This momma has gained great wisdom over the past few years, especially the past 5 months with 2 boys at home. Friends and family, perhaps you failed to mention these tiny bits of truth. The "all-knowing" books omitted these parts as well. Or maybe the exemptions were made to supply an element of surprise in the journey of parenthood. And they have done just that!
1) Trying to get the youngest son to repeats words might be a challenge, but if an older brother BURPS. The little one musters up just enough pressure from within to mimic!
2) I never knew I'd have the need to post a sign in our home saying:
And therefore, NO HITTING WITH GUNS AT THE TABLE. They will make guns out of anything. Anything. And we can't exactly take their hands/fingers away during meal times, can we?
3) Trash only becomes treasure when it's in your brother's hand. One could be holding a muddy sock or even a dead worm and in the moment that the other sees it, THEY MUST HAVE IT. It's like a magnet. And a war breaks out! This is especially true if said treasure is one of those cheap, plastic toys from a fast food restaurant. GIVE. IT. TO. ME.
4) Words related to food - specifically sweets - are far more easily repeated than any others.
Mommy: "Samuel, can you say popsicle?"
Samuel: "No."
Joey: "Samuel, do you want a cupcake?"
Samuel: "Yeah! Cupcake!"
Mommy: "Samuel, say movie."
Samuel: "...mummble, mumble..."
Joey: "Samuel, do you like red velvet cake?"
Samuel: "Yeah! Red velvet cake...with cream cheese frosting...and a
glass of milk."
* Maybe I'm remembering that scenario slightly different than it occurred.
5) These guys have enough combined energy to power a hospital generator FOR WEEKS! They run and dance circles around me - literally.
6) Bodily noises only become funnier with age (presumably with maturity).
7) Fertilizing the garden with food scraps and manure leads to the manly offer:
"Mommy, I can poop in the yard so I help our garden too."
Um, thanks....but no thanks! Where's the offer to help clean the living room or take out the trash? But when our garden needs anything at all, there's an immediate disgusting offer.
The boys working on the raised bed.
Samuel was concerned with helping in any way needed.
All finished!
They have such fun watering every day.
8) Their volume buttons must be...
9) They really really love each other! To see them chase each other across the park is confirmation of the bond that's forming. We see them race to their "hiding spot" under the desk in Daddy's office. Occasionally, we even catch them snuggled up on the couch together reading a book. It's the tender moments together that give peace to my heart...and then there's a fist to the arm and a scream!
One of those rare moment
10) Brotherhood is a full contact sport! Every punch, kick, stinky-foot-to-the-face says "love".
From Joey's pre-K journey (February)
This only-child momma has been fully introduced to the world of boys. I know there are many many more life lessons yet to be learned. Some will be unnecessary, but still informative. Others will be plain ole embarrassing, yet entertaining. Life with our boys is disgusting and hilarious! I love it! And why wouldn't I? What's not to love? I feel like I've been enlightened by 2 of the best.
I must also throw in that these two rough and rowdy guys find a quiet moment in each day to give me a big squeeze and a kiss. Samuel wakes up calling for "Da-E" while immediately running towards Joey's room to see if he's ready to play. Yep, these 2 treasures are cool like that!
