Surrounded by Handsome Men

I have three men in my life. They are all handsome. One is full size, one is quart size, and one is pint size. They all have a piece of my heart.

My husband, Parker, is 30 years old. We met in high school, but never crossed paths in the way of dating. I was a year older, and met him while I was a teaching assistant in his math class. Full disclosure, I should never have assisted in mathematics, I suck at math. I still remember him showing up to class in basketball shorts, tall socks and tennis shoes. It seems that was the style back then… Wasn’t he ever cold?

Fast forward to college. I was exiting a relationship and he was playing in the mountains of Idaho as a lift attendant and volunteer firefighter. SOLD. We’ve been together, not without bumps and obstacles along the way, since February of 2012. Married May of 2017. Babies, with not a care in the world.

Parker is nothing short of the most humble and generous man I know. He will give more than he will ever take. He will ask about you, before he ever speaks of himself. Genuine, kind, and a blessing to our family. He is a rock for our monkeys and I. He is a man of God, and a consistent reminder to take things slow before rushing in. I am truly lucky to have him as my husband. Oh yeah, and he’s handsome too.

He is the dad of our quart and pint sized monkey babe boys. He is by far the most exciting toy they have. Jungle gym, trampoline, and slide are definitely in the wheelhouse of roles he plays for those boys. However the greatest role is that of guide and hero. I do not joke, friends, our 3 year old calls him his super hero. When he comes home, the room stops, smiles are plastered on their faces, and squeals of pure joy arise.

Parker was an EMS firefighter almost our entire relationship up until June of 2021, when he decided it was not the place for him any longer. He is now going through school to be an electrician, and truly loves his new career path.

Our lives have been full of growth together and individually but now we grow as a family. We have learned to balance each others crazy. We have two incredible boys, our Monkey Babes at the ripe ages of 3 and 1. Yes, we have two COVID babies. Yes, we have that lovely two year gap where we have not yet potty trained the first, and the second is stealing his brother's toys while learning to walk, and finding any way he can to get into everything. Yes, they are completely best friends one minute, and rivals the next.

Hawk (not his real name) is 3. He got this nickname from my parents. Although he was "monkey" first because during my pregnancy Dance Monkey came out, and I would dance and call him my monkey the last 7 months he brewed. This monkey now loves to dance. He is my spit fire adventurer that is sure to get his younger brother into heaps of trouble. He is constantly talking, like literally every second of every day unless sleeping or eating. Eh, I take that back even when eating, he’s talking. Probably why it takes him a bazillion minutes to eat his food.

Hawk is an explorer of all things, the pusher of all limits, and the child that takes the road less traveled… almost always. Ya’ll that road could be paved in gold and he’d still choose the dark alley. He’s totally me on the outside, with my husband's inner child for a personality. He challenges me every day and is my mirror when I have good days and bad. He teaches me who I want to be, not only for my kids, but for the world around me. He is kind, generous, and always wanting to make sure those around him are cared for.

Bear (not his real name) is 1. He got his nickname from my husband and I. He is called monkey because he always clung to me like a monkey does to a tree. He is my thoughtful and determined observer. He is getting into everything, but not without looking things through thoroughly examining each and every detail that is on the toy, the window sill, the food, whatever it may be. He is my husband’s mini me, with my A type personality (oops, sorry bubs)and wants to be in control of everything. He has zero finesse, but won’t give up on what he’s attempting to do. His voice has been found, and he is loud and proud of everything he has to say.

You don’t have to do much to get a smile from Bear. He’s the happiest little monkey as long as there is food in his belly, he’s slept long enough, and there is no trace of poop in that diaper. He is no stranger to the rough housing that goes on in our home, and is already showing that he may try to take his brother on soon. He loves to dance as well, trying to mimic anything he sees us do. He is my gentle and old soul. His hugs feel thoughtful, and his smiles are pure bliss.

Our monkey babes are stubborn and bull headed, coupled with joy and unconditional love for their dad and I. They are tenacious, clever, and constantly searching for something challenging or new. These monkey’s love the outdoors, and are happy with wind and rain, or a cloudless sunny day. That fresh air truly does wonders. Their smiles brighten any room, and their laughter is contagious. Seeing the world through their eyes is a blessing. I am probably their biggest fan (dad aside).

Both our boys we call monkey for different reasons, but the name suits our family perfectly. Hence Monkey Babes Mama...These monkey's are in constant movement, and their dad and I are just embracing the crazy as it comes.

So far, I am destined to be surrounded by handsome men in my life. I am okay with that, for now...

Cheers!

Monkey Babes Mama