And then Samuel wasn't moving...

As I have said before, Samuel is an amazingly active little man. So much so, that I really don’t do the fetal kick counts. I mentioned this to my doctor, and he said it was fine. Why should I count movements when my baby is always active day and night? In fact, I often just sit and watch my belly for entertainment. I have even asked my doctor if kicks in “certain areas” are normal. (TMI??) So, yes, he is active and kicking A LOT.

Samuel wasn't moving on Monday, but I didn’t think much of it, as I had several rough Braxton-Hicks contractions and spent most of the day resting. I enjoyed some Skittles and a fun-size PayDay after dinner, but that didn’t get him moving either. I figured he was probably exhausted from those contractions. I waited to feel him as I went to bed, as he likes to tell me goodnight through some Karate chops to my abdomen, but he was quiet. I anticipated his 3am Kung Fu moves, but he was still quiet. His usual 5am and 7am movements were missing, too. After a strangely quiet evening, I got out of bed and told Kyle I should probably call the nurse. As I left a message, I drank caffeinated coffee with sugary creamer to encourage Samuel to perk up, but he wasn’t budging. Anticipating the nurse may tell me to come in, I showered, dressed and waited for her to return my call.

About an hour after my coffee, the nurse called and inquired about our situation. She asked me to try the usual, “eat or drink something sweet and see if that prompts movement.” When I explained my breakfast of coffee, hot sweetened oatmeal, and cold water, she reviewed my history and asked me to come in for an ultrasound. I told her I would present within the hour.

Before I left home, I was convicted (somewhat through Kyle) about feeling defeated and expecting the worst. I really do struggle to keep my thoughts positive, and I think it’s a defense mechanism after losing Duncan. I am trying to remind myself “Expect the best, but prepare for the worst” is a load of junk. It makes absolutely no sense to live my life this way. Why would I want to live and think like this? I certainly do not want Samuel to think in this manner. On the way to the hospital, I talked to Samuel (and my own heart) and reminded us “Everything is going to be okay. We are just going in for reassurance, and so Mom can see you.”

I arrived at the ultrasound department where a nurse began a non-stress test (NST) which monitored for fetal heartbeat, uterine contractions, and fetal movement. Samuel’s heartbeat was excellent, between 137 and 155, my uterus was pretty quiet, with few contractions, but there was minimal fetal movement. The nurse tried to prompt movement with a “buzzer,” but Samuel wasn’t interested in the sounds. She laughed when I told her Kyle talks to my belly a lot, and we have Abner, so Samuel isn’t shocked by noise. (I didn't mention he had also endured several of our apartment's ridiculously loud fire alarms during this pregnancy.) After monitoring me for about 30 minutes, she asked me to wait in the waiting room for the sonographer.

The sonographer prepped me and began scanning my belly. We were able to see Samuel’s heart, him breathing through his mouth and nose, his body, the placenta, and the fluid around his body. He even had one of his legs pulled up to his face. (Yoga baby??) After about five minutes of scanning, he moved his leg back down. I felt this movement! As far as we could tell, everything looked good, but I had to wait for the doctor to give an official report.

With the sweetest smile on her face, the doctor arrived and said everything looked good. She expressed how important it was for me to call the nurse, as Samuel wasn't moving enough during the NST, which prompted her to order an ultrasound. This was further reassurance to me that I made the correct decision. She actually said if she sees me everyday until Samuel is born, that is okay with her, as I will recognize something different in pregnancy sooner than anyone else.

Throughout this visit, I was so encouraged by the compassion of the staff. The nurse said even after 20 years, she still finds joy in hearing a baby's heartbeat and rejoiced with me over Samuel's sweet little beats.  Our sonographer loved the name Samuel and was so excited to hear the story of God’s hand in this pregnancy. She also shared her own adoption story and God's work in the life of her family. Even our doctor was excited to find out our baby’s name is Samuel, as her name is Samantha. Every provider reiterated the importance of my call to the nurse and being seen today. The kind words, sincere joy, and sweet hugs from these providers will be appreciated forever.

As I waited to check out, Kyle surprised me with his arrival. I had encouraged him to go to class and told him I would keep him posted. Without phone service, I didn’t receive his text request for updates, which concerned him. He wasn’t sure in which department he would find me, so he quickly checked L&D before stopping by my OB’s clinic and asking the receptionist how to find me. I can’t express how excited I was to see him and how much I love him and his heart. I feel so blessed and am thankful to my Father for His hand in our lives and in this pregnancy.