Sarah and I paid our first visit to the obstetrician today. Although we plan to use a midwife for a natural delivery at home, we also hope to gain from the obstetrical system the few benefits we feel it offers. One such benefit is ultrasound.
Thanks to this, we were able to take our first look at our fledgling progeny today. The ultrasound equipment measured the embryo and estimated its age at 8 weeks, 4 days ± 3 days. We know the exact age to be 8 weeks and 6 days, so that was a pretty good estimate by the machine.
As the obstetrician levered the probe, the embryo twisted into view and a few pulsating pixels revealed the location of the heart. My eyes filled with tears at the sight of this tiny person, amorphous and scarely bigger than my little toe, but somehow already imposingly real and a huge part of my world and feelings.
I've been sure all along that I'm completely ready to become a father, but my reaction to the ultrasonic sight of my future child was another emotional confirmation. I already feel so much love for this tiny miracle growing in Sarah's womb that it's hard to imagine what will take hold of me when he or she joins us in the corporeal world.
Our next ultrasound is scheduled for 14th December. I can hardly wait.