Introductions

Hi. My name is Jen and I am a stay-at-home mother of two beautiful boys, Andy and Hayden. Andy is three years old and Hayden is going on ten months. They are the light of my life and I love them with all my heart. Now, that being said; having two boys is the most exhausting, challenging, stressful, unique experience I have ever had in my entire life! I am constantly tired, everything is sticky, and every day I get the distinct pleasure of conversing about poop, farts, and genitalia. Not to mention the fact that I have not had a single quiet day since my eldest son was born.

Having children is no walk in the park. I knew it was going to be a challenge, but I had no idea what was really coming. These adorable little bundles of joy are masters at pushing me to my absolute breaking point and then reeling me back in for more. I have had to change and adjust my lifestyle in ways I never anticipated and, more often than not, I have to put my own needs and wants dead last. I can't tell you how many times I have missed a meal or even skipped a shower or two for myself because my sons needed comfort or help. I have given up late nights with friends in exchange for bedtime routines and passing out early. Privacy and modesty no longer exist.--I will admit, I have even breastfed my baby while I went to the bathroom because...well, let's face it: when you are sleep deprived and your bladder is about to burst, you'll do anything to keep your kid from waking up and screaming at you. So yes, I have had to say goodbye to my dignity as well.--And I have had to handle and clean up more bodily fluids than I would ever care to discuss.

Having boys in particular also comes with it's own unique perks and challenges. Even from a young age, boys are constantly touching, playing, and displaying their penises. They show affection in a very rough and aggressive ways (I love you so I'm going to tackle you to the ground!). Language skills develops a little slower than girls. And even still, words can be hard to find when they need to communicate, especially when they are feeling big emotions. They can make sound effects for just about everything and often will communicate via sound effects. If you let them pee outside even once they will want to do it forever, every time, no matter where you are (at a camp ground or at a company picnic). They often function well with a pack mentality.--In my years of working childcare and even at high school level, I have witnessed that girls usually have a best friend or two and will often single out others. Whereas boys travel in packs, they play well in big groups, they tend to function best in team settings. But this also feeds into the need to dominate others to establish leadership, ownership, and respect.--Boys are perpetually dirty. I don't know how but it's like they produce their own dirt. And, most importantly, no matter what society dictates for little boys, they always need and want love and affection. Even if it's for all of two seconds, those brief cuddles and hugs go a long way for our little guys who will be growing up in a world that demands they keep a stiff upper lip and to hid away their softer emotions. Although our hugs might be coupled with monster growls, or our kisses might be followed with a lick to the face, I will always welcome and encourage those tender moments with my boys.

So what is this blog all about?

I hope to capture and share some of my thoughts, experiences, tips, tricks, and activities that I have with my boys. It is my hope that it will help others, as well as myself, to learn and grow right along with our little ones as we try to tackle the madness that it parenthood.