What I have learned from my son

I am a mother of girls. I have three of them, I am used to them, there are no mysteries about girls, only facts and eggshell walking. I am a girl. I know how we think, what we want, how we work.

What I do not know is boy. Anything boy.


When I left my toxic marriage I learned I was pregnant with another baby. Deep breathing and prayer taught me it would be ok. I had three girls and everything I needed for a fourth. Except...Jimmy is a boy. I know knew nothing about boys. They are dirty, they have snotty noses, and they can't wear a dress. Ok, well none of that proved true. I don't put him in dresses, but he is like his sisters. He cries, he yells, he hits, he throws. I put him in clothing I think is so cute I might die, in hopes that one day he will dress well. I teach him to treat people like I want to be treated.

Jimmy cuddles. He loves to be in my arms, I could die from all the love this boy gives me. He lights up when he sees me, and I eat it up.

He loves his penis like he loves me. Diaper changes are a disaster because he is constantly checking on his penis, to ensure he hasn't torn it off yet, no doubt. He pulls as hard as he can, up until I panic and yell "stop" because I am sure he is going to pull it off. He laughs when he pees. He laughs hard. He now has me putting diapers on backward so he won't take them off.

He plays with dolls, and loves them. Now, I know dads hate this, but it is a good thing. He is showing love and care and it gives me hope he will keep that for his future children. I will let him play with dolls until he is ready to stop.

What I have learned is, he is just like his sisters. Jimmy loves all three girls, and they each adore him right back. What I have learned from my son is a new kind of love and connection. My relationship and connection with each of my daughters is amazing and solid, it is also just a little different than each of the others. Why would I ever think it would be different with my son.

I thank God daily for the chance to know this child. I have no doubt this was a well thought out plan on the part of my Lord. He knew what I needed, what my family needed and he gave it to us.

What are your relationships like with your own children?