Girls, Girls, Girls...

For all of their mischievous misdeeds, my children are all capable of being sweet. Really, they are. I expect them to be well-mannered and to treat everyone around them, including one another, with respect. For the boys, we spend a lot of extra time instructing them about the particular importance of being gentlemen. Of course, I do believe that starts by example and they have a wonderful teacher in their father. His parents raised him well. From the earliest age, we have expected the boys to use their manners, open doors for ladies, refrain from body noises when girls are around, etc. It is not always easy, but I think they are learning pretty well.

I never could have expected that both boys would really take a liking (as in K-I-S-S-I-N-G liking) to girls the way that they have from such early ages. Ian has had the same "girlfriend" since he was 3. Five years is a long time at any age, it is even more remarkable at 8. Amelia's parents are very good friends of ours and over football games, cookouts, and birthday parties, their romance has blossomed into a genuine love for one another. When Amelia transferred to Ian's school this year, they chose to keep their "relationship" to themselves because they didn't want others to make fun of them. Ian said the other boys would be "jealous if they knew Amelia was [his] girl." Of course.

Will met Madi in his preschool class and discovered that she lived just 2 houses down from us. Score! Her mom and I carpool for school and they spend at least 2 days a week hanging out at one another's house. There was a brief time in the Spring where he "broke up" with her because she was being too bossy, but all has been repaired and they are "back together." For all of his devil streaks, Will seems quite smitten with her. He can see Madi's house from the trampoline and he often bounces and calls her name. One day, it was so loud that Madi's Dad came outside to see what he wanted!

Of course, we try to downplay the actual relationship references and focus on the fact that from these two precious girls, our boys have found wonderful friends. However, it amazes me how quickly and correctly, they pick up on relationship cues. Last night, Will was asking Josh and I about the significance of our wedding bands. We explained their meaning and how important they are to us. Ian chimes in, "Amelia and I are going to exchange rings like that one day." I was honestly taken aback. Amelia's mom and I joke with one another about their eventual wedded bliss but he was serious! And then today, we go to the water park and Will had invited Madi to go along. She and Will are sitting next to one another on a deckchair, I look over, and he is kissing her very sweetly on the cheek. When we got ready to leave, he took her very hot pink backpack off of her shoulders and put them on his own, without any prompting from me. (At least we know he can be sweet, right?")

I am grateful my boys can be friends with girls and really enjoy their companionship. I am also glad to see that all of the instructions on "how to be a gentleman" are paying off. While I hope to hold off real girlfriend relationships until they at least turn 30 ;) their nature at these ages shows me that I have a lot to be proud of and A WHOLE LOT to worry about come adolescence!


Ian and Amelia, last day of school '11



Will and Madi today at the Waterpark, right after the smooch!