First Steps

Abbie took her first honest, unsupported, wobbly steps tonight. Ellie made her stand, then backed up about a foot, called to her while sitting on the floor, and something in Abbie’s brain finally clicked. She took two or three steps before falling into mommy’s lap. We cheered wildly. Ellie reset everyone, and Abbie took another two or three steps before falling forward again. We cheered wildly again. I’m amazed at how easily we’re entertained these days.

Abbie had been building to this for weeks. Going back to Easter, people were saying she would walk any day. She could already sort of walk back then. We would have to hold her hands and walk with her, but she would stumble her way throughout the house for minutes at a time, which is hours at a time in baby terms. She still loves doing this since it lets her chase the dog, or, if she prefers hunting a stationary object, a cat. All we really need is a feather-touch on both hands for support, but as soon as we break contact, her knees lock and she stops moving. She cannot be coaxed into walking again, even with food as an incentive. Then, as if taunting, she will slowly kneel down. Surely a kid who can do little baby squats has the facilities to take a few steps on her own.

Tonight she finally did take those few steps on her own. I’m guessing that we’ll spend most of tomorrow cajoling her into going on tiny baby-sized marathons. Soon she’ll be running all over stores, pulling things off shelves and sneaking them into the cart. What grand entertainment.

Here’s a bonus food item. I heard babies like avocado, so I bought one for her. She tried it, and didn’t think much of it. Now I have most of an avocado to somehow use if I don’t want to waste it. This will be a challenge since the only ways I’ve found to use avocado are (1) making guacamole which I don’t really care for, and (2) vandalizing cars.