Up

While cooking dinner this evening, John walked up to me, raised his hands above his head and said, "Up," for the first time.  I looked down at him and lifted him up and praised him for using his words. 

This was not only a big moment for John, but for me as well.  When the girls were toddlers, I wasn't able to lift them while standing, much less hold them while I cooked dinner at the stove.  I couldn't control the tears stinging my eyes and found myself hugging my little boy. 

Sure it took me longer to finish making dinner with John on my hip, but this was a moment I will treasure in my heart forever.