The big reveal

I’m sitting in a waiting room with walls the colour of Pepto-Bismal, waiting for my name to be called. Ironically, or perhaps fittingly but somewhat premature, I’m in the maternity ward of the same hospital where I delivered both Tristan and Simon (because the Fertility Clinic is not set up with an obstetrical ultrasound unit.)

On the way up to the fourth floor in the elevator, I realized that I don’t think I’ve been here since I took Simon home from the hospital two-and-a-half years ago. Walking down the long hallway, my senses were bombarded with the unique sounds and scents of the maternity ward and I am catapulted back in time, remembering the endless hours we paced this hallway, trying to goad a reluctant Simon into making his entrance.

As I passed plastic bassinettes full of fresh babies, my heart leapt to my throat yet again. I don’t think I’ve been able to fully swallow my emotions since I peed on the stick ten days ago. I could have one of those soon, I thought, looking longingly at the flannel-wrapped bundles, and tears sprung to my eyes.

And so I wait for my name to be called, notebook open on my lap to catch errant impressions, but with no semblance of concentration. Finally, it’s my turn. I can’t tell you how many ultrasounds I’ve had in the last five years, but I’m sure it’s more than 25. I start to take off my pants, and she tells me not to bother, as this will be an abdominal ultrasound at least to start. I’m mildly surprised, but pleased at this less intrusive approach. Except she is unable to find anything with an abdominal ultrasound, and the whisper of panic that I’ve been hearing for days in my head crescendos to a roar.

And then, blissfully, it appears on the screen. I tell the technician about the history of twins in my family, and my two preschoolers preschooler and kindergartener at home, and she searches very carefully for any more surprises, but finds none.

One perfectly placed embryo, snuggled in for the long haul. Measuring 6w3d, ahead of its gestational age by a day, with a heartbeat of 105 beats per minute. Everything is exactly as it should be. Everything is perfect.

Due date: May 8, 2007.

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Author: DaniGirl

Canadian. storyteller, photographer, mom to 3. Professional dilettante.

72 thoughts on “The big reveal”

  1. YEAH! WOOO HOOO!
    Jumping for joy! Can You hear me from over here?
    Here to a PINK room and a dull but quick 9 months. I guess you’ll be doing playgroups again.
    😉

  2. YEAH! WOOO HOOO!
    Jumping for joy! Can You hear me from over here?
    Here to a PINK room and a dull but quick 9 months. I guess you’ll be doing playgroups again.
    😉

  11. Congratulations!
    I’ll have you know I have been checking for the update every few hours (except overnight) since yesterday afternoon. Too much suspense, lady!
    Thirty-four weeks to go.

  12. Congratulations!
    I’ll have you know I have been checking for the update every few hours (except overnight) since yesterday afternoon. Too much suspense, lady!
    Thirty-four weeks to go.

  13. Oh, I am so happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! May 8th is a good day; it’s my mom’s mom’s birthday. I think it’s written somewhere that only girls are born on that day.

  14. Oh, I am so happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! May 8th is a good day; it’s my mom’s mom’s birthday. I think it’s written somewhere that only girls are born on that day.

  29. Congratulations!! You know, I stumbled on your blog by searching for “third baby” (or something like that). I think I started reading just before frostie as you were wondering about three yourself. How awesome for you to be pregnant!! I’ve been looking for honest accounts of the difference between two and three ~ a decision will be made by the end of the year whether to have another baby or a vasectomy!! It’s so hard for me to weigh the financial and emotional aspects.
    Again, congratulations!!
    And, as the mother of two boys I have to ask, do you want a girl? I find myself afraid of having a daughter!! The drama, emotions, etc. I’m comfortable with boys. You know, been there, done that.

  30. Congratulations!! You know, I stumbled on your blog by searching for “third baby” (or something like that). I think I started reading just before frostie as you were wondering about three yourself. How awesome for you to be pregnant!! I’ve been looking for honest accounts of the difference between two and three ~ a decision will be made by the end of the year whether to have another baby or a vasectomy!! It’s so hard for me to weigh the financial and emotional aspects.
    Again, congratulations!!
    And, as the mother of two boys I have to ask, do you want a girl? I find myself afraid of having a daughter!! The drama, emotions, etc. I’m comfortable with boys. You know, been there, done that.

  33. Congratulations! I’m so happy and relieved that everything is perfect. Your due date is almost exactly two months later than mine. Yay for spring babies! (I imagine the spring weather in Canada on May 8th will be similar to the spring weather we’ll have in New Mexico on March 4th.)

  34. Congratulations! I’m so happy and relieved that everything is perfect. Your due date is almost exactly two months later than mine. Yay for spring babies! (I imagine the spring weather in Canada on May 8th will be similar to the spring weather we’ll have in New Mexico on March 4th.)

  37. How come I have a 9 month old tucked away in his crib, yet you still made my arms ache for a newborn while describing your trip to the hospital?
    I am bursting with happy pink thoughts for you….although I think they will be blue ones (ducking!)

  38. How come I have a 9 month old tucked away in his crib, yet you still made my arms ache for a newborn while describing your trip to the hospital?
    I am bursting with happy pink thoughts for you….although I think they will be blue ones (ducking!)

  41. Phew! Just one…
    My son was born right at the end of April… very nice time of year (and you don’t have to be pregnant in the summer!).

  42. Phew! Just one…
    My son was born right at the end of April… very nice time of year (and you don’t have to be pregnant in the summer!).

  43. Oh, congrats 🙂
    And I am biased, with a June baby and an April baby myself, but I think the spring is a lovely time to give birth!

  44. Oh, congrats 🙂
    And I am biased, with a June baby and an April baby myself, but I think the spring is a lovely time to give birth!

  47. Not quite perfect….the due date is off by one day…..
    Other than that – everyone on the coast is cheering, and little bro gives a resounding WHOOOHOOO!

  48. Not quite perfect….the due date is off by one day…..
    Other than that – everyone on the coast is cheering, and little bro gives a resounding WHOOOHOOO!

  55. Congratulations Dani! I’m right there with ya, except I have two little blighters. I’m 6w2d so will be following your journey. Hope all goes well for you.

  56. Congratulations Dani! I’m right there with ya, except I have two little blighters. I’m 6w2d so will be following your journey. Hope all goes well for you.

  69. That’s so great! Why do I wait so long to catch up with your blogs?! May! What a great planned pregnancy, as far as weather goes! If only you had really planned it that way, eh?

  70. That’s so great! Why do I wait so long to catch up with your blogs?! May! What a great planned pregnancy, as far as weather goes! If only you had really planned it that way, eh?

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