Dear Alex,
A little over five years ago a nurse placed you in my arms for the first time. I knew in that moment that my life would never be the same, and I was right. Having you here has made life more fun and wonderful and rich than you can even imagine. You are, quite simply, the greatest blessing that your daddy and I have ever known.
Since you came into our lives we’ve experienced all sorts of immeasurably wonderful moments, and last night was no exception. Because as we were snuggling just before bedtime, getting ready to read one of your favorite stories, you rubbed your hands over your sleepy, sweet blue eyes, inhaled deeply, and uttered words that are pure poetry to any mother’s ears:
“Mama? My two fingers smell like poot!”
Such a tender moment. What a precious treasure.
Love,
Mama
Heidi says:
Ha! The lovely and sweet music playing in my mind as I read this came to a screeching halt with the last sentence. :)
March 20th, 2008 at 7:01 am
Moriah (Please Pass the Salt) says:
They sure are honest, aren’t they?!
March 20th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Sandy says:
Kids are awesome.
March 20th, 2008 at 7:06 am
Sister Honey Bunch says:
Typical boy. Mine is 5 1/2 and he likes to tell me when he has “dried poop in my butt” in public. Nice.
March 20th, 2008 at 7:06 am
liz says:
That ranks right up there with my almost-4 year old son announcing loudly in church that “My penis is feeling funny. I think that means I have to pee.”
Boys — there’s nothing like them!
March 20th, 2008 at 7:14 am
Bob Cleveland says:
PW isn’t the only one keepin’ it real….
March 20th, 2008 at 7:19 am
Misslisslee says:
Boys. I have two. Always a delight, they are, but rarely refined or civilized. Oh, who am I kidding? That would be never refined or civilized. Boy, do they make me laugh, though!
March 20th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Melanie says:
Love it!! My Boy is almost two and not talking yet but I live for the moments he’ll say things like that.
Snips and snails and puppy dog tails…THAT’S WHAT LITTLE BOYS ARE MADE OF!!!
March 20th, 2008 at 7:39 am
Fran says:
Oh these precious little boys!! Could eat them up with a spoon…smells and sounds and all!
Love,
Fran
March 20th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Mrs. Schmitty says:
I almost blew my tea outta my nose! SNORT!
March 20th, 2008 at 7:51 am
shelley says:
I was all prepared for a sweet and sappy post and then…HAHAHAHA!
Oh you gottta love it!
March 20th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Linda Sue says:
Poor Howard - he has to grow up knowing that tens of people very single day know his “quirks” - poot smelly hands - awww the sheer preciousness of it all. Good chuckle Sophie - very good. You set us up SO well - then - kablam - pootie it is.
March 20th, 2008 at 8:04 am
Tracy says:
The funny thing is, I probably would have smelt them. I have 3 boys and there is always a surprise or two just around every corner, even in the tenderest of moments. Boys are great!
March 20th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Rebecca says:
Ha! :)
March 20th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Jenean says:
Hello! I’m a relatively new reader to your blog. I’ve been admiring from afar for a while and followed your trip to Uganda. I spent 9 days in Mexico last year, so I think your trip is what grabbed my heart, though I’ve heard of your blog for a while.
Anywho, just wanted to say that the line from your son is hilarious! Kids seriously say the darndest things :)
March 20th, 2008 at 8:22 am
life with the wisners says:
if i’ve said this once, i’ve said it a million times.
you DO realize this is why you have a “following?” this. this 5-year-old speak and the ability to relay it with such humor and honesty.
dude, i love ya!
(and to think that this morning, i came over fully prepared to get more music info from the source herself.)
March 20th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Headless Mom says:
At least he didn’t drop his drawers on the lawn of the church with the entire congregation hanging out eating donuts.
True story! Goodness my boys are precious.
March 20th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Overwhelmed With Joy! says:
Can I just say…eeeewwwww! That’s gross! :)
March 20th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Tom says:
I can relate completely. He’s just now getting into that stage, and from all indications he’ll be there for the long haul.
