boys
I have so much to learn.
Boys are very different from girls.
It has almost been a month of life with my little boy.
Here are some things I have noticed so far...
photo by Meg Duerksen
A boys outfit is so much more simple. No matching shoes, matching leggings, headbands, hair bows, or clips. Simple.
Shopping for boys is not quite as exciting and there are not as many options. The boys section is like a fourth as big as the girls section. What's up with that?
Diaper changing. Enough said.
It is so easy to make things for a little girl. You can sew up anything for a girl and they look cute. Not so much with boys. Levi's daddy said he doesn't want his little boy to be too "cute". I guess that is why our Etsy shop is mostly full of girl things. I am thinking we are going to need to add some more boy things to Cora's soon. I will be working on that.
No pink, ruffles, or frills. Now it's blue, trucks, and balls.
I am sure this is just the beginning.
I am not going to lie. I was so surprised when Levi was born and we found out we had a little boy. My mind was still programed to all things little girl. That is what I was used to. That is what I missed. Of course we fell in the love with Mr. Levi the second we saw him. We knew that God had entrusted this little boy to us for a reason. He is such a blessing and we already can't imagine life without him.
We have put away pretty much all the girlie things that were in Cora's room...now Levi's room. That was so hard. I cried. Partially because my heart hurt so badly that Cora wasn't there with us. It seemed so awful to be putting her things in a box. And partially because I didn't want to say goodbye to all those fun girlie things. I miss that.
But we knew we needed to take that step. Something that we heard at the Respite Retreat kept coming back to me.
Invest in the living.
We could have left Cora's room just the way it was and put Levi in another room. We could have left out all the pink and girlie things. And for some people that might be what works for them. Everyone grieves and moves forward so differently. But for us, we felt like we needed to put Cora's stuff away that we wouldn't be using anymore and invest in our new little boy. That meant out with the pink and in with the blue. I must confess that I did keep a few girlie things out and moved them to my craft room/guest room. I can't let the boys totally overtake everything. A girl's gotta have some pink and frills somewhere in her house!
So, here I am ready to invest in our little Levi. All things boy...here I come! I am ready to embrace the trucks, tractors, balls, bugs, and dirt. I may need some guidance along the way from all of you mamas out there who have little boys of your own.
Oh, and speaking of boys. I was so excited when I saw on Ashley's blog this morning that Dana of Made and Made by Rae are teaming up for the entire month of February to celebrate boys. How great! I can't wait to see all the ideas for boys. Maybe it will give me some inspiration.
posted by the mcclenahans @ 11:15 PM
86 Comments:
Oh such an honest post. You are such a gift of God and so is your family. Your pain I have cried with, but I am so glad to be a part of seeing your healing.
Thank you for your honesty and sharing ti with us all,
Tami
Boys are definitely so different. Our boy was our second as well, and from the time he was little, less than a year, he was fascinated by cars and trucks, any vehicle really, and building toys. My daughters both like those toys, too, but the intensity is not the same! They are fun in a different way...God designed them differently so that we would enjoy them for their uniqueness, and the perspective that they bring to things.
And on changing the diaper...use an extra wipe for cover. ;) I got peed on, in my hair, early on...those are lessons you learn fast! haha
It's amazing how your posts can move me from smiles to tears in seconds. I'm sure you feel that way about living your life...such a swing. I think that the sentence you shared about investing is quite profound, for all of us. Thank you for passing that on.
i have no doubt that you'll come up with adorable things to make for levi. maybe because of your efforts there will be lots and lots of boy-inspired clothing on etsy.
wishing you all the best with your adorable little levi.
♥
I too have been peed on...
I got it right in the forehead.
I LOVE BOYS! I come from a family with 5 kids. I have 3 sisters and the last one was a boy. I really wanted to have all girls when we started our own family, but I just knew I was going to have a boy first and I did. I have realized there is nothing like a little boy. Although I haven't had a girl yet and PRAY I have at least one girl so I'm sure I will feel the same way about a girl, but oh my, I love little boys. They really are different. Clothes are way harder to find for boys and the cute ones are a little more pricey. There are cute girl clothes at any store...even wal-mart:-). Anyway, sweet post. He really is a cutie. I really hope to get another little man here soon. When I see Levi I get so dang baby hungry.
Your post really has me thinking....I am due my second baby at teh end of the month, I have a girl already and like you, I'm just programmed to think "girl". I wonder will that have to change at the end of the month!!!
