I guess I should relate the story of the last scan, now more than 6 weeks ago. W was asked to have a sugary drink beforehand but Flaily decided not to co-operate. We also had a frosty reception from the new sonographer (our fault).
Sonographer: So, have you got your notes?
W: Oh... no... sorry... we left then on the living room table. The lady at reception said it would be OK.
Sonographer: Well, it isn't.
W: Sorry.
This leaves W and me feeling like we've done our homework but not brought it into class for marking. As we're conscientous people, we are mortified and have been duly told off. Slowly, the dark space of the monitor screen is enlivened by the little one. Again, we are in awe. The sonographer checks we are OK with knowing gender if it should become apparent.
Sonographer: Doesn't appear to be moving much - curled up and facing away from us. Did you have a sugary drink?
W: Oh yes. About 10 minutes ago.
It's true and we want her to believe us. We are not really naughty children.
Sonographer: Might have to be star jumps in the loo for you.
W: OK...
Sonographer: Don't worry... this happens sometimes.
Flaily deigns to stretch a leg.
Sonographer: I can see the femur... but still need to measure it. And did you see that?
We have both already caught a glimpse of something else.
The world goes into slow motion and I, for one, can't quite compute the obvious, at least not into words. Even now, when I look back, I can't work out if it's because I convinced myself it would be a girl or because reality was showing me a subconscious wish. We share a glance.
Sonographer: I don't think there's much doubt there. He's not playing ball. I'll see someone else and you can come back in about 15 minutes. Have a coffee or a coke.
W has not been near any source of caffeine for quite some time. We head to the nearby hospital cafe where she has a chocolate pastry and her first latte for 6 months.
W: Well he wasn't afraid to show us
that was he?
Me: Nope.
W: (
impersonating Flaily) And if I just uncross my legs... look what I've got!
Me: It's such a cliche, but you really couldn't miss it.
Back with the sonographer for a third time that morning, W is feeling perky to say the least.
Sonographer: Right, we're seeing some movement now... good, I can measure the femur.
pause
Sonographer: Lovely, but he's still not co-operating. I need to see the heart and the face. I suggest you have something else or you'll have to come back another day.
W: Really?
Back outside the room, I have rushed out to get a can of coke and a Yorkie bar (with the terrible slogan 'not for girls' on the wrapper). W eats the bar, really not enjoying it. She downs the coke too. Back in the room, Flaily is finally living up to his name.
Sonographer: That's better
.
He (it's amazing how quickly you adapt to the gender-specific pronoun) has started moving. The sonographer can measure the compartments of the heart and the blood flow between them. She also checks the face for signs of cleft palate.
We leave the hospital dazed and amazed. W is on a caffeine buzz that keeps her working past 8pm.
