Sweet face

by Sarah
We had our sonogram last Friday and we were fortunate enough to have the same perinatologist that we had last time- the nice man who explains everything we are "seeing" on the screen, who answers our questions, who takes his time and talks to us like real parents. We really like him.  He also captured this precious little glimpse of our tiny guy for us- our first real look at his sweet little face from the front that didn't appear all smooshed. We were so excited.

Luke is up to 2lbs7oz by this doctor's estimation and is looking "great" aside from the obvious. The doctor did some more educating for us around expectations for how Luke will possibly appear when he is born.  He taught us that because of Luke's low fluid level and subsequent lack of lung development, he will probably have a "bell-shaped" torso- where his chest is more narrow toward the top because he does not have any lungs filling out his chest cavity around his heart.   His tiny abdomen/belly area is normal so will appear to be "wider" in comparison with his little chest. Poor pumpkin! While all of these things are difficult to hear and imagine, we are thankful for the insight and tender care of this doctor to take the time to help us be prepared for our first introduction to our precious son.  Having an understanding helps us in preparing our hearts and mind's eye for when we do get to meet Luke in person.

I've been spending a lot of time thinking about that day when I will get to hold him and marvel at his sweet and delicate, miraculous body.  Imagining the joy of actually holding him in our arms is always quickly followed by overwhelming sadness at the crushing realization that his time with us here on earth will be brief. How we wish he could stay longer and that we could know him more. However, today, we are loving and savoring this glimpse of his sweet face.