Sometimes I’m not sure if I’ve completely wrapped my head around the fact that we’re having a boy. I’m well aware that this life growing inside of me is a boy, but what does that mean exactly?
People keep telling me that boys are easier than girls, to which I always reply “but I AM a girl!” I know how to french braid and paint nails and tie the perfect bow! I also know how to bake chocolate chip cookies, take pictures at flattering angles, and place bandaids perfectly in between toes to avoid blisters when dancing in heels. I AM a girl. A girl’s girl, no less. How difficult could it be to impart wisdom to a daughter?
Boys on the other hand? I’m lost. I’m genuinely, totally and utterly lost. I don’t know how to drive a stick shift or build a tent. I hate red meat, have no interest in sports whatsoever, and can barely throw a football. Most days I’m scared to death of spiders and (don’t tell my dad) I can’t read a map to save my life. While Brett knows how to do most, if not all of those things, I can’t help but wonder sometimes: what is my role? Where do I fit in? What’s my place? What wisdom can I possibly share with this sweet baby boy?
Of course my role is to love him and support him wholeheartedly in everything he does. It’s my job to raise him to be an outstanding citizen, a good friend, a hard worker, and perhaps above all else, a loving husband to some lucky girl some day.
And maybe it’s as simple as that. Maybe Brett can teach him how to drive a stick shift, and the boy scouts can teach him how to build a tent, and while all of that is going on, I’ll teach him how to love his future wife. Maybe that can be my job. Maybe I’ll teach him how to be thoughtful with his actions and how to speak words of affirmation into her life. Maybe I’ll teach him how to buy “good” gifts and plan date nights and make her feel like the most beautiful girl in the world. Maybe, starting now, I should pray for God to help prepare his heart for the commitment, work, and unwavering love that marriage, and ultimately parenthood, will require of him.
Sex? I’ll leave that talk to daddy. But the rest I think I can cover.
I may not know how to read a map or use power tools, but I do know how to love. I know how to love hard and I know how to love well. If I can teach my baby boy how to do that, I think he’ll turn out okay. And thankfully, if all else fails, he’s got the greatest husband on the planet as a live-in role model. A husband who has made true sacrifices for me time and time again. If our son turns out to be half the husband that Brett has been to me, I’m fairly certain that his future wife is in for a lifetime of happiness.
All that being said, you’re welcome future daughter-in-law. You’re welcome.