It's a.......!!!!!

Over a week ago, I had an ultrasound done at my new OB's office. I was under the impression it was going to be THE ultrasound where all the measurements are taken of the baby to make sure he/she is growing normally and to determine if it's a boy or girl. I was bummed because Eric was on call that day (it seems like he's on call everyday, but that's another issue), but I was still excited to find out if the baby is a girl or boy.

Old Man Ultrasound Tech greeted me when I got there and informed me he was going to do the ultrasound. Seriously, this guy was so old. Anyway, OMUT (this is what I'll call him for short), proceeded to perform the ultrasound. I was waiting for him to start taking all the measurements, to tell me my amniotic fluid was fine, tell me there was no signs of downs syndrome or hydrocephalus...anything! All I got was, "Yep, you're right on schedule for your gestational age. Here's the brain matter and here's a femur." And then the exam was over. I asked, "Wait, can't you tell if it's a boy or girl?" He replied, " Oh no. It's too soon yet and this machine is so old, I wouldn't be able to tell."

I was so mad! Not only did it seem like the ultrasound was for nothing except to measure the gestational age, but stupid OMUT didn't even try to find out for me. Now I know that ultrasounds aren't to determine the sex, but this guy could've tried. What made the most mad was that he told me his machine was too old. What a big fat lie!

I went home and made an appointment at one of those ultrasound boutique places. I told the lady I spoke with I just wanted to know the sex of the baby because I'd just had a ultrasound but OMUT wouldn't tell me. She asked who did the exam and when I told her, she said, "I taught him all he knows! He certainly could've told you."

That Saturday, Eric was off so we and my in-laws took the boys and went to the boutique place. It was so much fun! The lady was a really good (and nice!) tech and she made sure to get a good shot of the goods. Without further ado, here's the pictures that were taken, beginning with showing off the goods.

It's a GIRL!!!! See the three lines? Ok, it's kinda hard to tell, but they're on the left.

Her beautiful little feet are crossed. What a little lady!

Here are some 3d shots. Since it's still pretty early, she's looking pretty skeletonish, but beautiful nonetheless.

She's smiling!

And here she is sucking her thumb :)

We are so excited to add a girl to the mix! We love her so much already. Now I just hope we can decide on a name!

We made it to IL!

We are finally here and almost settled in. There are still a few lingering boxes that don't seem to be getting unpacked, but besides that, we're all in!

The drive itself was loooooong. I remember it being long, but it's so much longer with children! It seemed like everytime we got on the road, someone had a poopy diaper requiring immediate attention. It was three really long days.

We're living in Eric's parent's basement this year, so most of our stuff is in storage. What a hassle it was to divide everything up between the two places and making sure the movers got it to the right place. We're just glad to be here and that the drive is over and our stuff made it, too!

Here are a few pics of the trip and when we first got here:

Caves in AZ

Mr. Carter sleeping in the car. The boys don't really sleep well in the car, so I was grateful when they did for a little bit.

Me driving. I think this was the third day when I didn't know if I could go any further.

The little travel companions. It was so helpful to have my mom there. While one of us drove, the other would tend to the boys.

Mr. Brandt and his foot :)

The day after we got to IL, we all went swimming. I'd just changed the boys' diapers and put them in those cool designer huggies that look like jeans. We went out to the pool to show off the diapers and decided the boys should swim. Ummmm...if anyone doesn't already know this: normal diapers explode when they get too soaked. We had to invest in swimming diapers the next day. Anyway, here's Carter with his grandpa.

Mr. Brandt!

Mr. Brandt in his denim diaper

I love this picture. I look like crappola, but Brandt sure is cute!

Playing in "real" grass for the first time.

My mom with Brandt. It was so fun to swim and not be driving!

Everyone having fun at the pool.

I have so much more to post, I need more hours in the day. Both the boys have started walking. It's so amazing how they just decide one day they are going to try it out!