When I found out I was pregnant this time, one of the first things I did was calculate my due date. Then I counted backwards to see when we’d find out the sex of the baby. I figured the anatomy scan would be around the same point I had Annabel’s, which meant we wouldn’t find out the sex until January. I was a little bummed that we wouldn’t know before Christmas…and then I vaguely remembered that the place we’d gone to for our extra ultrasound with Annabel said they could determine the baby’s sex as early as 14 weeks…and my wheels started turning. I would definitely be far enough along to have an elective ultrasound before Christmas. I made an appointment for Dec. 23rd and made a plan to surprise everyone with the baby’s sex as a Christmas present.
At first I considered going alone and surprising Mike, too, but I quickly scratched that idea. I wanted him to be there with me, and I also wanted Annie to come. She’s not allowed in Dr. Risky’s office and she’s been so desperate to see the baby, and I knew Mike would want to be there for that, too. So a few days before the scheduled ultrasound, I told him my plan and he was all in. We waited to tell Annie until that morning. She was BEYOND excited. She picked out her clothes herself:
She wasn’t thrilled that I made her wear pants.
When we got to the ultrasound place, Annie was jumping up and down with excitement. Even though she’d seen plenty of still ultrasound photos of The Acrobat by that point, I was a little worried that to her, “seeing the baby” meant seeing an actual baby. So I explained that the baby would look a lot like what she’d seen, except the baby would be bigger and moving. “It’s not going to look like a grown baby like your friends’ babies – not yet.” She looked at me, “I know, Mama.” Like duh.
I hopped up on the table and the tech squirted the gel on my belly and got to work. Annie was fascinated. She looked completely serious and kept switching her gaze from me to the screen. “What’s she doin’ Mama?” The tech was really sweet and started explaining everything so Annie would understand it, which we really appreciated. I thought Annie would get antsy, but she was completely mesmerized the entire time.
After a few minutes of moving the wand around, the tech asked us if we wanted her guess, or if we wanted to wait until she was certain. I’d seen enough by then to know, so I told the tech to go ahead. I looked over at Annie, and she was bracing herself:
“I think it’s a boy….wait, yes, it’s definitely a boy. I’m certain.”
I kept staring at Annie. “Annabel! It’s a boy! You’re going to have a baby brother!”
Her mouth dropped open as if she was stunned. She was quiet for a moment, processing the information, and then she said, “I will be the princess, and he will be the prince!”
That night, when I sat down to read Annabel a bedtime story, I felt her prince kick for the first time.
Becca Masters says:
Yay!!
You know, no matter how many ultrasounds I see, I still can’t tell if its a boy or girl (even the obvious ones!)
I’m like Rachel in Friends when she’s looking at her ultrasound!
I’d make an awful ultrasound person and no doubt get it wrong all of the time, even with learning! Ha ha!
Colleen says:
YAY!!! I’m pretty sure this should not have effected me like this…but it did, I’m crying!! YAY!! This is just so awesome!
CarrieB says:
That’s such fantastic news, Heather. I was a little taken aback to learn at 20 weeks that my second child would be a boy (assumed another girl would be easier,) but everything about having a son has been amazing. From Day One.
He’s 18 now, and 6’3″ . And still the prince of my heart.
xx
Jenn says:
As you know Heather, I am lucky enough to have 2 sons….My oldest child and my youngest child with their sister in the middle. I love boys…they can be so rough and tumble but at the same time, they hold their love for me like a precious gem. My daughter and youngest son who are 3 yrs 10 months apart could NOT be closer. It amazes us to watch. I’m so excited for you guys!!! Like me you get to experince both genders….What could be better!?!?!
Abigail says:
It may be the pregnant hormones but this had me in tears. Just the sweetest. From one first time boy mama to another, I am so incredibly excited for you. Congratulations on getting your little prince.
Kayla says:
This post made me cry, and now I have to confess something.
