I have recordings of both of my daughters’ heart beats when they were in utero. I recorded Madeline’s when I was in the hospital on bed rest, and Annabel’s was at home with a portable Doppler. I had to make sure I got a recording of The Acrobat’s heart, too, but the bonus was this time, an older sibling got to hear it.

Annie’s reaction makes me wish I’d used the Doppler sooner.