Jaxon in 4D

This experience was so crazy- it is really hard to describe or do it justice.  We have always wanted a 3D/4D ultrasound, but we've never had one done with any of the kids.  This probably being our last, we decided we were going to just do it.

This was an especially unique and memorable moment for me.  I have mentioned this before, but unless you are a fellow mother who has carried life inside of you it's hard to understand or try to imagine and picture the feeling of another small person moving around in your belly.  It's a very intimate and specific thing, a constant reminder and connection, and no other feeling, as in the literal, physical feeling can be used to compare or describe it.

So when I laid on that padded table and that image came on the screen, it was extremely surreal. 4D means we saw everything in live time, not just still images.  Every movement, every turn, kick, expression, and action was happening as we were seeing it.  It's a strange thing, having your insides projected on a huge television to watch. And the fact that someone else is occupying your space.  The room that used to be yours with a bladder, stomach, ribs, and everything else that is now being aggressively taken over shared.  I'm still bewildered by the thought that everything still fits in there.  Barely.

Oh, so that's what is going on in there. That's what I feel all day and night.  Hello, Jaxon.

The technician seemed particularly impressed with the clarity of the picture, and more specifically, him. She commented on his really long eyelashes and huge lips.  We sat in amazement as we saw him open and close his mouth, grab the umbellical cord (and even stick his tongue out to touch it), turn, touch his toes to his head, and many other things.  At one point he opened his eyes. I have to admit, that was a little freaky- a little too real!  He gave quite a performance- about everything cool that you could see from this experience he did.  And then at the end came the most amazing part- he started smiling. Now, granted it's probably just reflexes or something, but that didn't matter to anybody in the room.  Even the technician was freaking out!  He brought the house down!  It was so sweet.  He just looked so happy and peaceful in there.  And he just kept doing it.

It made me think of all the scriptures about God knitting us in our mother's womb and how He knows us before one of our days is lived.  I always like to think about my children being in the presence of God inside of my womb, being comforted and protected by Him while they grow.  Honestly, in that moment of that sweet smile, that's what it felt like.  Not a reflex or coincidence, but a small, tiny person so at peace and joyful, tucked safely away and blissfully enjoying the perfect environment for the time being.  I felt like we got to know him a little in those moments.  And it definitely makes all of the misery discomfort of the days of late worth it.  The sleepless, painful nights. The constant pressure and bearing down on my pelvis.  The waddling.  The exhaustion.  The emotion. The residing on top of my bladder (and I mean on top).  The "fake" contractions.  My unrecognizable figure. The constant cracking and popping of my hips awkwardly expanding in preparation of what's to come.  Just to name a few. I know it's going to be over soon.

And when those long eyelashes and big lips are in my arms and we're all lovingly gawking over the newest member of our family, it will be but a memory.  But until we can all meet him, here's a little glimpse of what we got to see:

This is the reason they can fit inside of there- that's his foot touching his head!  And right below the foot is his hand.

Baby foot!  So clear! Actually, the original images we have are even more clear, but these still turned out pretty good!

Doesn't this face already look so sweet??

Smiling.  So awesome! 

We got more, but those are the best ones.  I have to say, the funniest moment goes to Cadence: the technician would write words on the screen sometimes, saying what the body parts were or cute little phrases and Cadence exclaims, "Look!  He's saying something!! What is he saying??"  It was truly hilarious.  And with that,

Peace out from the Pate house.