I need to admit…when I first read the (joyous!) news, I was not dissappointed by any means, but I was…a little stunned. I had just envisioned in my head two little girls, sisters, side by side for so long that my mind was a bit flustered at the image being replaced by a boy.
Now though I see just how wrong I was, and how this amazing little boy is so much more perfect than any girl baby could have been. Every Princess needs her Prince! They will be the very best of friends for life, while their amazing big sister looks on with love from above.
Shea says:
This is so precious, you had me tearing up in the Subway station! I am just so thrilled for all of you Spohrs and I can’t wait to see the little man! Congrats!
Sue says:
The Princess and The Prince,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,she couldn’t have come up with anything more perfect!!!
Amanda L says:
I love that she wasn’t happy you made her wear pants! My daughters (4 & 3) would be the same way. Good Luck with everything! We’re moving to Northern San Diego county next week from PA, so we’ll be in your neck of the woods and get to experience a warmer winter. I can’t wait!
Enjoy your time with Annie! I love her personality.
tracy says:
That’s so awesome! Love the picture of her waiting – she’s so intent!
edenland says:
Crying. I love all of this, this wonderful good beautiful news.
XXXXX
Connie says:
This is so awesome. I love Annie’s description too, she is the princess he is the prince. What a magical age she is at. And how cool that same night you felt him kick. He was saying “hey guys, it’s me, the Acrobat Prince”, lol. Happy New year to you all.
Mary Ann says:
Annie is going to be an amazing big sister – I hope he likes to play dress up. Congratulations!
Tracy says:
Over the moon for you all. This is a beautiful post. You are a wonderful mother, Heather. Creative, loving, smart, encouraging, sensitive…. Be well.
Expat Mom says:
Ahhhh! I’m so excited for you guys! Well, I was before, too and would be if you were having another girl, but it’s so cool to KNOW. I have three boys and boys rock. You are going to love having a little prince and it sounds like Annie is, too. I bet he gets dressed in tutus more than once by his big sister.
tonya cinnamon says:
full of the awesome….. the princess and the prince
congrats. Angel maddie would approve
Evelyn says:
This is the cutest story ever! Annie is going to be such a great bug sister! Quick question, isn’t Annie’s bday in Jan and this baby due in March? Wouldn’t her 20 week u/s have been back in Oct? Congrats again and comment all the baby boy clothes buying!
Heather says:
Oh sorry – I meant at the same point in the pregnancy. And this baby is due in June, but will arrive in May!
Nellie says:
So happy for you all and those pictures of Annabel ~ not only precious but priceless in such a magical, marvelous way!!
Here’s to continuing your letter trend: MA | AV | and V_ [good luck with a “V” first name for the little guy, ha, ha!!]
Suzanne says:
I’m so happy for you guys!! This brought joyful tears to my eyes!!
Barbara says:
Boy’s love their Mama’s so much! Love Annie’s reaction!
Denise says:
HOORAY!!! You don’t know me but I am rooting for you and your family everyday!! Many many blessings to you and yours in 2013!
Jess Z. says:
What a sweet comment, one to remember always. Congratulations
Karen says:
Congratulations! So happy for you!!
Kristin Hicks says:
Congrats! That’s awesome!
Kelly says:
So, so happy for you all! As we have shared in your grief, we also share in your JOY!
Glenda says:
I second this sentiment. Here with you through good times and bad times! xo
Mommy Boots says:
“I will be the princess, and he will be the prince!”
And then my heart melted into a gushy, gushy puddle. O.M.G. That is so precious. Her excitement is beyond adorable. So excited for you guys – congrats on your little prince!
marcia says:
Very, very happy for you!
Kate says:
That line is just precious… one of those moments that you’ll remember for life.
Congratulations… blue is a beautiful color!
Mari says:
So happy for u guys!
