In a word: Intimidated.
This is not at all to say I'm not thrilled and excited, because I AM! But it seems so much more complicated and intense to raise a daughter than a son. Even before I had children, I always thought I would be a better mom to a boy. I'm not sure if that's because I first learned to be a "mother" with my two younger brothers, or because I've always felt I relate better to guys than girls (more male friends than female), or because it seems more fun to play with trucks and balls and building stuff than with dolls and tea sets and princess crowns. There is just less pressure and drama with boys.
The other day, while shopping for gift wrap at Walmart, I walked past a display of Hannah Montana stuff and had a moment of panic. Since having Will, I've envisioned my life as a mother filled with sports schedules and bikes/cars and BOY things. Now it's a little daunting to imagine pop queen obsessions and ear-piercing and prom dresses.
My biggest fear: the teenage years. It seems so much easier to teach a son to be respectful of women than to teach a daughter to respect herself. Boys fight and forget. Girls grudge-hold and gossip. And what about teenage body issues? Boys wanting muscles is way less scary than girls wanting to be skinny with a perfect image. And have you SEEN the clothes teenage girls are wearing these days??? The 14 year olds look like 24 year olds! So I guess I'm just banking on setting a good example and trying my darndest to instill self-confidence and good morals. Although I'm sure every parent says that...
What has amazed me about Will is how, without much encouragement, he's fallen so easily into typical gender-specific rolls. He is such a BOY! It will be very exciting to see what Sophia will do. Will she be a girly-girl? Or a bit of a "tomboy" because she's so close in age to her older brother? Seeing their personality differences will be interesting.
Also, watching the differences in Craig as a father to a girl will be interesting. I think he'll be a total push-over and will be wrapped around her finger. I wonder if he'll be super protective? And as for me, I look so forward to a unique relationship with each of my children. It is going to be an adventure and I feel very blessed to have both.
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And don't forget you will get to do her hair which you always love. If I have girls they are totally coming to aunt Ashley's to get their hair braided!
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