KUE61st: From 3D Pictures to Letters

This past Friday night, Mondo and I embarked on another incubation adventure: the 3D Baby Scan. It all started after our regularly scheduled 2D anatomy scan at UTMB back in May.  That was the first time we got to see Piglet since she was a mere fetal pole (basically a little node with a blinking heart). The experience was amazing after a) I got over the fact that initially she looked like a Sea Monkey, and b) we were so fortunate to discover that she was developing normally. I only wish now I had written down the name of our sonographer - she was fantastic. Equal parts easy-going and informative.

After the appointment, we rushed to the Culpepper's shop and to other friends' offices showing off pictures and announcing that Piglet is in fact a girl (still sorry to those who lost that bet). We were saddened to discover that we would have to wait until her birthday to see her again. I believe that day marked the beginning of offspring addiction that to my pre-pregnancy self seemed totally alien. I could feel the rush of that addiction take hold: I mean, guys, she totally waved at us and surely it looks like she will have ginormous eyes like her parents.

Being the total hardcore father-to-be, Mondo began the 3D/4D Baby Scan search. We were a bit rabid: we had to see our Piglet again before October (fingers crossed as I'd like to keep this little chica in the oven for as long as possible).

As if a sign from above, Heather Martinez, the owner of 4D Baby Scan of Bay Area Houston invited us over for a scan!  Although the office is located in Dickinson, all is right with the world:  Heather, a burgeoning IBC, and her BOI husband just moved to the Island this past spring, family in tow. They bought one of the last homes Nicholas Clayton designed in the East End. It was fate I tell you - seeing Piglet again and supporting local! 

Now, I've read about how you should talk to your baby, read, listen to music, and it's even been recommended to sing. I've done some talking and Kevin and I are reading East of Eden out loud (my fav book), but sometimes I feel a little insane. 

I mean, intellectually I know there's a baby in there, but sometimes it's more of an abstract concept. I mean, who is she? And, that rippling and sometime roiling feeling in my belly could still sometimes be mistaken for gas (those of you who have been pregnant feel me on this). I was hoping to see Piglet again not only because I just needed to see her but also because I needed to re-confirm that there really is a baby in here. Sometimes when I think about it, there is something so Sigourney Weaver a la Alien about being pregnant. (Don't worry, I won't link to that awesome yet gruesome scene, but it's easily found on YouTube if you're so inclined).

So, Heather, Queen of 4D Baby Scan, I have to tell you, you gave me personally, the greatest gift I will have been given, well, until Piglet is born. While I may still have been processing the entire event when we left your shop that evening (I'm a delayed emotional translator - Mondo will confirm), at 6:00 am the next morning, I was downstairs writing the first letter to my daughter. That's the absolute power of my experience. 

I feel as though I met my daughter for the first time (ok, more like a bad version of a one-way mirror but roll with me people). This is truly the greatest gift I was given: to connect with her in a way I was unable to until now.

Truly more important than the 325 pictures on a CD and the 30 minute DVD of Piglet's eye opening, feet eating, and face grimacing, was not just seeing her, but was being in the moment: watching her onscreen (giant onscreen might I add) as she moved in my belly. I now feel connected to her in a way I hadn't before this scan. So, while I may not be singing to Piglet anytime soon (and honestly, she doesn't want me to), talking to her doesn't seem so bizarre. 

On another note, in case you hadn't notice, I totally recommend 4D Baby Scan of Bay Area Houston. Aside from the amazing experience itself and Heather's graciousness, they offer a customized, relaxed, comfortable environment for just you or as many friends and family you want to include. Other cool stuff:  the Tempur Pedic Bed for mom, the massive sofas for friends and family, the complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries. Oh! And the Little Lamb Maternity & Baby Boutique  on site. Might I recommend one the fabulous Born Out of Necessity diaper bags?!