But back to the hiccup. I had been feeling sick for about a week. Hardcore, this is weird, sick. I had been feeling chest pains, much like heartburn. I had been running to the restroom trying to throw up whatever it was I had in my chest, finding that only foam would come out. This went on for about a week. My fiance told me to go to the doctor, but since it was only "heartburn" I decided to buy heartburn over-the-counter meds, swearing that would take care of it. It didn't. Finally I decided to make a doctors appointment. When I called I was told my doctor was out on maternity leave. I was excited for her, she seemed like a nice lady. I decided to book an appointment with the next available practitioner.
When I arrived at the doctors office I happily waited for my turn. I knew this was a routine thing. I thought he might have me change my diet or something. I had recently started doing P90X and was enjoying vitality, great health and happiness, having almost lost 10 pounds! Once I was called I walked into the cold room and undressed. Finally the doctor came in. He listened to my problem, nodded and told me, "Ok, we will start by giving you a routine pregnancy test, I doubt you are pregnant, but it's important to administer one." I said, "Sure." In my mind though, I thought, "What the f*** do you mean a pregnancy test? I'm not pregnant! I'm on birth control." Plus I had been spotting, so I knew it couldn't be that. Anyway, I peed in cup, and waited, and waited, and waited...by then I was concerned. Why would he have me wait so long! Finally he walked in. His face said more than any words could. He sat on one of those round chairs that roll, looked me straight in the eyes and said the words I dreaded to hear, "Ms. you are pregnant."
I looked at him, smiled and gave him a high five! I couldn't believe it! Reflecting on my reaction, I honestly don't know where that high five came from. It was so spur of the moment, it even startled him! Now for the sad part. Like I said, I had been spotting, which is why I never thought pregnancy could be an outcome. He sadly told me that one reason for the bleeding could be a miscarriage. I was stunned. I had just found out I had a baby inside, to then find out it might be dead? What a sad thought that was. But, and this is the sadder part, it brought along some comfort. The fact was this pregnancy was not planned. I was smack in the middle of planning my wedding. I had the dress picked out and there I sat, having that conversation. We were months away from our wedding date.
The doctor had me go directly to the OBGYN (Obstetrician/Gynecologist) for an ultrasound. I sat there, more nervous than ever. Emotions running wild. I felt sadness. My bursts of happiness were erased by the fact that I was once again, alone in a cold room, my fiance busy at work. I decided to call him, but he was unable to answer. Instead, I had to text him. I text him I was pregnant. No reply. I called my best friend. She was thrilled, she comforted me. Reminded me that this was something to be happy about. I thank her for her words. She manage to make me feel safe, as I sat in such a cold, lonely room. Minutes later, a friendly face, Dr. Vazquez. He quickly recapped the situation (you had a positive pregnancy test, but you are spotting, which could mean you have miscarried...) and wheeled in the ultrasound machine. He showed me this huge rod shaped device that would be going inside me (The "rod" is inserted in your vagina when the fetus is too small to be detected by doing a standard belly ultrasound). I was beyond words scared at this point. What if the baby was dead? What would I do? How would I react? What would come next? What if it were alive? These thoughts raced. I uncomfortably took in the rod and within seconds, all thoughts were erased by a very strong heartbeat. My baby lived! I couldn't believe it, it was in fact real, I was carrying a baby. I cried. Dr. Vazaquez and I spoke about things I don't remember. He left the room. I called Luis and he answered. He couldn't believe it.
All this reminded me of one of my favorite shows, I Love Lucy. Specifically the episode where Lucy tells Ricky she is expecting his child. He sings to her a lovely song about "adding a branch" to their family tree. We added one of our own.
"We're Having a Baby, My Baby and Me..."
-Desi Arnaz (Sung to Lucy during episode 10 Season 2: Lucy Is Enceinte)