We get a lot of comments about D's red hair. The first was just seconds after he was born, from our favorite anesthetist, Doug, who was present for all three of our children's c-sections. I'll never forget him asking, "Is that...red hair?"
It was difficult to tell immediately, but after his first bath there was no denying it. We had a ginger! After E's jet black hair (at birth) and Violet's brown, we were shocked and the fact still hasn't sunk in completely.
We get at least one comment everywhere we go, usually, "Where did his red hair come from?" I always answer the same way, "We aren't entirely sure, but there is red hair on both sides from his great aunts. But not...this red."
But as I do more research, what I really want to answer is, "From a MC1R recessive gene on his 16th chromosome."
It's also getting redder, I think. Or more "orange," as E likes to correct people who call him a red head.
The most interesting facts I've researched in the last 6 months include:
- Mr. SPS and I must both have a recessive gene for red hair that we passed on to D. One in four of our children will have red hair and half of them will be carriers for the hair color, even if they do not have the red hair themselves (like E). The red never shows up unless you have children with someone else who also has a recessive gene, so that explains how it can skip several generations then show up as a surprise like it did with us!
- Despite what strangers like to tell me in making conversation, red hair is not becoming extinct or dying out.
- D is more likely to be left handed, have a lower tolerance for pain and need more anesthesia, and has an increased ability to make vitamin D from the sun.
As far as having a worse temper, the verdict is still out, at least with D. He is the most pleasant boy you can imagine 99% of the time, but it does seem to me when he gets mad or really upset, he cries much harder than E ever did. It's rare, but during these crying fits I often check to see if he's hurt because he is so very inconsolable. His toddler tantrums should be a blast!
Do you have a child with red hair or does it run in your family? Do you know any other interesting facts about red hair?
read more "
The Genetics of Red Hair
"
But as I do more research, what I really want to answer is, "From a MC1R recessive gene on his 16th chromosome."
It's also getting redder, I think. Or more "orange," as E likes to correct people who call him a red head.
The most interesting facts I've researched in the last 6 months include:
- Mr. SPS and I must both have a recessive gene for red hair that we passed on to D. One in four of our children will have red hair and half of them will be carriers for the hair color, even if they do not have the red hair themselves (like E). The red never shows up unless you have children with someone else who also has a recessive gene, so that explains how it can skip several generations then show up as a surprise like it did with us!
- Despite what strangers like to tell me in making conversation, red hair is not becoming extinct or dying out.
- D is more likely to be left handed, have a lower tolerance for pain and need more anesthesia, and has an increased ability to make vitamin D from the sun.
As far as having a worse temper, the verdict is still out, at least with D. He is the most pleasant boy you can imagine 99% of the time, but it does seem to me when he gets mad or really upset, he cries much harder than E ever did. It's rare, but during these crying fits I often check to see if he's hurt because he is so very inconsolable. His toddler tantrums should be a blast!
Do you have a child with red hair or does it run in your family? Do you know any other interesting facts about red hair?
