Boy #1
When I first found out I was expecting my first son, I ran into a local agent named Sarah who had helped us buy our home. “Having a boy first is actually a good thing,” she told me, “you know, it’s better to get that out of the way.” I was puzzled by her comment, unsure if she meant boys were a necessary evil or what, but all I could do was smile and nod.
I assumed that the news of having a boy for my first pregnancy was pretty standard, much like having a girl would be. Yet, I quickly discovered that people always had something to say about the sex of your baby. My Aunt Lily echoed Sarah’s sentiment: “It’s a blessing to have a boy first,” she said. “He’ll protect his little sisters.” A rather ironic observation considering what my own family dynamics would eventually reveal.
Boy #2
Fast forward two years, and I was pregnant with my second son. We had relocated from Boston to Georgia, and as fate would have it, we crossed paths with Sarah again. “I’m thrilled everything’s falling into place for you!” she exclaimed, then added, “but I do wish you were having a girl this time. That would be the icing on the cake.”
A subtle disappointment seemed to linger in many people’s reactions to the news of our second boy. It wasn’t heartbreaking yet, but the questions started: “Are you thinking of trying for a girl?” they asked, as if two boys were a minor setback in our family narrative.
Boy #3
When the ultrasound technician revealed that we were expecting our third boy, she shared an intriguing tidbit: mothers of three boys supposedly earn a special place in heaven. This news came as a surprise, and while I pondered what that might entail—perhaps a serene space filled with unicorns and uninterrupted bathroom breaks?—I couldn’t help but chuckle.
During lunch with my friend Emma, I shared my growing acceptance of having all boys. She smiled, “Just remember, girls often have a closer bond with their mothers as they grow up.” Thanks for that, Emma! I’m doing my best to foster a love for home improvement shows in my boys to combat that trend.
Boy #4
After chatting with Emma, I called my sister to inform her about baby number four being another boy. “Well,” she remarked, “Your Aunt Lily said to let her know if it’s a girl…” As if the arrival of a fourth boy was hardly newsworthy!
By the time I reached my fourth pregnancy, people had mostly stopped expecting that I’d magically produce a girl. Instead, they were often taken aback that I was even having a fourth child. Apparently, if you have two boys, you’re allowed one more attempt for a girl, right?
Now that my four boys are here, it seems having four sons is the most captivating aspect of my life to those around me. They often look at me in disbelief and exclaim, “FOUR boys?!” as if that sums up my entire existence.
For clarity, we didn’t keep having children in hopes of a girl; I would have loved a daughter, but any lingering thoughts about it feel more like, “We should have gone to the movies more before kids,” rather than a deep-seated regret. My boys are truly wonderful, and I assume my girls would have been too, had I had any. By the time I reached my third child, I thought of babies as babies—hoping for a girl felt akin to wishing for a baby with curly hair. Nice if it happens, but not a major letdown if it doesn’t.
And just to be clear, we are NOT planning to keep trying for a girl. We’re done with babies, thank you very much (knock wood).
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Summary
Navigating the journey of pregnancy with boys often brings unsolicited advice and curious reactions from friends and family. Each subsequent son leads to more astonishment and less expectation of a daughter. It’s a humorous and relatable experience filled with unique comments and well-meaning sentiments. Ultimately, the joy of parenting boys shines through, regardless of gender preferences.