March 20th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Tom says:
I meant - mine is getting into that stage. Criminy I wish I could edit my comments!
March 20th, 2008 at 8:57 am
We are THAT family says:
One of the first lessons I learned as a mother is to NEVER, under any circumstances, SMELL THEIR FINGERS.
This will be passed on generation to generation.
March 20th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Barb @ A Chelsea Morning says:
Just when I started getting all misty-eyed, you threw out that punch line. Little boys…you have to love ‘em!
March 20th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Kristen M. says:
Yes, boys are fun. Mine likes to fart and announce it loudly to whomever might be listening.
When I’m shopping we walk past the lingerie department he likes to shout “boobs!” (bras).
March 20th, 2008 at 9:09 am
bee says:
Boys!
March 20th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Sarah says:
Too funny and too typical of a little boy. These are the moments we’ll treasure forever!
March 20th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Michelle Potter says:
LOL, kids are great. :)
March 20th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Melanie says:
Oh, you got me. Big time.
March 20th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Jenna says:
The moment every girl envisions as she dreams of becoming a mama. :)
March 20th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Jennifer says:
boys. what can you say? That Alex does have a way with words. I see a career with Hallmark in his future.
March 20th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Big Mama says:
Happy Birthday, Howard.
I hope those fingers get to smelling better.
March 20th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Lindsey says:
So funny! Kids are stinkers. Just this week, my 4 year old was wearing a shirt that says, “The Lord is my Shepherd” and it has a lamb appliqued on it. Very cute. I was telling her that Jesus is the Lamb of God. She responded, “Well Mommy, I will be His donkey.”
You just never quite know what kids will say next.
March 20th, 2008 at 9:59 am
BrownEyedGirl says:
Such sweet words. Hopefully you had a handy bottle of purell nearby!
March 20th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Natalie Witcher says:
Lovely.
March 20th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Christine @ Serenity How? says:
Too funny! At least he didn’t tell you that you smell bad. My kids like to tell me when my breath is stinky. Isn’t that special? :-)
March 20th, 2008 at 10:54 am
BooMama says:
Oh the whimsy, the allure, the charm, the sheer & unadorned candor that is…boy.
March 20th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Jenn says:
When my youngest boy was four, his Sunday school class was sharing what they were thankful about. My son waved his hand, all smiles, stood up and announced that he was thankful for his penis.
March 20th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Sincerely Anna says:
Gosh, I think our boys are living mirrored lives. They come to know the Lord around the same day (last Sept, right?) and they give insightful commentary on their stinkiness around the same time. Just this morning my son had something to say about this very subject. Ah, the fun of raising boys!
March 20th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Beth_C says:
I have a 5 year old who loves to say similarly revolting things. Please check here for evidence…
A Mom’s Life: A mother’s work is never done.
Love your blog! It keeps me laughing!
March 20th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Happy Mommy says:
You had me! I was waiting to read how wonderful you were or that he thought you were the most beautiful mama. Then you just crack me up!!!!
I have a 6 and 4 year old boy, I’ve heard it all!
March 20th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Blair says:
Love it! Oh the things children will say! They love to keep you on your toes and make you crack up laughing.
March 20th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Phyllis says:
Best little boys saying around here…In a public restroom, son in stall…I say, “Honey are you almost done in there?”
Little voice answers, “Just a minute mom, It’s still downloading.”
Little boys are so great!
March 20th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Laura says:
Ahhh, now that was funny! My two year old was kind enough to tell me that the hamburger that I had served him was poopy. I felt bad that he thought that I would actually serve him poop for supper!
March 20th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Mary B says:
Oh you had me :) that is classic boy! Thanks for the entertainment Howard!
March 20th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Kim says:
LOL!!
That is a boy for you - we have endless laughter over here about all kinds of guy humor!
Loads of fun I tell you - LOADS!
Blessings,
Kim
March 20th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Ashleigh (Heart and Home) says:
When I first started reading over here, Alex was not much older than my little guy is now and I would read your anecdotes and laugh, while shaking my head and wondering if my time was coming. You assured me it was.
