Its A Boy Thing

Jackson is one of very few boys born among a lot of girls around a similar time as our friends.

As they all continue to grow its amazing to watch their unique personalities are more and more identifiable. This summer some stereotypical differences between boy and girl were also very obvious.

I had recently read an article on Today.com about the 10 Things I wish I'd Known about Raising a Boy. I couldn't help but notice how true they are and how apparent they have become this summer.

His fascination with trucks and construction equipment is pure and refreshing. When I learned we were having a boy I never imagined I would know, and be able to spot, so many types of trucks and diggers. From the mail truck and trash truck to a crane and a flatbed truck, I will never be able to look at one again without thinking of Jackson and immediately seeing his two year old, wide-eyed, smiling face pointing his finger eagerly at it. 

He doesn't just love the real-life trucks, Jackson is also obsessed with toy cars, trucks, planes. He has rotated through several toy vehicles that have made their way to the park, or wherever we are going. On one play date this summer with two boys and two girls a trash truck came by. The two boys went nuts with excitement. The girls could care less. There is definitely some magic in those loud, moving machines. 

Jackson is always on the move, from one activity to the next or just wanting to run around. From as soon as he feels awake in the morning till I finally have him wrangled up to read a story in bed, his high energy brings out a goofy, rough housing little man. He is repetitive in many of his actions, makes up silly phrases that he says with enthusiasm randomly (often accompanied by hand gestures), and often gets so absorbed in whatever his little mind is scheming that it is a huge undertaking to focus him to put shoes on/take off, eat a meal, put on underwear after going potty, stand still to put a shirt on! He has learned to be gentle around me at home, but LOVE when Matt is home to be rough with. They have invented a game called "Sticky Hug" by Jackson, aka be tickled and hide under pillows on couch. He "slides" down Matt and plays a much rougher hide and seek. 

Holding up a worm in the garden

I have become an expert stain remover. Except for the permanent marker that found its way to one shirt, I have successfully removed loads of dirt, a variety of foods, grass, sand, and I don't even want to know what else from many clothes this summer. Overall he doesn't mind when he is messy. Adults should take a lesson from toddlers, they don't mind what they look like and just keep on doing what makes them happy.

It is number 10 from the article that hits home the most. Jackson's ability to show empathy always surprises me, and melts me. He asks how I am feeling, gives me hugs just because, and I catch him watching me for no apparent reason and then smile and say hi when I notice him. His little hand pats my back when I hold him tight and he says I love you randomly, but it always seems to be when I feel a little stressed or over tired, making me realize again how truly blessed I am to be raising this amazing little boy.