Why Yes, I Do Have Three Boys

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“Three boys.”

A few days ago while leaving church, this was said to me three times by three separate ladies. Raised eyebrows accompanied the short comment; one lady gave me a mere grin.

boysI am perfectly aware that I have three boys. My oldest is six years old, my middle four, and our baby is seven months. But as we left the church service that Sunday morning, this comment got the best of me. You see, I’ve heard it before, and often times, no other comment – or encouraging word, mind you – follows.

Frustration balled up inside me as hot tears dropped down my cheeks. “Why should I be punished for having three boys?” I angrily lamented to my husband.

He just held my hand.

I know perfectly well that I probably over dramatized the situation. However, these three boys I have, well, they’re a blessing. And I want you – ladies, mothers, and onlookers – to see that, too.

I often think about the days when they’ll be, let’s say, ages 14, 12, and 8. By then, they’ll probably be a little less rambunctious, a little less loud, a little less of a stampede when we are out in public… maybe. But when they are those ages, gone will be the days of my four-year-old’s hands cupping my face telling me how beautiful his mommy is. Gone will be the days of my sweet baby giving me open-mouthed kisses, belly giggles, and midnight snuggles.

Life is crazy. Life will stay crazy in a house of three boys. There are some hard days. There are some days when I’d much rather lock myself in my room, put on some noise-deafening headphones, and read a book while lying stretched out in my comfy bed eating a whole bag of cherry sours. But I’m not sure who said any of this was going to be easy.

What might help encourage a mom of three boys – just encourage a mom – is to add an additional comment:

“Three boys. I know you have your hands full, I raised three boys myself.”

“Three boys. I bet your home is full of noisy joy!”

“Three boys. Bless your heart, my dear.”

I’ve been given a gift, three to be exact. And I’m going to try my hardest to raise three loving, compassionate, honest, and God-fearing men. What do they need along the way? Community, support, love. Love, love, love. And a few people to laugh at their jokes about going potty and others to turn the music up very loud so they can dance till their hearts are content (and they go to sleep.)

So, yes, I have three boys. And when we venture out just the four of us, or even the five of us, we can be quite a sight. But it works for us. You can count them if you’d like, or you can just give a wink and smile to yet another mother trying to do her best.

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Pin_ I have three boys

11 COMMENTS

  1. Hey I’m a member of the three boys club as well! My boys are 16, 14 & 12! You are right, public appearances will get easier. I remember vividly the day everyone could get themselves into the minivan and buckle up….it was like (I’m just guessing here) manna from heaven.
    Don’t worry about the comments and glances. Bless their hearts, they have no idea what your life is! If they did they’d surely be offering to do your laundry!
    And one more thing…those boys will always think you are beautiful. They will be first to say when you emerge from your dressing room ready for a meeting or better yet a date night, “You look fancy, where are you going?”
    The three boys club is not for everyone; but praise God He included me!

  2. I love it! Laura, people will comment no matter what size family you have. “Why don’t you have more? Why are they 4 years apart? You’re so lucky to have a boy and a girl”…point is, we’re blessed! I wouldn’t trade it for the world. You’ll have 3 boys telling you that you’re beautiful, they love you, and the occasional, “Mom, your gut looks BIG!” Kids are fun.

  3. NOTHING is better than being the mom of 3 boys! (Mine are 14, 11, & 8). I thank God every.single.day. for making me their mom.

    Wait until all your moms-of-girls friends have to start shelling out for dance & gymnastics. You’l;l be even more grateful then!

  4. You ladies are so great!! I love being in the “boy mom” club. My two oldest just started buckling themselves in the car and we sang, “Hallelujah!” And my oldest already tells me I must be having another boy because my belly is still big! Ha! And then they are the sweetest, most genuine, little beings. It is so fun to raise and learn about boys all at the same time. Thank you all for all your love!

  5. HAHA! Mom of 3 boys here too! 25, almost 21, and 17. Two miscarriages between. So many comments from EVERYWHERE…are you trying for a girl? I got that even until the baby was almost 10. Uh, no. Though, honestly, my heart broke after the baby, I knew physically I wouldn’t be able to handle another. All things boy-that’s what our house was for many years. Fast forward to 2013-our first grand DAUGHTER was born. Then in 2015 another was added. Nothing wrong with all boys. I love all my boys-even the adopted ones that have come along through the years. Love the rough and tumble life!

    • Love that life too, Theresa!! And goodness, we get the “girl” question ALL the time! Even when my third was in my belly!

  6. Love this! My boys are the same age differences as yours. Now they are 11, 9 and 5. Life has gotten a little easier but still has its challenges of course. A lot of people also comment on my three boys. Sometimes it is good, sometimes bad. At this point I couldn’t imagine having a girl in the mix. We are very much a boy family.

    • Thank you, Julie! Yes, each stage is going to bring its own challenges…and joys! That is really neat you have the same age differences. And I can’t imagine a girl either! Love these boys!

  7. My son’s are 9,7, and 5. I just LOVE LOVE this stage. It’s very active, fun and filled with tenderness still. You can see their brotherhood developing. Everyday, I see more and more why God choose me to parent these boys. He knew I could do this WELL. I saw the differences last night between a family of girls and our boys. Parenting a daughter isn’t for the faint hearted. Sometimes comments made about my three boys should really be reversed to two or more daughters. Our awesome responsibility of raising children into responsible and respectful adults is something people should remark on more- not pity or banter talk of your family because of all of one sex.
    And – another comment that bugs me is hearing Grandmothers (mother of all boys) rejoice over the first granddaughter. Rejoice over all God’s children (and I know most do). I will be just as elated to see my son’s son. Probably more so than a granddaughter. It will be a blessing to see how much his own son will favor him.

    • Yes, yes, yes. Every mother – or woman – should simply encourage other mothers instead of so many remarks on just what gender her children are. And I am right there with you! After raising my 3 beautiful boys, I’d love grandSONS to play in the dirt with! Thank you and blessings on you and your boys!

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