Motherhood and Beyond

Two weeks ago I was notified by Mazda that I needed new tires.  Of course, I don’t fully trust the dealership so Craig and I went to Stevenson Tire to get a quote and opinion.  These guys have been around and have taken care of us many times.  They are great and very nice to deal with.  They did confirm that I did need them but not as soon as Mazda said.  So today I was driving to Knoxville in the rain, I decided it was time.  I was nervous driving because I could feel the car sliding and traction control kicked in.  I called Craig and he got the appointment set up.  So after Ellie did not take her full nap, we headed on over.  I had a blanket for Ellie to sit on since the floor is not the cleanest.  As we sat there, this oriental guy comes in and then his dad comes in.  I recognized the dad from our office but he did not recognize me.  (And that was perfectly fine)  They sat on both sides of me.  There was plenty of other seats around.  I felt trapped but just let it go.  So the dad started to talk to Ellie and say how good HE was and how well behaved HE was.  He asked how old HE was.  I told him, “SHE is 13 months.”  He proceeded with the HE.  Then the son popped in and started talking in a foreign language to his dad.  Now, I feel very uncomfortable in these situations.  But he was talking his did that Ellie was a GIRL.  His did could not believe it and felt horrible.  I just chuckled. 

Then the other day, a lady asked me if Ellie was a girl or boy. (I DO dress her in girl clothes.)  I told her a girl, and she said, “Now a days you just can’t tell.”  Which brings me to ask…At what point in life did people stop telling if they are boy or girl?  Any thoughts or comments?