Turning to my side, I gently cradle my stomach, the barely-there bump that used to protect my little peanut.
Based on the books I read, she was only the size of a plum. Many people will tell me to get over this, that it wasn't a baby yet, just a cl...
So, today marks my official entry into the 20th week of pregnancy. It's crazy how time is flying! My belly has expanded significantly, proudly showcasing the little one growing inside. Xander is on cloud nine about it, and his excitement is written all over his face – he can't resist touching my burgeoning belly, like, all the time.
Our nights have turned into this sweet routine where Xander, without fail, has a heart-to-heart with the baby. It's become this beautiful tradition that brings a smile to my face every time. He sets up this cozy space, placing me between his legs, and then it's time for the Shea Butter ritual. According to him, it's a natural moisturizer that works wonders for hydrating and soothing the skin. I'm pretty sure he's picked up these tips from the stack of baby and parenting books he's been diving into lately.
So, picture this: the sweet smell of Shea Butter filling the air as Xander's hands gently work their magic on my growing belly. It's like a nightly pampering session, and I'm not complaining one bit. The whole thing is adorable, and I can't help but appreciate the effort he's putting into making this pregnancy journey special.
Xander's excitement and dedication to staying informed through those baby books are both amusing and heart-warming. As we move through these weeks, I'm finding comfort in these little moments – the conversations, the belly rubs, and the shared excitement for the upcoming chapter in our lives. Who knew pregnancy could bring so much joy and a nightly Shea Butter spa session? Well, thanks to Xander's newfound skill, I'm certainly enjoying the ride.
Xander has been nothing short of a saint throughout this entire pregnancy journey. His constant support and care have become the bases of my daily life, and I can't help but be grateful for him. Xander is truly one of a kind. His care for me goes beyond the usual check-ins. He makes it a point to reach out throughout the day, genuinely making sure I'm doing okay. It's like having my own personal anchor, someone who's always there to lift my spirits. What's amazing is how he can sense when I need a little extra care and attention – it's like he has a sixth sense for it. His concern is just remarkable.
He cooks ahead of time to make sure I always have something to eat even though I've told him so many times that I can still do that myself, but he isn't having any of it.
He runs me baths each night and joins me where we just sit and talk about our day. The baby flutters are getting stronger now but we both can't wait until our nugget actually starts moving. I can admit that at times I become rather emotional because I sometimes wonder what it would have been like if my peanut got to live but Xander always reminds me that she's okay and will always be our little angel that makes me feel better each time.
We are visiting Dr Martins later today for a check-up and Xander gets so excited whenever we do a scan as he gets to see the baby's little movements. Last visit the baby kicked up a storm and I was so happy the baby was still too small because I'm sure I will eventually feel it in my ribs.
The frame he gave me on our trip was placed on the fireplace mantle next to our nugget's first sonogram, and it makes me so happy to see that each time. Like Xander said last time, we need to keep her memory alive.
"Alright Aria, you know the drill, please lift your top so can put the gel on your stomach."
Lifting my top and wincing slightly at the cold gel squeezed on me and the Dr starts moving the transducer around my protruding tummy. She takes her time like always checking the baby's growth and development, ensuring that the organs are forming correctly and measuring the size of the head, abdomen, and limbs.
She checked the amniotic fluid around the baby to ensure it's at a healthy level, as this fluid is crucial for the baby's development and protection. She lightly went over some information regarding the placenta, but she said I'm all good.
The Dr knows how much we love hearing the baby's heartbeat and always leaves it for last because she says she loves how our faces light up hearing it. She moves the probe around and finally settles on a spot and we can finally hear the heartbeat, but my smile immediately slips off my face as it doesn't sound right to my ear. It's like it's almost out of sync. Looking at Xander with tears in my eyes because I'm already expecting the worst outcome at this point.
Dr Martins furrows her eyebrows while moving the probe around again but when she looks up and sees our faces, she places down the probe and gets our attention.
"Guys I know you are both worried right now but please relax for me and give me a moment to figure out what's happening okay."
Nodding, we remain silent and wait for her to see what's happening, the Dr again moves the probe around and starts putting a bit more pressure to one side.
She eventually turns to us with a huge smile on her face. "I'll be damned, guys, with all my years being a Dr, I have honestly never experienced this before, if you look here, you will see another leg."
"Oh my God, my baby has three legs" Xander screams seeming to be close to hyperventilating.
"No, no, no, Xander hold on, let me explain," he nods and sits back down next to me with shaky hands and waits for her to continue.
"First off, congratulations, you are having twins." I can feel Xander physically deflate. But immediately become hyper with happiness throwing out numerous questions about how it's possible and even throws out that he has super swimmer making me and Dr Martins laugh at his silliness.
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She then proceeds to explain the phenomenon is called "hiding" or "behind",
"The position of the twins in the uterus can vary, and their movements and positions may change throughout the pregnancy. but the position of twins can be influenced by factors such as the shape and size of the uterus, the placental location, and the movement of the babies themselves.
Twins can be positioned in various ways, such as side by side, one in front of the other which happened in your case, or even in a diagonal arrangement. As the pregnancy progresses and the babies grow, their positions may shift."
She turns to us to see if we have any more questions which we don't. I am so happy and tired after this roller-coaster ride I can actually go home and sleep.
Guys, would you like to know the gender of the twins? We immediately confirm and she moves the probe around again.
"If you guys look here at baby A, you are having a little boy", she moves to the second baby and squints but smiles brightly. "And baby B is a little girl, congratulations guys. I will leave you two for today, please make your next booking up front and I have also printed your scans and can also be collected on our way out".
No words can describe the relief I'm feeling right now. I'm so grateful for this miracle growing inside me and I couldn't have asked for anything more in life.
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