The sex of a human baby is determined by the composition of its sex chromosomes (a single distinct pair among humans' 23 pairs of chromosomes). Females possess two copies of the same chromosome (referred to as the 'X' chromosome); males have one copy of the X chromosome and one copy of the smaller, hook-shaped Y chromosome.
When fertilization occurs, the new gamete (the initial cell from which a fetus grows) always inherits one of the mother's X chromosomes, and either an X or a Y from the father, depending on which chromosome the fertilizing sperm cell happened to inherit. One could say, then, that the father—or, at least, his sperm—determines the sex of the child. On the other hand, the first sperm to reach the egg isn't necessarily the one that fertilizes it; human eggs are rather choosy about that sort of thing. So, in an indirect way, the maternal parent also has some influence on the sex of the child.
Thanks, infoplease.com. Thanks for NOTHING.So, basically, it's all my fault (that's me, Ethan), but we're having BOY NUMBER THREE. Holy cow.
- Three boys to send on missions.
- Three boys I hope don't get drafted into the military the day they turn 18.
- Three boys to keep away from less-than-awesome, yet super cute girls.
- Three boys to keep from doing even HALF the stupid stuff I did when I was younger.
- Three boys to ruin everything nice that Rachel's worked to make nice in the house.
- Three boys to try to convince at an early age to not want to take up playing the violin, saxophone, trumpet, piccolo, or xylophone.
- Three boys to borrow the car, jump speed bumps going like 87 mph with groups of friends and, when asked why the car just doesn't seem right, they respond, "Golly, Dad, I just don't know what could have happened?!"
- Three boys to run away from the coppers.
- Three boys to run the risk of leaning Nascar or Motocross and not normal sports.
- Three boys to try to get through school without failing (they ARE their dad's offspring, now).
- Three boys to get married in the temple and live good, wholesome lives.
It's a little overwhelming.
Let's just say that every technique out there for having this NOT happen is nothing but a big load of crap.
Rachel is holding up well. We were both a little deflated upon hearing the news, but all will be just fine. The good, and most important, news is that the baby is looking quite healthy and normal (I know; ultrasounds aren't always fool proof, but we're happy with what we heard). The ultrasound tech said that he will have bulging biceps, be potty trainable at 18 months, have blonde hair and one blue and one green eye (weird, I know), probably need braces, be able to catch venison and other creeping animals with his bare hands, be only able to blink with one eye (I can blink with both eyes -- no problem), be an average 5 foot 8 inches tall, and be able to hold his pee for more than two days straight.
So, all in all, things are looking OK for us. Due date is in March. The fact of all of this is this: God's in charge and he knows whom to send to us and when. We just hope we can do our part to not mess everything else up.
8 comments:
Congrats. That is very exciting. You do make very cute boys.
If you want you can call Ben because he has a list like that for girls :)
We may found out tomorrow what our #4 is. We can't wait. I will say that having three of the same sex is rather fun (just my opinion though :))
This has got to be one of my all-time favorite posts. Welcome baby boy #3! :)
Ethan, you are super funny. I am sad you guys aren't having a girl, but I would be lying if I said I didn't laugh while I read this post. I loved reading all the crazy things you did as a boy (and I have a feeling my husband was involved in many of those).
In all seriousness, though, I think you guys are doing great with your boys. Maybe that's why you're getting more. :) Ty is a really kind and fun friend for Michelle.
Good luck with number 3. Lets hope it isn't required to learn how to play the recorder in 4th grade when he gets there.
This is so exciting! I think a house full of boys is impressive! Rachel you'll stand out and be such a rose among the thorns :) Plus think of all the daughter-in-laws you'll get! You can have a say in what type of girls you'll have in your home!
My friend has a few boys, and she loves being able to craft and do her thing without any girls pestering her. I've been thinking about all the benefits of having all boys, can you tell?
That picture is priceless. I was listening to that song daily, then thought I probably have better things to do. We love you guys!
Carrie and Tanner
First things first, CONGRATS! Rachel, I want to be a cute mome like you when I grow up. Even though it's not a girl, at least the little boy is super lucky by getting to be in your family and not someone else's!
Ethan...I'm surprised Rachel even let's you post on the blog. Although, since I know your sense of humor and your stupidity, I found the blog post down right hilarious, although I'm taking credit for the three missions bullet point as I am the one who pointed that out to you.
The Shumways' are super cool people, even though baby #3 isn't a girl...baby boy #3 is bound to be super cool too. Congrats!
I am so happy for you guys, we need to keep in better touch! love you guys!
Congrats Rachel and family! I had no idea you were even pregnant. My brother Josh and his wife just had their 3rd boy, they will be best buds. Ya never know about the two different colored eyes thing. My daughter Brooklynn has one blue eye and the other is half blue half brown.
Congrats again. So excited for you.
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