Boys, Boys, Boys

Any mother of both boys and girls can tell you they are breeds apart. We have had a "girl" house, for the last 12 years or so, much to the chagrin of our eldest son.  Two and a half years ago we were blessed with another son.  He is such a different creature than his sisters. Baby Wingnut is all about kicking, punching, and destruction of every kind.  Stat Boy wasn't like this at all.  I can't explain why Stat Boy was so much more docile as a toddler, but I don't recall that he ever hit, kicked, or bit one of his sisters.  Baby Wingnut, on the other hand, beats on them regularly.  It's never mean or malicious, it is all in fun.  Fun for him, that is.  He will readily admit his transgressions when his sisters tattle on him, and will very readily apologize and give hugs and kisses.  I think he absolutely needs to punch, growl, kick and act like a boy.

Let me explain why I believe the above statement.  We have several friends with "boy" families: boys born in rapid succession to each other without girls in between.  I've had time to observe these sets of brothers and this is what I've discovered.  Boys need to be touching each other at all times. Affectionate caresses will just not do.  They need to roll around on the ground like bear cubs. They need to ruffle each other's hair.  They need to poke, bump, jostle, and push on each other nearly constantly.  While they are doing this, they are almost always smiling and laughing or at least have that mischievous twinkle in their eyes.  This is how brothers express their love and devotion to each other.  This is how they communicate with other boys.  I believe this is how they NEED to communicate with other boys.  It really is fascinating to watch.

I'm almost envious of those families that have brothers so close in age.  I know Stat Boy was so thankful to finally get the brother he had always prayed for, I just wish it could have been sooner.  God's will be done.  Someday, I hope my two bear cubs are just as thankful for having sisters.