I recently saw this list of 25 Rules for Mothers of Sons posted on Facebook. It is a great post that has inspired these thoughts about my life as a mom of boys . . .
I am one hundred percent all girl. From the time I was a little girl living in an all pink bedroom, playing with my extensive Barbie collection, almost always wearing dresses (usually with ruffles), and dreaming of being a ballerina . . . to my adult days of working in the fashion and bridal industries, I have always been so happy to be surrounded by all things girl. But, ever since we found out we were having our first boy, I knew my girly ways may need to change.
I remember telling a friend when we found out our first bundle of joy was going to be a boy, and she said, "darn, you would make such a good mom to a girl." I know she didn't mean this as an insult (did she?), but it got me freaked out a bit. Not only was I going to be a first-time mom learning everything about how to care for a little one, but now I had to learn about all sorts of boy things. Eeeew.
When Kai was a baby, there really wasn't anything notably "boy" that made me feel like I had to do differently (okay, except for his penis, of course). I fed him, burped him, changed his diapers, made his food, played with him, read stories with him, and did all sorts of fun baby things that I didn't think would've been any other way if we had a girl instead. Okay, I thought, I can totally handle this "mom of a boy" thing.
It wasn't until Kai was about a year old, when he handed me a snail he found outside, that I knew I really would have to learn to get messy with the boys. As I looked down at that slimy, dirty, little creature in my hand, what I really wanted to do was scream, throw that thing on the ground, and stomp on it (that's right, you heard me, PETA). But, seeing Kai look up at me, so proud to have found the perfect snail for his mama, how could I possibly be grossed out at his sweet gesture?! That snail became the cutest little thing, and oddly enough, I now enjoy looking at the adorable little guys and fondly remembering that day with Kai.
I think I'm just going to have to get used to bugs, dirt, and messy rooms because they are going to surround me for awhile. Even our dog is male and leaves his chew toys all over the place, so I'm pretty much screwed (you know, because if he was a female dog, the toys would be neatly put away, right?!) . . .
My aunt gave me a card with a copy of the poem below after we had Evan and I think it sums up the way my life is going to be (minus the part about having FOUR boys, so don't get any ideas).
Mother's Boys
Yes I know there are stains on my carpet,
the traces of small muddy boots,
and I see your fairy tapestry glowing,
all spotless with blossoms and fruits!
And I know that my walls are disfigured,
with prints of small fingers and hands.
And that your own household whiteness
all fresh in its purity stands.
And I know that my parlor is littered
with many old treasures and toys,
while your own is in daintiest order,
unharmed by the presence of boys!
And I know that my room is invaded
quite boldly all hours of the day,
while you sit in your own unmolested,
and dream the soft quiet way.
Yes I know there are four little bedsides
where I must stand watchful each night.
While you may go out in your carriage
and flash in your dresses so bright!
Now I think I'm a neat little woman,
I like my house orderly too;
and I am fond of all dainty belongings,
Yet I would not change places with you!
No! Keep your fair home with its order,
its freedom from bother and noise!
And keep your own fanciful leisure,
but give me my four splendid boys!
