Coming to standing, first hike, and other excitements

My little butterfly

The transition from crawling to standing happened fast. It was February 14. Just days before you turned 8 months. I turned my head from kitchen chores to look how you're doing and "hiiiii" I held my breath. I couldn't believe my eyes. You pulled yourself up against the little treasure chest, and as usual, aware of your achievement, carried that proud smile of yours, all beaming with satisfaction.

When I hold your hands while you are up on your feet, you bounce up and down. You're a good jumper.

You also went on your first hike - up a mountain called the Little Si - on papa's back, and down on mine, because Zoe took your place on papa's shoulders, after having climbed up the whole way with energy and no complaints. Our dinosaur son Buddy also came along.

You are still crazy about Zoe. Wherever she is, you want to be. You like grabbing her, and if she is watching a show on the tablet, you go crazy. You want to touch her and every part of the tablet. You pause the shows, switch screens, and get Zoe very frustrated. So I hold your arms, you protest or eventually escape, Zoe can't hear her show, gets frustrated, I find another entertainment for you. You two are so cute together. She calls you adorachub.

When I read Zoe a bedtime book, you crawl all the way to her room, wave one hand in greeting, put that hand down, lift the other one to waive again, smile, and join us. Lately you've been observing and processing the context in which people wave to each other, and practicing. No language has a word that expresses my love for you. I didn't know that second time around would be so special.

Love,
Mommy

A week in crawling

The temptation to move about was in you within weeks after birth. First there was frustration, from seeing others move,  and your own inability to get anywhere. Then you started rolling like a hot dog, which son was replaced by an amphibian-like move which was a mix of swimming and sliding on the ground.

Two weeks ago, true crawling efforts became obvious. And last week, the crawl master Echo declared her freedom to go anywhere her heart desired, each day adding more milage to her expeditions. Now we have to remember to keep the door to the basement closed, because the curious little you want to go there too.

Your wish to stand up on your feet is manifesting itself stronger than ever. When I attempt to sit you on the floor, you're pushing the ground strongly with your little feet, and are working hard to pull yourself up. With some fine tuning, standing up is in the near future. One of your favorite places to run off to, is the dollhouse in Zoe's room, with all the tiny colorful objects, so tempting to chew on and choke. So we are all vigilant when you get there. Including Zoe.

Love, Mommy.