One Giant Step

Lola just learned to crawl about 6 weeks ago, when she was barely 9 months old. Until then she seemed quite content to let Locke do all the leg work. He'd been crawling for 3 months at that point so maybe she just thought that was something boys did. She just didn't seem too interested.

All of the sudden she began to get up on her knees, rocking back and forth, and trying to move. It didn't take long, once she started learning. One day she simply decided she wanted a toy that was a little out of reach. She took her first crawling steps to it.

It was a huge step, and one that excited her mommy a lot. But evidently, that wasn't quite the milestone she was looking for. After all, Locke had been doing that forever! So she immediately began pulling herself to a stand and letting go, balancing for longer and longer periods of time.

In the past 3 weeks, she's been attempting steps. She'll balance, concentrate on her finish line (usually Mommy, ready with open arms out to catch her), and then she'll take a step (sometimes two!) as she leans forward, toppling into me. It's a game we've been playing a lot lately.

Now, she's finally got it. She took 6 steps yesterday! She practices walking toward me still, but now she'll also aim at a pile of pillows, or a stationary object that's close by (like the big musical felt block Martin and Joy gave them), or her brother (who's not quite as comfy when she falls into him).

Hopefully Locke will continue to develop his interest in the two-legged variety of mobility. I'm trying to praise Lola's accomplishments while giving Locke plenty of attention and praise on his accomplishments too. But I know he can sense the excitement that Lola's walking has created. I'm hoping the attention will be a motivating factor for him. But, then again, once they both start walking, I'm in real trouble! I think I'll just enjoy each day as it comes, and be thankful that Locke is happy on all fours for now.