Back in the “old days,” few of us knew what we were “having.” Amnios were for the older pregnant moms. And ultrasounds? Primitive. They’d be considered archaic today. We were lucky to make out a few features. I know. I’m aging myself. I didn’t want to know what I was having. Wanted it to be a surprise. Wanted to wait until that baby was “pulled” out of me and I heard the doctor say, “It’s a ____!” First time I was knocked out cold. So I didn’t even know what I had until I woke up. Surprise! It’s a boy! Second time. I swore the whole time it was a girl. Heartbeat higher. Carrying pretty much the same. Gained less weight. Just thought it was a girl. Surprise again! It’s a boy! So third time around I just assumed. Boy. That’s okay. Healthy is all that matters. I was awake. Gregger behind me. Screen covering my belly. C-section #3. Had this down pat. I heard the cry. And then. Surprise. It’s a girl! No way! I didn’t believe it. But it was. And now that little girl is having her first. Her miracle baby.
But times have changed. Planning is the rage. Waiting is no longer an option. 20 weeks. Anatomy ultrasound. Sealed envelope. Only to be revealed at the gender reveal party. September 24th. A celebration of Baby Ludwig. The first of many. Why not? Celebration of new life.
I was convinced Baby L was a girl. All the signs were there. Spread belly. Fuller face (Ashley will kill me for that one!). Sweet cravings. Moody (She’ll hate me for that too!). Nothing pointed to boy. I was so sure. We had voting cards. Facebook poll. The odds were high in favor of girl. Not that it mattered. It was just heavily weighted pink. Friends gathered for the festivities donning “Team Pink” or “Team Blue” buttons. Just as the sun was setting, it was time to reveal. Only my dearest and trustworthy friend, Marcia knew. She had been given the sealed envelope. She filled the box with balloons. She knew.
Ashley and Tyler grabbed the tape. They ripped it slowly. Opened one side. And then the other. Until out popped…
So beyond the fact that IT’S A BOY, which we all know Tyler is over the moon about, Baby Ludwig is due the beginning of February(somewhere around the 9th). This may not seem significant. But…Gregger’s birthday was February 5th. Pretty darn special if you asked me! I know my angel is watching over his “little one” with love and protection. Ashley and Tyler sent a special message to him on September 24th. I don’t think he was too surprised. Somehow I think he already knew. 3 months and counting…
