“She’s been very good about it, too,” Jack spoke up. He gave Katelynn’s hand a comforting squeeze. “Love, didn’t you also mention you were having some back pains too?”
The doctor nodded. “That’s not uncommon at this point. Your body’s really having to adjust now as the baby grows and takes up more space. And that’s on top of the kicking,” she chuckled. “Which is a good sign, by the way. The little one might be a handful once they make their debut!”
With the ultrasound machine set up, she fetched the familiar tube of gel. “I’d like you to keep an eye on that pain, though. Some discomfort is normal, but if it gets worse, or spreads, it could be a sign that something really is wrong.”
Wrong.
Her heard quickened at the very thought, lips pressed together into a thin line of anxiety. Jack did not believe in fate. in their child’s future set in stone, but she began to realize that it was holding her together – to keep the worry at bay over whether her baby would go through a full term, to whether she would miscarry, have a premature birth; any and all scenarios that could possible go wrong.
She shook her head, did not allow it to consume her and held on to the image of the young woman and how adorable she must have been as a child.
“I’ll..wat-watch out..for it..” she confessed, eyes wide. Katelynn took deep, even breaths, fearing her baby would sense the emotion.
As if in response, the little one gave a mighty kick then, Katelynn doubling over as a result. “…Ow..guess sh-she’s awake.” And a nervous giggle escaped.
“That one looked like it hurt!” Jack cuddled his wife close, and stroked her swollen belly gently. The paper examination gown crinkled under his hand. Ever since the child had begun to kick in earnest, they’d found that, for some reason, the baby was especially soothed by Jack’s touch. His voice seemed to help too, but he hadn’t brought a guitar or Katelynn’s favorite book to the doctor’s office.
“I wouldn’t worry too much,” the doctor reassured Katelynn with a smile. “As I said, just keep an eye on it. Now, if you could just lift the gown up, we’ll get set for that new photo for the baby album.”
Once Katelynn was ready, the doctor smeared the clear, cold gel over her belly. She’d heard one of her patients tell her once that it felt like a slug crawling on you, but unfortunately it was the only way to make the ultrasound work clearly.
Jack Maple 