Kenda says:
Congrats to the Spohr family. Been reading for years but rarely post. Love your family and am so excited for your new little guy coming. Also stoked to read all the boy vs girl posts in the next few years! Heartfelt congratulations coming from Kansas!
Meg says:
Such wonderful news, and what a sweet prince he will be! We’re all so excited for you!
Kim says:
So, so, so, so SO HAPPY FOR YOU SPOHR FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kathryn M. says:
Over the moon excited for you guys!! Can’t wait to for Prince’s arrival!
Doctor Zhivago says:
Love Annabel’s reaction!
Jill says:
Congratulations!!! I love how Annie reacted to the news of having a baby brother!
Amy says:
So so excited for you!! Annie’s reaction was priceless.
Nichole says:
YAY! Congratulations!!
Adrianne says:
Aw, I love this so much! Annie will be the best big sister! The doctor told us at 12 weeks that he was 99% sure that our daughter was a girl and he was right. Amazing! Congratulations on your baby BOY!
And now, I have a question since I’m working on a scientific (hehe) theory that I have going. Did you ask Annie what she thought the baby was before the ultrasound? My theory is that kids that age always know! I recently asked a pregnant friend to ask her 3 year old what the baby was. 3 year old said boy….and it’s a boy! This has happened with several other real life friends of mine, myself (my nephew knew), and my sister, as well as blogs I read. So, I’m dying to know…
And lastly, since I have a daughter named Annabel, I’ve thought a lot about boy (and girl) names that would go well with it. I can’t wait to hear what you guys decide on and I’m happy to share my “list” with you if you’re still looking for ideas:)
Heather says:
We did! But she flip-flopped back and forth, so nothing concrete. I do have other friends whose older kids correctly predicted their siblings sexes – one even correctly predicted boy-girl twins!
Molly says:
Annie put it perfectly! And congratulations on getting to feel him kick for the first time!!
Patt says:
What an amazing little person, your Annabel is. I’m so happy for your family. I admit that I was also happy to read I wasn’t the only one who had eyes full of tears after reading this post. Congrats, again. You are going to have so much fun!
Kate says:
Congratulations!!!!!
What an adorable reaction from Annie.
Michelle H. says:
What wonderful news! A baby boy! Annie is just too cute…she got it right, a little prince.
Mary says:
So sweet! Congrats!!!!!!!
Skye says:
That is the cutest reaction! So exciting!
Elizabeth says:
Congratulations!! I’m so excited for you, and for Annie to have a baby brother. We have our twin girls now and I’m loving dressing them up all girly, but I also had so much fun when my son was a baby dressing him like a little man. It’s going to be so sweet to see pictures of Princess Annie with her little prince sidekick!! Congrats again, that must have been exciting to share the news with your family at Christmas time.
Issa says:
She is the sweetest. Seriously. yay for a baby prince.
Michele says:
Told you so told you so told you told you told you so!!! Congratulations!!!
Rebecca says:
CONGRATS ! Boys are fun
Danielle says:
I love everything about this post. I have found myself sobbing after reading all of your posts recently. Now, I should mention I’m 9 weeks pregnant with twins, so hormones have a lot to do with it. But I am so extremely happy for your family and I am loving seeing you through the process. Annie is going to be such a good big sister. That baby boy will be so loved!!!
pdxhadey says:
What a beautifully sweet story! Congratulations on your prince!
AngieM. says:
such wonderful news! congratulations
annie is going to be such a good big sister..xoxo
KeraLinnea says:
EEEEE!!!! This is me, at work, hands clapped over my mouth to keep from shrieking. How exciting! I love the photo of Annie bracing herself. Congratulations!
April says:
Congrats!! I’ve got 3 girls and a boy. As much as I love my girls to the moon and back a million times my son is a mamas boy and I love it.
Jessica says:
Congratulations! I can’t wait to see what he looks like! Just be warned no one carries as many cute boy clothes as they do cute girl clothes. And all the boys shoes are on the top 2 or 3 shelves at Payless shoe source. Hope you get a few vomit free hours to enjoy the moment!
