Courage

This girl.

She is adventurous, courageous, and full of energy.  She has some serious amounts of energy.

I admire her already.  

Ever since she was walking, I've thought a lot about fear versus courage.  Even before she was born, I remember having conversations with my older sister about how to teach children.  So many of us live life controlled by fear of so many things from tripping on an uneven sidewalk in front of others to getting in a car accident on the way to work.  The thing about kids is, I think a lot of the fears they have, they aren't actually born with them but they learn them.  They learn it either from a fall or an accident or from fears that those around them have, especially parents.  It's even scaring me now just thinking about being a parent!  

Madison, some way or another, was born with great courage and a crazy adventurous spirit.  It's one of the things that I love most about her.  This isn't to say she is careless or without any caution.

"Nannie climb!"

"Wet, Mama! Wet!"

Bryce and I have conversations wondering how we can teach her to have a healthy fear of things like cars on the road and crosswalks.  I sometimes worry just wondering if one day she will have a serious accident with bigger injuries.

As far as energy, I brainstorm ways to use up some of it.  Lately, after we've been walking all around the block or at the park (she walks herself, of course, no way would she sit in the stroller unless we're running), we get back to the apartment building and I take the elevator one floor up at a time while she takes the stairs.  It's always an exciting moment for her to turn the corner at the top of the stairs and see Carter and I there waiting for her.  Then she runs to the next flight and gets going.

Even still, she only takes about a 45 minute nap.  Then she's up and rearing to go out on another adventure.

Back to the courage, a friend recently asked me how we do it at the park with such a curious little one.  I said...it's a lot of work, even to just go to the park, or grab milk at the store.  Everything takes longer and usually results in at least 1 meltdown.  But to not go crazy myself, we have to get out of the house, usually 2x a day.  Now that we're in more of a routine, we are all just used to it.  I'm learning ways to distract her from meltdowns (which doesn't always work), and we just do it.  At the park, I usually have Carter in the ergo or the stroller (in a place that is central so I can always see him) and I walk around with Maddie.  I let her do pretty much anything she wants to.  I usually show her how to do it and then help her do it.  I always supervise when she does things to make sure she learns the right way to do it so it's safer.  Then some things she just can't do on her own like the fireman pole at the playground, but I at least let her try while I help.  Once she does it with me enough, she learns and then I let her do it on her own.  

She gets booboos every day, but somehow my kisses always fix them.  Sometimes I even catch her getting a little booboo, then kissing it herself, then moving on with what she was doing.  She cracks me up!

She gets scrapes and bruises and her knees bleed, but she often doesn't really care or even notice the blood, for that matter.

I know that it's important to teach caution and danger, but I do not want to teach her fear.  Or at least not to be controlled by fear.  I just don't want her living in fear all the time.  

Plus, like I said earlier, her courageous and adventurous spirit is beautiful and inspiring and I'm sure the Lord will use it as she grows up.  

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  

[Isaiah 41:10]

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

[Philippians 4:6-7]