He admitted last night that one of the main reasons he wants this baby to be a boy is because of his daughter and her emotional problems. His mother said the same to me a few weeks ago on a call - that this baby "had better" be a boy, because SD will have a problem with sharing her dad. (Never mind that she already has two brothers and a stepsister).
I don't know why - but I REALLY REALLY REALLY resent that they think a boy is better just for that reason.
Re: Mulling over bashing Dh about the ears...
While I agree with you, I have been there. My oldest nephew has had many emotional issues and we worried another boy might be rough on him. When my SIL was pregnant with my bro's third (she is the second wife), my niece wanted a sister so we all secretly hoped it was a girl for the sake of both older children. It was never said to my brother until he actually said it to us amd even then we never said anything to my SIL. I am not saying our feelings are right but it was how we felt. We knew we would love the baby no matter what it was but we wanted what we thought was best for the older children too.
The third ended up being a boy and despite the 12 year age difference in the boys, they adore each other and it couldn't have worked out better. My older nephew has taken a huge role in taking care of the younger nephew. My younger nephew worships the ground my older nephew walks on, it has been really good for my older nephew's self esteem and self worth. Being pregnant and emotional, seeing them playing together this past weekend brought tears to my eyes, they are so good for each other.
Again, I am not saying that your H and ILs are right but I do kind of understand where they are coming from. It makes me sick they would say something like that to you, they will love whatever you have. I now realize how wrong we were and hopefully they will eventually see that too.