Before this little one was even planted in my belly, Mark was adamant we would wait to find out the sex until birth and I agreed. It had been a desire of his since the beginning of our parenthood journey, but me being a planning type I couldn’t wait with Jaxson and Savannah. This time, I agreed because I knew I had baby stuff for both boy and girl. We’re pretty much all set except the nursery decor!  Its been hard at times looking at tiny baby items and not knowing, but I was okay thinking about what an awesome moment it would be to work hard in labor and find out after birth with Mark telling me then.

Well, it didn’t turn out that way! Today we went in for our one and only ultrasound at 23 weeks and I was shocked that Mark changed his mind! Maybe Savannah’s begging had something to do with it :-)  In that ultrasound room we switched roles and I was the one trying to be strong to not find out!  “What changed your mind, is that REALLY want we want to do?!” But, he wanted to know right then, so he peaked when she warned us she was going down there so I did too. I thought I could tell what this sweet baby was right away, Mark didn’t know what he was looking at.  I wasn’t 100% sure so we had the technician put the revealing shot in an envelope for later if we wanted to look later and she also told my Mom.

We managed to make it all the way home (a 10 minute drive) before busting that paper open. Mark was the announcer and he told us…

“Savannah and Jaxson are going to have a….baby SISTER!” We squealed like girls, and Savannah jumped on the couch saying, “I really was right this time!” It’s on video. I’m still in shock and even shed some happy tears. I really thought this baby was a boy due to all the dreams I’ve had (though I have had girl dreams too that threw me for a loop), the Chinese gender chart, my symptoms (though those have been mixed as well), the midwife tales like the lower heartbeat being a boy.  My instinct has been boy mostly, so this was a huge surprise!

I’m sure the surprise at birth would have been amazing as well, but it is nice to know so that we are not still accidentally calling this baby “he” and trying to get Mark to agree to a boy’s middle name. And I can buy pink and purple again! SQUEE!

I also had my 23 week midwife appointment today and all was good there. My belly is measuring 4 weeks smaller (just as I thought when comparing my pictures) but on the ultrasound she measured perfectly to about the same date that I suspected we conceived. What a relief!  My suspensions were also confirmed that I have an anterior placenta, which means nothing other than the placenta is at my front acting as a cushioning between my belly and baby, so therefore I feel less of her movements.  That is why I didn’t feel this baby move as soon or as strongly as my other baby’s until recently. Again, relief to know some answers.

As with Jaxson, I feel like I got a glimpse of this baby’s personality. Jaxson was super active and hilarious to watch his facial expressions during his 3D ultrasound, but also had some sweet cuddly moments. That describes him to a T even now at almost 2! This baby I’ve always guessed was a more relaxed, easy going baby and the ultrasound showed that as well. She didn’t move around too much, just made little hand movements and rolled around. And apparently she loves her hands, she had her hands on her face most of the time and sucked her thumb a lot. The other hand resting on her forehead makes my mommy heart flutter even more. So sweet!  Here is our newest addition that I cannot wait to hold come January…

Ashlyn Grace

With all the other stuff that went on today…its easily been one of the best birthdays ever for me. Here’s to an awesome start to year 25!