My thoughts on girls...one in particular

I have had certain impressions since becoming a mom. One of these is that I would have one girl and "X" number of boys (2? 3? Not sure there...but it feels like more than 1). This may sound strange to some, but I have had a few other moms tell me they have had similar experiences. On top of that, I feel like the girl is the oldest. Even though she is not the oldest in the family, I have a definite impression that she will be "in charge" of those boys. So watch out Finn. Here she comes. She feels like a strong spirit to me! When I was in Texas this year, and about 9 weeks pregnant, I started having some technical difficulties. I lost my first pregnancy to a miscarriage at 8 weeks. So I initially thought that my body was starting to send me that same message. And I, of course, freaked out. But as I lay in bed at my parents' house on bed rest, I realized I had the very different and distinct thought that "This is a tough baby...everything is fine—wait this out." It was so totally different from how I felt when I was having a miscarriage. I knew then, despite all my pleading and "willing," that the pregnancy wouldn't last. This time I just had the calm and steady reminder every day when I woke up that "this is a tough baby." And I thought that maybe this was a strong spirit—the girl. I didn't try to impose my feelings about gender on this pregnancy, or overthink it from that week on. But the night before the sonogram, I really felt like that strong spirit, who stuck around, would be on that screen at 10am the next day. And there she was! I won't say I "knew it was a girl." I didn't. I just had a few nudges that I tried not to get carried away with. But then again, those Chinese calendars never lie, right?...

Since finding out I am having a girl, I have had a gazillion thoughts running through my mind. When I found out Finn was a "Finn for Sure," I was so excited to have a boy, and that pretty much was the extent of it. I didn't ponder what he would grow up to be, or what he would accomplish in his life. I was too consumed with his new beginning. But now I find myself up late at night thinking about all of the things this little girl is going to experience/endure in her lifetime. And I know it is because I am a girl, and have had those experiences to be excited/concerned about. I am sure Wes does this equally when it comes to Finn. So I'll leave that to him for now, while I take on the girl. :) And there's a lot to take on! She has to know she's loved and precious. She has to have good body image. She will one day deal with spiritual issues. Educational issues. Friendship issues. With love issues. Wife issues. Motherhood issues. And then Wes had to point out, as we were leisurely driving along, "Some day some guy will want to DATE our daughter." Squeak of panic from me. I can totally endure the thought of Finn courting someone else's daughter. Line them up and send them off on dates. He will be the most upstanding gentleman, of course! But all those other little boys out there better be upstanding gentlemen, too! And all this for a baby that is only about 20 weeks old developmentally. I have a good long time to come to terms with these things. And I am way overthinking all of this—I know. In the mean time, I do need to worry about what I am going to be for Halloween (baby girl is already dressed and ready for the big day in her sono skeleton suit):



And then there is the issue of names. I like to try them on for size for at least a couple of months before committing. And this is not nearly as easy as boy names have been. So any good suggestions can go into our pot. If yours is chosen, you get a free banner. KIDDING! But you do get eternal credit for it. :)

The sonogram gal couldn't get a good profile shot (not for lack of trying), but here are 2 of the cutest feet soles I've ever seen. Ready for ballet? Working on 4th position already! Whereas my little 21 month old sitting next to me has distractingly stinky feet. Wow. Bath and bed time!