When Heather and I found out she was pregnant, we played a lot of guessing games. Would we be like my sister, Monica, who had two boys and then a girl? Or would we be like our friend, Meghan, who had three boys in a row?
It was fun imagining the possibilities, but in the end we truly would have been just as happy either way. Still, when we found out we had a boy on the way it was very exciting, and not just for us but the whole family. My Dad, for example, proclaimed, “The Spohr name shall live on!” He doesn’t really care about that kind of thing (and it isn’t actually an issue anyway since my uncle has a son), but it was nice to see his reaction, nonetheless. Yay for weird last names surviving another generation!
Of all the things people have said to me since hearing the news, the one thing that I hear the most is, “Hey, you won’t be outnumbered anymore!” It’s true that our home has been pretty estrogen packed over the years, considering that Heather, Maddie, Annie and even Rigby are all girls, but I’ve never felt in desperate need of some male energy. Of course, something tells me that when Annie hits her teenage years I’ll be very happy to have another dude in the house.
If I’m being honest with you, though, I’m still wrapping my head around the idea of having a son. As the daddy of two beautiful little girls, I feel like I have an idea of how to parent a girl. But a boy? I’m pretty clueless there, and have a lot of questions that I’m afraid to ask because I’m sure most people would think they’re pretty dumb. How dumb? Check it out:
“Do little boys like to cuddle with their parents as much as little girls?
(I know. Dumb, right?)
(But, um, do they?)
With my nephew… what the heck do you do with these little guys?
The thing I worry about the most is having to be my son’s model of how to be a man. With Annie, I know that she will look to Heather for guidance on how to be a woman, so all I have to be is the best daddy possible and leave the “how to be a woman” stuff to Heather. But the boy will be looking up to me to show him how to be a man, and I hope I’m up to the task. He’ll be in trouble if he looks to me to learn how to turn the eye of Junior High girls (I failed pretty miserably at that), and he’s also out of luck if he looks to me for advice on how to be Mr. Popular in high school (though if he wants to join the drama club and learn how to bowl I’m his man). I want my son to be better than I ever was, but if he’s going to be looking to me to learn how to be a man, how can he do that? (This is another one of my dumb questions, isn’t it?) Don’t get me wrong – I think I’m a good guy with lots of admirable qualities to pass on – but I’m nonetheless feeling a bit of pressure I haven’t felt before.
Luckily, I’ve got a fair amount of time to deal with these things before our little guy arrives. I can’t wait to meet him and start this whole new adventure!
suitablegirl says:
A boy! I’m so happy for all of you. You’re going to be a wonderful father to your son (and yes, plenty of little boys like to be cuddlebugs!). Congratulations, multiplying Spohrs!
Backpacking Dad says:
I think Heather is probably a lot like Emily, which means your boy will be a mama’s boy. Just like mine. Oh, he’ll love you, and he’ll want your attention, but no matter how much attention you give him, he’ll really only have eyes for her. I co-slept with mine, carried him around everywhere, stayed home with him…and he’s still a mama’s boy. What the hell does it take, world?! When he’s older, he’ll start to look to me more, and I’ll have things to tell him. But I’m in the middle of it all right now, so the worries about raising boys right have kind of settled down to a low hum instead of being at the front of my brain all the time.
Heather says:
Did you carry him in your backpack?
Backpacking Dad says:
Of course I did. :}
michelle says:
I felt the same way (well from a moms point of view). I just wanted to tell you that my son is a mamas boy but loves to cuddle,hug,kiss and be all lovey.
Jenn says:
Hey Mike….NO question is dumb so PLEASE….ASK AWAY!!! I have 3 kids….boy, girl, boy and I can tell you with our kids, our first born son LOVED to snuggle!!! He still comes up to me and will hug me a couple of times a day and he is 15 now!!! No worries about being a great role model….you already were and are to Maddie & Annie and there is NO doubt in my mind you will be so for your son as well.
Please feel free to ask us ANYTHING!!! My husband Brian even offered to talk to you if you wanted to. But, I suspect…..NO, I KNOW you’ll be GREAT!!! If you have ANY dounts….just ask Annie!! I know much like ALL of us, she’s going to tell you you are one of a kind!! Lucky little boy to call you daddy Mike.!!!
