an observation
Today, my kids and I were out at one of those places that serve terrible food, but have fun playhouses. :-p I was watching Madi play in the area designated for toddlers, when I noticed she was keeping a keen eye on her brother, who was playing up above in the bigger kid area. She decided that was where she wanted to be, so with sheer determination (and a mommy very close by), she scaled the big kid steps and made it all the way to the top. Not really a big deal for a third child, I have learned, but what I found fascinating was her determination... And I watched her get scared, turn to call out for me, then change her mind, and PUSH THROUGH her fear, and make it up one more step, til she got to the top. She was so proud of herself, and the big kids were sure surprised to see her. She played up there for a long time, avoiding big kids and, every once in a while, stopping to see just how high up she was. When she had enough, she carefully and slowly made her way back down, gave me a big...