So after almost 8 years with twin boys we have a little girl on the way. Lucky me right? I’m actually really excited since we’ve been all boy for so long, and this girl is already shaking things up around here. My wife has proclaimed everything has to be girly colors. Can’t blame her after putting up with 3 of us males all this while.
What am I in for and I could probably use a refresher in baby 101. Been a long time since we’ve had a little one in the house. Any unique things to girls? Hospital tips and tricks? Baby bags?
My first three were girls and last one was a boy. What a difference. Girls want to play with this and play with that and the next thing you know, the living room floor is covered with toys and such. With my boy, he would grab a toy and play with that toy for a while and focus on that toy only. Sure, he made a mess but it took a lot longer!
My girls started walking and talking immediately, right out of the womb. Yap yap yap all day long. My son I was worried he was going to be a mute and then all of a sudden, pow, he just started talking.
The girl in my opinion will be easier initially. No need to “protect yourself” when changing diapers.
Now the age gap may nullify what I am about to say, and of course there’s no universal truth when it comes to kids… In my house, we (I) want our boy to do boy stuff and our girl to do girl stuff. The girl (9) is older, so her younger brother (6) likes to play with her dolls and has grown up doing so. This is not wholly uncommon, and I’m confident he’ll grow out of it and grow into a fine young man, though it drives me crazy right now.
I understand from examples I’ve seen from friends, etc, that the girl with older brothers also my take on “tom-boy-ish” activities, which in today’s culture, is less taboo than my earlier description. My girl is all girl, but still likes to watch the outdoor channel with me, as well as hunt and shoot. I like it.
Best of luck in your daughter-rearing. Get ready to turn in your man card, and good luck trying to find modest clothes for your girl (like jeans that aren’t low rise hip-huggers). They don’t make them anymore (sad). Buy more guns too.
Finally, teach her how a man should treat her. Take her on dates when she’s older. You’re going to be the one she models her husband after, and that ain’t no easy pill to swallow.
I had three boys, and then a little girl. They get that mommy-daughter thing going EARLY, and it WILL drive mommy CRAZY. Mommy THINKS she’s getting a little dollbaby to play dress-up with, style her hair, and all that stuff, when what they’re REALLY getting… is competition. We call OUR daughter, “Mommy, Jr.” :rolleyes:
Mine is ALL girl too. I thought we’d get a tomboy, with three big brothers, but noooooooooooo… EVERYTHING has to be pink, purple, or princess-y. But that’s OK. When she was around 3-5, and I was loading mags with bulk ammo, she’d come in and dive right in - playing in the ammo can with all the pretty brass-cased rounds! And now at age 8, she likes to snuggle in the barcalounger, and watch “Emergency” and “Kojak” with me, so hopefully your daughter will do stuff like that too. I’ll let you know how four-wheeling (she LOVES my Jeep & Ramcharger!) & fishing go later this summer. :o
As the saying goes: with a son, a dad only has to worry about one little prick running around town; with a daughter, he has to worry about EVERY little prick running around town.
I bet my daughters would disagree with that. Or, maybe it’s a good thing I have no sons…
War Wagon was right, everything that pisses you off about your wife will be wrapped up in a girl that couldn’t do wrong in your eyes. Then you’ll recognize yourself in her, and that sucks.
But when it gets to the age that they are able to crawl in your head, manipulate you against your wife, and turn your sons against each other out of boredom…then she’s already learned her own identity. Until then, front to back
You’ll be alright, you’ve already learned most of what you need to know about babies. The girl thing isn’t too different. There’s a lot of learning that will go on with her and her mom, you’re just there for support.
I’m sure having a teenage girl will be interesting and a drama fest at the same time. I have a 20 year old SIL where it was always one thing or another for the past 5 years. Now she’s a lot better to talk to as she’s mostly past all that stuff. Luckily I have a long wait until those issues start cropping up.
Yes, interesting to say the least. There is the dating scene. I once had a long day at work and skipped lunch as I had leftover fried chicken on my mind. Couldn’t wait to get home. When I got there the “boyfriend” had eaten everything. I always had a hard time getting the “boyfriend” to go home. Start practicing now: “Get the ##??!! out of my house!”
We have two girls who are now in college. There is no meaner animal than a middle school girl. When we found out the second child was a daughter, I told my wife that it was great 'cause I got out of the sex talk. My wife told me “that’s ok, you get to show your daughters how a man is supposed to treat a woman”. I did not get out of the sex talk, by the way!
You’re gonna have a blast. Congratulations!!!
Eric
