12 things I didn’t expect about being a boy mom
The other day a woman stopped me in my tracks while wrangling my boys, looked over and said: Wow, you’re so lucky to have three boys. It was a refreshing comment considering people always ask if I’m trying for a girl. (Don’t get me started on that…)
Truth is, I am lucky. Damn lucky. I have three healthy, happy children that I’m proud to dub mama’s boys. While I’ve totally morphed into this whole boy mom thing, I still find things surprising about mothering males. So here it goes… 12 things I didn’t expect about being a boy mama.
1. The feeling I get watching my sons smash the ball, make a basket, score a goal, or get a touchdown
I remember the first time watching my son at bat. Everything inside me prayed he’d hit the ball, and when he did, the annoying mom voice came out: RUN, RUN, RUN — I screamed. (You can hear it on video because I filmed every second.) I was so thankful he made bat-ball contact, hiding happy mom tears behind my sunglasses. Fast forward a million different sports games, and that feeling watching my boys play sports still makes my heart skip a beat.
2. Being showered with flowers
No matter where we are, if my boys see a flower, they’ll pick it, lovingly handing it over for me to “keep forever.” They started doing this on their own and unexpected — and while they pick flowers from planters, I still can’t help but swoon every time. Chances are if you’re missing flowers from your garden, my boys picked them for me.
3. Pee… everywhere
I always read mom blogs on boy pee, but I never expected the extent of this disgusting phenomenon. However, their bathroom versatility does make road tripping a heck of a lot easier.
4. They eat all the time
And my kids are sucky eaters! Regardless, they always need a snack… ALWAYS. Even if they just had one or if I’m making a dinner. I think there’s something about the word “snack” that simply needs to be banned.
5. They run, not walk
Ok, this is mostly true for my youngest (assuming because desperately tries to keep up with his brothers). Ever since my baby- now four- could walk, he opted to run instead (and fast).
6. They love to hold hands
All my kids are affectionate. I had no idea the boys would be so snuggly and lovey… and their display of affection seriously warms my heart. They wake up greeting one another with hugs and request a bazillion kisses at night. They love holding my hand, even if we’re sitting watching TV, and I savor our nighttime snuggle sessions. This, in addition to showering others with love… their friends, their teachers, etc… it’s so beautiful knowing my boys encumber a sweet soft spot.
7. Different personalities
I have three boys with three different, dynamic personalities. My oldest is a creative soul with a love for music, art, and travel. My middle is obsessed with sports, and my youngest believes he was born a great white shark. I’m so happy my boys are developing their own interests; it gives me a chance to bond with each of them on a special, sacred, unique level.
8. Clothes shopping
I admit — girl ruffles are adorable, but truth be told, if I had a girl, I’d likely go broke. Surprisingly, boy shopping has become a fun challenge for me. Yes, us boy moms need to dig deeper when it comes to clothing assortment, but when I do find good pieces, I feel a sense of immense satisfaction.
9. Them wanting to please me
My son often takes my head in his hands, looks me deep into my eyes and says: Mommy, do I make you happy? This, in addition to them constantly asking if I’m proud of them. Them craving my validation seriously means the world to me. I’m no perfect mom, but I strive to shower my kids with positivity all that I can- yet still, they ask. Someone once told me a son will want their mother’s reassurance forever. I sure hope that’s the case.
10. Urgent Care visits
The first time we went to urgent care my son was walking around the house with a blanket over his head, tripped, and hit his head on the corner of our baseboard (talk about a perfect fall). Another time my other son took a spill on his scooter going down a hill (while on vacation)- and broke his arm. I’m not anticipating our next visit, but I know it will happen. Pray for me.
11. They’re excellent travel partners
People think I’m crazy, but the boys and I love to road trip- and we’re serious about it (I think our longest stretch was 11 hours, Oregon to Montana). They’ve become my devout travel buddies… they’re patient, love hotel hopping, and have a zest for adventure. Because of a consistent work schedule, my husband doesn’t always join, so often, it’s just me and my posse. And let me tell you- this posse knows how to vacay. I aim to instill in my kids a love for travel and exploration.
12. The purest love possible
Saved the cheeseball for last, but you knew it was coming. I always wanted to be a mom. I never cared boy or girl — I just wanted my heart and home to be filled with healthy, youthful spirits, and I’ve been blessed with three amazing sons. These boys have gifted me another round of childhood. I have a re-instilled passion for play, embrace being joyfully frivolous, savor every snuggle, and so enjoy witnessing them blossom. While I am a mother first, I have these three little friends who are mine forever… even down the road when I will share them. Their sweet, soft, curious, kind, compassionate hearts continue to amaze me- even when they’re stubborn, tough, and rough. There are many things I know will come as a surprise while mothering my little men, and I welcome every stage of newness with open arms.
