow.

After the tech was done, we had a meet-up with the pediatric cardiologist. Do you want to know what he said?

"Everything looks perfect!" I stared at him for a long time until he said it again. All doctors I have encountered lately must think I'm nuts.

"Everything looks good. In these cases it's an elevated risk that something isn't right. Everything is working good."

Nick and I high fived. We walked out together, silently beaming, me with arms up in the air like I'd scored a touch-down. It was a great day.