You sound good, even though they were some awfully hard steps you took this week. Thinking of you often and wishing strength and peace x
Thanks for posting about our BOY month :)
Ah sweet Mommy boys and girls are so different :) How open and honest you are with your life! Can't wait to see more boy things added to Cora's ;)
Kim
I have three boys, my ideas are to just enjoy them and have fun. They love to cuddle and Easter is the best time to buy suits and ties for them!! Thats one thing you can put in your esty shop, ties. They are easy to make and I can never find nice ones for kids!!
Advice from a mom with boys is enjoy being the queen of the castle. Its fun and I love being "protected" by all my boys!!
Well, I have nothing to share, since I have three girls. I always tell my husband i would be so lost with a boy :). That picture of Levi is about the sweetest thing I've ever seen. I wish I could kiss on those sweet little cheeks. I'm sure he gets plenty of that already, though ;)
Oh Jess, Bless your heart! During the first diaper change after bringing Tyler home, he peed in his face! I was mortified, and he was surprised!
You are so right about the boy sections at stores...that is wrong!
AS FOR THE LOVE OF A BOY TO HIS MOTHER...There is not much in the world that is sweeter...
All I've ever known is boys!!! I am excited that you will be adding more boy things to Cora's. I still have the dress I bought, just hoping that I may get to use it sometime! I know you have a lot of people that will be giving you advice, but please don't hesitate to ask about things! It's all boy in our house!!
I love your honesty. Have lots of fun with your baby boy. I have daughters and I look forward to a son in law one day. I think mothers and sons have a different kind of special relationship that is oh so sweet too.
Yes , boys are very different than our little girls, but thank our Lord for that lovely difference. My "little girl" is now 21 years old, and when my "little boy" , who is now 13 , was born - I was shocked ! What should I do with this little boy !?? He's so different than her ! Yes, but wonderfully different in his very own way. What a gift from our Lord to know both.....
Yes, you are most definitely correct - boys are very different from girls. I had my boy 4 years ago, and my girl almost 2 years ago. They were different as babies. They are different as toddlers. And I'm expecting the trend will follow.
Please feel free to visit my blog, and ask questions if you ever need anything. I'm no expert. Just a mom.
I have a whole housefull of boys right down to the dog. I just knew wewould have a girl also and God surprised us. I think maybe he knew what I could handle. Girls can be a bit overwhelming at times. Boys love their mamas! No one else can fix it like mom...makes me feel very needed.
I have a little boy and it is amazing. I love my little mama's boy. There is such a special relationship between a mother and son. BTW, I dress my son like a very cool little dude!! :)
I agree with everything you said! I too have a small son(7mo) and he was born after our first child, a girl, went to be with Jesus. I was not ready to give up the pink and all things girl. Yet, I have embrassed the blue and havefound much joy in my son.
I would LOVE to see cute boy more clothes. At my husbands request, like yours, we dress Rigg like a
"little man".
As for the diaper changing,have you heard of a pee pee teepee? They are awesome!
enjoy your sweet little man. I have found our little guy to be a soothing balm for grief that is still hard to bear at times. There is freedom in Gods choice. How thankful I am for for both my daughter,and my son. Such gifts! As is your Cora and your Levi!
Is your etsy shop open?
Beautiful post. I have to say, my son is 11 and I'm more than happy to share advice and tips. The land of Hot Wheels is THE BEST! Boys certainly are easier in my opinion...they tend to be more easy going and clothes..you got that right...the selection is less and it's not nearly as fun but it's because most boys don't care what they wear like girls do. I LOVE having my daughter to raise, but having a boy, opens your eyes to a whole new world...it's an amazing gift that God has entrusted us moms with boys to raise...it's a true blessing and one I feel so happy about that I received the chance to be a Mom to a Son. Have fun! Oh, and yeah, I got peed on quite a bit back in the day of changing his diapers! Ugh!
He is adorable!!
The lack of clothes for boys was the hardest thing for me too. My eyes still go to the little girl's section first even though I haven't had a "little" girl for many years now.
As Levi gets older another difference you will notice is the noise level. Girls can be squealy, but nothing compares to the noises of little boys. It is impossible for Ezzie and Jobie to play without making ALL kinds of sound effects...ALL the time. So much fun!
Praise the Lord for the differences!
