Again with the unexpected...

I went in for an ultrasound today.

Routine check - Collen's delivery was 90% drama-free, but as we all know....I have a record for dramatic deliveries. The babies are okay....it's me that has the issues. So, because of that, my midwife and I decided to keep a check on certain things.

Our BIG ultrasound is on April 10th, but I knew that if there was a chance of finding out today, we probably would. They look out for me over there ;)

Unfortunately, Jeremy couldn't come to the appointment today, so I was on the fence about whether I wanted to know or not. Of course, I couldn't wait....so he asked me to call him if I found out anything.

As soon as I went back, the ultrasound tech said she was pretty sure we would be able to find out today. We chit-chatted amongst weight-check (yuck) and blood pressure check. I told her I was leaning toward this one being a boy because there hadn't been anything very different with this pregnancy. And really...I don't have much else to compare it to....so, with it all being similar, I figured it was a good assumption. And let's be honest....I'm a little terrified of having a girl, so I was hoping for the familiar.

Well, as soon as she put the wand on my belly and got it situated, I saw it before she could get the words out.

It's a girl.

My exact words: "Oh, my, Lord."

Then I looked at her and said, "What am I going to do with a girl?"

Then I said, "I turned out alright. I guess I won't mess her up too badly."

Teaching middle-schoolers has really opened my eyes to a lot of things. The number one thing: hormones. #2: attitude. #3: impulsiveness. The list goes on and on, but I'll stop there. I butt heads most with my teenage girls. It is much easier for me to get through to the boys - most of the time. However, there are some girls that I have a wonderful relationship with. I know every parent has to face the teenage years. And I know Collen won't be a breeze during that time either. I guess...having been there myself...knowing everything a girl goes through....I just hope I can help her through those times in a way that is helpful and makes a positive, lasting impression.

I'm thrilled that we are adding another child. I'm thrilled that she is healthy and thriving. I'm getting used to the idea of a little girl. It's going to be brand new territory for me....especially if she's a girly girl. Boys are good for me because I was the tomboy...the one who loved sports and hated shopping (still do most of the time). There's some girly girl in me, though. It surfaces from time to time. I'm looking forward to a mother daughter relationship....and watching her become a daddy's girl.

God obviously knew she was just what we needed. With that, I find so much contentment and joy. After I made my phone calls/text messages, I kept having the feeling of, "There's someone I'm missing here." I knew immediately. The voice I hadn't heard, yet. My dad. I wanted so badly to tell my dad and hear him tell me how wonderful of a mother I would be to this little girl. To hear him gush over having a granddaughter - because I know how wonderful of a grandpa he would have been to her. I was blessed enough to have a father who was meant to have girls. That was obvious to anyone who saw him with us. Seeing him with my daughter would have been so incredibly special. Then I wondered if perhaps my dad had already met his granddaughter....had a hand in picking her for us - along with her big brother. I'm not sure what to believe when it comes to that, but it sure is a nice idea.

So, we embark on a new, exciting journey. A little girl. Whose name, by the way, is Charlotte Brooke. :)

Girl tips appreciated!