The first of many scares

Patrick and I have known for a while now we’re ready for a baby, but week six of being pregnant truly confirmed just how ready we actually are.

We were about to walk out the door to meet some of our friends for dinner on a Friday night when I had a sharp pain and felt a sudden urge to go to the bathroom. As soon as I sat down on the toilet, I immediately screamed for Patrick to come upstairs because something wasn’t right. Blood in my undies. [Sorry for the graphic image.]

As I wiped, more blood kept coming, and I quickly realized something could be terribly wrong. We immediately called our doctor, and she instructed me to take it easy. She also said if it got worse we could go to the emergency room.

Of course, the only thing I could think about was the M word… Miscarriage. And, since it happened on a Friday night, there was really nothing we could do other than just wait.

Week six was a real doozy for me because I was incredibly nauseous. And I’m not just talking morning sickness, but all-day nausea.  I had to jolt to the bathroom several times at work to throw up, went home sick one day, stayed in bed for hours, and lived on Saltine crackers. Then, on Saturday, the day after I started bleeding, I magically didn’t feel nauseous, and I was petrified.

As the weekend progressed, the bleeding turned to spotting, but it never stopped. It was a VERY long weekend.

By the time Monday rolled around, the spotting was very light – but still happening. [A light shade of brown for those wondering.] Thankfully, our doctor got us right in for a “problem visit,” and after what felt like waiting for three hours, she performed an ultrasound.

I held my breath as she searched for baby Burk. Meanwhile, I could tell Patrick was nervous too, and he placed his hand on my shoulder.

Then, she said the four most beautiful words we’ve ever heard.

“I see the heartbeat!”

Patrick let out the biggest sigh, and tears instantly started streaming down my face. It was at that moment I knew just how badly we want this baby.

The doctor said spotting can be normal, and while they aren’t exactly sure why I was bleeding, one thing was for sure: everything looked great.

Week six was our first real scare with our baby, and I know it’s going to be the first of many. I asked my mother when we’ll stop feeling scared, and her answer made me smile.

“You’re going to feel scared for the rest of your life. That’s called parenthood.”

Bring it on, parenthood. We’re ready for you!