Our first ultrasound was at 18 weeks. It showed every little bone, and honestly, he looked more like a tiny skeleton than a baby. I remember thinking he looked like something from a Halloween movie. So when we had another ultrasound at 39 weeks, I was just relieved to see a soft, sweet baby face. The image was really clear for being that late, and the woman doing the scan was amazing. We were so happy to see him like that.
Sarah Kelleher Steppling
I didn’t connect it right away, but a few weeks after he was born, I noticed something. He always slept with his arms up. Then one day, I saw that same ultrasound photo on my mother-in-law’s fridge—and there it was. He was doing the exact same pose even before he was born. That’s just him. Calm, relaxed, taking it easy.
Sarah Kelleher Steppling
I made a side-by-side of the ultrasound and a photo of him sleeping and was amazed at how much they looked alike. I ended up posting it on Reddit because I thought someone else might enjoy it. To be honest, I just needed to feel like I was talking to someone outside of my little bubble. Life with a newborn can be beautiful but also a bit isolating. Some days it felt like all I did was nurse, sit on the couch, and stare at him.
Sarah Kelleher Steppling
He’s changed my life. Sometimes I just look at him and start to cry because I love him so much. He’s such a chill baby. As long as he’s fed, changed, and held, he’s happy. My mom always says how lucky my husband Ross and I are.
Sarah Kelleher Steppling
Sarah Kelleher Steppling
He did have a rough start. He had jaundice and something called hemolytic anemia. We were back and forth to the doctor almost daily and even stayed in the children’s hospital for two nights. But he handled it all so well.
Sarah Kelleher Steppling
Now, he’s almost three months old. He’s more awake, playful, and loves music. His dad plays guitar for him and makes up silly songs with his name in them. He smiles so much it makes my heart melt. He even started doing a little laugh the other day. I can’t wait to hear his voice and to finally hear him say “Mommy” one day.
