January 21, 2014

anticipating baby girl

I am now almost 18 weeks and finally decided I should start taking some pregnant photos. When I think about June, it seems so far away but then I realize that I am almost already halfway through this pregnancy... which I can't quite be happy about! I know some of you will think I'm crazy (or hate me for saying this) but I really love being pregnant. It's such a short time and I love the feeling that my body is this amazing vessel of creating a human. Each time I've been pregnant, I've marveled at my body's abilities and knowledge of how to create life. Yes, certain things are very uncomfortable (and I don't feel bad about complaining every once in a while) but overall, I'm pretty blessed to be able to have somewhat comfortable and "normal" pregnancies. I am so grateful to God for giving me the blessing of being a mother. I dearly love my boys and am so excited for the opportunity to raise and love a daughter. I feel anxious for the hard times to come but I'm also hopeful that through the amazing examples of my mother, sisters and friends - that I can be a good role model to her. I hope I can teach her to love her body, to love her mind, to love her divine nature as a daughter of God. I hope that I can teach her through my own example.
Ever since I found out that we are having a girl, I've mostly heard negative comments. When I announced the boy genders of William and Frederick, everyone said, "How wonderful! Boys are so fun!" and now that I'm having a girl, I mostly hear, "Good luck with that!" or "Girls are so hard!" While I'm sure that there is going to be some drama in my future, I hope that some of you can tell me some good things about having daughters (other than the cute clothes and hair). Please share your positive thoughts and advice on raising girls! I'd love to hear them.

29 comments:

  1. I have a boy a little younger than William and a daughter a little older that Fritz. I love both of my kids to pieces, but there is something so special about having a daughter. It is hard to describe because each of my children bring joy to me, but they each bring a different kind of joy. My daughter is such a kindred spirit to my own, and enjoys doing different things than my son. Raising a daughter is truly such a joy. I know a lot of people say girls have more drama, but that is not true in my case. My son is dramatic, active, kind, concerned for others, and has boundless energy. My daughter is calm, contemplative, reserved, sweet, thoughtful, happy, and strong-minded. I don't know you, (but we have a mutual friend Michelle H.) and maybe it's because I love your blog and we've usually been pregnant at the same time, but I was THRILLED for you when I found out you were having a girl! I am confident that she will bring untold and utter joy to your life!

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    1. Thank you so much! I love hearing that. I feel really strongly that it's so much more to do with personality than gender. :) And don't you just love Michelle? She's one of my favorite people on earth.

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  2. I love seeing my one year-old daughter's nurturing side, taking care of her dolls and stuffed animals. It's also really fun to have a mini-me, someone who loves to watch me put make-up on and do my hair. And seeing my husband with his little girl!

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  3. I have two sons and then my daughter. They are each 16 months apart in age. They're all grown up now and are all three my favorite people in the world. Besides the fact that my little girl ALWAYS had twice the amount of dirt on her that her two big brothers combined did, I can't think of one thing that was more difficult. Every child has their own strengths, talents, and trials. I always believed that my job was to watch over them, encourage them, discipline them, guide them, and enjoy the ride. I'm sure you've heard this six million and one times too, I know I did, but they grow up so fast. My daughter is 29 now and she really is my dearest friend, we have a special bond that is different than the one I have with each of her brothers. I'm so happy for you that you get to have this blessing too!

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  4. I do think my girls cry more, but my son is much more active, so I think it's a trade off. Oh my goodness, little girls are the best, though. Twirling in skirts, losing their shoes on purpose (a la Cinderella), everything is 'beautiful' and 'lovely'. My favorite part, though, has been the chance to relive my own childhood. I remember walking around the backyard pretending to be Aurora, and I remember mothering my own little babies. It has been fun to watch my children do the same. There will be moments of drama, but I'm starting to realize that it might just be a 3 year old thing. :)

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  5. My daughter is almost four and while she is dramatic and sassy and emotional, she is also sweet, loving, tender and the most enthusiastic and expressive child I have…her brother is a crack-up but he's totally different. My daughter LOVES to do everything I do and it has really helped me to remember to be more conscious of my own behavior b/c she often tells me I will know how to be a mom one day and take care of babies b/c I will do everything you do. She already loves to cook and shop and "chat"…so I would take all the drama any day b/c it's so worth it when you consider all the perks. And there is nothing like a watching a father with his daughter, it's adorable.

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  6. I have two little girlies, and I love them to pieces! I do have to say that I feel a lot of pressure to protect them from "the world" - body image issues, etc. I love being able to watch them do girlie things (like participate in dance class), but I also love watching them use tool and play with Legos. In some ways, having a girl is "easier" because I'm a girl - I know girl things (although you know boy things, too, now from being a mom to boys). My husband actually said he was relieved when we found out they were girls because "boys were hard" - everyone has different opinions :) Having kids is dramatic and hard - period!

    I think there is a lot of blessing in having a daughter - I feel like the "soul" of a family is carried on through the woman - traditions and how a house is made a home. My only advice is to only listen to the advice that works for you :) Oh, and older siblings seem to LOVE taking headbands/bows/etc off of baby sisters...

