Life with Boys

Before I had my two boys I didn't have a clue what they were like. I had ideas on what life might be like with a boy of my own, but none of them came close to the real thing.

So, now if you were to ask me what life with boys is like I would tell you:

·     It's a life full of nonstop energy that only knows two gears; full speed ahead and sleep.

·     It's a life of wrestling matches that can start just by asking "Do you want to play?"

·     It's a life that is ruled by Power Rangers, Dino Dan, Sponge Bob, and Diego

·     It's a life that breathes sports in every possible way imaginable. And one that said sport game can start up at any time. Like when you are trying to have them help you clean up toys and a bubble wand becomes a bat and the legos are the ball :)

·     It's a life where bodily functions are hysterical, especially if it's them doing it. I can't tell you the number of times that a fart or the word fart has make my oldest son belly laugh till his sides hurt.

·     It's a life where you have to toss any germ-a-phobia's out the window because they will touch, bring, and poke all things gross. I won't even go into the time Evan thought the dog poop in the backyard made a good play toy.

·     It's a life of kisses and hugs when you least expect it, and usually when you need them most.

·     It's a life of playing pretend good guy vs. bad guy, and making guns out of any object you can grab even if you NEVER let them watch anything with guns or play with guns.

·     It's a life of duplo and Lego blocks and seeing who can build the tallest tower with them only to knock it over and start again.

·     It's a life of little messes all over the house because being dirty is part of their ingrained spirit.

·     It's a life of only wanting their mom's to fix and kiss their boo boos or to snuggle them when they are sick.

·     It's a life of pillow fights. Lots of them!

·     It's a life of checking the toilet seat before you sit on it because you never know if they remembered to pick up the seat before using it themselves.

·     It's a life of broken toys because they don't quite understand what being gentle means.

·     But most importantly it's a life of amazement, wonder, and love.

Words can't describe the pride and joy I feel being a mom to two boys, and learning that what I thought I wanted wasn't even close to the reality of what I needed. I am happy I'm a mom to boys and wouldn't want it any other way!

 

What our "real" family pumpkin patch photo looks like

Playdough fun with my oldest. I managed to sneak in a little girly play by getting a baking playdough kit.

Outdoor fun with my youngest.

Affirmation

My sister just had a baby, not to mention the family's first girl! To say I am over the moon about my niece would be an understatement. I was able to spend the weekend with my family and get in the quality snuggle time I so craved with a baby girl. Aside from the typical conversations that go along with a new mom like how they are doing, how the baby is sleeping, and what the labor and delivery was like one conversation resonated with me so much that it inspired this blog post. What is it you may ask? Affirmation that as a parent you are doing the absolute best you can for your child.

I know this may seem like a no brainer, but after having a tearful conversation with my sister. I realized how much we NEED those affirmations.

I can't tell you the number of times I have second guessed myself and my parenting (often multiple times a day). The number of times I've felt so confused and lost in this crazy world of parenting that I've wondered if I'm really cut out to be a mom. And to be really honest (which has been my promise to you from the beginning) the times I've wondered if my boys would be better off in life with a different mom. Gasp! I know, I hate to even say those words out loud, but they come from a place of pure deep unconditional love where I only want the best for my boys. And those thoughts usually start to swirl around in my mind when I feel like I'm letting them down or not living up to my full mom potential.

We can be quick to compare ourselves to other moms, to the Hollywood version of parenting, or even the pinterest expectations that we put on ourselves. As much as I hate it, it's the truth and can really mess with one's mind.

As I sat and talked with my sister this weekend, I started to see a glimpse of myself in her. The part of me that questions my every parenting move and I wanted to desperately put her mind at ease. I started telling her all the things she was doing right and how blessed my niece was to have her as a mother, and that God had planned all along for her to be the only mom to my niece. Before I knew it we were both crying. Not tears of hurt or anger, but tears of joy. It's amazing how one kind word can change your outlook on life, and how much we crave the affirmation that we are doing the best we can.

So for all you mom's and dad's out there that are giving it your all out there, keep it up! You are an amazing parent that God specifically designed for your child.

For all the middle of night wakings because your child had a bad dream, or wet the bed, or had a Charlie horse, or just needed a hug. You are awesome!

For the morning struggles of getting the kids out the door and all the craziness that comes with it. You are a super parent!

For the unexpected phone calls from daycare when your child is sick and the helplessness you feel while holding them trying to comfort their fever or cough away. You are a warrior!

And for all those amazing moments in between that make life with kids wonderful, you are the reason for them!

From one parent to another, I think you are doing the best job you can and I affirm you!

 

My beautiful niece, Jaasiel. Love at first sight!