We exit my truck and make our way into the doctor’s office. Today is our twenty-week appointment with anatomy scan, and to say I’m excited is an understatement. But with that also comes a bit of nervousness. This isn’t our first look at our baby, but it’s been twelve weeks and obviously things have changed since then. We get to finally see with our own eyes the little human who has been kicking our hands in recent days.
Charli checks in at the counter and joins me in the seating area. “So, we’re going to find out?” she asks, seeking confirmation once more.
We’ve had this discussion several times in the last couple of weeks, and we both voted to learn the sex of the baby togetherwith our family and friends. At first we balked at the thought of a big gender reveal, like you see on social media, but in the end, we decided to share the moment with those we’re closest to. It’s not a huge gathering this Saturday at Wyatt’s farm, but he offered to host a cookout and the big reveal.
So, here we are, about to see Baby Garrison again, and after the ultrasound is complete, the little envelope of answers will be sealed and passed off to Oaklee, who was tasked with planning the big reveal. We’re not sure what’s up yet, but I was told Cade will be involved, and we all know that will probably escalate the entire event into dangerous territory.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Charli says beside me, leaning into my shoulder a little more.
“Just wondering what your brother will have planned for Saturday,” I reply, referring to the reveal.
She snorts and shakes her head. “No telling, and to be honest, I don’t really want to think about it. Knowing him, it’ll involve tractors and cannons and explosions.”
I can’t help but chuckle, picturing it clearly. “Help us all.”
“Charlotte Miller.”
We stand up and head for the doorway, having this routine down pat. Charli goes to the alcove for her vitals, while I wait in the hallway, shoulder against the wall. When it’s time for her urine test, the nurse, Nora, sends me to room five to wait. It’s farther down the hall and a room we haven’t been in yet.
Stepping inside, I see the ultrasound machine. It’s a bit bigger than the previous one we used at week eight, the screen almost twice as big. A couple minutes later, Nora and Charli arrive in the exam room, and they start going over how she’s feeling since her last appointment. I listen intently, not really contributing, until Nora leaves and we wait for the doctor.
Dr. Greene doesn’t keep us waiting long.
“Everything looks good since your last appointment,” she states, referring to her vitals, I’m sure. “I’m going to order some testing, which is standard for this gestational period. A blood test and a glucose test. It’s not exactly pleasant, but it’s incredibly important.”
Charli nods. “Okay. Whatever I have to do.”
They discuss a few more things before Dr. Greene pulls out the Doppler to listen to our baby’s heart rate. Charli lies back, and I automatically move into my favorite position—standing beside her with her hand tucked in mine.
The noise that fills the room is strong and fast, just as it’s been with each appointment, and it instantly brings smiles to our faces. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing that heartbeat. The only thing better will be holding our child in my arms.
But for now, baby needs to keep cooking, so that can wait.
“All right, if you’re ready, I’ll send Shelby in for your anatomy scan,” Dr. Greene says, washing her hands at the small sink in the counter.
“We’re ready,” Charli replies eagerly.
“It’ll be just a few minutes.” Then, Dr. Greene exits the room, leaving us alone…and waiting.
“This is it,” Charli says, practically vibrating off the exam table.
“It is. It’s not too late to just find out now. We can pretend to be surprised on Saturday,” I suggest, only partially kidding. I’m excited to find out, eagerly as anxious to experience it all with the woman I love at my side and our family and friends surrounding us, but if she were to say okay right now, I’d happily look at the scan results.
And act surprised on Saturday.
She seems to mull it over for a few seconds before shaking her head. “No, I want to wait. I’d feel terrible if Oaklee went to all the work to put together this reveal and we already spoiled it.”
“I agree.” Leaning forward, I kiss her forehead as a knock sounds on the outside of the door.
A young woman enters wearing scrubs and a pleasant smile on her face. “I’m Shelby, and I’ll be conducting your anatomy scan today.” She has a seat at the stool in front of the ultrasound machine. “Do you have any questions?”
“I don’t think so,” Charli replies.
Shelby types on the keyboard and confirms Charli’s date of birth. “Before I begin, do you want to know the sex?”
“No, we’d like to take the results to a friend.”
She grins and nods. “A gender reveal party?”
