This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Hoping for a Bert

We already have enough Ernies in this family.

I'm currently nine months pregnant, and thus, I can't seem to waddle around my neighborhood, grocery store or any public place without eliciting commentary from perfect strangers on my extremely obvious about-to-pop state.

These comments can be as simple as an under-the-breath "Whoa!" or "Dang, girl!" (usually from very scared looking young men) to full on conversations on when and exactly how this baby is going to exit my body.

And then there the people who want to start analyzing my in utero child's potential personality and behavioral traits.

Find out what's happening in Wheatonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Do you want a good sleeper?"

"I bet you hope she doesn't have colic!"

Find out what's happening in Wheatonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"What do you want – an easy baby or a feisty one?"

And since these interested strangers actually expect an answer, I'm telling them that I'm hoping for a Bert.

You know, as in Bert and Ernie, from Sesame Street.

You see, my mother developed a theory while watching Sesame Street with my sister and I in the '70s and '80s: Everyone is either a Bert or an Ernie.

You're either an extrovert or an introvert. The cut-up or the straight man. The life of the party or the designated driver. The long-sufferer in silence or the squeaky wheel that gets the grease. Yin or yang. Laurel or Hardy. Lucy or Ethel. Maverick or Goose.

Neither personality type is better or preferable than the other, however determining a person's Muppet make-up is helpful in understanding his or her social dynamics and behaviors. Bert- or Ernieness insight is especially helpful in families. 

We already have two children who are Ernies all the way.  They're a pair of jokers, outgoing; they have wild streaks. They're quick to laugh or shriek in protest and full of boundless energy. They act first, think later. Many of their friends are more relaxed and contemplative and patient.   have definitely heard some very Bert-esque sighs from these kind pals during playdates and outings. My two Ernies often clash as neither wants to give in to the other's bossing and scheming. 

So for this third child, I'm hoping for Bert to give more Muppet-y balance to our family dynamics. Admittedly, my energetic Ernies exhaust me sometimes. But I can't fault them - I myself am an Ernie.  I'm loud, try to be funny, enjoy attention, am easily distracted, can be selfish and insensitive.  I also happen to love bath time. 

My husband Chris is a Bert, a more quiet, dependable dude who is secure enough to not have to be the center of attention and who patiently puts up with my antics.  He also tends to have interesting collections of coins, stamps and other items, but thankfully no bizarre attachments to flying vermin. 

I think Chris could use a mellow, patient Bertish partner in crime in our Ernie-heavy household.

So that's what I'm telling the Nosy Nellies in the Giant checkout line and the chatty cashiers at the car wash: I'm hoping for a Bert.

However, if they ask me how much weight I've gained, I'll be quick to turn into Oscar the Grouch.

Jessica has obviously watched way too much PBS and can be found writing about family activities at A Parent in Silver Spring.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?