The World of Boys | Austin Children's Photographer

When I was a little girl I wanted to grow up and have two little girls. I was surrounded by men. I have two brothers and a father with a very strong presence and a mother who is more quiet and passive. It led to a very heavy testosterone musk in the house. Sports was the center of our world, especially tennis. Sports were prized above all else—above books and education, which were the things I cared about. I was also a pessimist and a firm believer of Murphy's Law even at a young age. I knew deep down inside that I would grow up to have two boys. At each sonogram we had, when the technician said, "It's a boy" I thought, well of course it is. And I must admit that I am now thrilled that I have two boys. I am not much of a princess tea party girl, but I am not much of a video game tech girl either. So I feel like I am in a bit of limbo. I am back to feeling like I don't belong. The boys are all about dad these days. Sure they come to me when they want food or get hurt and want some comfort. Sometimes I fear that we are simply repeating the gender roles of my parents. Mom cooks and does laundry and picks you up at school and dad works and plays with them (although I don't remember my dad ever playing with us). The world of Legos and Little Planet are foreign planets to me.

I don't really know what I think about all of this or if I really plan on trying to change it. I am just noticing it and pondering it. Do any of you who have boys have some of the same feelings or notice the same trends? If so, I would love to hear your thoughts and stories.