Now? Now I wheeze and try to catch my breath from the laughter. Because my time, it has indeed come. I SO know these special little moments now. Precious, huh? ;)
March 20th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
groovyoldlady says:
I’m glad I finished the tea BEFORE I read this post or you’d owe me for a cleaning bill!
March 20th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Cindy says:
As the great philosopher Billy Joel would say, “Leave a tender moment alone.” Doesn’t get much more tender than that, does it?
March 20th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Nikki says:
Oh! My! Word! LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
March 20th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Lisa T. says:
Here’s one for you:
My five year old saw his friend’s very petite and beautiful mom getting out of her car. He said she looked very young. I asked why, and he said (get ready for it): “Well, she’s not as big as her car, but you’re as big as our car.”
Thanks, son. You’re the light of my life.
March 20th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
PJ says:
ROTFL!!! At least it wasn’t said LOUDLY in the middle of Morning Worship!!!
March 20th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
k-mama says:
unrelated question: Does anyone out there in internet land know how to get static electricity out of your hair? I have tried Static Guard and Bounce Sheets rubbed over the brush, even rubbed the bounce sheets in my hair. I stop short of spraying my head with Static Guard.
Its driving me nuts!
March 20th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Dnksmommy/ Lorrie says:
totally cracking up here!!!!!!
March 20th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Jenileigh says:
ROFLOL! Precious!
March 20th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Melanie says:
Thanks for the linky love this week. I always know it is either you or Shannon when my site meter goes nuts. :>) Thanks.
March 20th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Auds at Spotted Dick says:
*ROTFL*
That was a bit like driving down a gorgeous country road in New England on a blissful autumn day and then smack dab in the middle of the road is a cow standing with it’s bum facing you. Yeah, kinda like that.
*lol*
That’s definitely a keeper for the scrapbook. Possibly something to show “the one” he eventually brings home.
BTW, can’t remember if I have delurked prior to this…came over via Rocks In My Dryer and was amazed and humbled by your recent trip to Africa and have just kept coming back around.
Auds
March 20th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Drama Mama says:
Just wait til he gets to be 10 or so and suddenly passing gas is the funniest thing ever- and the most annoying thing to the rest of the family!
March 20th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Michelle says:
Boys are awesome!!
March 20th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
ellen stevens says:
I love it. Can’t wait to hear that some day…
March 20th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
karla ~ looking towards heaven says:
love it! I can totally relate!
LOVE LOVE the new look! so pur-ty!
xo ~ K
March 20th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Joanne says:
I hadn’t been by in awhile…as I was reading your post I thought, “How sweet, we are both celebrating birthdays in our homes together.” My husbands is tomorrow.
Thankfully, that is where our similarities ended.
I would be a teensy wit disgusted and quite disturbed if he told me his two fingers smelled like ‘poot’.
(I laughed out loud at this post!)
Blessings, Joanne
March 20th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Becky (FrumpMama) says:
LOL! You are hilarious, BooMama!
March 20th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Elaine says:
OH! Doesn’t that just warm the cockles of your heart (what the heck does that mean anyway?) But doesn’t it?!
March 21st, 2008 at 7:47 am
Gretchen says:
Ya gotta love the good, bad, and the ugly. Wouldn’t life be dull w/o them?
Happy Easter, friend.
Gretchen
March 21st, 2008 at 8:24 am
Amanda says:
Such poetry. Kids are the best.
March 21st, 2008 at 8:32 am
Carolina Mama says:
Love the new Boo Mama look! :) Cute! And Springy! Happy Birthday to you Boy!
March 21st, 2008 at 8:58 am
Susanne says:
Never a dull moment with boys! LOL.
March 21st, 2008 at 10:47 am
PollyS says:
Boys are so weird. But lovable.
I thank God for my weird, crazy little man!
Happy Resurrection Day to you and yours!
