Numero Tres: 15 weeks Gender Ultrasound

Today was the day! I was so excited. I asked the kids in advance what they were hoping for - a brother or a sister. Owen said he wanted a brother, and Elsie concurred. I told my parents what they had said and Owen overheard me say, "Yeah, I'm sure Owen will be ok if it's another sister." Owen quickly responded with, "No. Not ok. Only a brother!" As for Miles and I, I don't think either of us cared. Again, I'd love the whole second son thing (to continue to tradition of five lines of second sons on Miles' side), but I just don't have strong opinions on it anymore. I can't imagine I would love my child any more or less dependent upon their gender. I don't know if we will have any more children after this. There is a LOT to consider in making that decision. So this could be our last. And with that thought in mind, it's hard to not feel some sadness that Owen or Elsie might not have the experience of having a sibling of their same gender. But I also don't think it has to matter that much. I just want to encourage strong, loving bonds between siblings no matter what.

I had Owen wear blue and Elsie wear pink to show support for their gender (with stereotypical colors of course). ;)

We all headed to the doctor's office that morning as a family. I was excited to bring the kids too so they could see the baby and it might be a little more real to them. As soon as the baby showed up on the screen, Owen said, "It's a girl." The tech said, "How'd you know? Because it has a brain?" Miles rolled his eyes at at that joke. After we saw that the baby did in deed have a brain, she moved around to get a good view of the genitals. Owen asked, "Does it have clothes on?" She said, "Nope. It's swimming around naked in there." Then she announced...."It's a GIRL." Owen said in a very Eeyore voice, "I'm going to be the only boy...."

Honestly, I was kind of shocked. I don't usually get strong intuitions regarding the gender of my children. But this time I kept feeling like it was a boy. I was very wrong...and totally ok with it. Later I told Owen that he is such a good big brother and asked him how he felt about having another sister. He said, "I'll teach the baby lots of things! Like not to hit, or punch, or scratch, or pinch, or be mean to others." I guess he's over his sadness and ready to be the best big brother to his TWO little sisters. I sure do love that sweet boy!

Here is baby GIRL's sweet little head and arm in the top picture, and profile in the second.

I also asked the kids what we should name her. Elsie said, "Poopy," and Owen said, "Spit." Maybe I won't be seeking their input after all.

After the appointment, we stopped by for a quick visit to see Great Grandpa (Grandma was busy). We sure do love them, and are so happy they live closer to us now!

And lastly, is the obligatory belly shot. This picture was taken by Owen. Not too shabby for an almost five year old. :)