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  7. I think boys are harder than girls in my opinion :) boys need to be entertained more and girls play so independently. I love having both and seeing how different each sex is. And I have to say, there is nothing in the world cuter than a little ballerina in dance class. I would have a 4th baby if it was guaranteed it would be another girl. I am a girly girl and I can really relate to girls, but Lizzy you are gonna love having a little girl to cook with, craft with, dress up with, it's like you get to be a little girl again. Makes me smile just thinking of how great a girl mom your going to be!

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  8. OK! I have been a blog stalker with your blog for so long. I am Ashley's cousin through marriage so I am not that creepy. Every recipe I have made from your blog is a hit. In fact every recipe I tried is now on our dinner cycle. Your an inspiration! I, like you, had two boys first who are so wonderful to raise. My last three children are beautiful girls who are an absolute dream to raise. They get so excited about everything and are so full of compassion. They are a little louder than my boys, but it is still fun. You are going to feel so complete when your little girl arrives and each one after that. Don't listen to anything negative! My prayers are with you and your family!

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  9. I have one of each and I can honestly say that I don't have a gender preference. Our Heavenly Father knows what we need and what our family needs and he provides. There are a million wonderful things about having a girl...way to many to list.
    (That being said, I had my girl first and had some serious processing to do when I found out we were having a boy. I wanted another girl so much.)

    To start with, and this might be super weird, but I think it is cool...you are carrying your grand babies right now! Eggs are formed in uetero, so all the future babies your little girl will someday have are with you. Amazing!
    Ok, some less weird stuff - the clothes, the hair styles, the room decor... it is all WAY better! Not that boy stuff is bad, it just isn't striped duoponi silk Easter dresses.

    You learn just how tough girls are. My husband, who grew up with all brothers, is continually surprised by our little bruiser.
    Girls really are very different than boys. It is wonderful to see those God given differences.
    Also the relationships between brothers and sisters are so precious.
    BUT, it is nothing compared to the relationship between a Daddy and her daughter. You'll see a whole new side to your husband.
    You can share activities you did as a child - ballet, scouting, horsebackriding, soccer, whatever - it is fun to pass those things along. Girls are lucky - there are really very few activities that are off limits due to gender sterotypes.
    American girl dolls - you can buy anything you want and justify it by saying it is for her. :-P
    Some long term benefits...
    - shopping for prom dresses and wedding dresses and planning a wedding.
    - Sharing in her pregnancies and helping grandbabies.

    Ok, a lot of those reasons are silly, but having a girl is really special. It is a chance to pass along your wisdom, family traditions, recipes, etc. All things you can do with a boy, of course, but in most instances, it seems like girls are more interested in these things.
    Also, there is something wonderful about the bond between a mother and daughter. There seems to be more of a life long connection between women. Women usually turn to their moms when times are hard or unfamiliar, so we, as mothers of girls, are blessed to be intimately involved in their entire lives, in a way that is sadly not always possible with our boys - when we become "the mother-in-law."

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  11. You are going to love having a girl! I have two girls, 16 and 12. I have no boys, so no experience with boys. But, there is nothing like a bond between a mother and a daughter. My girls are truly a blessing. There are tough and dramatic times, but those only bring you closer. It definitely makes me appreciate my mother much more! Having a teenager and a tween (basically "hormone central"), they just need an ear to lean on with no judgement and as mothers, we are perfect. I try to listen to my girls without interjecting unless they ask...and they usually do. You are going to LOVE having a daughter. And I didn't even touch on how she will have her Daddy wrapped around her little finger!

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  12. I have two girls ages 14 and 6 and they are the best! so fun and kind and smart and strong and tenderhearted. There is nothing better in all the world than daughters. Lucky you! They are our only kids so I don't have any experience with boys, but oh you are in for a wonderful time! NOTHING BETTER! XOXO

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  13. You know, I thought long and hard about what things I love about being a mother to little girls (I have two girls and three boys). And honestly, they are the exact same things I love about being a mother to boys. My children are very different, but it seems dictated more by personality and age than by gender. All of my children love playing with LEGOs, all of them love one-on-one time with me, all of them love to cuddle up and read stories together, all of them love to help cook...I think it's really more a function of how they are raised.

    With that said, I'm discovering that it is rather delightful to shop with my daughters--my oldest (age 9) recently talked me into buying a pink velvet blazer that I would never have had the guts to buy! But she was totally right and I love it. :-) (Then again, I really don't think this is exclusive to gender, as my two-year-old son noticed and complimented some new earrings before anyone else in the family...).

    Really, I think the most wonderful thing about having a daughter is that you're adding another child to the family with all of their personality and insight and the delight that comes with having a new baby. And my third was my easiest--I felt more comfortable as a mother and more confident in my skills and instincts, while my older two were still young enough that we could have slow-paced days at home without worrying about homework and carpools and practice times. Enjoy it--it's wonderful!!

