There's nothing quite as wonderful as being right there at a moment like this! :)  And you're right...our children's first steps have much to teach us about stepping out in life too.

How wonderful that you were there to experience your son's first steps to inependence. There's not stopping him now!

You clearly show the love you have for your children when you write. Wonderful first steps out in the big world.....with you and mom following.

Keep those arms outstretched and ready to catch, they need to know you will be there, always.

Paul - Not surprisingly, this one has earned you a spot in this week's Family Reunion post.  You are a great dad, and it shows.  Our children are treasures.  This was a beautifully written post, my friend. 

Paul, now the fun begins...

Paul - I put this one in Family Reunion today.  Check it out when you have a chance.  Thanks!  Wow.

Wonderful post Paul, you are going to enjoy your little guy's discoveries. No holding back now!

Paul-As I was reading this post I thought, how cool is this that we can share something as special as this with the whole world with a click of a button! 

Paul,  That was so cute, but your signature was even better.

Paul - That is so awesome!  I will never forget the day my son took his first steps.  His first everything, actually!  I NEVER thought I would be so sentimental but it is amazing how fast those days slip away!  Thank you so much for sharing - I just had to give my little dude a hug after reading this!

Now that is what fatherhood is all about don't you think?  That just brought me back to a time when I was ever at my happiest....raising my boys..  You put a huge smile on my face...what a cutie pie.

He'scompletely adorable! This is the best photo you've posted yet. How I long to be at the receiving end of a brave expedition such as his :) My favorite line: "As his foot came down, so too did the curtain on infancy." Really beautiful Paul.

We can all learn something from the little ones- sometimes it is timid steps we need to take to reach our goals and dreams.  Persistence rules the day.  Your little one is an absolute gem- just like daddy!

Absolutely awesome!! I couldn't agree more on that last line........

(although I must say......if you keep this up, you are really putting a wrench in Kelan's plans for his blog. He asked that I "make that Paul guy go away daddy his kid is going to always be one step ahead of me".......ok, it was really "da-da, da-da" but to me it sounded like "make that Paul guy go away daddy his kid is always going to be one step ahead of me")

Nothing more important tjhan be a parent, you'll always be there, first day Kinder, First Grad, first dance ( driver only ah) games, league, scholl PTA. etc. Congrats on beutiful poem and beautiful Baby, from a collegue in MiamiFL ( and a Mom too!!)

The good, bad and how cute!!! Good well we know why its good, pretty soon he'll be in college.  The bad --- but not before he get into everything and drive you crazy chasing him! And how cute!!! memories are special and first steps are certainly cute to witness.  Enjoy every minute.

Paul you are a blessed man. Enjoy!

As I read this I felt I was there in the room with you!  Beautifully written, Paul.

One foot in front of the other.  That's all it takes.

Paul - Congrats on one of those moments you will never forget.

I remember my oldest sons first steps clearly. It was 25 years ago and he was so happy with himself.

Paul, touching. And you captured Wyatt's glory. Don't forget to print this out and place it in his memory box.

PAUL - I just went through this recently myself.  Well, my daughter did anyway.  We had been waiting for what seemed like an eternity for this to happen.  When it finally did, it seems as though she went from scooting to walking in an afternoon.  It's so cool to watch.  Of course, as you know, now the chasing begins!

Thank you so much, everyone.  I'll try to respond to each one of you that was kind enough to share this with me, but it might take a little.  I'm absolutely swamped.  I'll say that it really was amazing to be there to witness it first-hand.  I didn't get to see my older son take his first step, and who knows if a third will ever be on my horizon, so this was really special.  I'm so thankful to have this forum to document and share such memories.

Paul,

That is pretty cool, now he will keep you fit as you chase him! LOL! ;)

Paul, That was beautiful!  Thanks for sharing.  I remember when my boys walked, it was so exciting...until they started running!  :)

How sweet...it is amazing to watch babies develop.  For kids, taking risks is a given.  I miss being that 'kid'! Nicely written post. 

I write through teary eyes.  What a beautiful account of your son's first steps.  It is one of many first steps I know you will enjoy cheering Wyatt onto as he grows to be a kind, gentle and loving as his Daddy.

Wow.  Very well written Paul.  Those first few steps are pure joy...sometimes I think it was more ours than theirs.. but pure joy just the same. 

What a great post! Your son is lucky to have a Dad like you and I know you'll learn a lot from him. I'm to the next stage of being a grandparent and we have one ready to walk any day, but she's off on vacation in New Zealand. I hope she'll save the first step for when she gets back! Thanks for writing such a beautiful post!

I'm really happy you treasure these moments.  I spent many of the early years of my children's life building my career and not paying as much attention to the wonders of childhood as I should have - now I'm waiting on grandkids for a "re-do". 

Oh, I think I'm going to cry!  Good timing (I'm dealing with a teenager's attitude!)

