in defense of my boys.

Since we found out that baby #3 is going to be a boy, I've been getting a lot of sympathy. Upon news of this latest pregnancy, many people -both friends and acquaintances alike- expressed glee and excitement that maybe, just maybe, "this one might be a girl!" I indulged in the pink-dreams too: I sighed over tiny dresses at the store, mused over how I'd decorate her nursery. And I feel no guilt about these thoughts. It's not that I didn't want another son. But I have two sons, and I think it's only natural that I contemplate the wonder of a daughter.

I expected that confirmation of a third son would bring with it at least a little disappointment. Thankfully, it did not. I was, and am, thrilled! My sons are joys and amusements, even when they terrify me. To add to the blue team is to enlarge a good thing. I have been privileged and blessed and selected to raise men of God!

Yes, a girl would have been fun. Why dwell on it, though? He's a boy- a beautiful, kicky little boy who captured my heart the first time I glimpsed his shadowy form on the ultrasound screen. So please, if you love me, no more sympathy.

Please, no more:
- "How will you survive?"
- "Well, the first two are pretty crazy, so good luck with that."
- *Insert random profanity*
- or, my favorite (while oogling my stomach): "Oh, honey."

First of all, I will survive the way I've been surviving... the same way I would have had it been a girl: With lots of faith, ever-developing patience, and hopefully, the ability to know when to laugh instead of cry. (Oh, and I happen to have an amazing husband too.) And friends, the first two are most certainly not crazy- they're toddlers! They're little boys! All small children occasionally give into the urge to run around screaming, or eat the glitter glue, or pee on the floor. It happens. But it's not evidence of insanity.

We do both genders a disservice by assuming a healthy batch of either is a recipe for disaster. Three girls wouldn't have been a nightmare, just as three boys are not. We all come with our unique qualities that arrange hurdles for our parents. I didn't go to the kid store and request three boys- God gave them to me, and I accept what He's given with a grateful and enthusiastic heart. This is my life, and it's a good life where every day is Easter and the things that make me cry for joy are the things I ideally not grumble about.