There are few milestones in a childs early years more exciting than their first steps. We have suspected for a fair few months that Little Miss 1 has been capable, physically of walking. Having taken a step or two here and there, and spotted standing without holding on to anything a fair few times, LM1, we were certain, was just building up her confidence. On Monday, I was in our bedroom putting away laundry when I witnessed a scene that still has me brimming with parental pride. LM1 was walking! Not just one step, not only a few... but walking, continuously and with purpose - straight into the waiting arms of her older brother. Master Almost-4 called out to his baby sister, arms out, eyes bright; Come on, baby girl! You can do it! Youre walking, youre walking! LM1, face full of concentration and determination, fixed her eyes onto her big brother and walked to him. Just like that. He would give her a huge hug when she reached his outstretched armsand both would squeal with delight, looking over at me to see if I was watching. The two of them kept repeating this process, their Mummy watching in awe at the tenderness MA4 was showing his little sister, loving how pleased they both were with themselves and trying to capture each detail of every little mini-second in my mind to retell to hubby later and to keep, in my mind and my heart forever. As I remember now the details of that morning, and look at the photos that I took (when I remembered that I probably should take some for hubby!), I find myself marveling at the bond between my children. Already, at the tender age of 3, MA4 already knows that he needs to look out for her. He is so gentle and sweet with her and ever so patient. LM1 also instinctively has a special bond with her big brother. Ever since she was a baby, her eyes have always followed his movements around a room. When she cries, he is pretty much always able to make her smile. The very first day that we took LM1 home from hospital, MA4 reached out from his car seat and took her tiny little hand in his. He still does this now, and she almost always holds his back for a time, on every car trip. I find myself hoping as only a parent can that they grow up being there for each other in a similar fashion. Life can get hard and each of my children will have their own obstacles and struggles to face. I know they will have their share of arguments as they grow up. They will fight and not talk to each other and go through days wherein they feel like they truly, absolutely, hate each other. However, as they grow and go through life, I hope against hope that each of them feels they can go to the other for help, that they are able to encourage each other to keep going, determined and with their eye on the prize. This week its walking but who knows what the later years of their lives will bring? I hope that in life they are able to reach out to each other in the same way as they did earlier this week, that they are able to uplift and support each other through many more first steps in life. And, as they do, I hope Im able to bear witness to it in some way, and give them both a big, tight hug.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 21:43:41 +0000