Music To My Ears

So this is what it feels like when a dream becomes reality.?.?.? We are beyond blessed!

We waited to tell most of our friends about the pregnancy until after we saw an ultrasound and knew everything was okay and that the baby was in the right spot this time. We anticipated our doctor's visit, which was scheduled for January 3rd with Dr. Akin in Lexington. We got up bright and early and barely slept the night before. Our appointment was at 10:15, but it was snowing so we left around 7:30. Our last ultrasound experience there was difficult for the both of us, so we were nervous and a little cautious. I prayed a lot.

Dr. Akin began to do the ultrasound, and as soon as he said, "There's the heartbeat right there" (touching this tiny little spot on the screen). We were able to see the baby safe and in the right spot with a flickering heartbeat. Of course, I cried my eyes out. I have never felt such relief in my life. Oh, and Jason and I were also relieved to see that we only had one baby instead of two! :) The baby was measuring at 6 weeks and 5 days and was perfectly healthy. We told some of our close friends that day, but we didn't ready to publicly announce it yet.

We went back for another visit with Dr. Akin on January 17th at 10:45. Once again, we got up early and drove to Lexington that morning -only this time with more anxiousness than fear. We knew this was going to be a day that would change our lives forever. Well, we had no idea. When Dr. Akin turned on that ultrasound machine, and we saw our tiny little baby moving around, I felt a sense of happiness and peace I've never experienced before. Then, Dr. Akin turned on the monitor, and we heard the most joyful sound we have ever heard. That heartbeat was music to my ears!!!! I cried many happy tears, and that is a moment I will never forget. I will never forget the excitement in Jason's voice and the huge smile on his face. I will never forget him dancing around that room like a kid at the carnival. Baby Rooper had a strong heart rate of 179 and was measuring at 8 weeks and 4 days. This is all so surreal for us, and we are blessed excited to be able to share our success story with the world. This is going to be one loved baby!

At that point, Dr. Akin released us from his care at the fertility clinic into the hands of my OB/GYN here in Ashland. I cannot express how grateful I am to have found such a wonderful specialist and team of nurses who helped us through all of this. They gave us hope. They gave us our miracle. They gave us life.

I had already scheduled my initial OB appointment with Dr. Dotson at KDMC weeks ago, so I got to see him on January 22nd. Jason and his mother came with me. I was fortunate enough to have another ultrasound during this visit. Baby Rooper still had a strong heart rate of 174 and was measuring at 9 weeks and 4 days. My mother-in-law smiled from ear to ear, and I could tell she really appreciated getting to experience this with us. I won't go back to the doctor until February 19th, but all looks good at this point. Our baby is healthy and growing. I'm taking good care of myself and being as cautious as I can be.

Here are our announcement pictures as well as the chalkboard pregnancy updates I've started. I stole the idea from Pinterest. :)

I'll continue to update as my belly grows!