When I first found out I was expecting, I just knew it would be a girl.  Growing up I was in a family of all girls besides my poor dad.   Even our dogs were girls.  I had never known anything but girls.  So when the ultrasound tech told us our first baby was a boy, I was utterly SHOCKED.  It sounds ridiculous to say that, but it’s the truth.  And then when we found out our second was a boy as well, I was in even more disbelief.  Before my third child (a daughter) was born, I had almost 5 years of being completely surrounded by the opposite sex, and I gained a whole new appreciation for what my dad experienced having all daughters.  And while I ADORE my sons,  I was absolutely NOT prepared for a life with little boys.  

Here are some unexpected truths that I’ve learned so far along the way.

Boys are gross

Like actually nasty.  In a completely different way than most girls would ever consider.  They pee EVERYWHERE.  Boys get ridiculously dirty when they play outside. They think all bodily functions and noises are HILARIOUS.  And they have absolutely no fear of critters.  Frogs, lizards, bugs, sea critters, my boys catch and play with them all.

The holes in the knees of pants never stop

It’s INSANE. 

My boys can rip through jeans in no time.  I’ve tried different brands.  I’ve tried buying the reinforced knees.  I’ve tried reinforcing the knees myself.  It’s all to no avail.  The knee holes just continue…  

Sigh.

Boys can EAT

It’s no joke!

During the toddler/picky eating phase I would have never believed how much a boy can consume. 

Geez Loiuse. 

When they are hungry, get out of the way.  I could really just use my own cow with how much milk they consume.

Boys are daredevils.

My middle boy in particular is insane.  In fact, we often refer to him as feral.  It’s like  he spends all day trying to think of new ways to almost REALLY hurt himself or sometimes ACTUALLY hurt himself. 

He’s creative, brave, and spontaneous- which I love. 

But he is also responsible for 90% of my gray hairs.

Boys can melt your heart in ways you never saw coming. 

Anytime my oldest son sees a wildflower (or even a flowering weed), he picks it and brings it to me so proudly.  Who knew a dandilion could make me so happy?  And often, when I ask my second son to do something he will respond by saying “okay, sweet momma.” 

And I literally melt into a puddle. 

While I was quite pregnant with my first son, my husband and I were in an elevator and an older woman was chatting with me.  She asked if I was having a boy or a girl. ” A boy.”  I told her. 

She smiled really widely and said…

“You are so blessed.  Boys get better and better as they grow up.  Girls are the opposite, they are so sweet and fun in the beginning and then the older they get, the sass takes over and it gets alot harder before it gets easier again.  It’s not like that with boys.  They love their mommas and will cherish them as they grow.” 

That was an interesting perspective that I had never heard before.  And it’s a conversation that I’ve never forgotten.  So far, she seems to be spot on!

So momma’s of boys, I salute you. 

Being a boy mom is not for the faint of heart, but it sure is a wonderful adventure. 

Hang in there boy mommas.  Keep patching those knee holes, stocking the fridge, checking pockets for lizards, and remember how special you will always be to your sweet little boy.  No matter who he grows up to be, no matter who he grows up to love, his first love will always be his momma.