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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Smith ·

This is 14.


Well, this is fourteen.

It is very, very hard for me to believe that this baby boy right here…

…is now fourteen years old.

Smith is all the things.  He’s my most academically minded, he’s my musician (violin, guitar and he can pretty much play the piano by ear), he’s an athlete, he’s my early riser, my kid most drawn to the water but also the one most drawn to the mountains, my reader, my surfer, my thinker, my snowboarder…he is the one who is currently eating me out of house and home, and he’s the one that’s just naturally a best friend to all three sisters.

Without a doubt, I would say that when I think back to our summer on Nantucket, all of the extra time I got to spend with this kid right here was probably my very favorite part.  I tend to spend a lot of time in “normal” life with the girls, but on Nantucket, I got to spend extra, extra time with this boy.

I’ve been blogging since before this kid was born, and it’s no secret (and now, it’s a running joke) that I was not prepared/interested/at all ready to be a “boy mom”.  We didn’t find out the genders of either biological baby, so when the doctor pulled out this kid and Andrew said “it’s a boy”, I was very much in my head like “huh, a boy, what will I do with a boy?”.  And then I met him…and it was love at first sight.

Smith William Shull is every man I’ve ever loved wrapped up into one human.  He’s super Enneagram 1/Type A/perfectionist like my father-in-law, he’s a musician with a huge heart for Jesus like my dad, he’s a patriot like my Papa, carries the name of my Granddaddy who never met him but their refined sensibilities are so similar it’s eerie, he has a sense of humor like my brother, and he’s everything I admire and respect in Andrew but in “mini” version.  When I see them snowboarding together, it’s like looking at two peas in a pod.

It’s so sad that these babies don’t keep, but the longer and longer I know my kids and the older they grow, I enjoy them even more (which is shocking because I’ve ALWAYS enjoyed my kids).  He’s basically this “man child” now, and I’m truly loving every minute of getting to know this side of Smith too.

My forever breakfast buddy.  I am so freaking grateful God knew my heart but also knew what I needed even more and that fourteen years ago today, he made me a boy mom.

Happy birthday to my favorite son.  I love him more than these words could ever express. xx

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Comments

  4. Beth Knecht says

    Happy Birthday, Smith!
    I simply cannot believe how grown up he is! Hoping you all have a very special day!

    Those babies sure don’t keep; I remember you writing that all of the time Shay, and constantly try to remember that…especially amid two-year old temper tantrums!

  6. Erika Slaughter says

    HAPPY FOURTEENTH BIRTHDAY, SMITH!! (This is where I’d like to gush about the day he was born and everything I remember but I’ve got a feeling his thumbs upping’ only self would be mortified. 😂🤣😂) I’m gonna keep it real cool. 🤪 We love you big Smith Shull and hope you have a great day! May 14 be the best one yet!

  7. Amy Heinl says

    Happy Birthday Smith….I hope you are surrounded by all the things you cherish and hold dear. Enjoy your special day

  10. Melissa Terry says

    Happy Birthday to your sweet Smith! I’m a 3x boy mama and you are so right…there is sweetness at every stage, but the big kid years are extra special. Enjoy your day xo

    • Alison says

      There’s something extra special about a mother-son relationship. 🥰 He sounds like the best combination of familial influences and what a sweet kid to call your own! Happy 14th Birthday, Smith!

  13. Natalie says

    I can’t believe he’s 14 already! He’s so cute and you are a beautiful mama! Hope y’all have the best day celebrating Smith!

  15. SS says

    Happy 14 Smith! You sound like every momma’s dream for a man for their girl. I only know Smith through here and it has been fun to watch him grow. Keep up the hard work Smith and being a BIG part of your family.
    Shay, from one momma of 2 guys (they are now over 18)…hang on to your hat the eating will only increase. Lol. The “there is nothing to eat” when your house is stocked happens a lot!! Lol. I have found our guys have only grown more thoughtful, but still pull away as they start their own lives. It is truly a blessing and heartbreaking. I just hope our guys and yours find a woman worthy of them!!

  16. Nicole DiDonato says

    Happy Birthday to Smith!! I always say I love my girls but I really love being a boy mom too ❤️

  17. Shannon in PA says

    Shay, I have a 14-year-old boy as well, so I feel like I’m on this journey with you! I completely agree that, while it’s sad they are getting older, they are so much fun to be with and connect with in different ways. I have loved seeing Smith grow up over the years — he is really looking like a young man and not a young boy — and I feel like that when I look at my own son as well. Happy birthday to him! 🙂

  18. Ashley says

    Happy Birthday to Smith! I’ve been following your blog since he was a toddler and now having two boys of my own (7 and 4 years old) have used much of your parenting style/advice throughout the years. Also, being a middle school teacher myself, I can tell you’ve raised a pretty great kid! <3

  20. Lisa Cano says

    Something about those boys… I was wrapped around mine’s finger from the moment I laid eyes on him, after having 2 girls. Still does – 22 years later! Happy Birthday to your boy!

  21. Beverlt says

    Happy birthday. You are. blessed with a wonderful son who represents all the best in your family. time flies, enjoy 14 while it lasts.
    Smith is a credit to your amazing parenting.

  22. Katherine Perez says

    What a remarkable young man! I love watching your family grow. And as a Momma to two boys, I know exactly how you feel about being a Boy Mom. They are delightful. Can you convince him to run for President please?