Heather says:
Oh my gosh, I discovered this last week! I walked through the baby section at Macy’s (just to browse, too superstitious to buy yet) and was soooo disappointed in the boy clothes! They were all so LAME!
Hope says:
I knew it was a boy!! I know, that sounds weird but I just had a feeling that you were having a boy. Congrats!!!!
Annalisa says:
I did mention that you might not feel anything until 20 weeks. Sometimes placenta placement and the amount of amnio fluid combine to provide you a fair amount of anterior padding. I didn’t start feeling flutters with the ninja until 21 weeks, and of course I’d compare notes with other moms to be and freak out thinking “It’s been 3-4 weeks, and nothing!”.
Betcha the acrobat kicked because he wanted the story read again. My little ninja would always move around more when I’d listen to music or read out loud in the evenings, and at 2, she loves both very much, and vocally asks for music and/or reading non-stop.
Heather says:
I felt Maddie at 17 weeks and Annie at 16, so I was expecting movement anytime after 15!
Annalisa says:
Well, yeah, makes sense, since every mom I’ve ever asked says they feel each additional kid earlier and earlier in the process. But for whatever reason, the acrobat kept you in suspense.
Heather says:
Kept me in suspense?
Annalisa says:
Yep. My kid kept me nervous the whole entire first half of the pregnancy. Part of it was that she moved around so much that half the time they couldn’t find a steady heartbeat.
I had two different OBs during that pregnancy, the first one of which was a 35+ year veteran, who came up with “the ninja” as a nickname after my kid scared the bejesus out of her because she couldn’t “find” her. She was like “that’s never happened to me before”. This was after we failed prenatal screenings, where it took an amnio to make sure the ninja was okay (and of course she kicked up at the needle for the duration of the procedure, just to scare the bejesus out of the tech, while she was at it).
Then the first OB retired, and I ended up with a younger OB who had less experience, so she’d freak out even more about it. I lost count of all the times I got sent down for ultrasounds the first six months because the ninja resisted all attempts at manual detection of a heartbeat (after the six months mark, they were able to get an arterial heart beat easily, so that “hiding” was a lot more difficult).
In hindsight it’s funny, and it totally seems like a harbinger of her personality (she’s super squirmy and stubborn on the best of days), but at the time no one, least of all me, was very pleased with having to jump through so many hoops every visit just to make sure she was doing just fine.
Heather says:
Congratulations! Baby boys are a whole new amazing adventure. You’re going to love it!
Sarah says:
Awww that made me cry!! A baby boy, congrats!! The pics of Annie are so sweet. I love her ultrasound outfit. And the first kick!! What a perfect day.
Tina says:
Congratulations!!!!!
Meg says:
Hooray! I love how you told this story and Annie is a peach! Congratulations on your little peach!
Karen B says:
Congratulations! What a wonderful Christmas surprise…and he is already a handsome prince indeed. So much fun to be had shopping for ‘boy stuff’! Can’t wait to see him here, happy and healthy!!
Glenda says:
Annabel is the sweetest big sister. He will be the prince. I have one of each and each one holds a part of my heart. It’s amazing how much a heart can hold and stretch.
You and Annie will have your prince and Mike will have a partner in crime. It’s great news! Soooo Happy for all of you!
Congrats!!!!
Anna says:
I knew it! Congratulations, Spohr family!
Tara says:
I love it!! Everyone loves this baby boy already!
Jana Frerichs says:
SO HAPPY FOR YOU GUYS!!!! A beautiful bouncing baby boy! What a blessing!!! How did you keep Annie from spilling the beans to everyone before Christmas?
Heather says:
She talks about the baby all the time, and had gone back and forth about if the baby was a boy or a girl whenever it came up, so no one thought she ACTUALLY knew! But we were careful to limit her exposure to all the grandparents – that’s also why we went so close to Christmas!