Thank you for reminding me of the good times.  I love the way you wrote this.  I felt like I was right there.

Good photo too!

Paul- Very exciting. My son took 3 steps at 6 months. It was Easter 1986. He then didn't attenpt another step for 5 months. Sometimes I think it was a dream. Talking comes next. Have fun

Paul, thanks for keep'n us in touch. When we hold our tiny bundle we can't help but to wonder: what the first words will be and when they will stand and what they will like to eat. Those "first" steps are so tender. As they grow, they fall, they trip, they run and jump and as a parent our hearts follow. Then when they take those steps out the door and off to college you wonder how those tiny first steps lead to such great leaps! As they wonder into this world, we, as parents, continue to take tiny steps and let go. Letting faith be our guide.

Thanks for a great post~! He is a keeper.... oh and now...... you are in trouble. I will look forward to the next post: "We wanted him to walk, but not run!"

That was a very sweet moment for you and your wife which you will always remember. But there will be other firsts in your sons life which will also feel like his first steps. Keep showing him the love you are showing him now and he will grow up to be a wonderful young man.

www.Waconeighbors.com

Paul, I just read this post to my wife and we both agree that you should contact Hallmark and get this published in greeting card form. Otherwise, perhaps some preachers, pastors and rabbis might be interested in telling this story as eloquently and proudly as you did. Little Wy Wy doesn't yet know how lucky he is to have you as his daddy.

What a great analogy Paul!  It has been almost 18 years since my baby boy took his first step and now he is graduating.  Looking through the eyes of our own children should make us so unafraid!

Paul, the things we could re-learn from really watching kids! I love the statement about being as brave as a 10 month old. I love your blogs too!!

We have so much to learn from children - their persistence is one. No matter how many times they fail (falling down when trying to walk, or not being able to turn over when they flail their arms) they keep trying again and again until they get it right.

They have a sense of wonder and a unique way of looking at life. Take a walk with a 3 year old and see the world through their eyes. 

Thanks for sharing your moment 

Welcome to Toddlerville little Slaybaugh!

Paul, you're so right about how exponential the growth is. I remember the first time I saw my firstborn walk. I was on tour in Kansas and my wife flew out to meet us. Just a week before he had taken his first step. I had missed it! :(

But there, in the airport, he was running around so fast, falling down every ten steps or so and getting right back up. It was so awesome I nearly forgot to get my luggage.

Way to share.

That was so sweet. They grow up so fast. It seems like if you blind, you have missed years. I hate it!

What a thrilling moment in your life, one you will long remember and he has probably already forgotten.

How much we can learn.

Michael:  Thanks for reading.  You're right, he's already lining up new challenges to overcome.

Christy:  They do indeed.  Seems like my oldest was just doing this.

Joey:  That must have been amazing to see your little one go from zero to running without seeing the intermediate phase.  Mind blowing.  Thanks for coming around, my man.  I hope you are back on AR to stay.

Sharon:  They simply don't know that not trying is an option.  Sad when we discover it is.

Vanessa:  Thank you!  I'm a fan of yours, as well.

Renee:  I can't imagine my boys at 18.  Voting?  College?  Military?  Yikes!  Can't I just hit rewind and keep him crawling a little while longer? ;)

Brian:  What an incredibly nice comment.  Thank you very much.  I think I am the lucky one, but I'll be sure to remind him of what you say the first time he takes the car without permission!  Thanks again, Brian.

Ann:  I can't wait for every one of the "firsts" which are still to come.

Charlene:  Our trouble is real.  He has an older brother that has the Devil in his eyes.  This tag team duo will be formidable, indeed!

Mark:  3 steps at 6 months?  That's crazy.  If he stuck with it that early, I'd have gotten Menza on speed dial.

Debbie:  Thank you!  Hope this helped you remember that your teenager was once a bit more manageable!

Michelle:  There is no right way to do this.  We all make our choices and do the best we can.  I'm sure you were more present than you give yourself credit for.  Thanks for commenting.

Joeann:  Not to worry.  Your granddaughter will wait to walk until she returns.  She's down under, after all.  They do everything counter clock wise there :)

Jesse:  I know what you mean.  We probably scared the bejeezus out of him with our shouts and laughter.

Marlene:  Thank you!  He is certainly loved, and he loves back just as big.  The picture I used is a great representation of his typical disposition.  It will be a joy to share in his journey.

Lisa:  Me, too.  Kids don't analyze risk, just reward.  What a beautifully simple way to live.

Roberta:  I'm already fitting him for a helmet for the running stage!

Suzanne:  No doubt.  His brother already keeps us on our toes, but the both of them will likely supplant the need for much cardio work!

Adam:  It's crazy, isn't it?  So much lead-in and build up to that first step, and then it seems as if they string together 10-20 steps like 3 seconds later.  Jack is already excited to have a chasing buddy.  I am petrified.

