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So, why, in this age of information and technology, would an expectant couple actually choose NOT to know the sex of their baby?

Ask 100 different people, and I wouldn't be surprised if you get 100 different answers.

"That's the way it should be." and/or "That's the right way to do it."
These are two of the most popular responses my wife and I receive after giving our supremely anti-climactic answer of, "No, we're going to wait", whilst sincerely donning our most apologetic facial expressions, as if to add, "Sorry for being THAT couple".

I digress. So, 100 different people, 100 different answers. I won't speak on behalf of my wife, but there are two reasons why I think we're waiting:

1. Let me start explaining this reason by first giving the number one reason why people would WANT to know the baby's gender:
"If you know the baby's gender, then everyone will know what gender-specific items to purchase for gifts, and you can prepare the nursery to be gender-specific. All in all making it easier for everyone to shop for baby."

Now, you can't see me, but I'm currently flapping my hand in a gesture of dismissal, as if to say "Puh-lease!". Understand that I don't reprimand those who choose to know, nor do I reprimand those who have that frame of mind when choosing to know. I'm simply scoffing that it is a horrible excuse to choose not to know. See the difference?

Now, me and my argumentative nature would dare to argue that if you're planning on having more than one child (which we are) and if you're not rich (which we aren't), it would be better to purchase gender-neutral items for baby even if you choose to know the gender!

Let's look at a hypothetical case-in-point, to explain why I say this. Jack and Suzy are having a baby girl, so they go out and buy all little baby girl items. Eventually, Jack and Suzy have another baby, but this time it's a boy. Now, Jack and Suzy have to buy most of the items all over again.

If Jack and Suzy bought gender-neutral to begin with, they'd be able to save the time and money with their second baby. This is one main reason why I think my wife and I choose not to know.

2. Add to that this second reason, which is much more emotional than it is logical, but arguably more influential. When it comes down to it, it's exciting not to know! The anticipation gives such a rush, and as my wife says, "It'll give me something to work through the pain for" (Not to take away from the actual baby itself, we all know what she is trying to say. Babe, if I could trade the pain, I'd gladly sacrifice). The guessing is fun. The ultrasounds are exciting (Where's Waldo? Is there a Waldo?). But the one emotional factor, above all, comes from a very selfish part of myself, as the father-to-be. I would hate to be deprived my right, as the dad, to walk into the hospital's waiting room, both families on seat's edge, eager for the news, to say . . .

"It's a -"

© 2007 Dime Brothers

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Category: Pet Peeves