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