It’s Time for Baby’s Close Up!

When I found out my husband and I were expecting our second child, I immediately vowed to myself that I wouldn’t fall into the second child time trap that I heard so much about… you know, the one where you have the greatest intentions of doing everything for number two that you did for number one, but somehow never find the time.

Fast forward 20+ weeks and I haven’t taken a single weekly bump photo, “buy a baby book” is still at the bottom of my weekly to do list, and my hypnobirthing refresher material is tucked nicely away… somewhere. So when the opportunity arose to have an elective 3D/4D ultrasound, I jumped on it, especially since it was something we never did with our first. See, number two?? We do love you!!

I think every mom can agree that some of the best prenatal appointments are the ones where we actually get to see our little nuggets up on the screen via 2D ultrasound, showing their cute little outline and movements. Before we know it, the screen is turned off and we’re left wanting more. That’s where the appeal of a 3D/4D ultrasound outside of the doctor’s office comes in.

Baby’s Close Up Ultrasound Theater offered me two things that I really wanted: more time viewing my bambino and the ability to see him in 3D and real time (4D). Now this isn’t to say that the ultrasounds with your doctor aren’t important, they are. In fact, Baby’s Close Up requires that you are under the care of an OB/GYN and have had a routine ultrasound examination done prior to coming in for your elective ultrasound. You’ve got to love due diligence and responsibility in a business!

My only concern going in was just who would be performing the scan and what qualifications and background they had. Even though the ultrasound was elective and for fun, I wanted to know we were going to a professional. My mind was immediately put at ease when I spoke to owner and lead sonographer, Safia Shirley. I found out that she has over 13 years of experience in ultrasound, is a registered diagnostic medical sonographer through the ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography), and has worked in many different settings, including OB/GYN offices.

With everything on the right track, we decided that 26 weeks would be the perfect time to come in and see this boy in action. In general, the recommended range for a 3D/4D scan is 26-34 weeks when the baby is a good size and has enough room to move. This way you can see all of the adorable skills they’re working on, like tap dancing on your bladder, while making those cute facial expressions you’re after.

If you didn’t catch it earlier, I mentioned Baby’s Close Up is an ultrasound theater; yes, you read that correctly! There is a big screen, theater seating for up to 12 people, and even a popcorn machine! This place is perfect for bringing your friends and family to share in the memory. There is even a playroom to keep the kiddos occupied. The theater has a very intimate feel and the bed is located at the back of the room behind the seating, so your guests are watching the screen and not you!

Once everyone is in position, the lights are dimmed and a personal, instrumental soundtrack is played for you. I’m all about the little details and honestly the music was a big hit with us. We went with the Dave Matthews medley and LOVED it!

With everyone nestled in and munching on popcorn, the time had come to sit back and enjoy our time with our baby, except someone wasn’t cooperating. Baby boy had both hands clamped over his face; I’m talking pure Ricky Bobby style. Not to worry though because 13 years’ experience had provided Safia with a few tricks of her own! I coughed, jiggled, switched positions, enjoyed a nice box of apple juice, candy and water; all to no avail. If you know our first son, or even us, you know that stubbornness runs in the family, so instead of being frustrated or disappointed, we had a good laugh.

Despite the hands and arms being completely in the way, Safia was still able to get us a few great shots and was even able to edit a picture of his face without his hands blocking it! It was truly enjoyable to watch what he was doing. There were yawns, tongue flicks, and even a few smiles. I wouldn’t change a thing about our experience; it was everything we were looking for and then some. I may never get around to doing all of the things I did with my first, but that’s okay, because we’ve already begun to create new memories, and that in itself is pretty exciting.

If you’re considering a 3D/4D ultrasound or have ever wanted to know more about it, Baby’s Close Up has a couple of great events coming up. First up is One Spark April 10th and 11th at booth 22019. Owner Safia Shirley will be there discussing new and exciting ideas for the business, so stop in and show this local mama some love! April 24th will be the grand opening from 4-8pm, the event is open to the public and there will be prizes and giveaways!

Giveaway!

Baby’s Close-Up 3d/4d Ultrasound Theater will be giving away TWO awesome packages TONIGHT on JMB’s Facebook page!

One winner will receive the “Now Showing” Gender Determination Package (Must be at least 15 weeks pregnant). This includes:

• 25-30 minute Ultrasound
• 6 Black & White Photos
• Choice of CD with pictures for e-mailing and printing OR DVD with video of baby set to music of choice
• Gender determination
• Sneak Peek 3D/4D Ultrasound (with time permitting)

The second raffle will be for our “Ready for my Close-Up” 3D/4D Ultrasound Package (24-36 weeks pregnant). This includes: