Mom Confession

I have a confession to make:

For most of the past 19 years or so, I have low-key resented all the boy blankets in the house.

They messed with my decor sensibilities. Themed blankets that made little boys so very happy: Mario Bros., Spider-Man, Batman, Superman….. those blanket don’t very well go with a well-put together house.

Still, little boys love that sort of thing, so I said not. a. single. word.

But when given options for blankets in the main parts of the house, I’d choose other blankets every. last. time. for family activities, for pictures, for anything else that I could possibly think of an excuse for.

Themed little boy blankets were for boys’ beds. That was pretty much it. Or if they dragged them to the main living areas themselves for some reason.

But now, our boys don’t have themed blankets on their beds anymore. They prefer dark, stripes or basic slight plaid patterns.

They prefer big boy bedding these days.

So now, we have a supply of Spiderman and Mario Bros. blankets that don’t see a lot of love.

Except when Jared ends up on the couch to sleep, which is often for reasons not related to our marriage one little bit.

And Jared goes for the Mario Bros. blanket. Or the Spiderman blanket.

And I’m not sure if he does it because it’s on the top of the pile, or if he does it because it reminds him of the little arms that used to reach up for him to pick up.

And more and more lately, he leaves blankets, like this bunched up Mario Bros. Blanket in the photo, on the couch, for Abby or Trixie to lay on, saying “they were so comfy.”

These blankets in no way, shape, or form fit to my decor sensibilities anymore in 2026 than they did in 2012.

But you know what? I more and more say not one word about the out-of-place blankets left around.

In fact, my very own pile of 5-6 blankets that I pile on top of my self in bed every night currently includes a Spiderman comforter.

Because you know why? I’m aware that the little boy years are gone.

Those years are gone, forever, for the Price household.

And I am grateful for what brilliant, kind, hilarious, and gentle young men my children are growing up into.

But now, keeping these blankets– using them while they are still fit to use– reminds me that those frantic, stressful, hilarious, fun, sleepy, beautiful years– those years mattered. Deeply.

And I don’t know about Jared, but for myself– I sleep a little more soundly right now when a Spiderman blanket is keeping me warm.