BIG news for a BIG day

As most of you know, we had the anatomy scan done of our Sweet Pea today.  And as most of you could expect, the day was kind of a mess for me. 

I felt bad for our poor ultrasound technician, as I'm sure not many women enter her room crying.  No pressure on her part, right?  Well, she handled the pressure just fine and got down to the important parts that she knew we were most intersested in.

Because Jude's arms and legs measured very short and gave us the biggest clue that something was not right chromosomally, the ultrasound technician measured Sweet Pea's arms and legs first. 

I held my breath as I watched.

And when the she looked up and said, "They're normal", I cried sobbed tears of joy!

I watched and waited as the ultrasound technician looked at and measured everything!  Now most ultrasound technicians do not give any clue as to if things are "normal" are not; they usually let the doctor share any news.  But our tech was very sweet and kept us in the loop.  As each thing was measured or examined, she would proudly announce, "It's normal." 

I began to relax and just enjoy seeing my baby.  We got some very cute profile pictures today.  And I was surprised to see that the baby (as much as I can tell on an ultrasound) does not look very much like Jude.  This discovery excited me and kind of broke my heart because I can't imagine any baby being as beautiful as my sweet Jude was and is.  But I guess that I will just have two of the most beautiful children each in their own way ;-)

I think Sweet Pea/ Butter Bean, or "Sweet Bean" as my father in law says, is going to look more like Lane than Jude does.  What do you think?

As the technician finished up her scanning, we got to hold our breath again as she took pictures of the umbilical cord.  You see, umbilical cords have three vessels: two arteries and one vein.  However, Jude only had two vessels: one artery and one vein.  Another clue to his "special" diagnosis. 

Once again, the tech announced that she saw two arteries and that everything looked good.  And of course, this Mama cried again.

Oh, and we stayed strong and didn't find out the gender.  In fact, because we didn't want to know, the tech didn't even venture into that area so not even the doctor knows if this baby is a boy or girl!

After we left the ultrasound room, we went to see the doctor.  I refused to call anyone and share any news until the doctor came in and confirmed what the ultrasound technician saw.  When she did come in, she gave us a BIG congratulations and a BIG hug.  She explained to us that she could NOT find even ONE thing wrong about the baby!

She also asked about baby movement, and I told her that I wasn't sure that the baby even sleeps because it moves constantly.  After hearing this news, the doctor was so excited that she grabbed me and hugged me again.  She explained that this was a very very good sign that the baby has good muscle tone.  This is a HUGE deal because, as some of you know, the reason Jude has not learned to walk yet is due to low muscle tone. 

We left the appointment and immediately called our parents to share the most WONDERFUL news we have heard in a long time.  I kind of feel like this is too good to be true.  I am still trying to process the fact that Lane and I are expecting a healthy baby.  A baby that is going to rock Jude's little world ;-) and I'm sure ours as well. 

I am so very thankful to my Father from who ALL BLESSINGS FLOW.  He created this precious baby just like he created our precious Jude and we will do everything we can to raise them and live to bring honor to His name.

Thank you so much for all the prayers and sweet text messages today.  It was by far the most emotional day I have had in a few years and I am exhausted from it all.  So I'm going to cuddle on the couch with my favorite redhead!

Goodnight my sweet friends!
Angel, Lane, Jude, and Sweet Pea