People want to know what we’re having. Sex-wise, I mean. WAIT! That’s not what I meant…
People want to know the sex of the baby.
I was talking to my mom on the phone the other night and our conversation went something like this:
“So do you have any names picked out yet?”
“Yeah, we’ve got a few in mind that we like.”
“Are you going to tell what they are?”
“No.”
Silence.
“Not even me?”
“No, I’m sorry, we want to keep it as a surprise until the baby is born.”
“Are you sure? I mean, it could just be between you, Graham and me.”
“Hahaha, yeah, no.”
“What about the sex of the baby?”
“What about it?”
“You’re going to tell, right?”
“Yeah, people can know what we’re having, that’s no problem.”
“Oh. Do you know now?”
“No.”
“Oh. Can I be the first to know?”
My head bounces off the surface of the desk.
I informed my mom that she would be among the first to know but I’d probably be bursting to tell when (and if) we find out. Poor Mom, she’s having a really hard time wrapping her head around the fact that she’s going to be a long distance gramma.
Do you have long distance grandparents in your kids’ lives? How do you deal?
Mostly, I thank the lord my in-laws live closer to you than me.
I send them lots of photos mostly. Luckily, they have two other grandbabies too.
My parents live a mile away, but my husband’s parents live an hour and a half away. I honestly love my inlaws, but I’m kind of glad that they’re not right next door
We’re only 14 weeks, and we already told everybody that the names are being kept secret. They’ll just have to deal! My mom told me she thought it was a good idea. I think she’s still bitter that her older sister “stole” her favorite boy name!
I love that: “Not even me?”
Yes. Humor them. They will come to your house and babysit and you can go on vacation, or to BlogHer.
Definitely a good idea! As traditional Jews, we go even further: we don’t name the baby until the bris (circumcision at 8 days) for a boy or the first Shabbat (Saturday) if it’s a girl. And we didn’t tell ANYONE, up until the moment they received the name. Our rabbi was the first to hear, up at the front of the synagogue, and then he announces it to everybody: a fait accompli (sp?). It’s fun to watch everybody in the synagogue whispering the name around, as every single person, including close family and friends, learn it at the same time. There is usually a communal meal afterwards or something where the parents get to explain the reason for that name. It’s a beautiful occasion and leaves absolutely NO ROOM for input on the part of non-parents!
Sorry to be so wordy: just excited for your growing family!
It can be tough on long-distance grandparents, that’s for sure…
I wanted to add: my kids grew up with four grandparents in Calgary, two in Ottawa and two in Toronto (divorces, remarriages; don’t ask…).
It is definitely hard on the long-distance ones in the first few years. I’d recommend blowing every spare nickel at either end on travel because they can’t even talk on the phone or look at pictures at first.
Experts recommend things like long-distance grandma or grandpa recording themselves reading a story book, then sending the storybook to the kids; I’ve never tried it, but it sounds like a great idea. Phone calls / Skype / etc all become easier once the kids are a bit older, too.
The silver lining is sending the kids away – once they’re older, like 11 and up – to spend time with the g’parents over the summer. Away from home, rules, etc. They get away with murder and think I suspect nothing. (but I’ve stayed on good terms and usually get daily email updates!)
It’s also fun for out-of-town relatives to stay in a family-friendly hotel (find one close, with a great pool!). That turns seeing lesser-known relatives into a fun destination and not just an obligatory “boring visit.”
All our GPs are within a 10 minutes radius, so I’ve got no advice for you.
Can’t wait to hear which you are having!