Written by Mommy Mailbox co-founder Sarah Homec
I just had my third boy. I kind of can’t believe it. How am I an “all-boy” mom?? I come from a family of all girls. When I had my first baby boy, I was terrified. What would I do with a boy?! I have learned the answer, and that is just to love them.
I can’t even count on all of my fingers and toes the many times each week when other women would look at me in disbelief and pity when I was pregnant and would share that I was expecting my third boy. So many times I heard, “How do you feel about that? Are you disappointed?” Time and again, I would shake my head in disbelief. Disappointed in what? A beautiful, healthy baby? I couldn’t have asked God for anything more! I admit, when we had our ultrasound that so clearly showed a baby boy in my growing belly, my husband and I were both shocked. But that doesn’t mean that we wish for one second for our family to be any different than what it is.
I remember when we first moved to Arizona and I reconnected with a high school friend who is also an “all-boy” mom. She winked at me and said, “We boy moms have to stick together.” I cannot tell you how true this statement is. Boys are a breed all of their own. They are so loving and helpful and kind. And then one moment later, they are wrestling and fighting and shouting. My boys have so much energy each day that often at night, as I put them to bed, I feel so exhausted from trying to keep up with them that I am sure I can’t stand up for even one more second. But I would never trade my busy life with boys for a second.
I have stared at them in disbelief as they have peed in the trash can in the bathroom instead of the toilet, watched them wipe their tiny poopy bums on the shower curtain instead of with toilet paper, and taken them to the doctor to have a small foreign objects removed from their nostrils. And through all this, I have learned another valuable lesson: Let It Go. My boys have taught me to keep things in perspective and to place value on things (and moments) in life that are truly valuable.
I love to feel their tiny arms wrapped around my neck, and the very very slobbery kisses on my cheeks as they tell me they love me. I love to sit and build Legos with them all afternoon, and I love to take them to the park and watch them run around with their friends. These are the special moments that make motherhood, especially the difficult days, all worth it. I’m not saying that being an “all boy” mom is easy, but it is definitely worth it.
Yes, I may not ever have a daughter, and I may not get to experience all of the ups and downs that come with raising a girl. But I wouldn’t trade the opportunity I have to shape my small boys into strong men for anything. I love my three little boyfriends, and I’m happy being a mom of boys.