My sister gave birth to a beautiful, healthy girl last month. Baby now makes five, joining her two older brothers and mom and dad, plus two doggie siblings.
My new niece has enthralled our entire family since we found out she was coming. With apologies to my nephews, she turned me into the ultra-doting auntie I swore I would never become.
Not that I don’t fawn over my two adorable little nephews as much as I can from thousands of miles away. (My sister and her family live on the mainland, so I’ve spent some quality time at my local post office.) But girls somehow elevate auntie status to another level.
Some of the first gifts I bought for the boys were books. My niece got a dress she won’t be able to fit until she’s at least 3 years old.
The reason is pretty obvious: Clothing for baby girls is a zillion times cuter than boys’ apparel. We all remember how fun it was to play dress-up, either on ourselves or with dolls; now I get to revisit that with a real, squirmy little human.
Besides, the dress is adorable, it came from
a local shop, and it is the perfect color combination — blue and gold, in honor of my sister’s Notre Dame diploma.
Then I found a wee pineapple onesie — again, too big for right now, but perfect for a few months down the road. And if I didn’t have other budgets to consider, I would snap up even more mini outfits for her.
Though I didn’t hesitate to buy these things, I did briefly worry that I was being too shallow. Am I subconsciously treating her how stereotypical society might, as a pretty girl with lots of clothes that make it seem like she doesn’t have much else to offer?
But there are other factors to consider. One, as the youngest child she already has access to well-stocked bookshelves and toy bins courtesy of her older brothers. Two, hand-me-down clothing only goes so far when a girl comes into the picture.
Plus, considering her parents’ smarts, I have no doubt my niece will bring much more to the preschool table than just an awesome wardrobe.
I try to tone down my auntie intensity by sending things the boys will enjoy, like sidewalk chalk or books on the coolness of having a little sister. I come from a family of three children, too, so I know how important it is to ensure all the kids get their fair share.
Now I just have to resist the urge to snap up five pairs of baby sandals — oh, and some frilly socks to go with them! And that sweet little sleep dress! And a hat!
“She Speaks” is a weekly column by the women writers of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Reach Celia Downes at cdownes@staradvertiser.com.
