Working as an obstetrical nurse for years, I explain to soon-to-be parents that their baby knows their voices before they are born.  The evidence comes after the birth. As the newborn lays on his mother's chest, he recognizes her. When the father says something, the babe struggles to turn his head toward his father, almost as if to say, "I know that voice!"

I reflected on this phenomenon as I participated in an ultrasound class.  I had the transducer over the baby — his image showing on the monitor.  The mother and father were very excited and we all exclaimed, "Look! He's sucking his thumb!"  It was awesome as the baby was moved about in the womb kicking his legs, sucking his thumb, catapulting from one side to the other.  The parents were happy and pleased with their baby.

After a few minutes, I noticed that some things were not quite normal. I saw three serious malformations.  Outside of a miracle, the baby would not survive; medical treatment could not address all three of the abnormalities.  I realized that what the baby was presently experiencing — the joy of his current world — was the only life that he would ever have.  And yet, what a rich life!  He responded to touch and light.  He kicked, swam, danced, heard his family's voices and knew his parents!

His little life would end soon.  Nevertheless, the love that the Father and his earthly family had for him will go on.  Though he had lived a short time on earth, this babe was a child God knit together.  God still knew every hair on his little head and would still carry him to heaven.

And although this little one died before he was born — he lived!  I witnessed it!