Andrew:  Already done, my good man.  How cool is it to have this place as my journal for their growth?  My wife has the baby books, I have AR.  Awesome.

Pat:  Mine too.  He was absolutely beaming with pride.

Bill:  Thank you, sir. 

Nancy:  Thanks for reading.  Glad you enjoyed Wyatt's quick little excursion!

Yvonne:  I know it.  I really do.  Thanks for dropping in.

Rosemary:  Very apt summary of what is to come.  I'll just hang on tight for the ride.

Maria:  Thank you kindly. Judging by his first step, he is going to be a heartbreaker at that first dance!

He is precious and you are one proud papa. Enjoy enjoy enjoy some more because man do they grow up fast

Paul - My grand daughter, Rylee, seemed to be slow to master this walking thing. We visited some friends that had a daughter they had adopted from the Soviet Union or whatever they call that country now. Anyway, this little girl was maybe a month younger than Rylee and she was two stepping around the room.

I excused myself and called my daughter.

"Molly"

"Hi Dad"

"Molly, is there something you are not telling me?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Has the doctor told you that something is wrong with Rylee"

"Dad, what are you talking about?"

"Molly, give it to me straight....Is my grand daughter retarded?"

click...................

So the next week I dropped by to see if they were still alive. Molly just shook her head. Rylee? Oh Rylee, was pushing some sort of shopping cart around the room, giggling Pop Pop.

Molly smiled and said "Dad, I love you, but you are an idiot"

I guess so.

You had to be there.

Bob:  Tell Kelan sorry, but Wyatt has started gymnastics since this was posted, and now runs a 5.2 40 meters.  Of course, the tailwind would have disqualified him from record contention.  I'd really like to thank you for featuring this, Bob.  Not for me.  I don't crave the spotlight.  But for my little guy.  It will be a pretty neat thing to tell him down the line how his first step made him a star with daddy's colleagues. 

Ginger:  You are too sweet.  His old man may be a little rough around the edges, but Wyatt is definitely a keeper!  Thanks for the kind words.

Jennifer:  Glad you liked it.  I have no doubts that you'll have the opportunity to experience such an exhilarating moment again in the not-too-distant future.  That is one of my favorite pictures too, although I have loads more.  These two are serious contenders in the annual "Most Photographed Children" competition.  At least I was told it was a competition and have acted accordingly.

Midori:  I'm glad I could take you back to such a wonderful time.  Thanks!

Leesa:  Go give him a great, big hug.  Contrary to what they may think, they are never too old for that.  Thank you for reading this.

Marc:  Probably because it came straight from the heart.  Thanks.

Katerina:  Amazing indeed.  Future generations need not be limited to 15 minutes of fame.  I know the exploits of two little Slaybaughs that will be well chronicled.

Debbie:  Nope, it's officially go time, now!

Jason:  A double thank you, my friend.  Thanks for the inclusion in your weekly roundup and for the thoughtful sentiments in your previous comment.  You are a good friend.

Missy: "Leeeeet's get ready to ruuuuuumble!"

Elaine:  I will.  I promise.

Sally:  Thank you so much.  The little rascals just inspire me in so many ways.

Linda:  It was amazing to be on hand to witness it.  I'll never forget it.

Lola:  Children really should be in charge.  They are just flat out better at living in the moment than us doddering, worrying, nervous old nellies.  Thanks for featuring this in your group, Lola.  Much appreciated.

What a nice post! I am sure ther are many more firsts to come and revel in.

Beautifully done Mr. Slaybaugh!  It's stuff like this that makes this chap want to be a Dad someday as well.

Rich:  Thank you.  I can't wait for each one of them.

Sardi:  Thanks, my man.  You'll make a fine pop, indeed.  You are one who takes the time to reflect upon and explore who you really are.  I think we owe such self awareness to our little ones.  How can we help them along their journey if we have gotten lost in our own?

Sally:  I will treasure every moment.  Well, almost every moment ;)

John:  Now that's funny!  It is amazing how you turn your back for a second and they are doing something new when you turn back around.  My sister's oldest daughter didn't walk for the longest time either, but she would talk circles around you.  My older son wouldn't say boo for the longest time, but was ready for the basic training obstacle course by 11 months (At 2 and a half, he's ready for SEAL training now).  They all have their individual strengths and weaknesses, so I try to avoid the temptation to compare development.  They have the rest of their lives to figure it all out.  Thanks for the story, John.

I see Wy Wy already has a boo, boo - he will be off and running in no time and then grown.

Paul - what a sweet post.  I am glad you were there to see it!

Awwwwwweeeeee! (that's really all I've got :0)

Paul,
I think fear is a learned behavior......if we could only be as trusting as babes.

Watching those first steps is so magical!  I can still remember them with my kids.  And walking at 10 months, that's great!

That is too cool that you were able to be there for those first steps, that is one of the lucky things about this business we some times get those opportunities to see those leaps that others don't as our children grow.

Congratulations proud poppa!