On Top of the World

I always dreamed my children would rise above life’s obstacles…I just didn’t think they would have to climb on the furniture to do it.

Today, Susie decided that she’s part mountain goat, and views every object under twelve inches high as a mountain to be climbed – be it the shelf of a bookcase, toy structure, or her sister kneeling.  I guess I’m proud that she transforms potential obstacles into mere stair steps on her trip to the top, but I wish I could somehow pad the floor to cushion her landings.  Of course, if she never felt the impact of her actions, she wouldn’t learn any lessons…regarding her own limits, or the inevitability of gravity. 

She aims for the top, my little girl.  I just hope she knows what to do when she gets there!

P.S.  There’s no picture of Susie on top of the world accompanying this post because I figured it would send the wrong message to grin and say “Smile Susie!” while she was teetering on the edge of her makeshift stepladder as she tried to escape from her playzone.  I also couldn’t hold the camera steady and carry her to safety at the same time, so I sacrificed a good blog illustration for her safe return to earth.  I figured you’d all understand.

Instead, here’s a picture of her looking decidedly remorseful and repentant of her climbing behaviors:

Susie: “Oh no, Mama, I can’t believe I scared you like that.  I’ll never do it again.”

(Good thing I’m the one writing the captions.  She’s probably really thinking: “Man, I can’t believe I got caught!”)