Things People Say When You’re Expecting (Another) Boy

Boy #1

home insemination Kit

When I was pregnant with my first son, I bumped into a realtor who had helped us buy our home. I excitedly shared my news, and she said, “Having a boy first is great! It’s like getting it out of the way.” I was a bit puzzled by that comment—was she implying boys are sort of like a necessary evil? Nevertheless, I smiled and nodded along. I always thought that having a boy as your first child was pretty standard, but it turns out everyone has an opinion about the gender of your baby.

My Aunt Linda echoed the realtor’s sentiments: “It’s wonderful to have a boy first; he can look after his little sisters.” If someone ever wrote a play about my life, that line would be a touch of dramatic irony.

Boy #2

Fast forward two years, and I was expecting baby number two. We had moved from Boston to Georgia, and guess who I ran into again? Yep, the same realtor! After expressing her joy at our good fortune in the housing market, she paused and added, “I just wish you were having a girl this time. That would make it perfect.” I couldn’t shake the feeling that many people were subtly disappointed we were having another boy. It wasn’t heartbreaking yet, but I could sense the unasked question in their minds: “Are you going to keep trying for a girl?” Apparently, having three kids is totally reasonable—especially if you start with two of the same gender.

Boy #3

When we learned our third child would also be a boy, the ultrasound tech informed me that mothers of three boys have a special place in heaven. I can only imagine what makes it special—maybe it’s serene and you get to enjoy bathroom breaks alone? I joked with my mom about feeling okay with my all-boy family. She smiled gently and said, “The only downside is that girls tend to be closer to their moms as they grow up.” Thanks, Mom! I’m trying my best to build a bond with my boys—maybe a love for home renovation shows will help!

Boy #4

After revealing that baby number four would be another boy, my mom chimed in, “Well, Aunt Linda said to let her know if it’s a girl…” Apparently, the fourth boy doesn’t get much fanfare. By this time, people have mostly accepted that I’m not magically going to produce a girl, and they’re often just amazed I’m having a fourth child at all. The general consensus seems to be that if you have two boys, you’re allowed one last chance to try for a girl.

Now that all four boys are here, people act as if my life is a captivating tale, and they often just stare in disbelief, exclaiming, “FOUR boys?!” as if that sums up my entire existence.

For the record, we didn’t have our second, third, or fourth baby because we were specifically hoping for a girl. Of course, I would have loved a daughter, but my feelings about it are more akin to, “Oh well, we should have seen more movies before kids” than a deep-rooted regret. My boys are incredible, and I have no doubt that any daughters would have been just as amazing. By the time I reached my third pregnancy, I felt that all babies are special, regardless of gender—like hoping for a baby with curly hair. And honestly, I probably would have spent a fortune on adorable dresses if I had a girl, so maybe it’s for the best!

And just to clarify, we’re not trying for a girl. Our baby-making days are done (knock on wood)!