Katrina says:
So sweet, Annie she said. And I am beyond thrilled for you. A BOY! Oh my gosh, how fun!!! Can’t wait to hear what you decide to name him. When can we start making suggestions? Just kidding.
I had the Maternit21 blood test done at 12 weeks, which checks for chromosome abnormalities and can also see if there is a “Y” chromosome present in the baby’s DNA — when the doctor called to tell me our test result, he also told me that the test reveals the baby’s gender…did I want to know? I said NO..not over the phone, I don’t. So I asked him to make a copy of the test results and put it in an envelope for me. I picked up the envelope a few days later. Then on 12/12/12 on the night our family had planned on trimming our Christmas tree, I took the envelope (still sealed – I did not peek!) to a Party Place and told the girl behind the counter to wait until I left the store, to then open the envelope and fill this big box (I had brought a box with me) with the appropriate color balloons depending on if the test said BOY or GIRL, then put the envelope into the box with the balloons, then tape up the box really good and call me on my cell phone when it’s ready. So she did that, and I picked up the box and left the store. Then I wrapped the box in Christmas wrap and put it by the tree. Later that night, we told the kids that there was an early Christmas present to open before we started to decorate the tree. Up until this point they did NOT know I was expecting a baby. I was already 16 weeks along by that time and had managed to hide it from them. (very hard to do!) Anyway, we opened the box … and up floated BLUE balloons!! It took the kids a moment or two to process what that meant, and then everyone got excited. My husband and I had NO idea what we were having, so the BLUE balloons were a surprise for us, too. It was a FUN way to tell everyone Here’s a link to the my blog post with the video that captures the moment:
The Big Reveal (scroll way down to the end of the long post for the video)
Katrina says:
Ackkkk – the link doesn’t work. Copy & Paste:
http://www.theyallcallmemom.com/2012/12/the-one-where-i-play-catch-up.html
Heather says:
That is SO COOL! And very similar to how we told my parents! So exciting that we’re both having boys!!!
red pen mama says:
Oh, *sniffle*. I think it’s awesome that you will get “boy” experience as well as girl. I also bet you’d be as happy either way, and Annie would too. Big *hugs*!
Heather says:
Yes – I was going to be happy (and sad) either way!
Kelly says:
So exciting! We always wanted a little boy. Five girls. We have two grandsons now, so we are getting our boy experience in!
Congrats!
Me says:
Congratulations! Happy New Year!
Wendy Black says:
Congratulations. I’m very excited for all of you!
Amy Stone says:
This whole post is so sweet, it made me tear up!!! Congrats to your entire family!
DeniseEPL says:
Congrats Heather and Mike! What wonderful news to ring in the New Year!
Ashley says:
I haven’t commented on or read your blog in so long, but I come back around every so often to see how you, Mike, Annie & Maddie are doing. I’m so excited to read that you are expecting again! Congratulations! Also, Annie is so beautiful and SO BIG now!
Also, the princess & prince comment slayed me. So adorable.
Sending lots of love & prayers to you & yours.
Angela says:
All hail the Acrobat Prince!
Donna P says:
So sweet, so perfect! Thank you for sharing your happy news.
Happy New Year, Spohr family.
Wishing you all the very best. Congratulations!
KaraB says:
Congrats! How exciting! Now you can start loading up on the blue stuff!
Peggy says:
I’m typically just a lurker, but had to comment because Annie’s reaction was so sweet it brought tears to my eyes. I have 3 girls, and my youngest has a buddy who is 6 and has an almost 1 year old brother. They are so cute together and he is *totally* a hit with all the older girls! Annie & the Prince will have a wonderful time together. Congrats!
willikat says:
The picture of her with the suspense writ large all over her face…that caused spontaneous tears. Oh, the sweetness of that moment. Thanks for sharing. And congratulations!!