Sarah says:
I think just the fact that you’re thinking about all of this stuff shows that you’re going to be an excellent father and role model to this little boy
Dianne says:
I have 2 sons aged 20 and 17 years. I have one sister, no brothers, went to an all girls high school and am very feminine and desperately wanted a daughter. I was worried about being a mother to sons and would I know how to play with them etc. My hubby is not really blokey as we say here in Australia, he is quite a gentle guy. Don’t worry as as long as you respond to his personality and interests you will be fine. Baby boys definitely love to cuddle and be held etc. I am an early childhood teacher (specialised in 0 to 5 years). Little boys are all unique but speaking very generally a little more boisterous than girls. For a woman who wanted a little princess so much I have a fantastic, close relationship with my boys particularly my eldest. Our personalities just connect. You are a great man and you will be a great example to your son just being the devoted and caring dad and husband you are.
Becky says:
We have a girl (same age as Annie) and a boy (8 weeks). Based on our limited experience, our boy is way more snuggly than our daughter was as a newborn. Much more into breastfeeding. And enormous! But I suspect these are ‘him’ things rather than ‘boy’ things. My partner wondered if he’d experience the same hugely protective and nurturing feelings for a boy… And of course, he does! So far though it’s much the same, but we are only two months in.
Becky says:
We have a girl (same age as Annie) and a boy (8 weeks). Based on our limited experience, our boy is way more snuggly than our daughter was as a newborn. Much more into breastfeeding. And enormous! But I suspect these are ‘him’ things rather than ‘boy’ things. My partner wondered if he’d experience the same hugely protective and nurturing feelings for a boy… And of course, he does! So far though it’s much the same, but we are only two months in.
Lindsey says:
I have a 7 yr old daughter and twin almost-2 yr old boys. All 3 of my kids are equally cuddly In fact, my early riser, Ben, is currently smooshed into my side on the couch while I read and type. Boys are very different from girls though. Like Annie, my daughter is very …. VIVACIOUS. My boys are so quiet and mellow by comparison. Very easy babies and toddlers, while our girl was much more… demanding. LOL
Autumn Canter says:
When I was pregnant with my first child, my husband and I both wanted the baby to be a girl. Well, that baby is now 5 (my son, River). When I was pregnant with number two, I wanted another boy. I was honestly terrified of having a girl. I didn’t know how to mother a girl! I didn’t like all the pink and dresses, etc. That baby is now 2! Honestly, boy and girl babies (aside from their privates) are no different. You love them just the same. Boys do squirt pee everywhere when they are new. As they get older, boys (in general) seem to be more physical/active. It’s so nice to have both!
Tammy M. says:
From my virtual perspective of you, you will be a wonderful dad to a boy – just like you are to your girls. He will know that he’s loved and supported.
twingles says:
Little boys are awesome and yes they LOVE to snuggle! A lot of that is personaity anyway. I have twin boys and they are tons of fun. Now we are in the awkward pre-teen years (they are 12) but in general they are way more easygoing and much less work than our girl – and she’s not even that much of a girly-girl drama queen!
Congrats!
Kim says:
I have 3 kids: boy, girl, boy. Just a hint about the diapering a boy. Point the penis DOWN in the diaper. And it won’t go down easily; it’s been floating in amniotic fluid for months by the time delivery comes around so it’s stubborn.
Sonya says:
YES!! I had three girls and then a surprise, mid-life boy. I was changing his clothes four times a day before I figured out to point his penis down
Kim says:
Oh, and congratulations!!! Boys are LOVELY! (And he will probably be taller than Heather by the time he’s 2.) ;P
Emily says:
Congratulations Mike! Boys are great. My first born is a boy and while I can attest to some of the other comments – that boys can be “mama’s boys” – there is no doubt that my son is crazy for his father. Sure, when he gets hurt, his first instinct is to run to me but get my husband outside mowing the lawn or fixing something in the house and he is my son’s IDOL. My point is, each parent brings something to the table and you will definitely be your son’s hero (as will Heather). So, enjoy every minute of it!
