Thursday, April 7, 2011

What I Didn't Know About Boys, I Learned On The 1st Grade Class Field Trip

I went on a field trip yesterday with Ella's 1st grade class to the Kid's museum. Yep,  with all 26 of them.

I thought if running around the museum wouldn't help labor along, at least the bus rides would. Goodness.

I knew the moment I heard Ella and some other little girls singing a cute girly song, while the little boys in the seat behind me were yelling, "my butt is on fire, my butt is on fire!", that I was about to get a close up view at how different the 2 genders are.

(I had to turn and look out the window to try to hide my laughter as the teacher told them to stop yelling that.)

And while you would think it was full of learning about science and solar systems, I got to spend the day with a group of boys who taught me a few things.

1. Boys run, they don't walk next to you. And they don't care about leaving you in the dust even though you're pregnant and waddling.

2. "Get in a straight line" somehow translates to "push each other over and act like you're throwing grenades."

3. While the girls play tea party at the water table, the boys will try to dunk each others heads. Repeatedly.

(note to self - its hard to correct and/or discipline them when you think what they're doing is hilarious as well. Insert parent chaperon fail here.)

4. Pointing at you with the fake gun they made with their hand and making shooting noises is sort of a sign of endearment.

5. They can go to the bathroom alone, unlike the girls in the group who have to go together. And they don't play in front of the mirror while in there. They get their business done, and they get out.

6. At lunch, they just eat. They aren't sitting down to chat with their friends about the 1st half of  their day, they are re-fueling, catching a quick breath, and then moving on. Why chat when you can play?

7. Sweating is just part of who they are, because they never stop moving.

8. They don't really want to ask for help, but when they do, it is so, so sweet.

9. The girls are clearly more interested in them than they are in the girls. They have bigger things on their plates, like saving the universe.

10. Bodily functions are a topic of interest, and apparently are hilarious as well. The more embarrassing, the better.

11. There is no drama with boys like there is with the girls. There is a disagreement, maybe a shove or a "stop it!!!", and then they carry on. It's wonderful.

12.Pregnancy doesn't interest them like it does the little ladies who have a million questions. One little boy summed it up well when he said, "Umm...Ella...I think you're mom is pregnant...or something." I'm pretty sure that was the nice way of saying, "Ella, your mom has put on some weight in the mid-section since the Christmas party."

Oh my, I just smile when I think of how fun they were, a small glimpse at what it's like to spend the day with such rambunctious little spirits.

Made me even more excited for our little guy :).

So what else can you tell me about boys? What else am I in for, friends? :)

26 comments:

Marcella{The Life After "Trust Me"} said...

LOL, love this, especially the last part of #3!! :)

Laurel said...

I have a great idea ...

you need 5 boys to go along with your 5 girls. Yep. You do.

As you know, I have 6 boys ... and 6 girls ... and they are all so very different.

Love that you got this glimpse into little boys. So true.

Let's see ... what else do boys do ???

Oh yes ... they make noises ... all kind of noises ... noises you've never heard before ... car noises ... motor boat noises ... noises pretending that they are bodily functions ...

Did you know that boys can make great fart noises by blowing through a straw that is put into their arm pit? That is my young ones newest trick.

Your boys will bring to you more questions than you can imagine, but also all new kinds of toys and joys that are different than what your little girls have brought to your life.

Excited for you as you prepare for your sweet boy to join the family.

Laurel :)

Nikki said...

I think the most important thing you learned is that boys are different than girls. Very different! Not better or worse, though, just different.

One thing you may not have learned on this trip is that there is a special bond between mothers and sons. It's very similar to the bond between fathers and daughters.

Oh, and little boys kisses are the BEST!

Stacey @ Tree, Root, and Twig said...

This is awesome! I had my three girls before having two boys. I guess the main difference I see is that although the boys are small bundles of electricity and can be harder on the mommy nerves as younger children, they tend to smooth out and become nice and mellow emotionally as they age. My girls were the opposite - very pleasant at first, then all drama as they got older. :) I can't tell you how often I rely on my 9yo son to just "chill" with after dealing with my three teen girls. :)

Double the Giggles said...

This post had me laughing! In can only imagine what we are in store for! All I can tell you is what I know so far (19 moths in), and that is that boys are BUSY! All. The. Time. They never stop moving, climbing, etc!

The Sneaky Mommy said...

This is so hilariously spot on! When I was a teacher, I'd have my boys all put their pretend guns in pretend holsters. Some pretend medicine to take care of the pretend body noises never hurt either! Girls are so sweet, but the no-drama side of boys is pretty refreshing! :)
Can't wait for your little guy!!!

Brenna said...

So fun! I have two boys and they just light up my life! Amid all the noise and action your little guy will create, there will also be grubby fists full of flowers for his Mommy :)

Eva said...

We have a boy, girl, girl, boy. I love all our kids but there are a few things I specifically enjoy about the boys: they are never bored, they love to help in whatever manner they can to keep busy.. they are always busy. You hit the nail on the head with the friends thing... they don't fight with their friends, they don't complain about their friends, they don't have time.. they are too busy running and playing.

I have a sister in-law that had three girls and was expecting a fourth child.. she kept saying she didn't want a boy because boys where mean, boys play so rough, etc. I told her my perspective, from having raised our son and daughter at that time. Our son has never been mean or rough but he is still ALL BOY.. he loves to run, jump, play and keep busy. But.. somehow she ended up with the rough boy she envisioned :-).

