I always have elaborate plans for surprises and it never sticks. My resolve is never strong enough. Instead of waiting for a family gathering in a week and a half to announce our little one’s gender, I blurted it out half an hour after knowing. Even the decision to find out was well, lack of resolve.

But this is me and here we are and boy are we shocked!

Baby three is a GIRL!

A GIRL!

THREE GIRLS!!!!!!!!!!!!

My mama intuition was totally off this time. I figured the carb cravings and milder nausea SURELY meant xy. Not at all the case! The technician looked at her head first, for quite some time, but as soon as those little legs came into view I gasped and said, “oh my goodness it’s a GIRL!” And then I laughed and laughed and looked at my strong, manly football player of a husband and laughed some more.

GIRL!

JD was shocked. For at least an hour. Maybe still is. Before we had any babies, we were certain we were going to have boys…

I sort of just fell in love with her as soon as I knew. She kept folding her body in half with her toes dangling in her face while staring at the ultrasound camera and I just thought, “Yes. This girl has got it going on. I love her already.”

We know she’s going to be awesome. We’re totally thrilled that she (so far) looks healthy and active and is going to fit nicely with our little brood of girls.

There is an element of reality setting in… we’re not going to have many more kiddos. I’ve said I’ll do ONE more after this, but I’m not at all crazy about the idea of 5. There are no guarantees of baby 4 (if baby 4) being a boy. And if he is, he probably won’t have brothers. JD really wanted brothers, just like I really wanted sisters. Also, we’ve done the baby girl thing before – and LOVE IT – but I think there is part of me that was excited about picking out boy clothes and patterns and toys and dirt and football and trucks (although my girls LOVE dinosaurs and trains so we’ve definitely got that going for us). So – overall, that’s where I’m at.

Mostly – I just laugh. I love that we’re having a baby and that she is exactly who God designed her to be. I’m excited to pick out her “going home” outfit and pull out all of my newborn fav’s from the girls (good thing she’s due in the summer – I’ve only got summer clothes months 0-12). I’m thankful we don’t have to put a boy in a pink bedroom (I know – baby wouldn’t know the difference), or completely re-paint their room for that matter. God continues to provide for our needs and in many ways, xx works well for us.

It just hit me that we’re about halfway through with this pregnancy. Whoa whaa!??!! I’ve been so focused on the weather at least bumping up to the 60s that I forgot we’re having a baby!!! Time to register!!! In some ways we’re completely restocking – need crib, carseat, bath and probably stroller. Apparently it’s uber expensive to ship all those things from Hawaii. WHO KNEW?!

Also… names! Haven’t thought of a single one! WOO HOO!!

p.s. – just had an amazing few days with my mama. I wish she lived closer. As we left the airport this morning El said, “you live too far away from your mommy.” I said, “yes you’re right Ellie. When you grow up are you going to live far from me?” She thought that was a hilarious question and said, “NO!!! Hahahaha!” I smiled, knowing my prayer is that she be wherever God takes her. Near or far. For now, I’m glad she’s near.