Snakes & Snails & Puppy Dog Tails

When I posted about Henry's behavior a few weeks ago, several people recommended the book, "Bringing Up Boys" by Dr. James Dobson. I had a gift card (thanks Mary Lou!) and went to pick it up on Saturday. I read the first chapter aloud to Adam and we both cackled and giggled so hard. Boys are hilarious- I mean, just some of the stories about boys pushing the limits (i.e. pouring gasoline down a man hole and throwing a match down....just to see what would happen or trying to imitate Tarzan and realizing too late that the rope you tied to the branch before you jumped is longer than the branch's height from the ground...) are crazy.

It's reassuring to know that boys, in general, push their boundaries and climb on everything and jump off of couches and do all that monkey business...Henry is not alone. Believe it or not, this first chapter made me wish for a house full of boys- ruckus and chaos and noise and dirty laundry. I love my wild little man.

"Of all the animals, the boy is the most unmanageable."

-Plato (written over 2,300 years ago)

"As these stories illustrate, one of the scariest aspects of raising boys is their tendency to risk life and limb for no good reason. It begins very early. If a toddler can climb on it, he will jump off it. He careens out of control towards tables, tubs, pools, steps, trees, and streets. He will eat anything and loves to play in the toilet...A boy harasses grumpy dogs and picks up kitties by their ears. His mom has to watch him every minute to keep him from killing himself. He loves to throw rocks, play with fire, and shatter glass..."

-Dr. Dobson

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

-Psalm 127:3