I can relate to this issue all too well. My husband and i have 2 boys, 3 and 4. In November I gave birth to our daughter Mary; unfortunately she was stillborn. I can't tell you how badly I wanted that little girl. She was so gorgeous. I have wanted a daughter ever since I was a little girl. When I found out I was expecting a girl, it was like all of my dreams came true. Losing her like I did, I wonder sometimes if wanting her so much, I was punished. (I know, probably not, but all these thoughts go through your head).
Not long after that loss, I started hearing and seeing a lot about Chinese adoptions. I had never even considered it before, but it was like a light bulb went on. I felt like we were "meant" to do it. But....I also felt like I wanted to give birth to one more child. And, I am 28 and my husband is 29, and China requires both parents to be 30. So, we began trying to conceive a few months ago and it happened very quickly; I am now 5 weeks pregnant. I would be overjoyed to have a girl, but I feel so sure about adopting from China, it isn't vital. I had originally felt that we would stop at three, but it is such a life-altering experience, losing a child, that I would love to have four children. Two boys and two girls would be great, but as long as I have *one* I'll be happy.
It's funny how many women want daughters nowadays. I suppose we want to share all those things we loved; I read all of the Little House on the Prairie books ten times each, loved dollhouses, etc. I guess men are the same way with their stuff and their boys.
Heather