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“You can’t think like that, Bella. Think positive thoughts. Pray often. Bringing a child into the world is the biggest leap of faith of all.”
“You’re right about that. Just think about it. The baby goes from being this little lima bean into a seven or eight pounder. Sometimes even larger.”
“It’s a miracle, plain and simple. But even so, growing a child inside you must be terrifying at times. I get it. And to tell you the truth, I think God chose perfectly when he decided that women would be the ones who brought new life into the world.” He let out a chuckle and shook his head. “We men can’t hold a candle to what you women do. It must be kind of empowering knowing God wanted you to carry this child.”
“It is,” Bella said with a nod. “I know I’m blessed, but having a baby is nerve racking. I don’t think I’ll be completely settled until the baby comes into the world.”
“It will happen, Bella. Just wait and see. I’m going to help you stay strong and positive. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart,” Heath said, reciting the verse from Proverbs.
“I will.” The corners of Bella’s mouth curved upward. “Thanks for the pep talk.”
“Bella Vincente,” a voice called out. One of the staff members was standing by the front desk with a clipboard in her hand. She was looking around the waiting room.
“That’s me,” Bella called out, swinging her gaze toward Heath. “Ready?”
“Absolutely,” he said, walking beside her toward the staff person. They were led down a hall towards an examination room and told to wait for the technician. Five minutes later the technician came in the room and introduced herself as Liz Tomlinson.
“Nice to meet you both. This is an exciting day,” she said. “Is this your first ultrasound?”
“Yes,” Bella said. “I’m a bit nervous.”
“Don’t be nervous,” Liz said. “It’s a great chance to meet your baby.”
After Liz rolled down the waistband of Bella’s pants and placed a protective cloth at the top. “I’m placing this cloth here so your pants won’t get messed up by the gel. Here we go. It might be a bit cold.”
Bella squirmed as the gel was placed on her stomach.
“Sorry about that,” Liz said. She began to move the wand over Bella’s stomach. Heath could tell that Bella seemed to be holding her breath. Suddenly, he felt a little bit nervous himself watching the screen.
“I-is everything all right?” Bella asked after a few minutes.
Liz graced her with a beautiful smile. “Everything is fantastic. Look! There’s your little peanut.”
Heath looked at the screen. All he saw was a funny looking shape that didn’t really look like a baby. He frowned at the image. Maybe he just didn’t know what to look at. It was like nothing he’d ever seen before. If he was being honest, it kind of looked like an alien. Note to self—do not say that sentiment out loud under any circumstances.
“Here’s the head,” Liz said. “And there’s the belly and arms. These are the legs.”
“Oh my goodness. I see it,” Bella exclaimed. “Our baby is beautiful.”
“Wow,” Heath said as the image came into sharp focus. At first it had looked like a blob, but now that Liz was explaining the body parts, it all came together. It was awe inspiring and wonderful and slightly frightening at the same time. A whole new world. In a matter of months, their child would be delivered into the world.
“So, do you guys want to know the gender? I can tell you if you like,” Liz offered. “The baby is situated just right so I can tell.”
Bella looked up at him. “Heath. What do you think? Do you want to know what we’re having?”
He shrugged. “I’m good either way. Why don’t you decide?”
Bella bit her lip. “I don’t know. I thought I did, but I’m not sure now. Heath? You decide. Please.” Her eyes were full of indecision. It felt nice to have Bella leaning on him for guidance. It made him feel ten feet tall.
“There aren’t many surprises in life, are there?” he asked. “Maybe this could be one of them. What do you think?” Heath asked.
Bella nodded her head. “Yes. That really would be a lovely surprise.”
“I won’t say a word,” Liz said, focusing her attention on the screen.
“Is the baby…moving?” Bella asked, her voice full of awe.
“Yes,” Liz said with a chuckle. “See right here? The fingers are moving around and the arms.”