I am feeling just as lost. My daughter turns 5 today and we will have our baby boy next week. I have to say I am no where near ready for this little guy to come. Shopping and preparing for my girl was a whole lot easier. I am having a hard time buying clothes for this one now...I am just drawn to the ruffle butts and hearts :) I need to learn how to switch my brain over! And did I mention Im scared of the diaper changes??
The dynamics of boys are certainly so different then girls, and each are such a blessing in their own way. Levi is such a cutie :)
I have two boys (5 1/2 and 2) and absolutely love it. God totally knew what he was doing when he made those choices for us (of course). I now really appreciate the simplicity of getting boys dressed and out the door in the morning. Both of our boys from birth seemed to be little men. Something always looked a little off when I dressed them too 'cute' or in all pastels. Maybe connected with their personalities I suppose.
Congratulations!
I grew up in a house with all girls (except my dad, of course) and now have a house full of boys. I love my 3 boys and wouldn't know what to do with a girl at this point :) Shopping is HARD especially as they're getting older. But I like a challenge so I'm use to it now. Your knowledge of Star Wars, Marvel vs.DC Comics,Legos, cars and sports will reach a depth you never knew possible. :) HAVE FUN!
Hi Jess,
We have 9 boys!!! (and 4 girls) I love, love , love having the little boys. One thing, they grow into handsome young men who can work with their dad in our construction business!! Joel is going to love having a little sidekick! I would not trade our girls in of course:) but I am not complaining one bit for all the boys the Lord blessed us with. Yes, it is a world of dirt, cowboys and indians, hammers, boots, and lots of rowdy sibling fun. I love to see all of our boys interacting together, it is such a joy and how they "takecare" of their sisters!! The bottom line is children area blessing, boy or girls!!
Our oldest are twin boys 22, all the way down to our Mercy who is 3 1/2.
We have two sets of twins....our 3 yr, Joel with the Lord 1/23/07, neuroblastoma, like your Cora
So proud of you. Even through the tears.
I am expecting my third boy, and though I really wanted a girl this time, part of me is relieved. I love my boys. The world of trucks and balls and Toy Story and Cars is so fun. You're going to love it. :)
So true. =) I can't wait to see what you come up with for our sweet little boys. My hubby too refused to let Robbie or Caleb be too "cutsy"... so it's puppy dogs, trucks, and balls all the way.
Side note -- did you hear that Clayton and Erin are pregnant?? I'm so excited for them I can hardly stand it. Big answer to prayer!
Hugs, L
Jess, I do pray that God blesses you and Joel with another little girl in the future; and also that little Levi has you yearning for "all things boy" in a very short time.
The clothing...while it's not as 'involved' as girl options, it has improved so much since we first became parents to our first boy. :) Target's Osh Kosh, Gap, and Children's Place all offer classic, un-gawdied (<--maybe not a word) boy attire.
You are a Godly, good mama...and He will help you find the "boy" spirit to be the mother that Levi needs inspite of the aching that missing Cora must bring each day.
You and Joel have an amazing testimony; and I look forward to watching you raise Levi and his siblings in the future.
I always thought that the little girl things were cuter and there are simply more of them at the store. But after having boys, your perspective changes. Snails and puppy dogs are really cute too, they just don't put them out on the front rack. The thing I think most moms of boys have to learn is that it all washes off - dirt, paint, hair gel to make spiky hair. And twenty years from now it won't matter that they are covered in it. Oh and peeing becomes a sport. Trees, bushes, rock, the dog once....
invest in the living. GOD is GOOD, and so is the word of God.
congratulations on your new little guy. boys are the best. my jack seems to hold on a little bit longer with each hug.
When I was pregnant with my son, I wanted a girl so much...I didn't know what to do with boys. Then he was born...oh my goodness how fun was he?! They are easy, give 'em dirt and a car and they are set. I love boys and I am having another one and can't wait! Congratulations on joining the mommy and boy club, there is just something special about that relationship.
There is NOTHING like the love a little boy gives his momma! You will always be BEAUTIFUL in his eyes....
Love
Mom of 4 boys
Levi is so sweet!
I have two girls that I enjoyed buying for, but I was always drawn to the little boys clothes. I always loved the bright colors, sweaters,jeans and hoodies (Baby Gap anyone?).
I think I like the idea of "miniature men's clothes"!
Being the mother of THREE fabulous boys, I can relate to everything you said. I will add that boys will always hold a special place in their hearts for their first love, MOMMY! Keep enjoying God's blessing in Levi.
Boys are so much different! Changing diapers -- let's just say that in Elijah's first month of life, I changed more outfits and jammies than ever before!! I'm doing much better now with that...thankfully!
