Do We Get A Prize?

Pregnancy makes for awkward conversation.

Most comments can be attributed to idle small talk. It’s the stuff people just say out of politeness or habit. Most it is harmless, but there’s one remark that I just don’t get…

Our house was about to be sprayed for ants, so Scout and I were busy evacuating. As I loaded the car and discussed last minute details with the exterminator, our across-the-street neighborhood (who I have never met or spoken to before) came running over.

She wanted to know what they were spraying for, how long we’d had a pest problem, etc… Then she spotted my belly.

“Do you know what you’re having?” she asked.

“Yeah. It’s a girl”

“Oh wow! A boy and a girl. Now you’re all done! You must be so happy,” she squealed.

Done? What does that even mean?

Did we hit the big triple-seven baby-makin’ jackpot?

As in… Su-weet! One of each. Now our collection is complete. Best to quit while we’re ahead. No further procreation necessary.

Did parents who have all girls (like mine did) or all boys (like Mr. D’s) FAIL miserably at life?

A similar comment I’ve heard is “Oh, now your family will PERFECT.”

(Yes, well, I was of the opinion that it already was, but thanks…)

Another boy would have been no less loved or anticipated. It definitely would have involved far less shopping

I recently went on a bow buying binge. Yes, hair bows…for a child who isn’t even born yet and has an unknown quantity of hair or inclination towards being fussed upon…

In turn, I asked if my neighbor had any children. She said, “Yes, two boys.”

I said, “How fun!”, which is the same pat response I would have given had she said “two girls” or “my dogs are the only ittle-wittle-bittle babies I need”.

“But I can’t try for another one.” Backing away like my condition is catching. “I just can’t go through that. Not again. I. JUST. CAN’T.”

“All riiiight. Well, someone is spraying toxic chemicals in our house, so we’d best be getting on now, okay? Uh, see you around… (Crazy).”

Comments

  1. It is strange how pregnancy and opinions on children in general tend to bring out the weirdness in people.

    D’s last blog post..Too Bumpy

  2. I got the “now you can be done” comment a lot when I was pregnant with my daughter. Mostly from my mom. Not so much when I was pregnant with my 2 boys, like I had somehow failed. heh. I am definitely done now, but I would have been regardless.

    Crystal’s last blog post..Inappropriate Language

  3. Yes, to some, two girls is a fail.

    My FIL literally asked my hubby if we were going to try for a boy….this is when hubby was calling him right after our second daughter was born to tell him it was a girl….grrrrr.

    And, if I had a dollar for people that asked me now if we were going to try for a boy, we’d be rich. My response, “If and when we try for a third, it will be for a third; boy or girl is fine!”

    Krystyn’s last blog post..Girlybaby and giveaway**

  4. I think being within a .5 mile radius of a pregnant woman brings out the extreme crazies in some people. Thank goodness I’m normal! lol

    Emily’s last blog post..ww – bubble fun on a summer night

  5. Ugh!! I hate the gender “disappointment” conversations!! I have a boy and we don’t know what we’re having this pregnancy, and seriously, people telling me they’ll “pray for a girl” is making me crazy!! Happy and healthy I say.

    selfmademom’s last blog post..And the mommy wars debate carries on…

  6. It was those sorts of comments that always made me cringe. It’s amazing that some people believe everyone has the same weird beliefs they do.

    Tara R.’s last blog post..The fingers just let go…

  7. Yeah, I am also pregnant with number two. My first is a hilarious little boy (20 mos old) and I am pregnant with another boy. We were THRILLED to find out we were having a boy since we really wanted a brother for this little guy. But I’ve totally had those questions from people and then they get this crestfallen look of pity on their face and I want to shout – No! I WANTED another boy! And maybe we’re done having kids and maybe we’re not! (Personally I would like at least one more…but we’ll see…takin’ it kid by kid is my motto :D).
    But if we were having a little girl (which I had dreams that we are) I would be just as thrilled! No less loved or anticipated (although my SIL said RIGHT AFTER WE TOLD HER IT WAS ANOTHER BOY, “Oh. I was hoping for a niece.” ARE YOU FRIGGING KIDDING ME?!?!)
    Okay, long enough post. I like your blog and have followed you for some time.

    Vanessa’s last blog post..boourns

  8. Yes, the comments people make are very odd. And I still don’t understand the need some people have for one sex of a baby or another. Yes, they are different and it’s nice to experience both, but like you said, you have no idea if your daughter coming will have hair to put bows in or even tolerate such stuff. I joke in private that our daughter is my husband’s first son. She’s so sporty and hates to wear dresses or skirts because she can’t run around in them. Oh, wait she’s just like I was! Whenever she tries to call herself a tomboy, I stop her and tell her not to label herself and she can be however she wants to be.

    At least the strange comments people have give us something to laugh and blog about.

    Heather’s last blog post..Twins Update, Yoga and the End of the School Year!

  9. I have people who tell me that too. I always tell people I have a stepson, a son, and a daughter then they start about the one of each how great and wonderful. I say “No, we have TWO boys, but yes it’s great” People are dumb! That’s the conclusion I’ve come to.

  10. Yep…that was my least favorite thing about being pregnant. Folks’ll say crazy things to you;P

    Nap Warden’s last blog post..Sweet Home Alabama

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