holy crap

we had another ultrasound today on a better, clearer machine. it's amazing what a difference one week can make. i was in awe of how human-like our little guy has become. his movements seemed less like involuntary flailing and more like joyful, playful wiggles. he would do this amazing dance that would cause him to rise up slightly in his cushiony liquid, and then slowly float back down. at first he was asleep, his little heart beating with determination, but the rest of him just peaceful. then our midwife gave him a few gentle jiggles, and he woke up with such excitement. it was really like he knew what we wanted, and gave us this cute little display just to please us. we could see his jawbone and spine, his arms and legs, and most incredibly, a little foot. it was perfect. it was this amazing, tiny footprint, so clear on the screen. it was as if he was trying to show me, see, i'm not a blob anymore. i'm a real human, just tiny. i could see his TOES. it was incredible. the entire time i was struggling to stifle this gigantic laugh/cry so that my movement wouldn't shake the screen and hinder my view. so i just laid there with this crazy, smiling, open-mouthed look of wonder and awe, several tears escaping this time. it was like i was a frozen image of someone who had just arrived at their own surprise party. it was the most amazing experience of my life, and i can't believe how lucky i am that it will only get better from here.
we unfortunately don't have a picture for you all to see, as the printer paper she had ordered had not yet arrived. i would have loved to have shared this incredible event i witnessed today, but hopefully my words will suffice. i know the image will never leave my mind.
we have our next real prenatal appointment on the first, and she said it *may* be possible at that point to find out what we're having. i think that calls for another "holy crap". should i start taking bets?