It's a WHAT?

Wednesday proved to be a very hectic day. In the morning, the boys and I spent a lot of time at Walgreen's while I had my biometric screening completed. Then, we had to head back home for Collin's nap and lunch before we could go to my doctor's appointment. By this point, I was overwhelmed and feeling a lot of pressure about this baby's gender. I was certainly relieved that the great mystery was about to be over!

When we got to my OB/GYN's office, a small crew of my supporters sat with me in the waiting room, including Clay, my three boys, and my parents. When the ultrasound tech called my name, we all walked to the room together, laughing about how this baby would be boy #4 for sure. As everyone claimed a seat or a spot against the wall in the dark room, I crawled up on the table, had my belly smeared with warm gel, and the tech began surveying my very active fourth child. Almost immediately, Keaton asked, "Where is the penis?" I love that he was so ready to get down to business!

Only a minute or so had passed before the ultrasound tech scrolled between the baby's legs and paused for us to take a look. Much to my SHOCK, as well as the rest of the family's, there was NO penis. Baby #4 is a GIRL! I made the tech check several times, because I just knew that a certain anatomy part was simply hiding from our view. However, she assured me that was not the case. Oh. My. Stars. A future with pink???

After spending the rest of the afternoon in a cloud of disbelief, the boys, Clay, and I prepared to tell the rest of our families the big news. However, because their initial responses about boys #2 and #3 were less than completely enthusiastic, I decided it was time for a little, fun pay back. On each boys' chest I wrote a word in black marker. KP's said, "It's." Collin's said, "a." McLain's said, "boy!" The big boys were so excited to flash this sentence at dinner. On Clay's belly, I carefully wrote "Just kidding!" On my belly, I taped a pink and purple sign that read, "It's a girl!" Even though we were still in shock that the baby was actually a girl, we were very ready to trick the family. :)

When we got to Los Bravos,Clay and I carefully arranged the boys' seating, so that we were all in order. After a couple of minutes, I gave the boys the green light, and they stood up and yelled "It's-a-boy!" as they flashed the words on their chests. Everyone started laughing and cheering. After a brief pause, Clay pulled up his shirt, and then I flashed my belly. There was a big pause in our group as everyone processed what my belly said. To add to the family confusion and my delight, Keaton then yelled several times "No, it's a BOY!" Everyone was looking at me, and then the yelling of "Well, which one is it???"began. It was hilarious. I'm so glad we shared our news that way.

Needless to say, everyone is thrilled that this baby is a girl. Keaton is determined that her name shall be Pudding. While I appreciate the originality of his idea, I told him that that could be the baby's nickname, not her real name. Mommy and Daddy have other ideas.

Welcome to the crazy family Miss Amelia Grace Brooks. We can't wait to meet you!