This sonogram was shared by a friend whose daughter is expecting her first child. The baby in the picture is about the size of a quarter. Amazing, both the detail of the sonogram and the clearly developed features of the tiny baby.
“I think I will be feeling some kicking before long,” the young mother said. The baby does look like she/he will be pushing the boundaries in this photo. I remember the first time I felt new life stirring within my womb. A sacred moment when the baby makes it’s presence known. “Was it gas?” I wondered at the strange feeling in my abdomen? Not long after the kicks and stretches were unmistakable.
One of my children was an acrobat, I think. She turned around in the last month and made her appearance feet first. In the midst of the morning sickness, final months endured during summer heat, or bed rest required by complications, a mother might lose sight of the privilege of nurturing the little one until it is able to survive on its own.
The wonder returns and now, as a mother of three young adults, I look at them, amazed that they began their life’s journey within the protection of my womb.
In my job I see many young expectant mothers, sometimes accompanied by their husbands. Sometimes the parents are pushing strollers and have other older siblings trailing along.
Families are easy to take for granted. Becoming a parent is so common that for those not immediately involved, the process slips from their minds filled with other concerns and agendas. This photo from my friend reminded me of the glorious invitation we women have to be special partners in bringing new life into the world. The reality may be commonplace, but it is also awesome.
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