Raising boys is not something I know anything about. I was one of three girls, growing up, and now I'm raising three little ladies. If Dan and I had been blessed with a boy, I'm sure I'd have gotten up to speed quickly. But I can't help but notice how different things are going for my friends who are on the Boy Mom path.
The trucks. The dinosaurs. The sweet sensitivity. The ENERGY.
A dear friend from Michigan, Caroline Kinney, is most certainly living the Boy Mom life. Here she is with her three handsome guys...
Not all boys are the same, of course, and I hate to generalize and over simplify. But there are similarities among many boys that can’t be denied. I asked Caroline to share a bit about her experience as a Boy Mom and her post is so funny and sweet. Now it’s yours to enjoy!
In Caroline's words...
"It’s a boy!" I’ll never forget the exact moment I learned I would officially become a boy mom.
We were having our anatomy scan and couldn’t wait to find out what we were having. After the nurse announced the gender, it was followed up by, “He REALLY wants you to know he’s a boy.” And so, it began.
A few months later our first son, Griffin, was born, followed by our second son, Jack, just 19 months later. Until recently, I was the only one in my close circle of friends who had boys. All my other girlfriends had little girls. And let’s just the say the comparisons were obvious.
I can remember talking to one of my girlfriends and saying, “You mean she doesn’t climb out of her crib or try to scale the bookshelf or climb on top of her changing table? Ya mine either…”
Or when I asked if any of their girls would ROAR at anything and everything, because it’s currently a thing in my household (full apologies to the checkout staff at Target).
I’ve found that boys are just a whole other ball game from girls. From the climbing, wrestling and infatuation with all things construction – to the huge amount of energy they have. And let’s not forget how much they can eat (does anyone else feel like a personal chef between the hours of 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.?)
But you know what? Having boys is so. much. fun. and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Like all kids, no matter the gender, being a mom comes with challenges. But here’s what I love most about being a boy mom:
6 Things I LOVE About Being a Boy Mom
1. Embrace the mess: There’s no stopping it. Boys are messy. But it’s a good thing they’re cute while they do it. From the food they eat to the toys they play with, I try not to beat myself up over the chaos of having two little ones running around (and the tornado they often leave behind).
2. Brotherly love: It may have taken some time for my oldest to warm up to having a little brother, but now their love for one another is so strong. Sometimes too strong, but isn’t that what brothers are for? I’m forever grateful they have one another.
3. Raising respectful boys: I’ll never forget the moment both boys learned how to fold their hands to pray before dinner. Or when my oldest said “thank you momma,” without being prompted after I fixed one of his cranes and trucks (see #5). It’s at that moment you realize, they’re watching, listening and taking in everything they see around them. Raising respectful boys who are polite and kind is so important to me.
4. Built in workout buddies: There’s not much sitting happening in our household. Keeping up with a 2.5 year old and 1 year old is a workout in itself. But running with them in a double stroller? Lord have mercy. I now salute any mom who runs with toddlers. I once had a mom pass me in a 5K while pushing a stroller and I want to go back in time and give her a hug.
5. Trucks 101: Guys, I live for Tuesdays. GARBAGE day. Something I never thought I would say. I love seeing my boys in awe of the huge, green truck that drives by and beeps each week. I also found myself getting excited about any type of road construction because the number of excavators, dump trucks, cement mixers, back hoes and cranes is awesome. And yes, my 2 year old has corrected me on naming the wrong truck. Who knew there was a difference between a bulldozer and front end loader?
6. Unconditional love: Sounds cheesy, but it’s true. One minute they’re about to do exactly what you told them NOT to do, and the next they’re placing their hands on each side of your face and planting a big kiss on you. Either that or I have some huge charmers on my hands.
I had no idea how wild, exhausting, hilarious, trying, sleepless, happy of a ride I was about to be on when those three little words were said at our ultrasound. But, it’s been the best two and half years of my life.
Thank you Caroline! I've always had the sense that being a boy mom was a different ballgame and you shared the realities with such sweet humor - just as you do with all things. Hugs to you and the whole Kinney crew!