Boys to Men

I've often thought about writing my boys a letter, but never actually sat down and done it. So, finally, thanks to the Breastfeeding Blog Hop, I am.

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My boys,

You are such wonderful little men already, I pray that as you grow up you will never lose or change who you are for anyone or anything. I hope that you will learn to accept all people, respect them, and be comfortable around everyone, from the homeless man on the side of the road to the President of the United States.

I hope you never feel like you have to apologize for who you are. I hope that you learn to express yourself and your opinions tactfully, but without glossing over the truth.

I hope that in every dealing, business or personal, that you act with the utmost integrity and honesty. I hope that you become princes among men. Know that everything you do affects someone else, while this may not change your actions, it will increase your awareness of those around you and help you make your decisions carefully.

I hope that you find someone who respects you to share your life with. When you do, treat her like the lady she is. No matter how feminist her views, you open the door for her. Not because she can't, but because she shouldn't have too. She should be worth your life, and she should know that. Don't waste time on anyone who will not let you be her prince, and when you find the one who is your match, defend that relationship above all else.

Follow through on your promises. Verbal, handshake, or signed contract. Promises to friends and vows to your wife. Let your yes be yes and your no be no. Be men of your word.

On one hand it seems so silly to be writing all these things now. Jaron, you're only 10 months old, laying here in my lap and looking so tiny. Aedyn, laying among your toys and watching Robin Hood, learn to defend those who have no defense.

Boys, you will be men all too soon. These things that I hope and pray for you, are not only hopes and prayers, they are expectations. I expect you to be and become men of excellence. You have no excuse. Your profession, dreams, and desires, they are unique to each of you. They may change once or multiple times. But your core values and foundation, that will stay with you forever.

Learn from your Papa, he is a wonderful example to you. Stay close to God and listen to His voice.

I love you forever, to infinity and beyond,
Mommy

#SummerBlogSocial ~ When I Grow Up...

When I was just a little blog, I asked the others, What will I be? Will I have sponsors? Will you contribute? Here's what they said to me.... (Modified lyrics to this song.)

Yes, I butcher songs, but as I was reading prompts for the #SummerBlogSocial, this one stuck out. Where do I see myself in 6 months to a year? Or, what do you want to be when your blog grows up?

This is something I've been pondering a lot in recent weeks. I got my start in cloth diapers, but I'm not enough of an addict to be strong in that niche. That I'll talk about parenting is a given, how could I not? Breastfeeding, also a given, especially since I'm planning to start work on becoming a La Leche Leader soon. Marriage? That's one that I didn't really plan on, until a post that was supposed to be about discipline morphed into one about healthy fighting.

I'm only really 2 months old, my 3 month birthday is in a week or so. And I feel like a teenager. I see what I might become, but I'm not sure exactly how to get there. I don't quite know who I am yet. Maybe that's the song, "Que sera, sera. Whatever will be will be."

But my dream? My plan? My goal?

In 6 months I'd like to double my readership. I'd like my blogging to be mature enough with enough (k)clout, that I can confidently approach some companies about reviewing products. I'd like to set up a Q&A day during the week and actually have some Q's to A!

At a year I'd love to be at the point where I can sell some ad space to trusted companies, and be sponsored by others. I'd like to be known for articles, essays, advice from a real mom to real moms. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, parenting, marriage while wrangling kids. I know that I might not have always have information or experience to answer every question, so I'd like to have a variety of contributors that I trust to handle those types questions for me.

Is that too much to hope for? Too much to try for while raising two boys? Maybe...but I've never made a habit of doing things the easy way!

Share your thoughts here and then come join me on Google+, Facebook, and/or Twitter!

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This post is part of #SummerBlogSocial 2011 hosted by Liz and Jessica and is a response to the prompt, Where do you see your blog in 6 months? How about a year from now?