8 Reasons Why I Love Having a Little Boy

Mama's Boy
Mama's Boy

I grew up with a lot of estrogen in my life -- a sister, female cousins, a gaggle of aunts. The world of a little boy was foreign, and so my childhood visions of motherhood included tea parties and dance recitals. It's all I knew.

But then I got pregnant way younger than I ever expected (22 years old), and the thought of having a little girl sent me into a panic. Well - maybe not a panic. Brainstorming baby girl names and imagining a wardrobe of tiny dresses was always appealing. But I was barely a woman myself - how could I raise a little girl to be the confident, healthy young woman I was still hoping to be?

Related: 35 "little old man" names for your baby boy


Of course I now know that I would've been just fine raising a mini-me, and I certainly have moments of mourning for the daughter I may never have, but I'm grateful for my little boy in so many unexpected ways. Here are some of the (many) reasons I love having a little boy:

1. Mama's Boy
There's something about the relationship between a little boy and his mommy - and I know it's not just Noah. There's a connection, a bond, between a mom and his mama's boy - and I wouldn't trade it for all the hair bows in the world.

2. Mini Men
It's undeniable that little girls have way cuter clothing options than baby boys, but let's not forget about the ties and button-ups and boxer briefs. I mean - good grief. I just love that miniature man look.

3. Matchy Matchy
The only thing better than having a little girl idolize my style and want to match me? It might be seeing the man I love walk down the sidewalk next to a miniature version of himself - down to the shoes. My heart. My heart.

4. Cars, Trains, and Planes
I've loved being immersed in a world of train tracks, construction blocks, and tiny cars. It's so different from the dollhouses and tea sets that I grew up with, but it's so classic little boy. Heartwarmingly classic little boy.

5. Matching
If I had a son, I would probably end up matching with him too, but matching with my daughter is an irresistible guilty pleasure of mine. Sometimes it's on accident, but sometimes it's totally on purpose.

6. Exploration
From the moment he could walk, he was bringing me gifts of rocks and sticks and dirt. He goes on epic adventures - often with a pirate spyglass or an imaginary superpower - and always saves the day.

7. Capes
Miniature Mary Jane shoes and hair flowers are cute, but I just love my son's must-have fashion accessory: his cape. He has capes in all colors and identities, and doesn't think twice about adding one to his daily ensemble.

8. Shenanigans
High energy, daredevil stunts, and classic little-boy mischief. I may not have a built-in script for raising a little boy, but it's an adventure worth having.

- By Michelle Horton

For 40 baby names inspired by TV show characters, visit Disney Baby!