The day we found out we were expecting a girl was busier than we had anticipated! Andrew had planned to come with me to my appointment. However, he was dealing with health issues of his own this past fall and the morning of my ultrasound, he found himself stuck on the phone, trying to work out logistics with our insurance company. And while I was disappointed that he wasn't coming, I understood that he needed to figure out the best way to move forward with his own treatment. Before I left, I passed him a note to confirm that he would be able to pick up Forrest from preschool. He gave me the thumbs up, so off I went. I was so excited!
In the weeks leading up to my ultrasound, I was often asked what gender I wanted or thought we would have. "We would be excited about either!" was a common, and true, response. Sometimes, I would say, "Since Forrest is our youngest, it would be very fun if we had another boy." Henry and Forrest are as thick of thieves. In my fully biased opinion; a sweeter, most devoted, pair of brothers have never existed. Their age difference is five years. Forrest and our baby will likewise be five years apart; so the idea that we could replicate that brotherly love appealed to me. HOW-to-the-EVER... deep down, I wanted a girl. I don't think I verbalized this to anyone, but I confess that a return to all things pink, dresses, hair bows, (etc) was calling me.
As for the kids, both Eliza and Lottie desperately wanted a sister. Eliza was open about her feelings but would often add, "...but I just know it's going to be a boy." Lottie and Forrest would get heated as they went back and forth over it being a girl or a boy. Forrest really wanted a baby brother; but even more than that, in my opinion, he didn't want Lottie to get her wish.
When the moment came and my doctor told me that, "It's a girl!" I screamed aloud! "REALLY?" I genuinely screamed, whooped, and hollered as I lay their on the exam table. And then I apologized. I had lost my composure and would probably have experienced proper embarrassment at some point, but I didn't because I was that happy. Knowing Andrew was picking up Forrest, I went to Zurchers to buy a bundle of pink balloons so that we could announce the news to our kids later that day.
My cruel plan was to make Andrew wait and find out with the kids, so I called our neighbor Trish and asked if I could hide the balloons at her house. She happily agreed. I was so cheered by her sweet reaction. Andrew, however, outwitted me. He logged into my account and was able to pull up the photos that had just been sent to my email. His reaction was more understated than my own, but he was definitely happy.
That afternoon we ended up at Ogden Regional because we had to pick up Andrew's heart monitor that he would be wearing for the next four weeks. A tender mercy came when they said they could do his echocardiogram that same day; rather than making us wait a couple more weeks for our scheduled appointment. Like I said earlier, Andrew had been having health issues of his own. It was a stressful time. As of now, we have ruled out a lot of scary issues, but question marks remain as to what was causing his alarming symptoms. He still has some symptoms at present, less frequent and intense, but after meeting with a cardiologist, my fear that something terrible will suddenly happen to him has diminished greatly. I don't mean to be so vague, but this is something he wishes I keep more private.
Anyway, my dear friend Chelsey picked up my three older kids from school. Forrest was with us at the hospital while Andrew had his echo; which reminds me of another detail from that day.
While I was at Zurchers waiting for them to inflate my pink balloons, I get a phone call from Forrest's preschool. "Hi! This is Miss Julie. Is anyone planning to pick up Forrest today?" My heart dropped. Poor Forrest had been forgotten. Andrew was two minutes away, working from home. I was probably 15 minutes away. I tell Miss Julie that one of us will be there soon. I try to call Andrew but he doesn't pick up. Knowing I am going to have to leave without my balloons, I head to the parking lot. Thankfully, Andrew calls me, apologizes for forgetting Forrest and assures me he is on his way to get him. I was happy that I was able to stay and wait for my balloon order.
Miss Julie told Andrew that Forrest excused my tardiness by saying, "It's okay. My Mom is pregnant and had to take a nap before she could come get me." Oh, that made me laugh out loud.
Finally, we were done at the hospital. We were able to pick up our kids, grab the balloons and gather the kids in the backyard for the announcement. I will let the pictures do the rest of the telling...
The girls were triumphant.
Forrest was devastated.
Henry was primarily concerned about Forrest's reaction.
Yes. Forrest is obviously upset.
He had been hoping for a boy.
But, I think a big part of his reaction
was losing out to Lottie...
who clearly got her way.
Later that night, as he was cuddling my belly, Forrest said, "I will still love it, Mom." His excitement over becoming a big brother had fully returned by bedtime. I can't remember having an older sibling this excited about a new sibling. He talks to his baby sister, is super affectionate with my belly and scolds us if we forget to pray for her. Eliza and I were heading out the other night to run an errand. He hugged me goodbye and then kissed my belly, per the norm. Next, he turned to Eliza, gave her a hug and then kissed her belly! It was hilarious.
I am currently 32 weeks pregnant. It is February. Our sweet baby girl will be here soon. It's an exciting time as well as stressful as we find ourselves battling illness after illness. We have, so far, dodged the actual flu and pray that we continue to be spared. Hopefully, when the time comes, we can bring a healthy baby girl home to healthy siblings and parents. We are all so very excited.
Last night, Eliza came home around 10:00 after going to a Chinese restaurant with her friend Molly and her family. As she was filling me in on her night, I noticed that baby girl had the hiccups. Eliza placed her hand on my belly. Awe and amazement filled her eyes as she felt each rhythmic movement. It was so special. This pregnancy has rocked my world as I have struggled physically. It's clear to me that it will be my last. But, the silver lining, the part that I hope I remember most, is the joy and wonderment that my kid's have expressed as they have shared in the miracle that is growing a baby. I often feel guilt over the age gap between baby girl and her siblings, but seeing how much my older children appreciate and anticipate her arrival alleviates those feelings. Thank you, God. Pregnancy is a profound and humbling miracle; every single time.
(photo taken January 2, 2018)
