Went with Cecily for a routine 34-week non-stress test today...and like last time the monitors weren't picking up the heartbeat...so it was down the hall for yet another ultrasound. As always, we asked the tech if she could determine the sex, tho after a half dozen of these, we are quite well aware of how secretive this baby can be.
But today was different...the tech proclaimed, "It's a girl!" (Actually what she said was, "I see labia," but that sounds like a parlor game at the Heffner mansion, so I translated.) We were, needless to say, a little surprised. Not that it was a girl, but that she decided to drop her coy act and let us in on the secret.
Our daughter-to-be is doing well, good movement, strong heartbeat.
She even showed us her little face on 3D ultrasound...
Look at those cheeks!
We're hoping to do an amnio next Friday to determine whether the baby's lungs are ready to breathe air...the tech saw the chest moving today, as the baby tested out her little lung muscles, which is a great sign. If luck is with us, we'll be welcoming our daughter into this big messy world in just 2 weeks!
I also want to thank all of you who sent gifts to us directly or contributed via Sarah to Cecily's shower. Your generosity is a truly moving testament to all that is good in humankind. A deep and heartfelt thanks to you all.
i know it's probably cliche of me to say so, but i THOUGHT so!! LOL congratulations on you little girl. i bet you cannot wait to 'meet' her!
may
Posted by: may | May 22, 2006 at 06:18 PM
Congrats! Miss Tori Anne is eagerly awaited all the way here in Michigan!
It was awesome to hang out with you guys this weekend! I wish it wasn't so far away because I'd love to do it more often!
-=kt=-
Posted by: ktpupp | May 22, 2006 at 06:31 PM
wow - oh wow!!!!! a girl!
She's beautiful so far!
Posted by: Sheri | May 22, 2006 at 07:30 PM
Yay yay yay yay! Oh Charlie, it is all wonderful. And you're welcome - you guys deserve it.
Do you realize this means you're going to be the father of a daughter? And you're going to have to deal with boys and the Electra complex?
But, yay yay yay for chubby cheeks and labia!
Posted by: Bluestocking | May 22, 2006 at 07:36 PM
Charlie --
Be of good cheer -- girls really can love trains,
S
Posted by: SandyC | May 22, 2006 at 07:41 PM
Congratulations!!
Posted by: Noelle | May 22, 2006 at 07:44 PM
Can't wait to see Tori!
Congratulations and you're very welcome.
Posted by: arubagirl | May 22, 2006 at 07:54 PM
Yippee!! :o)
Posted by: Jenie | May 22, 2006 at 08:19 PM
Congratulations... a darling little girl... Here's to getting that babe out in the best possible condition..
And finally, someone else, besides me, who uses the word LABIA in their blog...
Posted by: labia lady | May 22, 2006 at 08:20 PM
Hooray!
Posted by: mamadaisy | May 22, 2006 at 08:35 PM
Hey hey! Congratulations! What happy news.
Posted by: Toni | May 22, 2006 at 08:48 PM
A daughter for you two!
How wonderful. Is it still Tori?
Bless you and your family!
Posted by: Melissa | May 22, 2006 at 09:17 PM
You're having a baby girl!
Posted by: Cat, Galloping | May 22, 2006 at 09:22 PM
she is beautiful....you are going to be a great dad--
Posted by: Paige | May 22, 2006 at 09:49 PM
Well, she decided to show herself when she was good and ready, as it should be. I'm already liking this girl of yours, very much.
Posted by: Menita | May 22, 2006 at 09:52 PM
Yay! A baby girl! Congratulations!
Posted by: Susan | May 22, 2006 at 10:22 PM
I don't know why, but I sooo hoped this would be a little girl. Congratulations! Can't wait until you get to meet your beautiful daughter.
Posted by: Melissa4444 | May 22, 2006 at 10:33 PM
Coming over from Cecily's blog to congratulate you on being the daddy of a daughter....I hope she'll be a daddy's girl just like my 2 lovely daddy's girls!!
Posted by: Whitney | May 22, 2006 at 10:38 PM
Yay...A baby Girl. Huge Congrats and you are both MORE than welcome, it felt great to be a part of it.
Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | May 22, 2006 at 10:56 PM
Brilliant! Hope you are both really chuffed, like we all are!! She looks lovely. Into the photo album with you!! Thank you for letting us know, I thought TA was going to be coy for ever!!
Posted by: Coral | May 23, 2006 at 02:32 AM
I know I had sound reason for not sending my present now. Number one. babyshowers do not exist where I live and number two I now know I need pink wrappingpaper! (And most importantly I'm lazy with presents!
Posted by: mijk | May 23, 2006 at 03:38 AM
Congratulations!! Heres to two weeks time!
Posted by: Jean | May 23, 2006 at 04:24 AM
Wow! You are having a daugher.
Posted by: Julie | May 23, 2006 at 08:14 AM
Adorable pictures....and YEAH! I knew it was a girl ;-) Congratulations!!
And the 'shower' set up by Sarah - so much fun.
Posted by: Heather | May 23, 2006 at 08:25 AM
A girl! Congrats!!
Posted by: KidKate | May 23, 2006 at 08:28 AM