“About the size of a raspberry right now,” Mel confirmed, “but growing fast.By your next appointment, you'll see a big difference.And based on these measurements, I'd say you're about eight weeks along.”
“Eight weeks,” I repeated.My mind raced back, trying to pinpoint the exact moment our little one came into existence.Was it that night after Marco's party?Or maybe during our pumpkin carving escapade?
“Everything looks perfect for this stage of development.“ As Mel continued her explanation, detailing the baby's growth and what we should expect in the coming weeks, my thoughts drifted.The sound of our baby's heartbeat became a soothing rhythm.I lay back and let it wash over me.
In that moment, I allowed myself to hope.To believe that this time would be different.That this little raspberry-sized miracle would grow and thrive.That in seven months, we'd be holding our baby in our arms.
“Sunny?You still with us?”
I opened my eyes to find Carter and Mel looking at me with worried expressions.“Sorry,” I said, managing a smile.“Just taking it all in.”
Mel gave an understanding nod.“It can be overwhelming.Do you have any questions or concerns?”
I hesitated, the fears I'd been pushing down bubbling to the surface.“Is everything really okay?I mean, given my history...”
Mel's expression softened.“I know you're worried.And it's natural to feel that way.But right now, everything looks perfect.The baby's size is just where we’d want it to be, there’s a nice strong heartbeat, and you're healthy.”She placed a comforting hand on my arm.“We'll be monitoring you closely throughout this pregnancy, but try not to let fear overshadow the joy of this moment.You're doing great.”
I nodded, blinking rapidly.Carter kissed my hand.“We've got this, Sunny.One day at a time, remember?”
“One day at a time,” I echoed.
Mel gave us a moment before speaking again.“Alright, let's get you cleaned up and then we can talk about next steps.”
As I wiped the gel off my stomach and sat up, a wave of dizziness washed over me.Carter steadied me with a hand on my back.
“You okay?”
I nodded, taking a deep breath.“Yeah, just got up too fast.I'm fine.”
Mel handed me a glass of water.“Make sure you're staying hydrated.It's easy to forget, but it's crucial for both you and the baby.”
I sipped the water gratefully as Mel went over our next steps.Prenatal vitamins, dietary recommendations, things to avoid—it was a lot to take in, even though I'd been through it all before.Carter listened intently and asked lots of questions.I could see the gears turning in his head, probably already planning how to baby-proof his pristine house.
“Oh, and before you go,” Mel said, “I've got a little something for you.”
She handed us a strip of ultrasound photos, and my breath caught.There, in grainy black-and-white, was our baby.Our little raspberry.
Carter took the photos and studied them reverently.“Wow,” he breathed.“Can you believe this?”
I was overcome with emotion.“It's amazing.”
As we left the office, Carter carefully tucked the ultrasound photos into his wallet like they were precious treasures.My big tough, grumpy man was already turning into a doting dad.
In the car, I relaxed into my seat, one hand resting on my still-flat stomach.It was hard to believe there was a person growing in there.
“You're awfully quiet,” Carter said as he navigated through traffic.“What's going on in that beautiful head of yours?”
I turned to look at him, taking in his profile.The strong jaw, the hint of stubble, the crease between his brows as he concentrated on the road.How had this man, who I'd once found so intimidating, become my safe place?
“It’s a lot to take in,” I said.
He reached over and took my hand.“I know.But whatever comes our way, we'll face it as a team.”
“I know we will.I just...I can't help but worry, you know?What if something goes wrong?What if I can't carry to term again?What if?—”
“Hey.No what-ifs.Remember what Mel said?Right now, everything is perfect.Our little raspberry is healthy and growing.That's what we focus on.”
I sighed.“You're right.I'm sorry, I don't mean to be such a downer.Iamexcited, I promise.It's just...”