  23. Debbie Lang says

    Happy Birthday to your boy!! It goes way too fast. How did you decided on the name Smith, curious minds want to know. 😉

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      We wanted a British name (it’s a common surname in Britain), and if Kensington would have been a boy, she would have been Smith. BUT I originally heard it on Sex and the City. That character Smith is one of the sweetest, cutest and best characters on the show 😉 .

  24. Alisha says

    Gah those words speak to my heart! I’m a girl mama to a 6 year old getting ready to have a boy in the next month and WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH A BOY is my exact thought every day while I’m playing barbies and princesses. I cannot wait to see what this boy mom life is like while also being so terrified what wild boys are like. Happy birthday to your boy, I pray my boy and I will have a similar relationship as you and Smith!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      You are going to LOVE it!!!! He will melt your heart the minute you meet him. Congratulations!!

      • SS says

        Alisha,
        You will do fine. We have 2 boys… I thought the same thing I only had a sister!! But our boys have turned out to be great guys. Don’t be afraid to get dirty and cook with them.
        My one piece of advice is make sure diaper changing make sure “his guy” is pointed down or you will have a lot of wet clothes. And you will be baptized (it happens)! 😂

        • Alisha says

          Thank you both so much for the encouragement!! I’m so ready and so nervous! Thankful for my big sister helper who will be right there along for the boy ride with me! BEYOND ready for the newborn snuggles, I’m sure boys are just as good at that LOL!!!

  25. MelanieL says

    Happy birthday Smith!! I’m tearing up because my baby boy will turn 18 AND graduate in May. He requested NYC for his graduation trip, so excited for that!

  26. Dana P says

    Love this! It’s weird to feel so attached to someone you’ve never met. 😂 I remember one of the first things I ever said to you was how much he looks like my OBGYN. So random, but it’s still true! His name is Dr Jay Williamson in Tulsa if you want to look him up. 🙂 It’s also fun because he’s just a couple of steps ahead of our daughter so his birthday is always like a “warning” that hers is coming up!

  27. Alisha Trimble says

    Happy Birthday to Smith!

    Shay do you have a link for the blue/green coat you are wearing the pic above? Thanks!

  29. Lori T says

    There sure is something wonderful about being a boy mom!!! ❤️
    Happy 14th Birthday to Smith!!!🎈
    My son turned #14 eight days ago but his due date was originally on the 18th!!

  30. Lori Taylor says

    There sure is something wonderful about being a boy mom!!! ❤️
    Happy 14th Birthday to Smith!!!🎈
    My son turned #14 eight days ago but his due date was originally on the 18th!!

  32. Leslie S says

    I used to laugh when people told me the love between a mother and son was different and special, but man were they right. Happy birthday to Smith – wishing you a year of happiness and growth!!

  34. Katie says

    Happy birthday to Smith! I love your description of him having traits from so many men in your life…what a precious legacy of love that was gifted to him! Enjoy celebrating 💙

  36. Anne says

    As a boy mom, this really resonated. You are truly blessed. The paragraph about all of his traits is beautiful. Happy Birthday to Smith!

  37. Richelle says

    How do we feel about arranged marriages? ha! My daughter turns 14 on Saturday Jan 20 and is just one of the absolute best human beings, loves to travel and loves Jesus. They could be a good match. 😉 In all seriousness, HBD to Smith!

  38. sandy ivey says

    God gives boys to special parents with the huge responsibility of growing them into Godly men! I am honored to have raised 2.

  39. Hannah C says

    Aww I am tearing up reading this (and I don’t even know you or Smith!). I love the way you love on your kids and Smith seems like a total gem. Currently holding my 6-month-old baby boy as he naps and soaking up every minute of this stage while also looking forward to all the fun that will come. Thanks for so eloquently describing all the wonderful stages of motherhood, your words have spoken to me many times reminding me to savor the time while also getting excited about the future. Sending lots of love to you and your birthday boy!

  41. Carissa says

    Happy Birthday Smith!! Enjoy being 14 and may your year ahead be filled with all the people and things you love. As I raise my two little boys, you and these posts inspire me. Thank you!

  42. Carissa says

    P.S. What are Smith’s favorite things to eat when he’s eating you out of house and home? My boys are at SUCH a picky stage and don’t seem to like anything right now (Do you want this? no How about this? no etc.) ugh! so would love any ideas for what to keep my fridge stocked with! Thank you!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Smith has turned into my healthiest eater. He’s eating a ton of protein. Now that he knows how to work the grill, he’s always grilling chicken, sausages, hot dogs, burgers…you name it. He also likes to put sweet potatoes in the air fryer or he’ll eat a ton of scrambled eggs. Sometimes, he’ll heat up waffles with almond butter. I’m telling you, he’s a protein eating machine.

  43. Paula says

    Happy Birthday, Smith! I hope it was an awesome day! I turned 47 today. Hard to believe I am knocking on 50s door.

  44. Becky Carl says

    What a handsome guy! Get your mama heart ready for the girls. There’s a fine line between mama bear and our boys getting heart hurt. Happy Birthday Smith ❤️

  45. Liz Thorson says

    Shay, I loved your beautiful tribute to darling 14 year old Smith! I am a fan of his and have been for years! He is one very special, wonderful, young man!

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