Pink and Princesses

Erich and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary in May at a great Bed & Breakfast in Hocking Hills called the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls.  We dropped the girls off at Grandma and Grandpa's on our way and spent a couple of days relaxing, sleeping in, and eating some of the most delicious food we've ever had.  A few days before our trip we had our 20 week anatomy scan ultrasound that revealed baby #3 was healthy and growing right on track.  During the ultrasound we asked the ultrasound tech not to tell us the gender of the baby, but to please write it down and seal it in an envelope so we could open it together at our anniversary dinner a few days later.  We did the same thing when we were expecting Norah (fun fact - Norah and this baby share the same due date. So both times our ultrasound fell right in line with our anniversary) and it was so neat to share that moment together.  The ultrasound tech was happy to oblige, and she was a sweet, sweet woman.  But she was a horrible actor!  We walked out of the ultrasound pretty positive we already knew what was in the envelope because she unintentionally made a few comments that were pretty telling, but we decided to roll with it anyway and hold onto the envelope for a special moment.

A few days later as we celebrated 6 years together with a special dinner, we opened the envelope and laughed and cried together as our suspicions were confirmed.  You can't read the note in the photo, but it says, "Congrats! It's another GIRL!".  Three girls.  Three little princesses who think Mommy is pretty and Daddy hangs the moon.  Three crazy heads of hair to manage, fair skinned beauties to slather sunscreen on each summer, and three sisters who will undoubtedly share a bond that few could ever understand.  When people hear that we are welcoming our 3rd daughter the most common reactions are "Oh no, are you disappointed it's not a boy?" or "So will you have a 4th to try for a boy?".  The answer is no and no.  While a boy would have been a welcomed and cherished addition to our family, there is no part of me that feels disappointed or let down.  We love our little girls.  I've written about it time and time again, but it remains true that there is not a more perfect "man of the family" than Erich Piland. He is the best dad that our daughters could ever ask for.  And my heart has never felt so full or complete... I love thinking about our future with our three little girls.  As far as having more kids to "try for a boy",  if we ever have another child (probably not, but who can say for sure), it will be because we want another child. Not because we have expectations of any gender.  We know that our family is being built according to God's will and we love that His hands have knit each of our children together in the womb.  He knows the hairs on their head and He knew long before we did that pink would be the theme in our house!

So, Paige Ruth Piland.  Come on out and join us whenever you are ready (as I type this you are currently overdue and taking your sweet time).  I think you'll like it here.  Your daddy and I can't wait to love you up and you have two big sisters who are sure to fight over who gets to hold you the most.  You are already a treasure in our family and we are so happy that you are ours.