First Ultrasound Picture

We had our first trimester genetic screening appointment today. It includes an interview where we discuss family history and the potential for certain diseases or disabilities that our child may develop (anxiety-inducing, but we had been forewarned, and managed to swallow the worst of it and remain optimistic), then an ultrasound, and then a blood test. Obviously, we were mostly interested in what we saw as the main event: the ultrasound. Since we were at the genetic center that's just two buildings down from my mom's work, we were able to call her and invite her to come join us just in time to watch the ultrasound with us. Also, this time, Aaron was fortunately allowed to take a video, since the one photo we got wasn't, in our opinion, the best shot of the images we had seen on the screen:

But it was still precious to see that little face again. ...and yes, that's his or her brain still developing in that tiny little skull. At this point in the pregnancy, I'm 13.5 weeks, only half a week away from beginning my second trimester, and baby is only 3 inches long 'from head to rump,' as they put it. After the scare from last week, it was, once again, very comforting to see this little person in there, making little movements, no matter how jerky and uncoordinated. To me, it was beautiful, and overwhelming. Yes, I started crying.

The video is below, but fair warning, Aaron took full advantage of the tech's kindness and filmed the entire time, which was a little over 8 minutes. I think it's adorable and have watched it several times, but don't feel compelled to watch the whole thing if you'd rather not... there's no surprise ending.