Andrea says:
I have boy, girl, boy and I can tell you that my boys are by far bigger snugglers than my daughter. AS a matter of fact, my daughter lost all interest in me when she weaned (I imagine when she’s 12 and looking for a target for her misplaced teen agnst she’ll find me interesting again). My boys though? OMG! My husband is not convinced they ever cut the cord on them! They literally lay on top of me, hang on my legs, and must.be.touching.the.momma every second they can be! Of course that’s a lot of who they are and they still look to Daddy for super hero identification and Lego assistance
Congrats! Boys rock!
Sarah says:
This is just about the cutest post I’ve ever read, and I hope that doesn’t sound condescending! But I get it; when my first baby was a boy and I had only grown up with sisters, I had them, too. Especially since I was the mom and had ZERO experience of boy things. He’s 12 now and he’s still the cutest, cuddliest thing in the world. He is constantly stopping by to give a hug or kiss. I have one of each and they’re totally different. My daughter is much more aware of people’s feelings, and she’s very thoughtful, like you would imagine a little girl to be. My son is completely clueless half the time, but still, when he was born, I wondered if it would be like those gym commercials where the big buff guys just say “i lift things up and put them down”. I had no clue! It’s not like that at all and I can only speak from a Mom’s point of view, but now I get the stereotype of feuding MILs and DILs…I’ve got some high standards for my little boy! Congrats again to you both. I know you are already a great dad, and you will be to this little boy, too.
Kate says:
No question is dumb! My boy is actually more cuddly then my girl…it just all depends on personality, I guess? Congratulations!!
Jen says:
Congratulations!! Little boys are great. I will say the old saying of daddies little girl and mommies little boy is very true. My son is very much mommies little boy and still even at age 12 will cuddle with me and give me hugs and such.
I don’t know you guys personally but have been reading your blog for quite sometime. I can tell that you will be a great father to your son and will teach him to be a good man.
Editdebs (Debbie A-H) says:
Boys like to cuddle, and you are a wonderful role model. He just needs someone to show him how to be a loving father and good husband–both of which you are wonderful at. I have 5 sisters, and I didn’t know anything about boys. When I found out I was having a boy, I was terrified. He’s now almost 18, and he’s great despite my not knowing anything. I’m so happy for you and Heather. Congrats!
Traci says:
My little boy is way more snuggly than my girls are. And he is a mama’s and daddy’s boy. Loves me for hugs and snuggles. Goes to my husband for playing and laughing (although he does give my husband just as many hugs and snuggles).
Elizabeth says:
As one of 6 – 4 boys and 2 girls – my dad insists to this day that my youngest older brother (#4 of 4) was the sweetest, lovingest baby ever. I do think we’re all pretty cuddly, though. Plus, I think the best thing you can do for all your kids is exactly what you’ve been doing: loving and supporting their mother and presenting a damn great example of what a family should be.
Laura B says:
Boys and girls are different but equally awesome. Boys grow so fast you will feel like you are buying new clothes and shoes every month! Boys also have no fear and climb and jump and dive off everything. They certainly keep you on your toes.
Katie says:
I can’t believe the comment “my boys are so mellow.” What planet is she from? Lol I have two boys and the energy level is astounding. My niece could always be taken to nice restaurants and act like a little lady, not my guys. They are constantly moving, wrestling, jumping, fidgeting, etc. They are so active and it’s exactly how i would expect boys to be. I’m sure there are exceptions, but mine are All boy! The dynamic will probably be great having a mature older sister, since he won’t have a partner in crime, but I also suspect when the boys hit 13, they’ll be easier than the girls. Congratulations to your family!
Annalisa says:
I can’t answer for that poster, but I bet it’s a temperament thing. Some little girls are masters at meltdowns (shrieking, throwing themselves on the floor and tugging at their clothes while giving heart rending sobs) so that in comparison most little boys seem like a godsend of mellowness.
