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When Your Boy Grows Up

August 24, 2017 in Family

 

 

 

 

 

Having a son is absolutely nothing, like having a daughter. For one, its way easier (except when shopping for clothes because that part sucks), secondly, they are just super cool to be around. Needless to say, once you have a boy, during some point of their childhood, you stop being squeamish (if you ever were).

However, no one ever told me having your only son grow up, right before your eyes would make you an emotional sap. I mean I have yet to feel like this with my three girls (probably because of the hormones that range through our home). With Andrew it is different. I know there will be a day, when it goes from us enjoying Marvel movies together, to “mom, I’m going to take so and so to see the new Ant Man and Wasp movie” (since he will be old enough to date when phase 4 starts). I can honestly say when that happens, I will bawl like a big baby.

Just in the last few years alone he has gone from being Toy Story obsessed, to loving hot wheels, to now being totally enthralled with super heroes. How on earth am I going to handle it, when he falls in love with cars? Or Football? Or when he goes off to college even? And while I am enjoying this stage of motherhood I am in with him now-where he is still becoming familiar with the world, and asking more questions, I can’t help but feel sad or mourn even, the former stages of his development.

The days of watching Cars and Planes are over. There’s no more footie pajamas, and “mommy read me a story”. No more forts in the living, or “can I have bubbles in my bath”. Now there is boxer shorts, deodorant and Axe body wash (thanks to my husband). No more excitement for Disney on Ice or the circus. Instead he wants to come home and hop on his computer for Minecraft (and I promise, I still have no idea what that is).  And instead of goodnight hugs or snuggles, its “goodnight mom” as he walks into his bedroom and promptly shuts his door.

The good thing is, even as he gets older, for right now,we are getting closer. Sure he may always enjoy the same activities from one year to the next. But there are things that he loves to say are just for he and mommy. He knows right now that I’ll love him forever, and love him for always. I just hope always continues to remember that.

 

Natasha Brown

Love of impromptu dance parties, 80’s cartoons, and horizontal life pauses (aka naps); Natasha Brown is a stay at home mom of 4 kids, and wife to one lucky guy! In her spare time, she is co-editor of Grits & Grace, as well as editor for The Mother Hustler Blog and Creative Director for the Mother Hustler podcast.

www.themotherhustlerblog.com

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Tags : boys, family, growing up, mothers, son

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Comments

  1. Meredith says

    December 1, 2016 at 8:11 pm

    And cue the tears 🙂 Its true; my boy is our oldest, and it is a special kind of love. And, while I too love watching him grow and learn, it can be so tough when I stop and think about how much he’s changing!

  2. Heather says

    December 1, 2016 at 8:26 pm

    Ahhh. I have so many friends going through this right now. So hard!!

  3. Kiley says

    December 1, 2016 at 10:25 pm

    I cried reading this post. My boy is five but about to turn six and I know the days of his cars littering the floor will soon be gone.

  4. kage2015 says

    December 30, 2016 at 6:08 pm

    I shed some tears reading this today. My two sons just left after being her for Christmas. They have only been gone a few hours and the house seems so quiet. Miss those boys.

  5. Bridget (Nutty Hiker) says

    December 30, 2016 at 6:23 pm

    Everyone thinks I am crazy when I say it’s easier raising boys =) Glad someone else agree’s. I will say that watching my son grow up (he is now 13 almost 14 and also the youngest of my 4 children) has been so emotional. I feel like everyday is one step closer (and it is) to him not being here. I know I will miss the smell of his room (even though I loath it right now lol). I asked him the other day if he would just live with me forever. He smiled and said maybe but that he has to go to college so I will have to live without him for a while at least.

  6. Finding Kathy Brown says

    December 30, 2016 at 8:04 pm

    Beautiful post. There is a certain relationship between a mother and her son. My son is now 25 but he will always be my little boy. Just don’t tell him that.

  7. cydneyhelsdown says

    December 30, 2016 at 11:31 pm

    Aww I can totally relate to this, I only have my son but he definitely makes me an emotional sap! Cherishing our moments ?

  8. Jennifer Marx (JenuineMom) says

    December 31, 2016 at 2:29 pm

    I can totally relate. My son is 12 this year and the last few months have been a real eye opener. He’s just changed so much and now feels like a teenager. I didn’t realize how much I’d miss my little boy!!

  9. jennifer sattler says

    December 31, 2016 at 11:21 pm

    I can totally relate my boys are 16 & 13, keep them close, they love their Mamas!
    xo
    jen
    effortlesseverydaystyle.com

  10. Rochelle Valle says

    January 2, 2017 at 4:52 pm

    I feel your pain. I have 2 boys both going through a transition !

  11. Elizabeth says

    May 6, 2017 at 8:25 pm

    I remember cuddling, Thomas trains, blankie and thumb. My baby boy is now 16, driving, and working. I miss those little days!

  12. Veronica Lee says

    August 24, 2017 at 1:44 pm

    I can relate! My boys will be turning 20 and 18 soon!
    Hi! Stopping by from Mom Bloggers Club.
    Have a nice day!

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Natasha Brown is a mom of four and head sock finder in her home. Grits & Grace was started as a way to meet other southern moms who love everything from their smock dresses and Lily Pulitzer to sweet tea. Let's connect!

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Over the last two weeks I have been stretched in s Over the last two weeks I have been stretched in so many different directions.  But the one thing that has brought joy to my heart was seeing my children enjoy being kids and forgetting the grief that was in their hearts for a few moments.⠀
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The kids and I got to experience a true Chicago winter. We hated it. 🥴 As a southerner, my mind and body are not equipped to handle 16 degree weather. ⠀
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But in the meantime hold your loved ones tight. ❤️❤️ #familyisforever
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