“Congratulations!” exclaimed a relative at my baby shower. “You’re having a girl, right?”
“Actually, we found out after the invitations were sent that we’re having a boy!”
“Oh,” she replied, her voice dripping with disappointment. “I’m so sorry.”
Such comments are common for mothers of sons. Even after nearly a decade since my last pregnancy, this relative still asks if we’re “trying for a girl.” It’s puzzling, especially since my youngest son is now 9. Do I seem like I’m trying for a girl?
While I occasionally feel nostalgic about the daughters I might have had, that’s only about 1% of the time. For the other 99%, I revel in the joys of being part of the “Moms of All Boys” community. Here are my top six reasons to appreciate raising sons:
- I’m Never the Most Disgusting Person in the House
No matter how unkempt I may be—whether I’m in my workout clothes all day or dodging a laundry basket full of stinky socks—I’m surrounded by my two tween sons and our male pets. There’s always someone outdoing me in the gross department, whether it’s a forgotten apple core or mysterious smells wafting from their rooms. - They’ll Soon Help Me Reach High Places
As a vertically challenged individual, I have come to terms with my sons quickly outgrowing me. I’ll soon be able to rely on them to help fetch items from high shelves, eliminating my need to precariously balance on kitchen chairs or jump in grocery store aisles to grab cereal boxes. - No One in My House Cares About Boy Bands
When Zayn left One Direction, my sons were blissfully unaware. In fact, I’m not even sure they knew who he was. This lack of interest in pop culture saves me from lengthy discussions about celebrity drama. - I Avoid Long Lines for Character Meet-and-Greets
While I would have stood in line for hours to meet Disney princesses if my kids were girls, my sons have no desire for such experiences. After enjoying Frozen, they opted to ride rides instead of waiting to meet Anna and Elsa, much to my relief. - Exposure to New Interests
My 11-year-old’s passion for cars has opened my eyes to aspects of the automotive world I would never have explored on my own. He introduced me to the sleek design of BMWs, and now I regularly follow social media feeds showcasing these classic cars. This newfound interest enhances our connection, and I even aspire to drive a vintage BMW one day. - Shared Sense of Humor
My humor aligns perfectly with that of my sons, which makes parenting enjoyable. We bond over classic comedic sketches and laugh at the absurd. All the ridiculous podcasts I listen to prepare me for the eye-rolling and giggles that come with raising boys.
In another reality, I might be a mother to daughters, perhaps enjoying a quieter existence. But in this life, I navigate through piles of laundry and enjoy laughter over silly jokes, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
For those exploring parenthood, consider looking into options like home insemination kits or at-home intracervical insemination syringe kits, which are valuable resources for your journey. Additionally, the NICHD provides excellent information about pregnancy and related topics.