What’s more, in my experiences with caring for small children, if a boy were to act the same way as I’ve seen some little girls act when tantruming in public (including my own child: boy, when she has a meltdown, does she ever make sure everyone else around her feels her unhappiness with the world!), perfect nosy strangers would start to suggest a psych workup, whereas in little girls being very histrionic and easily hysteric is seen as tolerable to a certain extent.
Caressa says:
There is just something special about a momma and her boy.
Mine is the little boy love of my life. He is a snuggly lover who turns six tomorrow. He is a Power Ranger-playing, Star Wars-loving, Lego-building dream, who dozens of times a day gives me kisses, hugs and hands to hold. He runs up to my window at recess (I’m an administrator at his school) every day and shows me off to his friends, or tells me he loves me, or asks if I’m feeling better if he knows I’m sick. He’s my protector, my buddy, my very best boy.
Is this ALL boys? No. But I’d have a million sons if I could have just one like him. There’s just something so special about the love of a little boy. Congrats.
Jane says:
I think as newborns, there’s not much practical difference between boys and girls (although diaper changes will be surprising to you at times (endorsement for the “Pee-Pee-Tee-Pee” here — google it. Then buy it). We had two girls and then a boy. He is six now. He is the snuggliest one of them all and always has been. He is the most in tune with the emotions of the rest of us in the house. He is not a wild maniac (as we feared). I was afraid of having a boy. Truly afraid — I cried buckets of tears at the ultrasound. Being able to parent both genders is incredible. So far it seems to me like it just boils down to the child’s personality and their nature, not so much the gender. You will know just what to do and how to do it. Congrats!
Vickie Couturier says:
all of my grandsons love to cuddle,the oldest are 7 an 5 an the 5 yr old loves his daddy so much he hardly wont sit anywhere but in his lap,,he is a daddy boy for sure,the 7 yr old sat in my lap on the reclinder last night ,they love to cuddle an be loved,I know it wont last much longer but we enjoy it while it last,
Liz says:
Hooray for little boys! I have a boy and my husband is over the moon for him. They cuddle, and he gives him lots of kisses (though still probably not as much as mommy does! haha.) I’m sure it’ll be an entirely new experience for you after having two girls, but I have a feeling you’ll like it. And you’ll be pretty awesome at it too.
Nicole says:
Congrats, Daddy!
I have to giggle, because each time you self-depricated the “Am I a maannnnnnnn…or am I a muppet?” song goes through my head…except with the words my 2 year old uses….”am i a maaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnn or am i a muffinnnnnnnn??”
You’re a muffin of a man, Mike. And I so admire that. It makes you a damn good daddy!
Autumn Canter says:
Also, my son has always been–from day one–way more cuddly than my daughter. He had to sleep on me when he was an infant. My daughter had to sleep alone. He always wanted to face in inside the baby carrier and be on my body all day. My daughter had to be held facing out. To this day, my 5 year old boy is quick with hugs, kisses and cuddles while my daughter wants things on her terms. If you ask for a kiss, she runs away or turns away. My son is far more needy–physically and mentally. He wants help and companionship. My daughter wants to do everything herself. Their differences are the best part of having both of them. Every day they amaze me by being so uniquely themselves.
Trish says:
We had our girl first (now age 5) and then our boy (now age 3), and when we found our #2 was a boy, my husband had the same reaction you’re having. He could have written your post word-for-word. Of course, I could have written it, with just a few tweaks, when we found out #1 was a girl, so rest assured, women have the same doubts about the whole “model of womanhood” thing as men do about the whole “model of manhood” thing. The fact that you’re worrying about it means you’ll be as awesome a dad to your boy as my husband is to ours. Congratulations!
Aileen says:
Congrats guys! So happy for you guys. For the record, little boys love to cuddle too. I have a son and he is so sweet and cuddly that sometimes I wonder if having a daughter would be so sweet as having a son. Can’t wait to see the little mister once he is born! Annie will be an awesome big sister!
Rory says:
My boy is 7 and still loves to cuddle, tells us multiple times a day he loves us (and sounds very emotional about it) and idols his dad. Boys are great!
Brandy says:
I have to say, my son is usually more cuddly than my daughter!
