Baby on Board

We found out mid-April that we were expecting our first baby, and could not be more thrilled. At our first OB appointment (with the OB coordinator), she brought out the "pregnancy wheel" and determined our initial due date as December 20, 2012. Candace knew this was slightly off, however, and was convinced the due date was a few days later than that. Sure enough, when we went in for our eight week appointment, they did the first ultrasound, and the CRL (crown-to-rump length) measured us exactly at 8 weeks, and spit out a revised due date of December 25, 2012...a Christmas baby! We started commenting about how that baby could possibly share a birthday with a very important person, and if he/she arrived on the day itself, we may have to come up with a name using the initials "JC" (joking slightly, but maybe??).  At this 8-week appointment, we witnessed the first of many tiny miracles to come - we saw the heartbeat fluttering about on the ultrasound! It was amazing and indescribable; the doctor referred to it as a "strong and perfect" heartbeat. In the ultrasound pictures we've added below, you can see the heart as a tiny bright spot in the middle of the baby's form. Truly magical! We have received an outpouring of support and love from the close friends and family that have been let in on our news, and look forward to being able to tell the world after the 12-week appointment (June 13, when we should get to HEAR the heartbeat!). Thank you to everyone for your support and prayers, we will continue to need them for the next 6 or 7 months, and beyond!

The heart can be seen best in this last image, the bright white spot in the middle. In these images, Baby Hayhurst is upside down, head at the bottom and butt in the air, doing gymnastics already!