Monday, June 15, 2009

Asher Jack





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Asher



It's no secret that Asher was not a planned-for child. Nor is it a secret that I wasn't, shall we say, thrilled that he was going to be of the "male variety". It was a difficult pregnancy to endure, but only because I choose to make it difficult. I was a grumpy, wretched person to be around. While pregnant with Asher, I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that I would be the parent to a boy. In the last 3 or 4 generations of my family, the only men around were there by marriage, not by birth. And because I didn't grow up with an available father, I didn't learn whatever that characteristic is that encourages you to enjoy boys and all their idiosyncrasies. I couldn't get past the fact that most boys seemed to be rough, gun-loving, smelly creatures who didn't wipe their noses and had icky boy parts. But none of that mattered. Following Asher's birth, I fell in love with him, and I immediately mourned for those last/lost 9 months; 9 months that I choose to live in that miserable state. I've since learned how to parent a boy, a boy who is the epitome of boy-ness, a boy so completely opposite of his sister. When Asher was young, I fooled myself into thinking that I could replace those male tendencies with cupcake making and bird watching, but he didn't fall for it. Asher inherently seems to be able to manipulate any toy into some sort of weapon, he's loud, he's rough, he's aggressive, but he's as sweet and loving as they come. Whereas before I shunned any type of male paraphernalia i.e. shirts that said "Mommy's Little Monster", I find myself naturally adding dump trucks and tool sets to my Amazon shopping cart. Now, I can't imagine life any other way.

10 comments:

Heather said...

aw! happy birthday to your little cutie!

Crystal said...

who doesn't love Asher? And who doesn't love to see you with a messy, loud, destructive little boy. It's awesome! I just love watching your little family and I adore Asher. He's a sweet boy!

Monique said...

Happy Birthday Asher! He is a cutie. I am pretty sure you have some good shots of him at least trying to appease you in some sort of dress up or domesticated fun. :)

April said...

When you were pregnant I used to say, "I can't wait for that little boy to turn Jaylee's world upside down." And he did, and we are all grateful that he opened your eyes and our eyes. You are such a better person for it! And Crystal's right, who doesn't love Asher? And who doesn't love boys. If you have them, you have to. Good post, deep, substantive...oooh,aaah.

Jenny D. said...

Ummm....I know I haven't been to your house in forever (it's on my to-do list every time we visit AZ), but what did you do with the fireplace???

Happy Birthday Asher!

And happy birthday to the new-boy loving-improved Jaylee!

When will you visit me!?!

Rachael said...

I think boys are amazing! I didn't get it until I had Eli and worried since I had 3 sisters and Alexis for 6 years before he came along. He cracks me up and I am putty in his hands. I crack up that EVERYTHING is a gun...EVERYTHING!!! Where do they learn this stuff! Oh how I love him and can't wait to see how this little boy will be!!!

H said...

You were right the first time, boys are gross. Why do you think I won't find out what I'm having? I don't want to be miserable for the next few months. It's a girl anyway, so no worries!

When did ASher grow up? Stop him already.

Gina said...

Ever since you had Asher I thought "this is Jaylee's chance to set the world straight. She can make a difference in the boy culture. She can raise a boy the right way." Oh wait--we're talking about Asher. He does things his own way. It's probably better if you just keep your hands and arms in, sit back, and enjoy the ride. Along the way I'll take snapshots of you with your arms thrown up in the air screaming. Needless to say it is fun every time I see you with Asher.

Diana said...

So, can we arrange for him to grow up and marry Natalie? (Seriously).

Ed and Bel said...

Sorry, Diana he already told me that he wanted to marry my daughter. =)