Sometimes it’s hard to put a finger on why being a mother of a son is so much fun. Of course it’s different than mothering girls in very obvious ways – no time spent in the Pink Aisle at Toys R Us… no unexpected fingernail polish art on the bathroom floor… but having had both, it’s just a very interesting phenomenon, this Mom of Boy feeling I have at times.

On days like today, however, it’s easy to pinpoint the source of my pleasure. He decides on occasion, just because he’s funny, to wear one of his Halloween costumes to school. He has a couple of those one-piece suits that are kind of like pajamas. Actually, at our house they ARE pajamas. One is Optimus Prime, a transformer, and the other is a red race car driver suit. Dale Jr. I believe. It’s a conversation starter when he gets to his classroom, to say the least. I’m pretty sure he’s the only kid there whose mom lets him wear pajamas/costumes to school. Call me a free spirit. Or lazy. Whatever… it makes him happy.

Today when I dropped him off his friends gathered around to admire his costume even though this is, like, the 6th or so time he’s worn it to school… (and the mask – he had to take that too, of course). He didn’t even notice that I left without my usual hug and kiss. I couldn’t cramp his style… he had other boys to impress. Superheroes don’t need kisses.