The number one question I get, from strangers and acquaintances alike, is whether the baby is a boy or a girl. It's strange how much this one simple trait seems to define so much. Thank God we're no longer living in a society that gives books to our children titled "Men are Doctors; Women are Nurses." But that's not to say we've overcome all notions of 1950s gender roles. I recently attended a panel discussion on campus titled "Raising a feminist child in a conservative state." It got me thinking about my own perceptions and how they will reflect in my new role as a mother. To be honest, I'm not sure how I'm going to respond if my daughter comes to me and says she's going to play football for Auburn one day or if my son announces his intentions to join the flag corps. I'd like to think I'll be 100% supportive of any and all goals my children set for themselves, as long as they are not harmful to anyone. But in reality, I have my own brand of sexism that is apparent when I consider my reasons for wanting a boy or a girl.
Why I want a boy:
1. Andy's side of the family only has a granddaughter.
2. Boys seem easier to raise than girls.
3. During my short stint as a day care teacher, I liked the boys as a group better.
4. Because of his back and neck problems, Andy was not allowed to play contact sports (ie: football). Having a boy would allow him to live vicariously through the athletic pursuits of our sure-to-be child prodigy.
5. Boys don't squeal, scream, or shriek at the same brain-piercing level that girls do.
6. There aren't enough sweet, respectful, caring yet still very guyish boys out there. I was lucky enough to marry one. It would be nice to raise one, too.
7. Boys can't get pregnant.
Why I want a girl:
1. My side of the family only has grandsons.
2. Girls are less rowdy than boys.
3. Girl clothes are WAY cuter than boy clothes.
4. I know how tough it is to be a 13-year-old girl and I like to think that my experiences can help be be more empathetic and forge a stronger bond with our daughter. If she's talking to me, that is.
5. I'm not sure why, but I think I can mold a girl intellectually more easily than I can a boy.
6. Though I'm not into designer clothes and makeup, I do love to shop. It would be nice to have someone to go shopping with that I don't have to liquor up beforehand.
7. If we have a girl, she will be a Daddy's girl. I know it and I would love to watch as that bond forms and grows. Plus, there's just something sexy about a cute guy with his little girl.
Now before anyone goes and posts a comment saying that boys can be just as difficult to raise as girls or that girls can play sports too, please note that I have already admitted that these lists are woefully sexist and based entirely on presumptions. I'm sure this won't be the last time I'm completely wrong about something. The truth is, I don't know what I'm having, but I'm sure I'll love it to bits and pieces no matter what. Early in my pregnancy I was so sure it was a girl. Now, most days, I think it is a boy. In my dreams it is usually a girl. Of course, the other night I had a dream in which I had two kids, the youngest was a boy, dressed in an Auburn cheerleading outfit (skirt and all), with three eyes. As long as we don't have a three-eyed baby, I think I'll be alright.
2 comments:
I like how you came up with 7 reasons for each sex :) That was very fair of you ;-)
No matter what sex your baby is, you two are going to be terrific parents (even if it is cheering on your little boy cheerleader from the sidelines)!!!
I read a study once that said parents hold baby boys less than baby girls. Isn't that weird? It's amazing how stereotypes can creep into even our unconscious behaviors.
I agree that boys seem easier...but is it only because we think of boys being more self-sufficient and capable?
Whatever, babies are cute.
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