Mom of 3 boys here...and then along came the girl. It's a totally different mind set....but I feel God knew maybe different would really be better for you at this point in time...rejoice in Levi's differences and wrap your arms around it and hang on...the whirlwind of boy-land is just beginning!
We had our boy after 2 girls and it's definitely different. I mourned during his babyhood at the small selection at the store and worried that he wouldn't have homemade things from me like his sisters did - all things you expressed. But then as I began to turn that corner and celebrate his "boyness" (as you are doing!)I found that I could make little stuffed monkeys and those so-ugly-they're-cute monsters instead of fluffy cats and rag dolls. I found rocket ship patterns to sew onto his plain shirts and iron on truck/tractor decals to use on his jeans. You have so much to look forward to! Boys are sometimes a lot of work but always so much joy! My son wants to be just like his daddy and that is precious to watch - it will be such a wonderful time for Joel as Levi nears preschool years and tries to copy all he does! Boys also love their mama's with all their little hearts and do endearing things like pick a bunch of dandelions for mom or make a lego tower "just for you mom!" He will fill your days with love and laughter. I can't imagine your pain but I applaud your efforts to move forward while still honoring the special, cherished place Cora will always have in your family.
I've never experienced a girl and probably won't. I'm due with my second boy in May. I can't imagine anything frilly or pink. I am sorely outnumbered now : ) But I love little boys. They are SO MUCH FUN!
Oh, my heart is so heavy for you! (((hugs))) I had two girls and then a boy. My boy is now 21 months and I am STILL amazed at the difference between boys and girls. I thought people were exaggerating. But clearly boys are soooo different!
I grew up in a family of 3 girls, and now am the mommy to 3 little boys. :) It is completely different, and although I don't know any different now than living in "boydom" I wouldn't have it any other way.
The clothes are definitely getting better (The Children's Place is my favorite right now...they actually do a pretty good job of having as much boy stuff as they do girl stuff)...not as many options as there are with girls, but it can still be fun. :)
My favorite thing about having boys: the way they love their moms. They are sweet, protective, gentle (they know that wrestling is for Dad, not me). They are funny, crazy, and imaginative.
Welcome to the world of cars, dirt, and legos. Of superman capes and homemade forts. It's a fun, fun place to be, and you will be great at it!
I have two boys and one girl - the boys are older. I must say that I really enjoy shopping for my boys. You just have to learn where to look. I don't let my boys leave the house in anything uncoordinated, and they always have matching shoes and socks. It's not "cutesy", just matching. Everyone says that girls are more expensive - I spend more on my boys than on my little angel. You can find good deals on girls clothing - not so much on cute boys clothing. You have to make shopping for a boy fun!
It's funny because changing a girl, to me, is much harder than changing a boy. With a boy, you wipe and you are done. With a girl, you have to wipe in the correct direction, and make sure to clean all of the right areas. We have also found that our little girl's diapers smell WAY worse than any of the boys.
I love reading everyone's opinions on boys versus girls though.
Good luck with little Levi. He is such a good-looking little guy!
well I'm on the opposite side on the gender thing, I have a boy and now we are having a girl. I'm used to the blue-green-brown-yellow-anything but pink - clothes. Cars, Trains, Planes, Balls, Mud, Music Instruments (which this works for both genders), etc.
I have no clue about bows, tights ... diaper changing a girl ... any of that. I don't even like Pink :)
Boys are awesome, they have a wonderful connection with their mom. It's a love that you can't describe or even imagine yet but when that cute little boy looks at you and tells you he loves you for the first time ... well ... then your heart is completely melted and that's it!! :)
The way they want to take care of you, love on you, make sure you are ok, play with your hair ... I don't know ... so many wonderful things to look forward! Story time at night, mother and son talks ... it will be great! Promise!!
Hi Jess and Joel!
Being the parents of three sons is our greatest joy! As someone said, after nieces and now 8 granddaughters, we have discovered girls are so squealy and often shrill. Boys are just loud and rambuctious - and always eating. You'll learn more about football and whatever sports Levi learns to love than you imagined possible. I remember talking ith my brother-in-law (MANY years ago!), comparing stories of what it was like for him to have three girls and me to have three boys (and we both longed for the opposite!). He was bemoaning all the drama, I said, "well at least you don't have jock straps hanging off your dining room chairs!" Such a memory - and vision I'll never forget! (But WORTH it!)