And you will definitely be able to show your son how to be a man. The way you father him, the way you father Annie, the way you honor Maddie, and the way you are a husband to Heather every day will show him just how to be a man. Yeah, he may go through crazy teenage hiccups but you can’t show him how to be a teenager. You can raise him to be awesome though and that’s a great thing.
Lorie says:
My husband and I are adopting a baby boy that is due in 8 weeks. Our daughter is now 13 years old and we’ve never delt with a boy before. My biggest worry?! Teaching him how to pee into a toilet! I don’t know why, but that freaks me out more than anything!
Hope says:
Boys are like girls except uh…wilder and weirder. I thought my niece had a lot of energy….and then I had a boy. He never stops moving and has a 12 second attention span. They are so fun but will wear you out! My son loves his dad but he’s a total mama’s boy. He loves to play and laugh with daddy but when he’s sick/tired/teething he wants mama only.
No questions are dumb! I get a little freaked out about possibly having a girl some day.
Dana says:
Mike, you will be an amazing boy Dad! You will do what you do best (and is so evident in Annie AND in Maddie) you will love him to death and he will grow into the amazing person he is meant to be. I am so excited for you and Heather. Having a little boy has been the most wonderful experience of my whole life. And the pee-pee tee-pee? Yeah, that sucker will get pissed right off. Use a wipe
kristin says:
We have a girl (5) and an almost 3 year old boy. We didn’t know he was a boy until he was born, so no time to prepare, but I will tell you it is awesome having one of each. Heather has said before that Annie is your girl and my daughter is kind of the same way. Even though my son stays home with my husband, he’s definately a Mama’s boy and such a cuddle-er. He cuddles so much that at almost 3 my sister and I still try to cradle him like a baby, and he lets us (mostly).
Mommy says:
You seem like such an amazing example of a loving and supportive father and husband. Your children are so lucky to learn from you!
As for the cuddling part, I only have boys so I don’t know how girls are but they LOVE to cuddle with me and my hubby.
So excited for you guys!! Congrats!
Laura says:
I have two boys and they are cuddle machines!!! Enjoy the new adventure. Such an exciting time for your family.
Missy says:
My son always cuddled more than my daughter and even now at 15 asked me to sit on the couch to rub his neck!
Annalisa says:
Don’t have a little boy of my own, but I taught everything from Pre-K to 5th grade, and as many already said, it pretty much all comes down to personality.
There’s plenty of boys out there who snuggle up, even past the point where that’s considered cute, so that they are all embarrassed to ask for hugs from a teacher, and it’s so gosh darn cute when they do!
OTOH, my kiddo’s a girl, and aside for wanting mom to hug and kiss boo-boos away, she’s a pretty hands off kid. She’ll go up to her dad and ask for tickles and to be bounced up and down, but hugs? Nah. She pretty much barely puts up with hug time most of the time (exceptions: when she’s sick or scared). She’ll also sit quietly on my lap when she first wakes up, but within five minutes or so pushes me away and goes “go play!” to let me know she’s done being huggy for the day (save for aforementioned boo-boo emergencies).
Kelly says:
Mike, my son would like you to know that boys (in this house, anyway) are the cuddly ones. My daughter would rather be poked in the eye than snuggle, but my son will cuddle with us all day long.
Once I found out I was having twins, I prayed and prayed for twin boys, for the same reason you just mentioned. I am worried about providing my daughter with her single greatest role model as a women. I guess I’ll figure it out as we go along, though!
E. says:
I have 2 boys ages 5 and 2. They are so different! They have similaries too. I think boys in general are more physical and have a lot of energy, and seem to enjoy rough, physical play more than girls. BUT My older son was not snugly, and very into his dad and being just like him. My younger one is very, very snugly and a total Mama’s boy. Another difference is that my older son is more into things (fixing things, taking things apart, etc.), and my younger one is more relational and interested in people. my older one is more stubborn, and my younger one more easy going and flexible. The differences go on. anyways, i think that if I had had a girl second, I would have chalked up their differences to a boy/girl thing, but since they are both boys I realize their differences have nothing to do with their sex.
I’m so excited for you guys to welcome another baby!
