Three lines on our ultrasound ...

mean that its a girl! That's right. The Pool Party has made a definitive move to the more tender gender. And, yes, our future wedding bills are on the rise.

At our ultrasound appointment we learned that this most recent addition to the Pool Party is a little girl. We were a little surprised, but not overmuch. A good friend had had a strong early impression, that they believed was from God, that it was a girl, and we had paid attention to that. So as much as daddy and son would have liked some more Y chromosome, we're delighted with the news.

In fact, our little girl is healthy and beautiful by all accounts. Normal size and shape and beatings and throbbings of the appropriate organs. Our baby is well.

The other news is that Megan is what they call placenta previa. That's just a fancy Latin way of saying is that the placenta is between the baby and the cervix, aka blocking the exit row. The midwife tells us this is somewhat common early in pregnancy. And she was at pains to tell us that in 80% of cases, it resolves itself. Of course, the fact is, Megan's variety is the "worst" - total blockage, right in the middle of the cervix. So ...

One implication placenta previa is that if it doesn't resolve itself, Megan will need to have a C-section. Which means no alternative birthing center. This would be a disappointment, and it would be a more painful recovery, but c-section patients are required to stay in the hospital longer, so that would be a nice break from the chaos for her!

A second implication is the "lifting ban." The midwife has told her she isn't allowed to carry more than 10 lbs. That means no lifting any of the kids. It means she almost can't carry her purse! This one is a bit more difficult. However, through the use of strategically placed step stools in the van and bedrooms, along with some ingenious rope and pulley systems (kidding), the girls are able to get into their cribs and car seats with minimal effort. If she's negligent in adhering to the ban, the pressure could produce internal bleeding, force bed rest (egads!), or induce early labor. None of those are good. So let's give Megan a hand with those heavy objects.

And then there are several limitations on Megan's other physical activity.

We're excited about our little girl! And we're hopeful to see God work. And even if he doesn't, God is good.