The first ultrasound was on Friday January 31, and we were able to see the baby’s heartbeat on the screen – 119 beats per minute. Everything looks good, and the dating scan confirms the Estimated Due Date to be September 23rd. We know three people whose birthdays fall within a week of the due date, so we have a chance of matching one of them.

Seeing the heartbeat was pretty cool, considering there wasn’t much else to see. The ultrasound tech called our baby “a heartbeat on a stick,” which was accurate but not exciting. But it was important because while I am feeling all the signs of pregnancy, like heartburn and nausea, my husband didn’t seem too attached to the baby until he saw the heartbeat. I think that’s when it really hit him that he’s going to be a father by the end of the year.

My parents also came with us for the ultrasound. As this is their first grandchild, I wanted them to experience it with us. My family is very important to me. I won’t be inviting them to every doctor’s appointment with me, but I want them to be a big part of my child’s life, starting now.