Footprints in the carpet

I had the special privilege last night, to witness the (almost) first steps of a child. This may not seem like a big deal to you, if you have kids and have witnessed this before. But I don't have babies yet and haven't had this pleasure yet, it was so precious to me. It's something we all do at different points in our development, but this particular one is special to my heart.

Bless his heart, he's been walking pretty well while holding on to things and he just decided to let go! He does look, as his mommy called it, 'Like a baby Frankenstein' stumbling about with tension in his shoulders as he strained to keep his balance and his little arms stretched out ready to grab on to anything - just in case. You couldn't help but to let out laughter in a very pure and joyful way. The kind of emotion that comes with one of those tiny tears that well up in your eyes but don't necessarily fall. You find yourself clapping and saying, 'Good boy, you're doing it, you're walking, buddy!' It's made even sweeter when he drops to his bottom and looks up at you smiling from ear to ear! And then eagerly searches for a help up to do it all over again.

I had the awesome privilege of watching him be born. I will never cease to be amazed by this entire process. I think we tend to take it for granted really, the miracle that is life. There's certainly a divine plan to this story and I love watching it develop, like the chapters of a book. I am so thankful for times like these, when we can enjoy the life given and hope is full and untainted by the world. This baby will take many more steps in his life, but they may never be as precious as these first few!

(Thanks, 'Mom' for the opportunity to share in his birth and giving me permission to use his oh-so-cute pictures!)