Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Try, Try Again

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Here’s a random rant for a Monday afternoon. (I know ya’ll have missed my random rants – but trust me, I’m hormonal, jittery and popping Tums for my heartburn – I have lots of rants to come.)

My rant centers around the joyous news that we’re expecting another baby boy. When we first found out, I was ecstatic – mainly because I had been hoping for a little brother for Ryder. Now please don’t misunderstand – I have nothing against baby girls; in fact, had Ryder been born a girl, I would have been secretly wishing for a little sister instead. The reason? I’m all about practicality. I love that I can re-use Ryder’s clothes, the boys can sleep/bathe/play together, and since I’ve already mastered the art of taking care of pee pees, there’s no real change in mindset for me.

The best part? Since baby-to-be is due right around Ryder’s second birthday, I already have clothing in the correct sizes for each season. How awesome is that? A lot of people don’t realize the importance, but consider this: 0-3 month sized clothing for a male child born in May (shorts, tees, sunhats, etc) means nothing if your next male child is born in November. So we also consider ourselves pretty lucky in this respect.

But here’s my disclaimer: had our bun in the oven been on Team Pink, I would have gladly donated Ryder’s clothing and gone on a frilly, girly, pastel pink shopping spree. (Yahoo!) It would have been equally awesome to have one of each, and experience the elitism of a “Millionaire’s Family.” I think that daughters are wonderful creatures, and have a sensitive, enduring way about them that few boys can ever match. I will truly miss out on that special brand of relationship that mothers and daughters share.

But my point is – every baby is a blessing.

Now for the rant. Since we found out our baby’s gender, we are happy to inform friends, neighbours and inquiring strangers that we’re expecting a second baby boy. About half the time, we receive the (very appropriate) “Congratulations!” – and the other half, we’re asked in the same breath “So are you going to try again for a girl?”

Huh? (Let me have thisbaby already!)This automatic response from what I consider to be well-meaning but ignorant folk irks me to no end. So, are you really saying, “Wow, better luck next time” or “You need both genders for your family to be complete.” What exactly are you driving at?

I can’t fathom why people think this is an appropriate question. It’s like asking someone after they get married, “So, when do you think you’ll divorce your spouse and find a better one?” or inquiring about new job prospects after someone is promoted. The message: Your good news is not good enough.

I always cradle my hand protectively over my bump and think really hard, “You are LOVED, little baby. You are loved, wanted and accepted no matter if you are boy, girl or green with pointy horns.” And then I unleash my most flattering smile, and ask sweetly, “Now why would I want to try again?”

The respondent usually stumbles their way through the predicted “Oh, you know, so you can have one of each” – to which I respond very slowly, “Well, if we do try again, it will be because we want to expand our family, and will happily accept whatever God blesses us with.”

Now I know I’m opening up a can of worms because there may be family members, close friends and random acquaintances who are guilty of posing this question to me – to which I say, Tough noogies. Smarten up. I’m not going to make my little nudger feel bad about being a boy just because you have some petty notion of the “perfect” family. I come from a Millionaire’s Family, and let me tell you, I spent about 20 years wishing my older brother was an older sister (sorry dude, you know I love you but it’s true).

So here’s my two cents to all those who feel it’s appropriate to rain on the parade of expecting parents: You suck. Seriously. I’m not kidding.

In closing, let’s just all pray for healthy, beautiful bouncing babies – just as nature intended. As for trying again? Who knows. Maybe we will, and maybe we’ll have another boy. And perhaps they’ll form a band and make gazillions of dollars and have girls drooling over life-sized posters of them. Tragic, huh?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janie S.

    I couldn't agree more. I have three beautiful little girls, and during my third pregnancy, all I heard was "I guess you hope it's a boy this time!" It made me actually feel guilty for having another daughter (who is the light of my life).People need to shut up and mind their own business.

  5. Lotus

    Wowzers people can be so rude- a boy or a girl it is a true blessing…and all we can hope for is that they live a long and healthy life! I think people's comments reflect their own narrow- mind thinking…don't pay it any attention! Congrats again:)

  6. Lena!

    Thanks for the support ladies! I totally love my nocturnal nudger (he keeps me up all night) and am completely thankful and ecstatic! Boy or girl – babies ROCK!

  8. Nicole

    Love this post!! I got that same reaction a lot when we found out we were having our second boy. I agree that a happy, healthy baby is all that matters :-)

  9. Shauna

    LOVED reading your rant…sorry that you even had to rant about something like that. Having two boys myself (both born in March – re-used EVERYTHING for my 2nd!), I've heard those comments way too many times. My response is usually, "If we were to try for a third, I'd hope to have a third boy!". That usually shuts people up. I know that I will miss out on some things, not having girls (as I am reminded of often). Helping my daughter get dressed for prom or her wedding, getting daily calls for motherly advise on how to deal with a crying newborn. But I will always cherish the special things that I do get to share with my boys, and I wouldn't change that for anything in the world. Enjoy your boys and the fun that comes with having them :)

  13. theglencoegirl

    awesome news on baby boy #2!!i hear that rant!! we have 2 girls and are often asked when will we be trying for a boy!! now my side of the re-use everything theory–we planned had the girls 23months apart–was also so happy to re-use everything–not a chance–#1 was a big girl 90-95th percentiles–#2–110 percentiles!! shes a season ahead of her sister!! i have to say i have enjoyed buying more clothes–but you never know–be prepared-it might not go according to plan!enjoy and congrats again!

  14. Evil Eric

    As great as your contests/giveaways are Lena they take second place to your rants as my favourite part of your site. Thank you for turning your frustration into entertainment for your loyal followers – keep 'em coming!