"Not a very masculine picture..."

pugglemomma · September 2015

We had newborn pictures taken of our son the other day, and I posted the "sneak peek," which included a picture of him in a wheelbarrow with a pumpkin hat, and some autumn leaves. My FIL, who inserts his unwanted opinions on EVERYTHING, commented saying "Not a very masculine picture." He then changed it to say, "it's cute but not masculine for a boy." I told my husband, who had zero to say about it because he's scared to death of offending his father, because he flies off the handle and cuts my son off for months when they "argue." This is the same man who said it was ok to pick him up while he was in the NICU (meconium aspiration), but that once we left we needed to leave our 2 week old to cry so he could learn to "self-soothe." AT TWO WEEKS OLD. Everything he says is a constant criticism. I'm so close to losing my cool, especially after the comment about my innocent son. I wish I could have something witty to say back, but alas, I'm not good with sarcasm or comebacks.

amk013 · September 2015

I got off of fb almost 4 years ago because I was sick of my MILs comments. I had my DH talk to her initially, then I said something to her. Nothing worked. I got off for my own peace of mind. And it's been great. I don't miss it and actually feel like my friendships are stronger since staying in touch with me requires real communication.

...and your LO is a BABY!!! I challenge him to find a masculine baby. Did he want you to photograph him holding a shotgun? I'd love to see what he has to say about my DSs baptism gown. It's a Belgian lace family heirloom with flowers in the lace pattern!! Lol!

prpl11butterfly · September 2015

Try to let everything he says go in 1 ear and right out the other. I know its difficult. I am not good with the witty remarks either (give me day and I will have something jaw dropping to say back). But, people who are close will always have an opinion and generally its best to ignore them. I put my son in pink last week and ya know what, he still looked like a boy. I am sure he was adorable in his pics (and really, since when has a newborn looked masculine?).

kettlekitten · September 2015

I would just say he's a baby, he doesn't have to be masculine. This really grinds my gears. A friend of mine's H makes all these comments about their son (2 yrs old) not being able to wear X or Y because it's too girly. It's ridiculous.

EmEeGee · September 2015

I'm sorry. Your FIL sounds like an ass. But I'm sure your sons pictures turned out adorable so just focus on how you're going to raise him to be nothing like grandpa. And maybe stick him in something extra feminine for the next pic you send him.

laylababe3 · September 2015

seriously? He's a baby! Show me one baby that looks masculine... His comment is so stupid, no comeback needed. All it needs is an eye roll.

On a separate note, I would love to see these pictures! don't forget to post them when you can

bpwife&mama · September 2015

That pic sounds adorable! Screw him!

SHieb · September 2015

Tell him "Thanks, I was inspired by his grandpa's lack of masculinity for this picture"

toccoaparker · September 2015

Because boy babies are so damn masculine anyway...?wtf?

pugglemomma · September 2015

Thanks everyone!! Your comments have made me feel tons better

emmacake08 · September 2015

Did he think baby should be pumping some iron? Wearing a 3 piece suit smoking a cigar? I'm so confused by what a "masculine" baby picture would even be...