It's a...

BOY!

We are so thrilled!  Our baby was very happy to be photographed yesterday.  He wasn't shy at all.  (Hooray that my nightmare didn't come true!)  The ultrasound tech got all the images she needed, without any trouble, and our little man made it very clear that he is a boy.

He also looked perfectly healthy as far as our tech could tell.  The images will be reviewed by a radiologist as well as by my doctor and we will go over them, along with the rest of our genetic testing, on Monday.  If there's any news, we'll share.  But so far he looks good; smaller than our other two, but good.

~ The Story ~

Caleb, Luke and I went out to a special lunch before the doctor and while there I asked Caleb once again whether our baby was a boy or girl.  For months his answer was girl, but the last few days he's been adamant that our baby is a boy.  So just an hour before the ultrasound he empathically answered, "He's a BOY Mom!"  After he said it I felt this rush of emotion and suddenly wanted three adorable little  boys SO BAD.  I have such handsome little men; how could I not want another?  Three boys and me just suddenly sounded like the perfect thing.

I felt it so strongly that I texted Tyler and our parents about it. My simple phone sometimes can't handle group texts and the message only went through to Tyler.  I had to wonder if it was an omen and my phone had saved me from eating my words.  But I still felt so excited about having three boys.

We made our way to the hospital and Tyler met us there.  We were a full 30 minutes early; I was so anxious to get in there!  Of course, a mom of three boys chatted with us while we waited.  How many moms have I met (besides my friends!) that have three boys since Luke was born?  I can't even count - there have been so many!  I should have known.

The boys did okay in the ultrasound.  It was so cool that Caleb understood.  We marched right through it because the baby was so cooperative.  He jumped, waved, looked right at us, and even pushed against the wand once.  We even got to watch him suck his little thumb!  How cute is that?!  Lastly, she told us he's a boy. Tyler's first thought was: I knew it.  Mine: I laughed and was so happy.  I felt relief that he's healthy and that I don't have to figure out something new!

I was kind of giddy on the way out and couldn't help kissing Tyler in his uniform (we go to the Naval Hospital on base so he has to wear his khaki uniform) and telling random people.  THREE SONS!  We're going to have THREE SONS!

~ In Other News ~

The kids and I woke up early and watched White Christmas for the second time this week (Luke's choice, holla Kim & Caitlin!)  Our shopping is done, Christmas cards all sent and now it's just time to play.  Merry Christmas everyone!!

Ultrasound Tomorrow

Since Tyler started active duty service with the Navy, we have enjoyed 100% health care coverage for in-house doctors. Overall we have been very happy. Worst thing so far: forced to reschedule an appointment because I checked in 2 minutes late. Ugh! Best thing so far: our pediatrician in South Carolina - he listened, explained, was organized and clear, had all the time in the world, emailed back promptly, cute with the boys … he was good.  But as with any set of doctors, they make their own rules about certain things, and my current doc said I couldn't get my big ultrasound until I was AT LEAST 20 weeks - and even then he thought he was doing me a favor!

So I'm exactly 20 weeks tomorrow, December 20th, and we're getting our ultrasound.  I could have driven 14 miles down the road and paid $65 for a 3D ultrasound and gender determination 4 weeks ago, but we saved our pennies (6,500 of them) and waited. The stress is mounting - my eczema proves it.

If this baby is a girl, my heart would race, I'd yelp, and I would be so excited to tell everyone and then I would be nervous. It's new territory for us, and we'd have to get all new clothes and blankets and some new toys (eventually).  I'd have a lot to do and only 20 weeks to do it!  But it would be exciting.

I am completely happy at the prospect of having all boys except for one little thing: I want to be part of a daughter of mine having a baby.  That's the only thing that I really get worked up about.  Hair ribbons? Nah. Tights? On a baby? Hallelujah.  Nail painting? They have professionals for that. Crafting? Never liked it much anyways.  I'm telling you, the rest doesn't bother me. Just that one thing.  But it's a million miles away.  And I know, having one daughter doesn't guarantee she'll have children.  But there's the hope of that moment.

On the flip side, of course I would do all those girly things with her and manage the tights and periods somehow. It would be fun! If this baby's a girl she would be the first female grandchild for Tyler's parents and first girl for one set of Tyler's greats.  Girls aren't anything new on my side of the family though. :)

If this baby's a boy, I will breathe a deep breath and rest easy.  I have the stuff, I know the routine.  We'll have this adorable family of three boys.  I'd be in league with some of the best moms I know.  I would be excited to tell everyone and feel like someone upstairs really trusts us to raise that much energy. Someday the three of them will go golfing with their dad all Saturday morning and I will sleep sleep sleep.

The thought of having another boy isn't as thrilling or scary as having a girl, but just as sweet.

And what's my hunch? I think more about having a girl than a boy, but just because it's different.  Do I really think I know or have a hunch?  No.  None.  Notta. I've got nothing for you. Or me.  Just dying to see that ultrasound!

I did dream two nights ago that my ultrasound tech only looked at the baby for about 3 seconds, said, "Your baby is healthy. Your ultrasound is over. Please exit through that door." I rebutted with needs of measurements, disability testing, and gender discovery!  I've been so worried about disabilities with this baby and I NEED TO KNOW.  Seriously, I'll show you my stress-induced eczema.  She got sharp and before long it was a crazy yelling match.  It was a complete nightmare!  Please let that not happen.  And if my baby's shy, there's no going back without a fee.  So come on baby, cooperate!

Halloween 2013

So….what? Thanksgiving's next week?  It's okay, these are still cute.

The plan was for Caleb to be Buzz Lightyear and Luke to be Woody.  They wore their costumes to a party with Uncle Peter & Aunt Terri the weekend before Halloween and Caleb managed to destroy his costume (it was used and old and really not his fault - it fell apart).  At least we got one picture!  That same night we held an adults-only party in our house, so of course we had to dress up!

So for Halloween night Caleb got to be Bullseye, Woody's horse. :)  We had an unused horse costume that I got stuck with thanks to lame Halloween return policies.  So it worked out.  He ran around the neighborhood yelling, "Ride like the wind, Bullseye!"  I didn't have the heart to tell him that Woody says that line and the horse doesn't talk. :)  He was such a good sport about being a horse.

Goey came for the weekend and we made Jack-o-Lantern pizzas like last year.  We walked the neighborhood with 3 wonderful families who live on our street.  We are so blessed to have such great neighbors!! (I seriously keep getting lucky in this department.)  Our 12-year-old cousin Steven, who lives across the street (yes), and whom my boys adore came with us as well.  Luke held his hand the entire time (no one else would do) and they walked so slow.  It's hard to keep a hat on a cowboy! Luke understood trick or treating way better than Caleb at his age (… probably because we didn't even take Caleb out that year! Haha. There are plenty of advantages to be the first child - there's got to be a disadvantage or two too, right?)  Caleb was more excited about the candy than last year, but he was mostly pumped to run around with his friends, particularly Aria, whose hand he held at least half of the time.  It was a great Halloween!

Adoring baby Donovan - the youngest of the neighborhood gang, in our sweet giraffe costume.  SOOO cute!