Ruffle Socks
April 21 2010 We were buckling everyone back in the car when an older couple came up next to us. The woman was a grandmotherly type, nice and outgoing if slightly intrusive, who took it upon herself to peek in our window at our line of kids situated in the backseat.
“I just love kids!”, she gushed. “Let me come around to the other side to see them better.” So this older lady who I had never met before walked over to Abby’s open door to wave hello to our group.
“We had 3 boys, too.”, she went on. “They’re all boys, aren’t they?”
I realize it could be difficult to distinguish since my daughter’s hair still hasn’t grown much past her ears. Except she was in a pastel-striped dress that reminds me of Easter. With purple ruffled socks and strappy sandals. Which, I know, isn’t that great of a look, but she wanted to wear socks and her dad obliged.
“Well, 2 boys. She’s a girl.”, I stammered, pointing at Abby. WHO’S WEARING A DRESS.
“Oh, yes! I see her socks now.”, as she waved one more time before retreating.
It was very innocent and I know she meant no harm, taking offense would have been ridiculous. Clearly, though, my daughter needs to grow some hair. A weave, possibly. Until then, pin a button to her top that reads GIRL in big pink letters. And keep wearing the ruffled socks, apparently. Even with strappy sandals.
8 Responses
on April 21 2010
That happens to me all the time. I can put her in all pink, with ruffles and frills and ribbons and bows, and people will still ask how old my son is.
It annoys the crap out of me. I mean, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, she’s wearing dresses! Pink dresses! WITH FLOWERS! And things that say “pretty girl” and stuff like that. GEEZ.
on April 21st, 2010
@Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com, This is where pigtails comes in handy. I would think. Heck, people not pay attention to those either, though.
on April 21 2010
Oh no! You’d think the ruffled socks would have been a good clue, even if the dress was not!
We had the opposite thing happen when my little guy was just shy of a year old. Blue jeans, blue sneakers, baseball cap, blue coat with trucks on it…and someone told me I had “an adorable little girl…” I brought him for his first hair cut the following week!
.-= Crystal @ Semi-Crunchy Mama´s latest blog post: True Story Tuesday — No More Peas for Dinner =-.
on April 21st, 2010
@Crystal @ Semi-Crunchy Mama, Ha! Not just a girl, but an “adorable” little girl. Oh, people mean well, I know.
on April 21 2010
People have done this to Em too…and she was wearing a bright pink dress with bright pink teddy bear hair clips in her hair. It’s weird. People are blind I guess.
.-= Marilyn (A Lot of Loves)´s latest blog post: Swim Fishies Swim: Wednesday of Few Words =-.
on April 21 2010
Last year, I had Nathan and Emily with me at Costco. A ittle old lady came over to tell me how well-behaved my kids were. She then said, “I had two boys too.”
Emily: “I’m not a boy! I’m A GIRL.”
Awesome.
.-= Angella´s latest blog post: What Are You Afraid Of? =-.
on April 22 2010
Yeah, the socks give it away every time. Not the pastel pink Easter-themed outfit.
on April 22 2010
We have encountered the same issue with both of our children. Our son had a gorgeous head of hair as a baby/toddler and our daughter is the opposite with very little traces of hair.
People mean well, but sometimes, you still just want to slap them in the forehead with a reality check. I’ve always found a good rule of thumb to use is that if I am not sure, I just tell the people they have adorable children. Works well and no one’s feelings get hurt.
.-= Jessica´s latest blog post: Summer Fun =-.