We took the boys to a park but after only a few minutes their attention was drawn to the nearby skate park. Marcus was fearless as he rode his bike up, over, and around the different ramps. I held my breath, waiting for him to wipe out, but of course he didn't. Then Ethan wanted to join in on the fun regardless of the fact that he didn't have a bike.
As I watched them play, the reality of how different these two boys are was as plain as day. But what I hadn't realized until that moment was what that means for me as their mother. Everything from the way I discipline them to the way I comfort them whey they hurt is different. What works for one doesn't usually work for the other and just when I think I have this whole parenting thing figured out one of the boys enters a new "phase" and I find myself re-reading my favorite parenting book, asking friends for their advice, and wishing my mom could share her wisdom with me.
I decided my identity as a mother of boys doesn't even begin to describe me. Instead, I am a mother to Marcus, a mother to Ethan, and a mother to Landon. Each title comes with its own set of responsibilities that changes over time.
So let me re-introduce myself to you. You can call me M.E.L. (short for Marcus, Ethan, & Landon's mom).
I bet you can't guess what letter our next child's name is going to start with
Mel, you are amazing! Your insights inspire me. I hope to one day be as good a mom to my kids as you are to yours. I absolutely love you and your family!
ReplyDeleteMelanie...there is SO much truth to what you say...and it doesn't ever get easier or "one-size-fits-all"...or at least it hasn't in 18 years so far. It's one of the hardest things about parenting, I think. My oldest 2 boys are such "peas in a pod", they always have been...but they are as different as night and day. I'm still searching for the answers every day. I LOVE your naming plan...I SO think you should have 7 kids and continue the pattern!
ReplyDeleteMel - you are so clever and so full of wisdom. And on the M.E.L. acronym - I'm thinking, why didn't I think of that? So cute.
ReplyDeleteWhoa whoa whoa! Slow down the acronym bus - was that intentional, or a fun coincidence?
ReplyDeleteBraden, of course it was an accident. However we definitely like that it narrows down our options for naming boy #4 (assuming we have a boy, which I'm sure we will).
ReplyDeleteno you will have a girl and her name will start with an A. I believe in you Randy, you can produce girls!!!!
ReplyDeleteLoved catching up with you guys! I've been soo far behind on the blogs of my friends and forever behind in mine! Just soo much to do here and see and when i find a minute to get on a computer it is to catch up w my friends! Enjoy Oki till the very last second! Life was sooo simple and laid back there! I miss it!!!
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