Early Bird Special: Pink or Blue?

August 27, 2012

Random Monday morning thoughts before the caffeine has kicked in.

Yesterday, my sister threw a “gender reveal” party for her growing baby.* I’m a surprise person myself, having waited to find out the sex of both of my babies until they arrived and I could see for myself, but I know I’m in an ever-shrinking minority on that one. When I asked N whether she was going to find out, she practically laughed out loud.

“YES! I suck at waiting! Are you kidding?!”

Knowing that, I selfishly planted an idea in her head… why not make finding out extra special? Why let some ultrasound tech blurt it out unceremoniously? Please do something fun so that I don’t have to hear whether I’m getting my first niece or nephew** in a boring old phone call.***

So, in true Nikki fashion, she took the idea and ran with it.

We showed up at her house yesterday to meet all of her immediate family (which sometimes feels extended because of their size) and the place was decked out. We all chose necklaces to wear based on our guess for what kind of junk the baby is sporting. There were pink and blue balloons everywhere. Pink and blue plates and cups and napkins and forks and cupcakes and tablecloths.

N had on blue plaid shorts with subtle pink undertones, coordinating her outfit to the theme. I quickly picked out a pink necklace and put it on. T-Bone opted for a blue one. We figured we’d split the difference.

When the moment arrived, it was sweet and silly (the two of them struggled quite a bit to get the box open), but then the balloons floated out, all the grandmas started crying, and everyone had some good laughs while we all pretended to be ultrasound experts, examining the grainy picture that was now available for public viewing.

I’m not going to reveal their surprise just yet. I need to get all the photos edited tonight and sent to Nikki before I share them with the general public, but look for a post Wednesday with the news.

Until then, I’d love to hear how (or if) you found out the sex of your child(ren) before their birth? If not, why not? If so, how did you find out? And was the ultrasound tech right?

____
*Is it worth ranting about the difference between gender and sex here? Or should I just let it go this time?

** Poppy is the 7th grandchild and Boo the 11th on my in-laws side, but this is the first niece or nephew for me on my side. YAY!

***I know, I know… it’s not very feminist of me to get all caught up in PINK or BLUE, right? Y’all already know how I feel about the topic, generally. But avowed feminist or not, I do occasionally untwist my panties, let down my hair, and have a little silly indulgent fun. I refuse to be like this guy. Holy uptight, Batman. Let people enjoy their moment!

  • http://mamabennie.tumblr.com/ MamaBennie

    We found out from the tech. There was a very clear picture of their “goods”. They were definitely girls and not shy about it. They actually printed out those particular ultrasound frames and I still have them.

  • Christine Sheets Nutile

    I don’t find out the gender of my kids until their birth. There are far too few good surprises in life. Why give one up?

    • http://www.outtajo.com Jo

      My feelings exactly :)

      I thought twice a time or two (usually when IN the ultrasound room and the info was RIGHT THERE), but the temptation was never that huge.

      I’m always surprised when people say they want the info so they can “plan” better. Whatever genitalia the kid is sporting, you’re still getting a… baby.

  • http://twitter.com/Odd__Mama__Out Sunny

    Aww what a sweet idea!

  • http://www.facebook.com/brandy.yagcier Brandy Yagcier

    I dreamed I had a baby boy named Matthew the night before my first Dr. appointment. The Dr did an ultrasound herself because I had a few complications she told me right away that he was a boy. He was in a froggy position and on show that I knew before she told me. She was sorry that she just blurted it out without thinking.

  • nicole

    Im having a gender reveal party after the baby is born. We do not know, and are looking forward to a few weeks of quiet with the new baby. But every baby is cause for a celebration, so were doing this to make sure baby gets his/her party!

  • Heather Wallace

    We didn’t want to know, and my doctor would NOT tell me anyway. Every ultrasound picture was taken carefully as to not reveal the gender. Having a c-section (breeched) the assisting doctor blurted “he sure does pee a lot.” I had quite a belly and lots of amniotic fluid. In my stupor I looked at my husband and said “She said he! Our baby is a boy!!???” According to my husband, out doctor was glaring over his surgical mask to his assistant. I wasn’t going to know until John (my husband) put his little feet by my hand. Again, strapped down for c-section.

  • http://twitter.com/MendyLady Katie Boyd

    I don’t want to know, my husband does. 1st kid, we didn’t find out. Second and third, we did. It does make some things easier.. like, knowing about picking names..

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