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  14. Sorry, I can't answer your question, I am a proud mother of three boys (-:

    You look pretty, Liz, enjoy your pregnancy. Congratulations!

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  15. When your baby girl has a baby!!! (Donelle and Tannis)

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  16. You look beautiful! I am so excited for you to have a girl. Lately I miss 1- and 2-year-old Pearl SO much. She was such a sassy pants but just so fun. I think there's nothing better than a little toddler girl. And I can't wait to hear what you name her!!

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  17. Liz, you will LOVE having a little girl!!! After being blessed with two little boys we had our daughter, Penny. She has truly been a blessing to our family. She smooths the rough edges of the boys but can partake in any wrestle mania match just like the next kid. Parenting can be very challenging at times, regardless of the gender of the child. I think it is our reliance on the Heavenly Father and how we respond to our children that really matters. There is a sweetness to having a daughter that is hard to explain in words. I know you will feel the same when you look into her eyes for the first time! Blessings to you and that sweet baby!!

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  18. I don't have a daughter, but I can't wait for the day when I do! A little buddy to do girlie things with, a best friend as they get older, all the fun moments you will get to share! Having a girl will be wonderful, boys are amazing and sweet and crazy but I think having a daughter will be so special! You look beautiful I am so excited for you and your family!

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  19. Girls are amazing! Boys are too! Children are a blessing. It is so fun to experience things all over again with your children. Some of those things are specific to having a child the same gender as yourself. It's fun to help boys with their pinewood derby cars but very different than watching your daughter interact with her friends or discover an interest in certain music. You just identify a little more. You're going to do great. Not a thing to worry about.

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  20. I love my baby girl! She is so hilarious, adorable, intelligent, and full of energy. She keeps us laughing constantly. I am so excited for you!

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  21. Girls are such a blessing. My daughter, Elizabeth Rose, now 8 years old, has been a ray of sunshine in our family. She cooks with me, she reads with me, she crafts with me, she walks the neighborhood with me, she talks to me while she "does my hair," she drinks tea with me, and more. There is a bond because we do things together that the boys don't do/aren't interested in. It's so much fun. We do not have much drama. I think having a calm, soothing, safe home really helps keep the drama outside. While we occasionally deal with hurt feelings from friends or other issues, these things are made better through prayer, snuggles and some one on one time. You will love having a baby girl:) Congratulations!!!

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  22. My daughters are 15 and 10 years old. I just love having girls. We have such fun together and really enjoy our time with easy other. They have been a joy. I find when I get negative comment it is usually from moms with sons or moms with difficult daughters - so I just assume they are jealous of me. And they should be! I wouldn't trade my girls for anything! Congratulations on your baby girl. What a lucky little girl she is. :)

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  23. I don't have kids, but from my nannying experience, they're both the same. ;) In their own ways, of course. Like that makes sense.

    You look beautiful in that color.
    ~ Country Girl's Daybook, recently posted: #whywemarch http://bit.ly/1aEsJk2

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  24. I love having a daughter, especially since I only have one. :) I love that she still wants to hold my hand (at 12 years old) and loves to talk about "girl stuff." She gets emotional sometimes, and that can be hard to deal with, but it also helps me remember what it felt like when I was that age..... and it makes me smile. :) It's funny that when my boys are struggling with something that is unique to boys I try to relate and talk through it with them, but I know I don't really "get it" completely because I've never BEEN a boy. But I can always relate to what Mary is going through, and that's comforting, even when it's hard.

    I'm excited for you.... you will be a great "girl mom" just like you are a great "boy mom." :)

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  25. I always envisioned a family of 4 or 5 with a fair mix of boys and girls. When I was dating my husband, he told me he would love to have a family of all girls - preferably 4. His wish of all girls came true! We were hoping for a gaggle of girls, but happily have 3 beautiful girls ages 8, 5 and 2. They are passionate, perceptive, kind, smart, loving joys. Sometimes they play princess, sometimes they are Buzz Lightyear. Having girls has been the best of both worlds for me. We still have a bin full of legos and a tub full of tea party supplies.

    I am sure you will enjoy her sweet differences from her brothers, but be surprised at their similarities. I would love to have more children; boys or girls. A baby is such a blessing.

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  26. We have three children, all daughters and have run up against those sorts of comments for more than 10 years now. I realised early that those sort of comments say more about the person making it than it does our precious girls.
    I grew up with brothers and that was fun but a house full of girls is just wonderful. A clear view of reality says parenting is hard no matter the gender, each child has a unique personality. Giving birth to a daughter doesn't mean misfortune or hard times it is an opportunity to help shape, guide and grow an amazing new generation of women! We would love to add more children to our family and hope we'll be blessed in that way some time soon, people ask if we're going to "try for a boy" and I smile and tell them how much we adore our daughters.

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  27. I realize this comment comes a little later...but I have to say girls are amazing. I have two...no boys. Girls are a special kind of creature and I can't imagine why anyone would have anything negative to say about them! They bring a spirit with them that you will recognize the second your baby girl is placed in your arms. You are so lucky!

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