This week I caught a cold. Yuck!! No one likes having nasal congestion when it's 80 and the sun is shining. I have to enjoy these weeks before the humidity rises and all you can do is walk from one a.c. building to the next. Apparently it is common for mommies-to-be. So I went to the doctor for baby safe medicine.
Not only did I get an injection in my rear and blood drawn, but the technician had the audacity to tell me that my arms are too skinny!! Excuse me? Do we live in the same country where girls legs are the size of my arms? I think she was surprised that an American can be slender. Because of the low-birth rate in Korea, my doctor had to extend her clinic beyond babies. She also has a weight loss and a plastic surgery unit. It makes the waiting room very interesting.
As I finished my consultation with my doctor, she asked if I wanted to have my Monday appointment canceled and have the ultrasound today. Ok. She said we will do a genital scan as well. Huh?
A s I have the goop squirted on my belly, our conversation happened just like this. No joke!!
Tech: Here is your baby's bottom. Would you like a genital scan?
Me: Uh...ok
Tech: See here......the bottom is flat. Do you know what that means?
Me: Uh.....does that mean pink or blue?
Tech: It means pink.
Me: Cool.
You see, in Korea, it is illegal to know the baby's sex. Years ago, it was common for mothers to have an illegal abortion if they found out it was a girl. To prevent that from happening the government issued this law. However, it is becoming more acceptable to have girls in Korea and doctors understand that foreigners do not feel the same about having girls. Therefore, they can give "hints" to clients. I really hope Korea thinks pink is for girls. Otherwise, I may be in for a surprise later on!!
As we embark on our last two months, Korea still seems to throw the most unexpected cultural surprises our way. We will tell Baby Beana how we discovered her existence in Thailand and how many crazy doctor appointments we experienced in Korea on her behalf. She will feel so special.
August 2nd is our return date. Feel free to greet us with flowers, banners, and gifts!! The countdown has begun!!
2 comments:
yaaaaay!!! I can't wait for August second and to see your prego belly! :)
YA! Baby girl (probably) LOL! I hate all that ambiguity. "The bottom is flat" Uh,I might have thought she was saying baby don't got back!! Did you see three bright lines? That's the tell-tale sign. :) What a great experience for you guys. I'm so glad you took the chance and went for it.
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