Unplanned two-year Plan

In 5 years of marriage, Billy and I have managed to add three amazing members to our family.

Our first born, Will, came a month before our first anniversary. Emma, our busy middle child came about 24 months after her big brother, and 7 week old Owen, 23 months after that. Sure it's a little bit crazy at times, keeping up with three so young, but we couldn't imagine our lives any other way. When it comes to birth control and family planning, I often tease that we're on the "Unplanned two-year plan".

There have been many moments in our children's development over the last 4 years where I've thought, "this is my favorite age!". You know, those early stages of crawling, first words, cruising (and curiosity), and then of course, first steps! In these moments, I just wanted to freeze time...and savor every bit of that "firstness" since it doesn't usually last that long.

When Will started taking first steps, we were thrilled knowing he'd be completely independently walking in no time. To his (and our) frustration, those "first steps" seemed to last for what seems like years. He is sooooo smart, and his memory just amazes everyone. He has such a tender heart and the cutest endearing personality. He makes friends easily, and loves his family, and remembers names and adores his ginormous lab Jax. He wakes up eager to learn, is beginning to read and a quick learner, but getting his little body to do what he wants it to do, now, that's a different story.

Will has endured a number of physical therapy sessions over the course of the last 3 years and is currently enjoying a semester of therapeutic horseback riding. His unique genetic condition brings it's challenges, but his name certainly suits him. When he has a WILL to do something, his persistence is quite impressive.

So you can imagine on his fourth birthday, when I had that camera phone in my hand, recording a very imperfect video of my first born taking over 103 steps (you better believe we counted!), my heart was BURSTING with pride and excitement for what is next on his "to do" list. He has an open road of exciting adventures ahead, and for him, this was just another "Unplanned two-year plan".