the Ultrasound

Today was the big day! The day we've been waiting for. The day I scheduled, marked on the calendar, found babysitters, then rescheduled, re-marked on the calendar, and re-found a babysitter.

And then last night, after Kortney fell asleep between us on our bed watching a movie on our tiny DVD player, Neil got sick. He was up three or four times last night hugging that cold porcelain. Poor guy. In the morning, I asked him how he was feeling, and he sarcastically said, "Oh, great." But he's not one to ask for sympathy or to ever call in sick to work, so I knew he was still planning on going to this only doctor appointment he ever attends with me. I reminded him, "You know, they said I could take a DVD and we could record it. Then I could just bring it home for you to watch." Obviously he thought that was a ridiculous idea, and said, "No. I'll go." What a trooper. I don't know why he thought it was so important this time. He was convinced it was another girl. If you've seen three girl ultrasounds, you've seen 'em all, you know? He has been telling me "If this is another girl, we're done" (I love to remind him that he said that last time). And, of course, if it's a boy, he would have to have a brother, or else he might end up too "girly", he thinks.

I told the girls this morning that they got to go to Trey's house while Dad and I went to the doctor to find out if the baby was healthy, and if we were having a boy or a girl. I'm surprised they even heard the last part of my speech, they were so excited to go to Trey's house. But Kortney said, "Mommy, we're having a baby brother!" I said, "Oh, you think so? What do you think, Taylor?" Of course, choosing the opposite of Kortney she told me, "No! It's a baby sister!" So I left them to argue back and forth while I finished getting ready.

Neil met me at the doctor's office, pale as a ghost, and as the ultrasound tech went through her little exam of the baby, she pointed out different body parts. "Here's the heart, here's a little hand..." and finally she said, "Here's a leg, here's a leg, and there's the third leg!" It took us both a second to register that she just told us we were having a boy. How exciting! Neil was dumbfounded. Probably a little tired, too, but he was shocked. How fun! I told him we'd have to buy blue paint now (wait - did I ever even buy pink?). Well, she gave us plenty of photo souvenirs, and showed Neil once or twice more that yes- it's definitely a boy. Wow! According to Neil (and he's joking- please don't get him wrong), we've finally done something right. But it was funny talking to him afterwards. I asked him what he thought of it all, and he answered, "Man. I was kind of hoping we were done." It's funny how Heavenly Father reminds us of the promises of our hearts. Never compromise with Him unless you're committed to fulfill your part, because He will always fulfill His! I'm grateful to know that this baby looks healthy as well. We're excited to have one more in our little family!