We’ve been here before, getting an ultrasound, but this time it’s different. I was excited the first time because it was my first experience seeing a baby on the screen. Now, I’m down right freaking out because this baby is growing inside of my wife and I put it there. There’s a certain amount of pride that goes along with knowing you’ve knocked your wife up and I feel like I should be beating my chest with my fists like Tarzan.
Josie places her hand on my knee to stop my leg from moving up and down. It’s her left hand and the diamond I put on there years ago sparkles in the rays of sun that are beaming through the window. Since I’m in the habit of spending money, I think she needs something new to remember this monumental day. A stop on Rodeo Drive is in order once we’re out of here and celebrating.
I clasp my hand with hers and bring it to my lips. She looks at me and smiles before turning her gaze back to the door where the nurses come out to get the patients. A few other expectant mothers stare, but not for long. I’m the only guy in here right now and it saddens me to think these women are going to their appointments alone. I wouldn’t want Josie to go by herself. Besides, I might miss something important and I’m just not okay with that possibility.
When the lady across from us lifts her magazine I stifle a laugh.
“What’s so funny?”
I lean into Josie so I can whisper into her ear. “Look at the front of her magazine.” Half a minute later, Josie is covering her mouth and mumbling. “Oh my god.”
“See what I was talking about?”
She nods, agreeing with me that the headlines are ridiculous, especially the one about us: “Liam Page Lets Wife Out of Hiding”.
“I’m sorry I kept you in the dungeon so long.”
Josie shrugs. “Eh, at least you gave me conjugal visits.”
“Yeah, I’m good like that.”
We both burst out laughing just as the nurse calls her name. If anything can shut me up fast, it’s this appointment. I squeeze her hand, letting her know everything will be okay.
“Hi Josie, I’m Elaine. I’ll be your nurse today.”
“I’m Liam.” We all shake hands as we walk down the hall.
“Oh, we know who you are Mr. Page.”
“Fantastic.” I run my hand through my hair and think of the worst-case scenario when the staff blabs about this appointment.
“Don’t worry all of our staff has signed non-disclosure agreements. We are all here to treat our patients not share their personal lives,” Elaine reassures us as we walk down the corridor. We turn the corner and she motions for us to go into a room.
“I’m going to get your vitals and then the tech will come in and do your ultrasound.” She flips through the chart page by page. “It says here we’re confirming your pregnancy today?”
“Yes, to see how far along I am.”
“Wonderful. I love watching everyone’s expressions when they see their baby for the first time.”
I like Elaine. I like that she’s focused on Josie and doesn’t give a shit about me, even though I’m the dad. I sit in the chair across from Josie while Elaine takes her temperature, blood pressure and tells her to lie down. When she’s done, she tells me its okay to move closer to my wife so I can see the baby.
“This is a lot different from when we did this with Meredith, huh?”
“I’m scared, Liam.”
I bend down so we’re eye to eye. “There’s nothing to be scared of, babe. I’m right here, holding your hand the whole way.”
“What if something’s wrong with the baby?”
“What if everything is perfect, Jojo? What if the baby is growing nicely and doing all the things it’s supposed to be and just waiting for the day he or she is supposed to come out and meet us?” I lean in and kiss her, holding my lips against hers until the door opens again.
“Hello, Josie and Liam. I’m Gus and I’ll be showing you your baby today.”
“Hey, Gus.” I reach over Josie and shake his hand. He seems cool and hip. I like him as much as I like Elaine.
“Have you had an ultrasound before?” he asks.
“With my oldest, but it was years ago.”
“Well, can’t say much has changed except the images are clearer, but we still use the same cold gel,” he says with a smile, trying to lighten the mood. Gus starts pressing a few buttons, and the screen comes alive.
“All right Josie, I’m going to lift your shirt, add the gel and then we’ll see your baby.” He does as he says and the gel causes Josie to hiss.
“Cold?”
“Duh,” she says, rolling her eyes.
“Okay guys, here’s your baby.” Gus is pointing the screen, but I don’t see anything there. I lean closer until I’m over the top of Josie’s legs trying to see what Gus is pointing at. Josie is up on her elbows trying to see, too.
“Dude, throw me a bone. Where’s my kid?”
Gus laughs, but I’m not finding this funny. I need this dude to show my wife that she has a baby in her belly that’s coming out in a few months.
He pulls the screen closer, using a pen to trace the baby to show us the head, shoulders, two arms, a tiny torso and a set of legs. Josie gasps when she realizes she can see the baby.