Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Super-Sized Surprise

I am currently 21 weeks pregnant, and today we had our big sonogram! We were actually supposed to find out yesterday, but due to a mix-up at our doctor's office, the big reveal had to be delayed for a painstaking 24 more hours! Poor little Baby Beluga was all hopped up on pre-sonogram Dr. Pepper for nothing yesterday!

Today we returned with great anticipation and the full expectation that we were in for the news, "It's a boy!" I must admit that, having had only brothers, I have always hoped to someday have a daughter. We both want at least one of each if we got to special-order our children, so of course we would have been thrilled with either gender. But, in the back of my mind I have always hoped to have a daughter first. Partly because I am the first-born in my family and I think big sisters are great! How else are you going to have someone convincing the other siblings that it would be wonderful to surprise Mom and Dad with a clean house when they get home? I just can't see a big brother organizing that, but I guess it depends on the brother! Also, as much as I want a son someday (and would have been thrilled to have a son first!) I had this nagging fear that if I didn't get a daughter right off the bat, I might never get one at all.

Growing up, I pictured myself as the mother of all boys. I simply adore boys and will let you in on the secret that I wished I were a boy myself through many of my growing up years. I used to write essays (I know, I'm a dork!) about how much easier it was to be a boy. The essays consisted of themes like: If you're a girl and you don't shave, it's considered to be gross... if you're a boy and you don't shave, you're thought of as manly because you grew a beard. If you're a boy you can run around with your shirt off and pee wherever you want (within reason, of course). If you're a girl you're expected to wear make-up and look great all of the time. And, of course, there was always the mention of the monthly "visitor" and all of the unfairness that entails. Plus, I always detested the drama of girls and the back-stabbing, gossiping nature of so many girl relationships. Boys do it the right way - they have a fist fight and then return to being buddies. Why can't girls be like that?

The general consensus among many of our friends and family was that I was going to have a boy. I believed it myself - I was having dreams about having a boy, I completely stopped searching for girls' names and instead pored over the boy names section of my baby names books. Even our midwife said that, based on the heartbeat, we were likely having a boy. So imagine our surprise when the stenographer announced, "Your baby isn't being cooperative, but I can get a peek and... you're having a little girl!" Krister was so shocked that he thought she was kidding at first. As she pointed out the evidence, tears streamed down my face in a steady flow that didn't stop until we left the office (only to resume in the form of happy sobs when I got to the car). I want a son someday. I love boys and all of the dirty, rambunctious fun that they bring with them. I want to have a little Krister running around the house and cheer for him at sporting events (or whatever events in which he chooses to participate! We can only hope he gets Krister's natural ability when it comes to sports!) I want a son. But today, my prayer for a daughter was answered. I am so grateful.

9 comments:

Kaitlin said...

I didn't even know you were expecting. Congrats on your little girl!!

Lynn Leaming said...

Congratulations Tobin!! I had not heard you were pregnant either. I know you, Kirster and your families must be thrilled! May the Lord continue to bless you with a healthy pregnancy for your sweet girl.

Dara said...

I am so excited you got your girl!!! Hooray!!! I can't wait to hear her name!

I must admit I was the same way with baby #1... very excited to find out we were having a girl. You may find after having a girl, you can't imagine anything else... so you end up wanting another one for #2! I would have been just thrilled had they said Ellie Beth was a boy, but I truly was excited that she is a girl also! Love my girls!!!! Apparently, God feels I am a girl mom! Which is fabulous!

Kellee said...

YAY!! i was surprised by the news too but am thrilled its a girl. Can't wait to meet her!!

Carolyn said...

Congratulations! What exciting news. I am so happy for you guys!

Amberly said...

Tobin, I had NO idea you were pregnant!! Oh my goodness, I am so thrilled for you & Krister! Congratulations!! Keeping you all in my prayers...

Kasey Lane McCollum said...

YESSSSSS!!!! Congrats.

Anonymous said...

Yay!!! I'm a little behind checking the blogging world, but I did know you were having a little girl. I didn't know however that you are using a midwife. That's so exciting. I'd love to hear your experiences with her, your birthing plan and all of that. We need to get together sometime soon! Take care!!! We're so happy for all three of you!

Angie said...

Tobin, I was sorry to have missed you guys while in TX and just want you to know I have been thinking of you guys often. I think you should post some preggers pics.
I loved this post...you have such an amazing heart and will be a FANNNNNTASTIC mommy!!!