I’ve always considered myself more of a “boy Mom.” So when the ultrasound technician told us we were having a baby girl, I calmly told her she was lying. “No, really, you are having a girl.” Ted apparently knew it all along, but me? I was doubting Thomas! When friends and family first found out I was pregnant, I was of course asked the question, “are you hoping for a baby girl?” And my answer was simply “no.” I love my boys. I sometimes feel like I relate more to men [from a sports and pizza and beer perspective]. And my goodness, do little boys LOVE their mommas.
So needless to say I am beyond shocked, excited and scared to be welcoming a little girl into the world this summer. BUT. You knew there was going to be a BUT. I’m SO ready to have someone on my team! And someone I can share my American Girl Doll collection with. And someone I can buy sweet Kelly green bows for. And someone I can teach my mad soccer skills to [the boys are more interested in trains and dinosaurs at this point].
It might seem silly to be scared to bring a baby girl into the world, but honestly, I’m scared. I’m thankful for my friends raising good men and women, but I’m scared for the interactions all my children will have with the not-so-good people of this world. I also can’t help but think about the years of self-doubt, body-hate, and disordered eating I’ve been through. Thankfully I overcame those issues but the dark cloud is still there. My worry is that she too will have those moments or years of pain. But hey, on the bright side, family pulled me through. And lord knows she’ll have a rock of a family behind her every step of the way!
Ok back to some burning questions… Were we trying? That’s question number two on most people’s minds. No. But apparently we were not NOT trying too. I know I am BEYOND blessed to be able to birth children without “trying.” In fact, I’m aware that many of my friends and good women in our world are having to try— and I’m extremely sensitive [and supportive] of that. With my blessing comes the fact that I’ve been pregnant since 2013. And there’s plenty of wear and tear and marks on this body that have me doubt myself and bring out insecurities daily. But again, I’m reminded of the fact that God has given me the gift to be a Mom. He gives many women that gift—- and it comes in different ways shapes and forms, like adoption [both my brother and I were special enough to be adopted], foster care, “dog Moms,” you name it. Now’s the time to embrace it. And get sleep when I can… which is more important to me than working out or eating organic. Chasing two toddlers is exercise enough, right?!
Needless to say things are about to get even busier around here… and I didn’t think that was possible. So if there’s a reason I go in spurts of posting 4 times a week to once a week to not posting for a few months, you now KNOW why! And if you ever question why or how I’m still doing this [blogging, consulting, writing], I can’t answer that right now. All I know is I appreciate YOU for reading my work, trying my recipes, and joining me on this crazy journey. But please, if you have a little girl at home, tell me: what am I in for?!
PS. I now KNOW I am having a girl. Why? Well, this may be TMI, but my breasts are HUGE [for me], my mood is well, hot and cold, and my appetite is incessant. This little princess LOVES cheesy nachos, chicken shawarma, and McDonald’s chocolate shakes, just. Like. Mom.
Bets says
I have a 6 month old daughter and have many of the same fears as you. I am very aware even now of people commenting on her shape or appearance and kindly (maybe?!) tell them that as she starts to understand more, that they should focus on commenting on her brains, strength, etc. I feel so fiercely protective of her, more so than I believe I would be for a son. I am so close with my mother and hope to have the same relationship with my daughter. Congratulations on your wonderful news!
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite says
CONGRATS I am so excited for you!
Rachel Cooks says
I’m so freaking excited for you.
Dietitian Jess says
YAY! Congrats!!! What an exciting time for you and your family… those boys won’t know what hit them 😉
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
congrats mama
Kati says
Congrats!! I have a little girl (she was my first and I also have a boy). My girl was waaayyy easier, so mellow and easy going! I definitely think it all depends, and I’m really dreading the teenage years, but it’s all worth it 🙂
Seana says
Lol, a lot of drama. I am not a dramatic person at all but I have 2 little girls (2 & 4) and they totally know how to “turn on the waterworks”. But there is nothing like having a little girl mimick your every move – and they’re not all daddy’s girls ? Best of luck!!!
Katie says
Lol drama!!!! I’m ready for it 🙂 Thank you so much for your comment!
Susanne D says
Congrats! I too was like you. Two big boys… And then my princess came along 🙂
Elizabeth Shaw says
Congratulations! That’s awesome- I love those shoes, too cute!
Brittnee says
Congrats, mama! I’m thrilled for you!
Compare Diaper Prices says
It’s really cute to have a baby girl… You can dress her like a doll! 🙂
Aggie says
So happy 🙂 those boys of yours are going to take such great care of their little sister!
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
So happy for you Katie, especially that you’ll finally have the chance to experience a baby girl. It’s challenging and lord knows I am so scared for the years ahead for all the reasons you mentioned and then some! But it’s so fun too – dance classes, dolls galore, and adorable clothes and shoes like those amazing Kate Spade’s nana got your darling little one already! Feel good Katie!
Sonali- The Foodie Physician says
Yay, congratulations!! I’m so happy for you! Don’t worry, little girls are the best (and yes, they LOVE their mommas too) 🙂 There are a lot more clothing options at the stores- it’s very easy to get carried away with all of the adorable dresses, hair bows, jewelry and shoes! Sienna is in a big Disney princess phase right now but your little one will probably be more of a tomboy with two big brothers 🙂
Jessica says
First time reader here and loving your blog and healthy recipes! I have a 2-year-old daughter and our second daughter is due in 11 weeks!! There’s comfort in knowing what you’re getting into when your second child is the same gender as your first — I was super nervous about the idea of having a boy. I can tell you this — having a daughter is sooo wonderful. Little girls love their mamas, too, and it’s so sweet seeing my baby girl grow and dress up in my shoes, tell me my dress is pretty and help me in the kitchen — all the girly stuff boys may not enjoy as much. That said, I LOVE her wild, active, spunky, daddy’s girl side. She’s funny and smart and confident and loves to play outside and kick soccer balls. And there’s a huge gift in being responsible for shaping an intelligent, capable daughter who will become a big part of this big world. Congratulations!
Katie says
Jessica— Thank you so much for your note and kind words. It sounds like your daughter and I would get along lol. Of course me and her Mom too 🙂 I hope you keep coming back for more on my blog and sharing more about you and your family! I’ll be sure to keep you updated on my little girl shenanigans!