Step by Step

My husband and I have been wondering when our youngest would take the leap and walk on his own. Our oldest son, Bobby, started walking on the day of his first birthday party. Our daughter, Katie, started walking a few days before her first birthday. Our youngest son, Andy, has shown no sign of wanting to walk. While we would keep him little forever if we could, we couldn't help but wonder when he would start walking. He answered that question for us in his own time...

Andy did it! Today he let go of his safety net and took his first steps! At the ripe old age of 13 months and 24 days, Andy is officially walking. Once he figured out how to do it, there was no stopping him. He would go to his starting line, pull himself up, let go and walk as far as he could. After he fell down, he'd crawl right back to his starting line and do it again. A good hour was spent cheering him on and encouraging him to do it just one more time. By the end of our "training session", Andy could walk across the living room on his own and even tried to turn around once or twice before falling. He was so happy with himself at the end of the day that he joined the cheering section! :)

"So first I have to stand up..."

"Then I just let go. Boy, this is hard work!"

(Notice the tongue out, focused look on his adorable face.)

"Hey, this is fun!!!"

"Yeah Andy!!!"

I love being able to be home for all of these special moments. Andy has had a keen sense of when he should show off his skills and reach another milestone; he has always waited for me to get home from work or be on vacation before mastering any of the major milestones.

Dearest Andy: Thank you, little man...I wouldn't miss these events for the world. Thank you for knowing that I needed to be there for each of these milestones. You are already wise beyond your year and I am so glad that I am your mommy. I can't wait to share your next adventure with you. Love, Mommy