Jeans and tee shirts, you gotta love the simplicity of it all!
Love Levi large!
Ahh diapering a baby boy. Our oldest boy loves to hear the "funny" stories of how inept we were at changing his diaper when he was little. =) And you are SO right about the amount of boys clothes out there verses girl clothes. How unfair! =) But, overalls are awfully cute on a little boy and so are little hats, and just wait until you put him in a little suit. So cute! =)
I have three girls. When we had our first, I was SURE that she was a boy. No proof. Just sure. When she was born, I was shocked!! Then came the other two, and with those I just knew that they were going to be girls. Girls are what I know. I understand what you mean about that.
I do not have the joy of a sweet little boy in my house, but I can fully imagine the diapering oopsies and the trucks and mud!
God indeed knew (knows) what he was (is) doing. I'm quite sure that Cora is overjoyed to "share her room" with Levi.
With continued prayer for nothing but abundant blessings for your sweet family.
XO*Tricia
hank (almost 5 months) is my first, so i only know boys, but i agree with your list :-) love reading about your family. levi is one lucky little BOY! and so fun that those blogs are doing boy things this month...can't wait to read about them!
Your Levi is precious. Some day he's going to read your posts and see what a beautiful mother he has. All boys love their mamas but yours will have even more reason to love you. I feel sorry for his wife- she'll have a tough act to follow! :)
I'm a girly girl who is a mother to only boys. I often wonder why God didn't give me a daughter but I have to say that I think boys are wonderful. The clothes and toys aren't much fun at all but the boys themselves are. It's also a privilege (but very scary!) to have the opportunity to raise a strong, Godly gentleman for the world.
I'm still praying for you as you miss your Cora.
Yeah! I would love to see more boy things in Cora's. I have an almost 6 week old boy now & I agree, it is really hard to find cute boy stuff. Here are a few things I think are cute for boys:
-little cutsy monsters
-monkeys (I'm partial to this)
-bugs
-owls (my sister is doing her nursery in owls for her baby boy)
-you could do onsies with the little neck-ties in different patterns
-basic dots & shapes in cute boy colors
-trains
-bunnys (especially for Easter!)
Okay, thats all I can think of right now, but I can't wait to see what you come up with :)
<3 Bon
Oh, and little chickens for easter :D
Oh there's definitely a difference in boys things! I was always so glad I gave birth to my guy first for some reason because I wasn't too sure about this whole girl thing (as I was never a girly girl before my gals) - and I loved his little track suits and sweat shirts, etc....it's a whole different but wonderful world! Embrace that little guy and love the changes - it's all part of your story. :)
I have definitely thought about starting my own clothing store just for BOYS! There is just not a good selection out there!!!
Kimberlee
Hey Momma Mac you come on over to Sassy's blog to learn about boys! I agree Ashley Anne's is the leader but boys are very tricky for us girly girls. My little guy 20months LOVED stamping val day stamps make his Valentines-just an example of how boys can roll with us artsy Mommas!
Hugs!
Sassy
Levi is precious! I have said this before and think it each time I read your post...but Cora and Levi have the most beautiful eyes!
Your humor and honesty made my day. I always thought I would have a house full of boys just because of our lifestyle and given the fact that I really can't fix my own hair. Well two girls it is for us. Yea, and their hair ..not so good...Hmmm... so I can't wait to read about your boy adventures!
I love the way you said "invest in the living" its so true. What a pearl of wisdom. I think its so easy (in all things) for us to look back at what was or what could have been. God wants us to dwell on what's real, present and true.
I cannot imagine going through what you're going through. I simply cannot. But its been refreshing to hear the new ways you're learning about God's character; how He brings you through things no one else can get you through.
Levi is a blessed little boy. He has parents that will be able to pass down these life lessons and show him what God's love, peace and hope looks like, lived out on a daily basis.
