We have an “it” problem at our house. With all three pregnancies, since we didn’t find out the gender, we always referred to our bundle as “the baby”. I’ve always tried to be very careful and not refer to the baby as “it”, however, this has proven much more difficult for many of the people around me. This includes my girls who often asked about the baby and a lot of times used “it”. I never worried about correcting them when baby was in my tummy since I didn’t expect them to understand the s/he and him/her.
However, the “it” has persisted. Honeybun constantly refers to Doodle as “it” and it drives me crazy! Now that we know what kind of baby we have, I think it’s important to refer to him appropriately. “It” has such a disconnected connotation. I don’t necessarily see it as a negative or derogatory term but more of a cold, unloving and uncaring term. I realize it’s how she’s associated him for so many months and it’s hard to change habits, especially when so young, but our little guy just deserves a more special place in our family and should be addressed respectfully.
I can’t only fault Honeybun, though. Hubby’s busted out with an “it” remark more than once and we’re also having a possessive problem with Sugarplum who insists “it’s MY baby.” Usually her comment just sparks some lighthearted banter back and forth about who’s baby he is but a few times it has resulted in total meltdowns when I haven’t allowed her to poke at, hold or even carry “HER” baby.
Overall I could not be more thrilled with how our family is adjusting to our new tiny little dude. The girls adore him and want to spend all day holding, singing and poking at him. Though we have had some acting out which I’m sure is a response to me not being as available for them with all the feedings I’ve been doing, we have yet to have any requests that we give him back or put him back in. Sugarplum has asked if SHE can go back in my belly but is happy to finally have Doodle on the outside where we can all enjoy him.
Picture: The girls stroking Doodle’s head after his first traumatic bath experience (at least we live in Florida and can do bath time outside in the warmth!)
