A Second Pregnancy

A couple of months after my miscarriage, we tried artificial insemination again.  Again a pregnancy.  Understandably, I was afraid I would lose this one as well.  Unlike the first pregnancy, though, there were good signs--good blood work, good ultrasounds.  Still, I was terrified and engulfed in anxiety and told no one but my husband.  He was under strict orders not to tell anyone.  Around Christmastime, I started spotting a little.  I was sure I was going to have another miscarriage and just prayed it wouldn't happen on Christmas, to ruin Christmas forever. 

However, time went on, and ultrasounds continued to look good.  I was nauseous and extremely tired, which I took as good signs. I still hadn't told anyone, although my husband had told some family members.  Finally, when I was showing too much to hide it anymore, I let my bump show and was encouraged by how much I felt my baby move and how active he was.  It turned out to be a perfect pregnancy, with no problems whatsoever.

My doctor wanted to induce labor two weeks early due to my "advanced maternal age," so we scheduled the day.  The morning before that day, I went into labor on my own.  My son ended up being born on the morning he was scheduled to be induced.  He arrived crying, healthy, active.  One moment I will never forget is the moment the doctor laid him crying in my lap.  I spoke to him, and he opened his eyes, looked at me, and stopped crying.  He recognized my voice.  The doctor looked up to be sure he was okay.  Just a few seconds later he was crying again, and all I could feel was relief and exhaustion.