Stairway to Heaven

I’m one of those crazy fools that gets excited over every tiny milestone. Imagine my sheer delight following this scene:

We were at church yesterday morning and it was my turn to take Baby to the front of the church for the Children’s Message. As we sat on the steps leading to the altar, Mommy was intently listening to the kids’ object lesson and Baby was arching his back and flailing his little arms in an effort to free himself from Mommy’s iron grasp.

I finally relented and let him crawl on the carpet.

Baby immediately began to climb the stairs.

Since this was the first time in his short life that he ever climbed stairs, I was ecstatic. I completely forgot about paying attention to the object lesson and spent the next five minutes taking Baby off the top step and putting him back on the floor, thrilled at the sight of him climbing the stairs with speed and ease. I even bragged to a Mom friend that he just reached this milestone. This wise mom of two-year old twins simply smiled at my ignorance.

Since Daddy was sitting in the pew, he wasn’t able to see this monumental achievement. Immediately after the service, I dragged Daddy and Baby to the front of the church so he could see this miracle with his own two eyes.

Daddy: You know this is a horrible idea. Why are you encouraging him?

Mommy: What do you mean? This is safe! These stairs are low and wide and carpeted. He won’t get hurt.

Daddy: What are you going to do when he starts climbing the stairs at home?

Mommy: Oh, he won’t do that for awhile! The stairs at home are tall and steep and hardwood. Besides, why would he be interested in climbing those stairs?

Daddy: You’re creating a monster.

Mommy: Stop overreacting.

Imagine my sheer horror following this scene:

I went to a baby shower for a friend on Sunday after church and Daddy stayed home with Baby. When I returned home, Daddy told me about Baby’s near death experience.

As Daddy was fishing a ball out from under the sofa, Baby decided to climb the stairs. Daddy had turned his back for 30 seconds. He lifted his head to find Baby on the FOURTH step, standing, and tottering backwards.

Thank God for watching over Baby and protecting him from himself. Daddy was able to rescue Baby before he fell.

Baby also started walking with his push walker this weekend.

Good Lord, help us.