I am a mom of 2 boys :) My most favorite time of the year is Easter. I love Easter for many reason but one of the reasons is that it is the only time of the year that I get to dress up my boys. When they were small it was easier because I could pick out real cute stuff now it is shirts and ties that are still fun. When my youngest was about 1 year old for Easter he wore some Knickers, with suspenders, bowtie, and Newsboy cap. He was the cutiest little thing I have ever seen!! I got it off of ebay for I think under 20 dollars but I found a link to one being sold on Amazon that is the same outfit he wore :)
http://www.amazon.com/Toddler-Vintage-Knickers-Suspenders-Newsboy/dp/B000IBSZ26
Welcome to the world of dirt, cars, monster trucks, many falls,
bugs, dinos, action figures, and many more things that are boys :)
I am a mommy to a wonderful little boy who is just shy of turning two. When I was pregant, I immediately thought "girl" and was pretty shocked at our ultrasound to find out that we were having a boy! I was a little nervous, because I felt like I wouldn't be a good mommy to a baby boy - I grew up with two sisters and there are mostly girls in my extended family. But, I fell in LOVE with my son instantly. And that mother-son bond that everyone talks about - it was there right away. I can't imagine life without him. I hope that I'll get a chance to experience having a daughter someday, but if not, it's okay.
Boys are busy bees, always on the go, running, jumping, climbing, rough and tumble, trucks and trains, mud and grass stains..but they are also lovable, huggable, kissable snuggle bugs who love their mamas very much. Enjoy every moment with Levi. And remember this:
"Mothers of little boys work from son up till son down."
I know what you mean by boys being different. My five best friends have 8 girls between them and my son is the only boy. At first I was a little sad I didn't get to do the girly things with them but now I realize that I have my mommy's boy. He loves me so much and it is so special to have the opposite sex parent relationship. Not to say that I wouldn't love a little girl in the future to have pedicures and girl time with. I think you will truly enjoy experiencing a boy.
Gymboree - the best place for boys clothes! I have two boys and I personally keep that store afloat it feels!
Brio, and legos, get used to them they will be part of your world from here on in,(and it is a really wonderful world) I have two boys, 13 and 11, so thankful for boys now that we are entering into the teen years. My friends w/ daughters have it soooo much harder now. Love your posts, how honest w/ your feelings you are.
Smart move keeping some "girl space" for you...in a few years, you might want to designate a girls only bathroom (I'm just saying)...
hugs to that baby...he is adorable no matter what he wears!!
dinosaurs.
cute, little brontasauruses and triceratops.
you can cut those out of cute fabric and sew them on.
and they're dinosaurs.
so they're totally hard core :)
I loved your post! You should check out Gymboree for not too cute boy clothes. They have a new tractor group that would be perfect for your little farm baby!
Your story, sweetness and honesty have once again touched my heart so deeply. The way you can express your thoughts into words is such a gift. I think you could write a post on what you ate for breakfast and I would be moved to TEARS. :)
As I was scrolling down reading the post, I loved seeing the new picture of Levi and the one of Cora on your right side bar together. They look so much alike!! So adorable!
I'm not in the business of guessing why God does what he does, but I couldn't help but think that He put a little boy in your life so that you could keep Cora's girly memories just for her, ya know.
And lastly, as I was reading your post I was reminded of an example of a difference between girls and boys with my daughter and son. I wonder if you've had an similiar experience with Cora and will with Levi. When Avery, my daughter, was little (as little as 6 months) she would play with the FP stacker toy (do you know which one I'm talking about?) for so long trying to get the rings just right. oh, and she loved wearing the larger ones as bracelets! (haha, forgot about that until I was proof reading my comment). Anyway, one day my son, Drew was playing with the same stacker toy and proceeded to take it all apart, unscrew the peg thing (that the rings go around) and kept swinging it around repeating, "baseball", "baseball". Haha. Enjoy the new boy moments with your little man and always remember and treasure the girly ones with your princess. Always thinking and praying for you and your family. XXX, Michele
Welcome sweet Levi! We just welcomed our third boy and I love being the mama of boys! God knew that you needed a son and He has prepared you and your husband to raise a godly man! (Which this world needs more of!!!) I will be praying for you as you learn more about your precious Levi.
You come to my mind often b/c my little sister lives in Kansas and her third was a girl~ they named her Cora. My heart always says a prayer when I think of you. Congratulations on your sweet new baby, may God light your path at each step as you learn more about raising a man who loves God and follows hard after Him.
And just for the record, you will be amazed at what his little mind will come up with! Life is such an adventure with boys!
Listen to the song "Godspeed" by the Dixie Chicks, if you haven't already. It's beautiful and all about boys. It's message will ring even truer as Levi gets older.
-Mother of three boys (and one girl.)
As a mama of two boys myself I am all for you coming up with some ideas for your shop that are for BOYS! There isn't much out there ... I'm anxious to see what you come up with!
I don't know what to say other than joy and pain are such a unique mix.
Your little boy is perfect though. I'm sure that God planned this perfectly for more reasons than we can think of.