Marianne says:
Oh, Heather, I love this story! We took my then 2 1/2 year old son with us to the ultrasound place and he FREAKED out. (My two boys are almost exactly 3 years apart — both January babies like Annie!) He kept telling everyone about the “monster baby” in my belly.
Keri says:
Congrats! I have a boy and a girl and love watching them play together. Every sibling relationship is special, and I’m sure Annie will love her baby brother!
Andrea says:
I am soooo happy for you guys!! I have 2 boys…my oldest is 11 and my youngest just turned 2. They steal your heart!
Tracie says:
So.Very.Sweet.
I love that picture of her waiting so intently.
Lori says:
I am so FREAKING excited for you, I can hardly stand it. I read your blurb on facebook and squeed and teared up, and then I read this and squeed and teared up, and it’s almost like I know you and I feel like a creepy stalker but GAH. So HAPPY for you. I’m just so happy for you.
amber says:
So so SO excited for you, Mike and Annie! I can’t wait to “meet” the little guy and very excited to hear what you’ll name him. I’d love to see a little Jack or Jackson Jackson in honor of Jackie!
Holly says:
I’ve lurked often, but never commented. Tears in my eyes here for you and your family! What a lovely, lovely moment for you, Mike and Annie. I know it is a story you will tell and retell often.
JT says:
This is all so sweet. Everything about it. I’m so happy for all of you as have all these new experiences of life with a baby boy!
Lissa says:
Congrats Heather, Mike, Rigby, Maddie, and Annie! A new baby with a whole new type of excitement now! ALL new clothes to buy – how AWESOME is that??
And I’m sure in the next 5 months you’ll get sick of the name suggestions (and you likely have one picked already anyways)….but I vote for Charming, ha ha. No really, do you watch Once Upon A Time? Prince Charming’s name is James and that’s a lovely classic name.
Lisa says:
I have never commented on your blog before but read often. I love that this baby will be a boy. I have no idea what having a girl is like, but I have two boys. They love their mama’s more than anything!
Can’t wait to see that delicious little man in your sweet girls arms.
Congrats again.
Leah says:
Yay, pleased as punch for your family, though the sentiment would have been equal otherwise Love her reaction. My daughter was mad when she found out she was having a brother not a sister, she likes him now plenty tho
Dianne says:
Fantastic news. I am shocked though I thought you were having a girl. I think I am always wrong with my hunches. So happy for you all, little boys are fantastic and Annie will be the best big sister.
michele says:
Yeah!
I also have a princess, and two years later I got a prince. My Andrew is almost 12…and he truly is a little gentleman. Enjoy all of this Heather & Mike!
Sarah says:
I am so excited for you. Boys are a different world. You are going to love it.
Trisha says:
Such a sweet and thoughtful reaction from Annie and such a sweet and thoughtful way for you guys to include her. So excited for you all again. Congrats!
Jo says:
So incredible!!!! Congrats to all! My daughter is three years older than my son and it is a wonderful age gap and so fun to experience both sexes. Boys are so cuddly and sweet and loooove Mommy, it’s awesome.:-) Love Annie’s reaction and can’t wait to see your little prince.
Cyndy says:
Seriously the cutest reaction EVER.
And now I’m all teary.
Congrats!!
Megan says:
So excited for you all! Congratulations!
Lora says:
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! I was so thrilled to log on today and see this post!!!!! Little boys are awesome!
And I watched the video, her mouth dropping open is hilarious!! Shes going to be an amazing big sister, I can’t wait to see them together!
Auntie_M says:
I tried &I tried to leave a comment when you 1st posted this. Am trying again because I am just so thrilled for you! Even though the title kinda gave away the surprise (or should have!), I found myself breathless with anticipation & tearing up watching Annie watch the process. But when she pronounced that her brother would be the Prince to her Princess, I confess to bawling like a baby. Tears of joy of course!! Congrats once again!
(PS-I was quite certain you were having a boy because of how you are carrying. I love being right!)