The first time I heard "it's a boy" I was terrified. I grew up with two sisters, and I didn't think I could navigate this new world. The thought of dirt and trucks and bugs intimidated me. How could I successfully raise boys, when I knew nothing of their nature?

The second time I heard "it's a boy" I laughed out of nervousness. Now those things were going to be multiplied, and I was still fairly new to this life of being a boy mom. Our first child was still fairly young, and while dirt and trucks were what our life consisted of, I wondered what having two would be like.

Six years later, being a boy mom has become more natural.

I've learned that boys are rowdy, and loud, and dirty, and stinky, and fearless – and why must toddler boys always have their hands down their pants?

If there is a mud puddle, they will find it. If there is a pile of dirt, they will climb it. If there is a toy tractor, they will drive it on their knees until the wheels fall off. If there is a bug, they will chase you with it. If there is anything they can jump off of, they will. They will terrify you at every turn, and make you want to pull your hair out.

But you know what else I have learned as I navigate this world of raising boys? They are some of the sweetest little gentlemen you could ever meet. They give the best kisses to their mamma, and they know just what to say to make her smile. These boys are our helpers. They will hold the door open, they will be kind, and brave, and loving, and fearless.

This thing of raising boys isn't for the faint of heart. It will test us again and again. But man, oh man, aren't we lucky. Aren't we so incredibly lucky that we get the honor of raising the next generation of outstanding men? I'm so thankful that I get the privilege of being a boy mom.

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