January 18, 2012 - baby steps

Dear Growing Boy,

Well, I realized recently it was time to start letting go. To start letting you do things on your own. To learn. Discover. Explore.

We have so much fun playing in so many ways. Interacting, giggling, walking around together, sitting or laying on the ground. With toys or without toys. It's always a blast!

But something I've come to really enjoy as your father has been to observe you playing. You get so immersed in your task I can just see you figuring things out! And of course, sometimes I have to jump in and join in the fun. And sometimes you look to see if I noticed what you did, and always have a very prideful look in your eye when you see that I'm indeed watching!

Special moments, son.

You change everyday. Every parent says that, and I always knew it but I didn't truly understand until you came into my life just how much of an impact it has on parents.

You are amazing!

Today, we had our special Wednesday together and it was awesome.

In the afternoon, I had your different sized bouncy-balls out arranged around you with some other toys on the carpet. You were very active pushing the balls around, batting them back and forth as I rolled them back to you.

When they got away, your attention was fixed on them. You amazed me with your ability to track the ball rolling and spin yourself around to a crouch position.

Son, you don't know how to crawl yet, but you'd never know it from your approach. You were so ready.

So I didn't get the ball for you after a while. I figured it was time to let go.

It's time for you to learn to go get what you want.

And you know I'm right there beside you the whole way. I'm there for support if you fall, and encouragement to help you reach your goal.

Always!

But today, we aren't talking about the Presidency or landing on the moon or batting 2nd in a major league lineup so you can lay down sacrifice bunts and turn double plays (you are pegged for 2nd base at this point!).

We are talking about a bouncy ball rolling across the room, so let's stay grounded, okay buddy?

Baby steps!

Prior to this moment, you had yet to crawl or successfully walk.

But this afternoon, you made major gains. Instead of moving your arms and upper body and just falling to the ground on your belly, you actually moved your legs in sync with your arms to propel forward. You didn't go far, and didn't get to the ball a few feet away, but you moved with purpose and with intent!

I was super excited.

Tonight, when mom came home, she came downstairs completely excited to see you (obviously, you know how she gets...) CAPS LOCK EXCLAMATION POINT!!!! AHHHH!!!!

That's how she was. Her face lights up when she sees you, and lights up even more when your face lights up in response to her face. It's a vicious (but entertaining) cycle and I love seeing it happen!

When this happened today, she got down on the floor and your were standing up but leaning on me for support. As soon as she got down, you just took off and took around five steps (maybe a couple more) to make it the three or four feet over to give her a big greeting hug!

It was your biggest walking breakthrough yet! I was overjoyed, and still am as I type this note to you.

Right after Christmas you did some independent steps, but no more than 3 at a time, and always ending with an intentional lunge to reach your goal.

This time - more steps, more balance, and no lunge! Perfection!

So obviously we continued to practice with tons of excitement. Your little legs wore out. You fell a number times. Your balance wavered on some tries, and you reached your goal on others.

We have a lot more of this to practice in the coming weeks. Your upper body and your mind wants to GO-GO-GO like mommy, but you forget to use your legs to make you go - but you are SO CLOSE, buddy!

Soon enough!

The best part is seeing you be able to learn and do things on your own. You take such pride and ownership in your tasks, and your parents are so proud of you.

Lastly, you gave us a scare over the weekend. We had to take you to the urgent care, and they made us take you to the emergency room. The ER made us keep you overnight at the hospital for the first time since we took you home 10 and a half months ago. You were a sick little dude, but it was nothing the doctors couldn't handle, and the doctors and nurses fawned all over you!

Unfortunately, you have your dad's ears. Your second double-ear infection, and your fifth total ear infection (you also had a single one). This one was bad, an 8 and a 9 on the 1-10 pain scale.

Ouch buddy. You handled it well, though, it wasn't until you spiked a fever and added a viral infection to the list that you let it impact your day. You are a tough dude, but you need to tell us when you aren't okay, okay?

Okay!

I'm glad you are better now and ready to laugh, play and giggle like your normal lovable self!

I love you, kiddo!

Dad