The most beautiful sound

There's really a baby in there!

We heard the heart beat, praise God! And as my husband said right after, that never gets old.

At first I thought the incredibly fast beating was my own, since I was so nervous and mine was beating pretty quickly itself. But I caught a glimpse of Ryan smiling so I asked the nurse. I think they both thought I was nuts for confusing the two!

It's truly such an overwhelming feeling when you hear it, just so surreal. I usually feel like I'm having an out-of-body experience while it's happening and later wish I had taken in the moment more. Although part of me thinks that's not possible. It will always be overwhelming in the most wonderful way possible.

My doctor also assured me that I'm a perfectly healthy pregnant woman (Ryan told her I worry) and that everything's going beautifully. She also told me that those bubbles and pops I'm feeling are definitely the baby. "You're feeling your baby move!" she told me, without any doubt that's what it was.

My next appointment is on July 19, and that's when we'll find out the gender. I know some people find out earlier, and our baby's gender could have been seen on ultrasound for several weeks now, but my doctor only does ultrasounds at 12 weeks (or at least that's when mine was) and 20 weeks. So that's when we'll find out (as long as the baby's legs aren't crossed!) and I can't wait!

My appointments have all been on Tuesdays so far, the same day as our weekly adoration hour, so it's nice to be able to go afterwards and offer prayers of thanksgiving for the good news and for both of our miracle babies.

While there today, I came across Psalm 31, which is where my blog name comes from. I hadn't read the whole psalm in a long time, and wow, is it perfect:

Blessed be the LORD, who has shown me wondrous love, and been for me a city most secure.
Once I said in my anguish, "I am shut out from your sight." Yet you heard my plea, when I cried out to you.
Love the LORD, all you faithful. The LORD protects the loyal, but repays the arrogant in full.
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

I love it! I told the Lord that very thing before I became a mother - that I was shut out from His sight. That's exactly how I felt. But He had heard my plea all along. He hears all of us - no matter what His plan is for us and how our families grow - and protects us. And I know He's protecting Baby #2 right now.

So thanks for all your prayers and for your comments that made me realize I'm not nuts (or maybe we all are!). While the nervousness could set in again, I am so joyful right now knowing there is a living, kicking baby in there! Praise the Lord!