I usually post something about the day to day goings on or some of the bone headed stuff I have done, but this time I have a thought. I'm not saying its a good thought or even a correct one, but it has been something I have thought since we found out that baby number 3 is a boy. I am so happy to know that we are having a little boy. Jess and I are both excited to add another little bundle to our growing clan. What I have encountered recently is that a lot of people assume we keep having kids until I get a son. I definitely see how a logical conclusion to the choice to have three children is that there is a purpose. In my case, a boy seems like the purpose.
At first, when people would make this assumption openly, I found myself getting a little offended. I mean, are they insinuating that my daughters are less than what I wanted? Are they somehow inferior to a son? Are there things that a father can only do with a son and not a daughter? Now, these people who say these things would never say that boys are better than girls or that I am not a suitable parent to a daughter, so what are they getting at?
I began to question myself. Do I prefer a boy? I don't think so. I am not concerned about passing on my surname (I have some cousins that have that covered). I am looking forward to coaching girls soccer or learning whatever sport/hobby Jayden or Jaycee want. Basically I am looking forward to my kids growing up regardless of any other factors than that they are my kids.
After thinking this over I came to an understanding that we are all preconditioned to affiliate with what we know best. Me being male would best fit with another male. The same for females. The assumption that I would like a boy is more or less a natural conclusion.
Needless to say, I no longer take offense to the comments. I embrace them and make sure I mention (if given the chance) that I am just happy to have a happy and healthy baby. I may not have the ability or desire to determine the gender of my babies, but I definitely get to make them happy for as long as I live...