Robyn says:
Congrats Spohr family! Mike, although you may not have had to show Maddie and Annie how to be a man… you have provided an excellent example to them of how a man should treat a woman, which is just as important And no worries, wooing girls in junior high and popularity contests aren’t what’s important in life… You’ll do an excellent job showing your little guy how to be a respectful, and loving man/father.
Becki says:
I have one of each . . . a son and a daughter and a grandson and a granddaughter. I will admit that for ME raising a boy was much easier than raising a girl due to a lot of girl drama that I believe most girls have (me included). But raising a boy was a lot stinkier!!!
A girl and a boy . . . the best of both worlds. Congratulations!
Kristen McD says:
I seem to have the opposite of a lot of families. My boys are gentle and quiet. My girl is rambunctious and charismatic. They seem to love equally, but the girl is higher energy and the boys are calmer. I think it’s personality, and I love my daughter more than I can accurately express – but I was pretty stoked to find out #3 was going to be another boy. lol
Karen says:
Ive one of each but mine are quite old now – 17 (boy) and 9 (girl). Both were pretty cuddly but as she has got older shes much more …… independant ……. grown up ……. difficult (sort of) than he was! He still needs cuddles at 17, Im not so sure she will! Many people have said that boys are loving as they grow up which makes them cuddly etc, but girls become that separate person so much quicker by the looks of it. And girl hormones are so different to boy ones too.
However one of each does mean that you get the best of both worlds
LibraryGirl62 says:
I have a son-19, 6’1″, 260 lbs…I will ask him the cuddle question as soon as I CAN GET HIM OFF MY LAP!!!!! Truly, he is still a cuddle bug-Lord help the girl who marries him!
S says:
You just gave me so much hope. My son isn’t even 2, bit I often worry if/when the cuddles will stop. They’re just too good to lose.
Caroline says:
Oh little boys snuggle! I wondered these same things when we found out we were expecting a boy after our girl. You hug them and kiss them and tell them over and over how perfect they are and how much you love them. Just like your little girls. Ohhhhh they snuggle:)
Amy says:
There is something so amazing about little boys! My only son, now six, has been more cuddly than all 3 of his sisters, especially with his dad! They snuggle up every night and every morning- I hope your little guy will be the same way. Congratulations!
Amy says:
How WONDERFUL you will get to experience parenting girls AND a boy! Congrats! (Ahem, my wee guy is a complete Mama’s Boy and always has been. High five Heather! Mind you he has a ton of love for his Dad too and I am sure you two will have a fabulous relationship. SO excited for you all!
Kerri says:
For what it’s worth, I have 3 girls and 1 boy, and he’s the best snuggler of them all. Congratulations Spohr’s! I’m so excited for all of you.
mary c says:
Boys love their dad’s. Our son stopped breastfeeding at 7 months because he wanted to be with his father so much. He is 4 years know and looks to his father as if he is the only person in this world. He tells every one his dad is his best friend. They are two peas in a pod. I wonder sometimes if they would notice if I was gone and then I remember, someone has to bring home the milk.
You will be a great father. Congratulations!
Rachel in Austin says:
I’ve got boy/girl twins, and my little boy (now almost 15 months old) has always been my little cuddler!
S says:
As dumb as it sounds, my biggest concern after having a girl then a boy was changing the first diaper (you know, different parts and all that). Once that was out of the way, it was the same old taking care of baby routine, regardless of gender. Oh, and my son gives the BEST hugs in the world. I’ll get 50 a day, and each one makes my heart jump.
Christina says:
Boys are fun and yes, they are just as cuddly as girls! Even my almost 13 year old still likes hugs. Congrats and don’t be nervous. Once your little guy is here you’ll be just enthralled with him.
Like you my brother is having his first son. I’m so excited for him, and you, to know how wonderful it is.
Heather says:
For the first 12 – 18 months it is pretty much all the same. Cuddles, diaper changes, peak a boo, etc. After that you get a little more into trucks and super heros and then the real fun begins.
