Not One for Surprises

To baby number four,

The twenty week ultrasound is exhilarating. We have done this three times before, but it is still a terrifically exciting day. Maybe this time it carries a little more weight. You see, you have three older brothers. We were confident baby number three was a girl. We had a little girl’s name at about eight weeks. Then the ultrasound technician said something about there being no doubt it was a boy from this angle. The important thing of course is that your brother was and is healthy, but it still caused us to pause, quietly be dejected for a moment, and move on. Four kids was always the plan right? So, here we are again. The ultrasound technician asks, “Do you want to know if it’s a boy or a girl?”

I know. I know. Some people answer this question differently, but in my head, I am thinking I am not one for surprises. We have spent many years collecting boy’s clothing and shoes. We have trucks, tractors, and dinosaurs. There is almost never a dress, doll, or pink anything in our toy room. Do we want to know if it’s a boy or a girl? How do I politely answer this? Luckily, your mom speaks up first and says, “Yes, please.” The technician takes some more pictures of the ultrasound and types in the upper corner of one.

“Well it looks like this baby is a…”

Of course, we would be happy if you are a boy. Of course, we would be elated to have a fourth boy. We are already boy parents. It is just something we are used to. Boys have bathroom humor and aggressiveness. They take the cat by the neck and carry it around the living room. Every stick is a gun or a sword. And did I mention we already have all boy things. We would not have to buy anything but diapers and wipes. Then there was that time we walked down the hallway of a department store and saw a frilly dress with a matching bow and got a little hopeful. We went to your future cousin’s volleyball and softball games and thought it would be fun to see one of our children play those sports.

Of course, we would be happy if you are a girl. We have been waiting for the words “it’s a girl” for quite some time. However, what would I do if you really are a girl? Do I need to learn how to do your hair? How many pieces of clothing would we have to buy? When will you be old enough for makeup or your first date? Do I really have to pay for your wedding? In all seriousness, tea parties would be fun sometimes, or if you like the same toys as your brothers, that is okay too. I know how to play with trucks and trains.

The ultrasound technician looks up. “Are you sure you guys really want to know?”

“Wait, how many babies are we talking about here?”

“It’s just one baby in there.”

“Okay. Just checking because I know some people that tried for one more and had twins or even triplets.”

“Honey, we already have three kids. You could handle two more.”

“Yes, I know. I am just thinking that paying for two weddings in the same year would be hard to swallow.”

“Would you knock it off?” Your mom likes me trying to lighten the mood only once in a while.

So, my unborn child, we are halfway through this pregnancy, and we should start thinking about names and things. If you are a boy, well maybe we should start thinking about baby number five, but if you are a girl, you are going to be the toughest girl I know. After all, you have three older brothers.