Laura said...

That seems right! I was a school teacher for many years and little boys are so sweet and so much less Drama, but they never stop moving and have so much ENERGY!!!!

mandbrid said...

I LOVE boys!!! The bond I have with my sons is so dear to me. But I have to warn you....they break things. A LOT of things. Just expect it. They are curious little creatures. Oh, and the bodily functions thing....spot on. They are so silly. I am so excited for you to experience your boy!

Sarah said...

I have no idea what you're in for! But I sure am excited to hear all about it! :)

Momma of The B.M.C. Report said...

Kate this list is hilarious! The one thing I will say is the no drama part of the boys you will LOVE.

Of course, I am partial to boys but those sweet kisses and hugs that I get from my boys bring so much joy to my life. I can't wait to see how this little man changes you {in a good way of course}!

Sarah said...

I can't wait to hear your adventures in the world of boys!

Unknown said...

Mine are still little, but as I understand it, with boys you'll never have to have the conversation of 'you want to leave the house wearing WHAT?!'
I also hear that they go through a phase of several years where personal hygiene takes a backseat (read: the furthest seat back on a 30 seater bus), but as soon as a girl sparks their interest, you can never get them out of the shower and will need to buy stocks in cologne companies!

Anonymous said...

Boys are so fun and hilarious. I love them. :D Great post.

*Katy* said...

how fun! I can't wait to have a little boy. I have three Godsons and I wouldn't trade them for the world! We just gave my oldest Godson a Nerf something-or-other for his birthday last week and he was in HEAVEN! He ran up and down the street shooting people...needless to say, I'm the coolest Godmother ever :) (that and the fact that I bought him the BIGGEST nerf gun I could find!)

http://knickknackpaddywack.blogspot.com said...

KAte....I love your blog and your girls are just beautiful! I am a mom to three boys and it is fun, fun, fun. I could not believe God gave me three boys since I had a twin (girl) sister and a divorced mom! I had NO Idea what I was going to do with them! But God knows best, and I would not trade it. They are so "lovey" and they love to snuggle, and they are your defenders, and they move all the time, and they want you to play cars with them...even if you don't make the right noises! Anyway, they are precious and just like one of your readers said, there is a special bond between a mother and her son.....good luck! You will LOVE it!

Jeni said...

Kate - My favorite post!!! LOVE IT. Boys are so much fun. You are going to LOVE having him around so much.

heather@it'stwinsanity said...

Ahh, yes! Welcome to the wonderful world of BOYS! :)

Cindy said...

When we had our boys 20 plus years ago,many of our friends had girls. Once they had a boy,they KNEW what a difference there is. Like others said,boys are on the MOVE! And the noises! Ironically,I had my boys and then my daughter. She and I are the ones who never have to use the restroom when we are on a trip,it's the guys that always have to stop. Also,many have the chatty girls. Ours were the opposite,our daughter would just sit and listen,the boys,especially our 2nd son-talk,talk,talk!

jenny said...

This post is hilarious and SOOOO true of boys! They really do NOT stop moving. Boys are so fun and so full of energy. You will love the experiencing the dynamic of a boy in your great group of girls! Glad you survived the field trip ;)

Julia said...

I read somewhere once the definition for a boy. It said noun, a noise with dirt on it. They got it sooo right!

Boys are so loud, they drink loudly and its always followed by a burp or two. They are so incredibly different then girls and nothing (being I didn't have a brother) prepared me for having TWO boys. But I love them so much, I see a totally different side of the world this way!

Oh, and they are generally always in the state of motion. Except when peacefully sleeping like an angel!

Jenn said...

I agree w/ Mama D. You need 5 boys!

I've always thought boys are more work at first, easier later. But honestly, both my boys are SO different, who knows!

I do know I grew up in a home where kids could not jump on furniture or run in the house. I thought i'd be that way too, but I realized quick it does not work with boys! Oh my how my standards have changed!

Anonymous said...

LMBO! I read often never posted but I just had to with this one. I have two boys and yep you summed it up!! I don't have any girls so nothing to compare it too but I can only imagine how your little girls are going to be shooting you with their finger guns! Yes it catches on to even the ones who thought they would NEVER!! LOL Look forward to seeing this little guy grow in your beauiful home full of girls! Thanks for sharing your blog!!

cowartclan said...

Quick drive-by sloppy kisses, busy and fun adventures, lively imaginations, LOTS OF RUNNING AND MOVEMENT, but they do wear out and love their snuggles and I believe that they have a VERY special bond with Mommy. But they are straight-forward and not manipulating ~ No drama ~ and such a blessing. Oh and they are naturally protective of those they love. They will defend naturally. Have fun. Boys are AMAZING!

Beth said...

I love my little boys!! I just got back from spending the weekend away with my big boy (5 yrs) and his best friend (also 5.) We had a great time, but I am completely exhausted and would be quite fine if I never hear the words 'booger' or 'fart' again. :-)
I also have 2 yr old GGBG quads. My boy in the set, Drew, is the sweetest, cutest little charmer ever! When we go to parties, i always worry another lady there will take him home. He loves the ladies and knows exactly how to charm his way into their hearts. That being said, the rule in our house is, "If you don't know where Drew is, drop everything and find him!" He is in constant motion and very curious. This has lead to some mild destruction and major messes!
So glad that you are going to get to experience the joy of both girls and boys!! Here's to the best of both worlds!