Kirsten says:
My 5 year old boy snuggles with me and his dad all the time – he loves hugs and kisses and sitting in our laps, and he reaches up and caresses our faces and says sweet nothings. I think it is all about the culture you have established in your family. If everyone snuggles, then your son will be a snuggler! Congratulations to you and your family!
Expat Mom says:
Boys are fun. I was terrified with this last pregnancy that I was having a girl for the same reasons . . . I know how to be a mom to boys, but not to girls!
Truth is, you learn as you go, just like you did with your daughters. And some boys do cuddle. My firstborn was so darn aloof he didn’t even want to breastfeed. The second cuddled and he still runs up and hugs and kisses me randomly throughout the day (he’s 5.5 now) and my littlest guy loves to snuggle. So you’ll probably get a snuggler. Enjoy!
Kaye Siders says:
I have two boys who are now 8 and 10 and it is the best thing- and I’m a girly-girl! My youngest is a complete mommy’s boy who still loves me to snuggle and lay with him at night and I gladly do it because soon enough he won’t want me near him. He’s been a mommy’s boy his entire life. My oldest still likes to snuggle, but it’s on his terms. He’s closer to his dad. Two boys, two completely different personalities, love being a mom to boys!
Amanda says:
Congrats!! I’m so excited for you and Heather to have a sweet baby boy!
Christina says:
I think the lack of gender differences will astound you. Unless you guys really treat your son very differently than Maddie and Annie. Of course he’ll have his own personality but that isn’t necessarily tied to gender. I’ve got 2 nephews that I watched A LOT growing up. They definitely cuddled!
You’re so thoughtful, though – you’re already doing a good job of parenting a boy (in addition to your girls).
Kristin says:
You are a great dad and I think you’ll do an excellent job as a dad to a boy!! In the first couple of years, I really didn’t notice much of a difference in boy vs girl. And it really all depends on the boy, some boys are rough and tough and dirty and messy and some just aren’t. My son isn’t. He’s more of an intellectual and would rather be building something or taking something apart than outside getting scraped knees and dirty hands. No matter who your son is, he has a great role model to look up to. And an excellent family to belong to!
mel says:
I have 2 girls so I do not have any advice to give, but you will do fine. Annie and Maddie have a great dad and it will just come to you, naturally I bet. That picture is a riot, btw.
congrats!
Jessica says:
I have two boys, 7 and almost 2. My 7 year old loves to cuddle with me or my husband. In fact the nightly routine at our house is for him to sit on the arm of the lazyboy with my husband and have a popsicle or split some fruit with his dad. He LOVES this routine! He does look to his dad for guidance. But he also looks at how his dad is NOW and tries to compare himself to his dads current abilities. We constantly have to remind him, “when daddy was your age he had to practice baseball a lot too.” Or “when daddy was little some puzzles were hard for him too, just go ask mommy to do puzzles with you” (side note: mommy is not very good at puzzles!)
You two are great parents! This little boy is so lucky to join such a loving and amazing family!
karen says:
My father in law died 2 years before our son was born, and my mum in law had divorced him 20-something years before, and he was the sort of man that his sons couldn’t be bothered with once they grew up and visitation could no longer be imposed on them. (my brother in law’s wife and I marvel at the amazing men our mum in law raised, the amazing DADs she raised given the example her ex had set). Nevertheless, when our son was born, Mum was pleased his not particularly common surname would not only be carried on, but taken from the UK to America!
Congrats on the boy. Having raised 2 girls, I’ve found mothering a boy to be more different than expected. I knew how to raise girls, I am one. I would have thought being sister to 4 brothers would be more useful than it has turned out to be!
Auntie_M says:
Mike~all you have to do for all your children is be the best father you can be to them and the best husband you can be to Heather and continue to live the life you have been, full of love, honesty, integrity, and humor and your kids will have the best role model ever…cuz remember (not to put more pressure on you or anything) but Annie will also be looking to you for a positive role model…someone to hold up as a standard for how dates (and eventually a spouse) should treat her. I think you hold the bar high. Your kids will be proud to have you as their dad (though they may forget that at times during their teens!).
And yes! Little boys can be great cuddlers too!!! It’s all about personality and temperament … but if you start out cuddling them from the get-go,