Love your honesty!
Boys are so different that girls. I have an 8yr old son and a 3yr old daughter. Totally night and day when it comes to clothes shopping.
hugs =) melanie
I still haven't done it, but I hope one day to make a shadowbox of little special things from my first pregnancy (miscarried at 10 weeks, after years of infertility). Perhaps something like this will strike your fancy.
Hugs!
Jess,
thanks again for blogging about this. Your blog has brought a ton of traffic over in the past two days :)
I have been blessed with both a son and a daughter. It is harder to find cute boy clothes that Daddy's like too. Dinosaurs, Star Wars, and video games, that what little and big boys are made of. You can buy the clothes, bring them home, but you can't always make them wear them. Levi will have his say. Have fun!
I saw the post from Bri!!! and I thought back to this:
http://sweetcarolinebaby.blogspot.com/2009/08/gifts.html
This precious baby lost his daddy in a car accident 8 months before he was born. I love how his mama's friend took his daddy's ties and made them into onesies and a blanket for him. Just a sweet idea I thought I'd share.
Levi is a doll!
Boys are great too! My son is 13 now and although I don't get the same amount of hugs and kisses from him as I did in his younger years, I do enjoy him more each year. So enjoy your precious Levi while he is little and playing with his trucks. It is great to watch sons play sports and develop strong manly bonds with their dads. But a boy needs his Mom also and you will see that we can have special bonds with our boys too! Boys love their Mamas!
Ah, boys. *sigh*
I was the only girl in a neighborhood of boys until I was 16. I learned to fix cars, play basketball, and be the best tomboy I could just to keep up and better them.
Then I got married and had two boys myself... and most of their growing-up years I was a divorced mom. I sewed a lot of their clothing, except for the jeans... until they entered middle school and sewn clothes were just not "cool."
I was blessed to have many of my sons' friends over at our house constantly during those years of their growing-up. Some were Scouts, some were church buddies, others neighbors or school chums. Many called me "Mom."
I didn't know what to do with girls until I had granddaughters. I'm blessed to have two frilly girly giggly granddaughters whom I LOVE to pieces.
But I wouldn't trade all the boy years for anything!
You will LOVE the boy stuff, I just know it!
♥
Boys are different from girls, right from the start. I had two boys before I had our little girl (any questions? I'd be happy to try and answer them!). I was starved for pink by the time Anna came along. I know what you mean about keeping some of it out for yourself; apart from the cat, it was three boys and me. (Why do boys' clothes have transportation, tools, dogs, and dinosaurs on them??)
I also think your goal to invest in the living is SO HEALTHY. You will always miss Cora, but Levi is with you now. It canNOT be easy, but I think you are absolutely right to focus on that. Your forward-thinking is very inspirational.
I just finished reading all of the comments. I am a momma of a 2 year old boy. When I first found out I was pregnant I was SO SO sure he was a girl. We bought girl clothes etc. Then the ultra sound and she said BOY. I was like BOY?? What? I have 3 sisters, 2 of my sisters had girls my cousins were girls there is littlerly all girls in my family but for 2. My son is the 3rd and the 1st in 10 years. I was like WHAT am I going to do with a BOY?? My husband wanted a daughter. I was upset about the lack of clothes, shoes etc. I HATE how they have so much girl stuff, and the shoes. 2 to 3 Ilse of shoes for girls and only 1/4th of a section for boys at target. GRRR I still am annoyed by it. BUT I LOVE MY SON. I can not even imagine it any other way. He is such the boy, loves his trucks, train, balls cars, drums, and boots and his cape. Make capes they are fun. Super hero clothes, they is cute stuff out there. I love the fun tees with all the sayings I think my fav was a tee from Gap. Ladies Man. :) I always thought my hubby had a weird bond with his mother. Well now I get it. I love my son SO much. Funny to hear all the diaper stories I have never had a problem. Cleaning him up is SO easy and he only peed on me once or twice. I do wish I had some pink in my life maybe some day I will but if I never do I am OK with that.
Big hugs. Once you get to know who he is you'll never wonder about boys because you'll just know Levi. :)
Boy's clothes are pretty lame in the beginning though. As a mom of 3 boys, I love it now. {Sweaters, little ties, khakis, swoon!}
Prayers for you as feelings, memories, joy and pain ebb and flow. May you be sustained in the midst.
Levi is a doll. What a beautiful, beautiful babe. Congrats.