March 21st, 2008 at 11:59 am
Katrina (Callapidder Days) says:
Too funny. At this age they share everything. Everything. Even if we’d rather not hear it. :)
March 21st, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Michelle Bentham says:
Happy Birthday Alex! from one other of a March son to another, I want to pray the Aaronic Blessing over your Alex for his Birthday…
The Lord bless your son, Alex, and watch, guard, and keep him; The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten him and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to him; The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon him and give him peace (tranquility of heart and life continually). And they shall put My name upon Alex and I will bless him. Amen (Adapted from Numbers 6:24-27 (AMP))
Blessings dear friend on the remembrance of such a special occasion.
March 21st, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Michelle Bentham says:
** that “other” should read “mother” … Typos and sticky keys… ACK!
March 21st, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Ericka says:
Being the mom of three boys…. well, let’s just say I can relate on soooooooo many levels……..
ah, so glad it’s not just me :)
March 21st, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Joanna says:
You don’t even want to know what my guys do to their underware. I just got a great tip - the enzymes spray in pet department is suppose to take care of streaking.
March 21st, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Stacey says:
Don’t ya just love being a “Boy Mom?”
March 22nd, 2008 at 1:09 am
Daiquiri says:
Oh, GOOD GRIEF…will I ever stop laughing???? That is so funny…
March 22nd, 2008 at 9:19 am
Daiquiri says:
BTW- love your new design
March 22nd, 2008 at 9:19 am
jessica says:
Ugh! Trying to email you but my computer is being fussy. Just wanted to say congrats on the State win! Aren’t you excited!
March 22nd, 2008 at 10:18 am
Jackie @ Family Daze says:
Sigh. Precious boy!
March 22nd, 2008 at 11:55 am
Judy says:
My baby boy has a 13-year-old son of his own now. When I could almost trust him to warn me before we had to change training pants, a talkative bank teller caused me to lean down and tell him “Just a minute, Honey, then we’ll go right to the bathroom.” My “minute” was longer than his bladder control was going to be, so… You know how subconsciously your mind registers something amiss? There was way too much skin showing, and something damp splashing on me off the bricks under the teller windows. I grabbed the waist of his britches, picked up, he fell back into them, and THEN we finished in the ladies’ room. I think I got him just as he started hosing things down in the lobby, but couldn’t even go back to check. Hopefully that was pre-surveillance camera days, in 1979.
March 22nd, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Judy says:
My baby boy has a 13-year-old son of his own now. When I could almost trust him to warn me before we had to change training pants, a talkative bank teller caused me to lean down and tell him “Just a minute, Honey, then we’ll go right to the bathroom.” My “minute” was longer than his bladder control was going to be, so… You know how subconsciously your mind registers something amiss? There was way too much skin showing, and something damp splashing on me off the bricks under the teller windows. I grabbed the waist of his britches, picked up, he fell back into them, and THEN we finished in the ladies’ room. I think I got him just as he started hosing things down in the lobby, but couldn’t even go back to check. Hopefully that was pre-surveillance camera days, in 1979.
March 22nd, 2008 at 2:22 pm
kelli says:
Ah, what a joy to have a boy! Raised in a family of girls, I have never had such an education as my son has provided! My Mom often looks at me with a horrified expression “WHAT is he DOING?”
March 22nd, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Tee says:
ROTFL!!!! You had me all the way to the end.
March 22nd, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Amanda says:
Hilarious.
March 22nd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
erin says:
i cant NOT wait until i have moments like that with my daughter. i hope i document them so that i dont forget. love this post!!
March 23rd, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Nikki, The Techie Tutor says:
Oh my!!! I read this the other day and though - oh how cute. Then, it was my turn. LOL
Last night, our 3 year old came out oh so quietly from his room saying “I pooped.” But this time the look on his face was different. And then in the dim light of the hallway I saw that he was holding out his hands. After confirming what I dreaded to be true - yes, he had tried to take off his nighttime diaper himself - that his hands were dirty and well, you can do the math here, we both got cleaned up and my son got changed, he finally fell asleep at 10pm after I held him for awhile.
Oh boys are so sweet - even when their hands “smell like poot!”
Nikki
http://www.techietutor.wordpress.com
March 23rd, 2008 at 8:46 pm