I have heard a bunch about the differences between raising boys and girls. It starts from the moment you get the ultrasound announcing the sex if not sooner. The chatter begins, "this one is easier to carry," "that one is easier to raise," "this one loves you more," "that one will leave you," "this one will sass you," "that one is special." It's kind of dizzying. The truth is that each child that I have has been easy, hard, lovable, annoying, demanding, special, and loving. I haven't seen any real differences in that respect. However, I have noticed a very interesting difference.
I noticed it the second day of my new baby's life, the day he was circumcised. When they brought him back to me he was withdrawn, pale and refused to nurse. He stayed that way for about 12 hours. I was very alarmed and saddened. I figured circumcision was painful, but his reaction to it that day was like a jolt of reality in differences. Prior to him, I had only girls so I kind of walked around oblivious to that kind of pain in infants. However, with each diaper change I was reminded of the differences.
Thankfully, the hospital provided lots of petroleum jelly to use on his area. They sent me home with some too, but the supply lasted only a few days at home. I was reluctant to use a baby scented jelly I had at home, but it worked great with no irritation. I still use a globs of nursery jelly on his area when he seems irritated by his diaper touching, plus to keep the skin from growing together.
I guess the biggest difference I notice right now is that I have to be careful with his "different" area when diapering (be careful when taking that diaper off you might get a spray of surprise, hehehe), strapping him to a car seat, carrying him, and just in general.
I'll keep a look out for other differences, and as I find them I'll be sure to report them here. This should be exciting, don't you think? Meanwhile, tell me about what differences you have found between boys and girls.