boys will be boys

A few years back, a single friend was expecting her first child. She stopped by the day she found out (via ultrasound) that her baby was a boy. I was one of the few people in her circle with kids, and she confided over tea that she was pretty nervous about babies in general. She hadn't spent any time around little ones, especially boys. She wasn't sure she'd relate to boy-stuff.

In perfect timing, Obi-1 (less than 2 years old) roused sleepily from his afternoon nap. He came into the room, climbed into this stranger's lap, and promptly let go of a noisy bit of gas.

"I toot on you!" he giggled.

Of course, I was a bit horrified at the way my son had introduced himself. Under my surprise, though, I was amused. It was the first of many times I've learned that boys really do have a fascination with bodily function. Up until motherhood, I assumed those boys in sixth grade had just seen too much Bart Simpson.

On a recent evening, I snuggled up on a sofa and Obi-1 asked to join me. What started as a serene, Norman Rockwell-esque situation quickly turned stinky. Before long, we had a full-on Kenobi wrestling match, complete with boys and dad finding much humor in their own hot air. I had to draw the line when Obi-1 tried to climb on my face to "toot on you!" That is just gross. Seriously. Gross.

So, now I find out that another friend is expecting a boy. She is a bonafide girly-girl. She even has a pink mixer (although I think her husband is drawing the line at the pink vacuum. Good for you, Brent!) I started to write her a note of congratulations, and realized it was getting too sappy and serious. The card read, "Sons are a heritage from the Lord." (Psalm 127:3) . My note commented, "Soon you'll have your own baby to hold, and all the wonderful sounds, smells, and experiences he brings will be yours..."

Also true: their sounds, smells, and experiences will be yours, whether you want them or not. Laugh with them, hold your breath through them, and enjoy the adventure.

love,
MamaToo