one year: baby steps

It's been a year since I punched the "publish post" button, and our family's blog was introduced!

To celebrate this milestone, I wanted to write a few posts over the next week about this year of blogging.

To begin with, what could be more appropriate than our title?

baby steps

I didn't capitalize our title or post titles to capture the essence that we aren't "grown up," "polished," or have all our "i's dotted or t's crossed" as children or as parents. We are a family who is growing together, not "having-it-all-together".

I chose the words "baby steps" because I thought they encompassed where we all - child and parent alike - are as a family. A few steps here and there. A few falls. But a willingness to get up and go again. Progress, not perfection. An ability to cry and then laugh ourselves. Being happy in "the process", not frustrated with "the challenge".

I love watching Jack these days - he's 14 months and still crawling. He's happy on all fours, and I don't blame him... boy, can he motor. He's like a Hummer, without requiring all the fuel. But I've caught the intrigue in his eyes as he watches his sisters as they run and chase and dance. He's curious about the world of two legged transportation. He's ventured out a couple of times to take a few solo steps. His smile is wide and toothy - the same as when he's taking baby steps as when he's tumbled down. He embodies 'baby steps' to me.

Catherine, Camille, and Jack are learning how to be 3, 2, and 1. Growing up is not just about potty training and learning how to dress yourself. For our kids, it's about learning what it means to be... Sisters. A Brother. Siblings. Children. Friends.

Our 3, 2, and 1 year old aren't the only ones learning. The 36 and 32 year olds are, too. Erik and I are still learning how to be parents. We are daily watching, learning, and growing as God teaches us how to love, communicate and engage with our children as individuals. We hope to remain teachable and growing in that department as long as we are in relationship with Catherine, Camille and Jack - even/especially when they are adult children. We look at our mistakes and failure as opportunities to go to God for help, to go to our children in humility, to point them to Him - not ourselves. We want to use our mistakes - not bury and forget them - to learn from, to grow through, and often to try something new.

And we are learning one of the most vital things we can give to our children: how to grow together as friends, lovers, and husband/wife within the busyness and responsibilities of being parents. We are grateful to be united in Christ and want to share this foundation of our marriage and family with you in a near-future post.

Hence, baby steps. Our family is walking together. We aren't moving fast. Sometimes it doesn't seem like we're moving at all. But we hope through our lives you will see the presence, care, and activity of our Father engaging in all our lives.