October 19

We went en masse to a friend's birthday party this afternoon. I was a little surprised when, as Brady and Isaac bombed their way down an inflatable slide, Abby got in line to climb the wall.

Though it's not the first time she's mustered the courage to climb this particular wall, it's certainly the fastest that I've seen her get in line. Usually, she stares up at the top --from a safe distance, of course-- and hems and haws before finally deciding to give it a try. But not this time. This time she marched up, stood in line, and took her turn.

It's a quick tale of conquering fear and of trying new things. And that kind of fearlessness is a blessing.