Don't Paint the Room!

Every now and then in this age of high technology, what you believe to be solid information turns out different than anticipated.

She was expecting her third child, and already having a daughter and a son, this infant would be the tie breaker.  A 20 week ultrasound strongly predicted a girl!  Big sister was elated and little brother was oblivious to any threat of an additional sibling taking his mom and dad's attention away from his spot as baby brother.  Fetal heart tones during the pregnancy were 156-160s the majority of the time, following the Old Wive's Tale that female fetus's heart rates are higher numbers than male fetuses. 

Since this mother had had two previous cesarean sections, it was recommended for her to have a repeat cesarean scheduled at 39 weeks.  Her bags were packed and "going home clothes" for the new daughter were lovingly arranged.  The cesarean section proceeded as planned and soon the baby's head full of dark hair was delivered through the incision, the mouth and nose suctioned and the remainder of the new infant delivered.  At this point the physician leaned over the drape to mom and dad and said "Was this baby supposed to be a girl?  It's a boy!"  The banter went back and forth..."You're kidding..."  "No, it's really a boy."

Little "no name" weighed in at 7# 13oz and immediately won his parents hearts.  A relative offered to go out and buy the little fellow a new outfit to have his pictures made in, and the laughing and giggling continued for quite some time.

So for the second time in my career a baby was delivered who was expected by the parents to be the opposite sex.  God does have a sense of humor!  Don't paint the room until you hold the baby!