When I was expecting my first son, I encountered a realtor during a casual meeting who remarked, “Having a boy first is the way to go, you know, it’s good to get that out of the way.” I was somewhat perplexed by her statement—did she imply that boys are a lesser choice? Nonetheless, I smiled and nodded in agreement.
It seems that the gender of your unborn child always elicits a response from those around you. My Aunt Marie echoed the sentiment of my realtor, stating, “Having a boy first is beneficial; he can protect his younger sisters.” This remark, while supportive, holds a sense of irony when considering my family dynamic.
Fast forward two years, and I was expecting my second boy. After relocating from Chicago to Florida, our realtor expressed her happiness for us, but then added, “I just wish you were having a girl this time; that would be perfect.” I could sense a subtle disappointment from others when I announced that we were having another boy. The inquiries began: “Are you planning to keep trying for a girl?” As if having a third child was merely a way to correct the perceived imbalance.
When I learned that my third child was also a boy, the ultrasound technician informed me that mothers of three boys are granted a special place in heaven. Several sources have confirmed this, so it must be true! I can only imagine what awaits us there—perhaps peace and the ability to enjoy a bathroom visit in solitude.
During a lunch with my mother, I expressed my contentment with having three boys. She offered a sympathetic smile and said, “The only downside to not having a girl is that they generally tend to be closer to their mothers.” Thanks for that, Mom! I’m actively working on fostering a close bond with my sons, perhaps by instilling in them a love for home improvement shows.
When I broke the news of my fourth son to my mother, she lightly mentioned, “Your Aunt Marie said to call her if it was a girl…” It appears that a fourth boy doesn’t merit much excitement. By this point, people had mostly stopped hoping for a girl and were simply astonished that we were having a fourth child. It seems that the prevailing belief is that if you have two boys, you are allowed one more attempt for a girl.
Now that my four boys are here, many treat my situation as an intriguing narrative about me, though the novelty of it seems to have worn off. Their reaction often consists of wide eyes and the exclamation, “FOUR boys?!” as though that’s an encapsulating summary of my life.
It is important to clarify that our decision to have additional children was not driven by a desire for a girl. Sure, I would have cherished a daughter, but any regret is akin to thinking, “We should have gone to more movies before becoming parents,” rather than a deep-seated longing. While I’m certain my daughters would have been wonderful, I’ve come to recognize that a baby is a baby. Wishing for a girl felt no different than hoping for a child with a specific hair color—nice but not essential. I might have even overspent on designer dresses had I had a daughter, so it’s quite possible this outcome is for the best.
And just to clarify, we are not planning to try for a girl. We are, for all intents and purposes, finished with expanding our family.
For more insights on topics related to pregnancy and home insemination, check out this informative resource on pregnancy success rates. If you’re considering conception options, these fertility boosters for men can be beneficial. Also, for those interested in at-home insemination, you can explore this post for practical guidance.
Summary
Navigating the journey of pregnancy, particularly when expecting boys, often invites various unsolicited remarks from friends and family. From perceptions of gender preference to the societal expectations surrounding family dynamics, these comments can be both amusing and perplexing. Ultimately, the focus should remain on the joy and love that each child brings, regardless of gender.
Keyphrase: expecting another boy
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]