When Debbie Harry sang "Pretty Baby" I don't think she meant it literally.
I however, do have what might be termed a "pretty baby". Ever since he was born people have commented on Jay's looks. Somehow he managed to look less red and scrunchy than other newborns, although he did go through the 'gnome' phase at around 3 weeks old. Taking him out and about as a tiny baby was fun - we once bumped into a friend of my Mum's who cooed over him, then asked "How old is he now? It is a he, right?" Dressing him in gender-neutral colours was always good for a laugh.
As he got older he became much more obviously boyish, and most clothes he wears now are pretty obviously for a boy, even if we do steer clear of the 'monster' and 'devil' type slogans. But there is one group of people who still Just. Don't. Get. It.
Old people.
Now ok, his hair curls when it gets a little long. I love it. But he could be dressed top-to-toe in blue, with us referring to him by name, and still the elderly folks we encounter refer to him as a 'her' or 'she'.
Despite much pointed use of his full first name (his nickname is gender-neutral) and the words "he" and "his" our neighbours continue to talk about how well behaved our daughter is and how they never hear her cry. But of course! Because she doesn't exist! Our son on the other hand... well, I guess it's true that hearing really does go with age. Thankfully the old boy across the road instantly took him for a boy, which leaves me with some hope.
Jay is known to like things which may be considered 'typically' female. Whilst out shopping he has picked out sparkly pink trainers and Barbie DVDs for himself (usually when there is no Bob the Builder or Thomas and Friends available mind you); he likes to wear my necklaces, shoes and a squirt of perfume if it's available (if the air freshener is in reach he has been known to try that too - Mmmmm, Eau de Febreeze), and he loves to cook in his kitchen and feed his dolly. He likes washing and 'fixing' his cars just as much, but perhaps if he learns to sing and dance he could have quite a lucrative career as a drag artist?
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