Baby Steps

Somehow a friend and I recently got into a discussion about watching our kids take their first steps. It seems like forever ago, but it's been less than three years! My kids weren't early walkers (thank goodness, since they outnumber me), so I didn't have to worry about it as much as mommies with babies who start walking before they're expected to. But once my kids were walking, I realized that was one more thing checked off on the list...mobility meant a new level of independence. They still loved to be picked up and carried, but charting out a new adventure soon became the new favorite pasttime.

I was working a lot this past week, and the kids were extremely good considering my schedule. They entertained each other, singing songs and playing together, and they were very, very good...of course, their radar is still exceptional because they wait until I'm on the phone for business before they come talk 100 miles an hour about something that is obviously (to them) VERY important and urgent. Usually they're referring to a book they want me to read right at that moment or the fact that they want me to make them lunch (even though lunchtime is still two hours away). At any rate, from time to time I take a break to sit with them, put together a puzzle, play a game, whatever they feel like doing. On one of my "breaks," I gave them each a big hug and told them that they're "my favorite two babies EVER!" (kind of a joke we bounce back and forth, since they know they're my only two babies ever!). Megan didn't even miss a beat, as she was hugging me when I declared they were my favorites...she immediately replied, "Yeah, and we're growing up so fast!" Yikes!

Keep in mind, I constantly give updates to relatives I speak with my phone, friends I haven't seen in a while, etc. When they ask how the kids are, I honestly answer, "They're great, but they're growing up so fast!" It's become a trigger answer, not because I don't have anything better to say, but because it's completely true all the time. They have grown up quickly. Four years seems like a blur, and I know it's going to continue to go by fast. I suppose Megan has picked up the phrase because she hears me say it. But the reality of hearing her say it to me was just stunning. She was full of joy at the prospect of growing up. Her grin was a mile wide. I couldn't help but smile back, but it was a reminder to appreciate all of the little things.

They've been walking on their own for almost three years now, but every day they take "baby steps," and those are the moments I'm so grateful I can witness.