I have four boys... and my house is living proof! Scuffs and chunks taken out of walls, legos EVERYWHERE, swords and battles are the norm... it is certainly a different world.
It's so hard to grasp what we are handed sometimes but "godliness with contentment is great gain." You will see that daily in your own life as you take hold of what God has handed you.
I've not yet had a girl, but your post echoed my feelings when we were told we were having a son. I dreamed of having little, silky-headed girls, and I admit I cried for days trying to wrap my mind around raising a boy. I had pictured making crafts together, fluffy Easter dresses, and little girls dancing around the house in sock-feet. Now that he's nearly two, I'm in a much better place emotionally about our little guy (but the clothes still are NOT as cute as girls' - though the outfits do get better when they're not infants and can wear little hoodies, overalls, and such).
As far as design ideas, check out the boy rooms here http://lindseycheney.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-finished-kind-of.html and http://allbowerpower.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/sleeping-like-a-log/. Also, I am doing my son's birthday in a woodland theme, with mod owl, squirrel, trees and earth tones. Seems like could be a great room theme too. All the best as you adjust to and then embrace your little boy!
Boys are so easy! Enjoy your little man, because boys love their mommy's so much! Not that girls don't, but my son is my protector and is so kind and loving. It is tough shopping. What I have found is you must buy something cute immediately, if not....you won't get it! I used to smock for my son, and then made appliqued t-shirts with matching shorts when he was a toddler. You will figure it out! Enjoy!
Thank you for continuing to share your heart.
I have one girl and three boys - two big things I noticed that boys seem hardwired for: knowing where there "tackle" is and making sure they hold onto it...even at 7 months old AND making weapons out of anything on hand despite trying to limit as much as possible exposure to depictions of said weaponry and its usage. Sigh!
Man I lose internet for a month and a half and missed so much...Preying for yall Healing and the new journey with a little Mr.Levi
I had a problem finding nice boy clothes for my sons in the beginning. I didn't have internet, and we don't have a car, so I was stuck buying local. We only have The Children's Place near us. The rest of the stores are overpriced private little boutiques and one or two stores that sell cheap and low quality kids' clothes. So I mostly shopped in the Children's Place. Obviously, my options were limited.
I refused to buy camo or graphic t-shirts with busy screen-printed designs made to look like they are faded and chipped. So I mostly bought button down shirts... plaid, solid, stripes... tees, polos, argyle and rugby sweaters.
I got the internet shortly before my 2nd son was born, and didn't discover online clothes shopping till even later. Besides, he had many of his bro's clothes.
Well, now I have a girl, and I find myself buying, amongst throngs of girly things, boy clothes! Because there are really cute ones out there. And the ones that are way too boyish, I just drool after.
You can do musical instrument themes (sax, drums, flute, maracas...), dinos as someone has mentioned, animals that don't usually make it onto kids' clothes (such as octopus, hippo, ostrich, panda, cow), bike and trike, different vehicles... not just cars, but tow trucks, helicopters, huge trucks that carry many cars, ships, biplanes are cute!
Seriously, I feel like I was very deprived during my sons' babyhood by not having access to all these cute clothes. I definitely will do much better if I have a boy in the future! And for you it's easier, since you make your own things. The tree tees I saw in your shop were the sweetest. I would have gotten them had they been available in big boy sizes!
I really enjoyed this post, it was so honest. Boys are different to girls, but they are equally as special. I only have a son and, given the choice, I'd probably opt for another boy. They are heaps of fun and they're so mischevious!! It's amazing to see how their minds work. And don't worry about the diaper stuff, you'll get used to it!!
Packing away Cora's things must've been so tough for you, I can't even begin to imagine it. My son & I have finally ventured into a new home of our own (it's 5 1/2 years since my husband died and we've been living with my parents since). It was so difficult opening boxes that have been closed up with memories since that time. Cora will always be a part of who you are and I think that it's very important for you to remember her and to honour her in any way you feel fitting.
Thinking of you daily and sending you and Joel lots of love in this new chapter in your lives.
Sue x
My sister died when I was 3 years old. She was 14. I'm now 38 years old, I still have a pair of her socks in my sock drawer. My Mom didn't take the clothes out of her closet or take anything in her room down until we moved from that house we were in into a new one...close to 15 years later. I just find it to be a piece of her is always with me, still in the present. Seems silly but I would never get rid of those yellow knee high socks she wore to school. Never. Keeps the part of her that was alive here on earth.
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