Baby Steps

Question:  "Is he walking yet?"

Answer: "Any day now."

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard this question.  Family, friends, co-workers and even my patients seem to ask every day.  One Spanish interpreter really does ask every time he passes by!  My answer has been the same since before Christmas!  I just keep thinking that any day now he will let go and walk.  I know he is getting closer and closer every single day.  He stands and balances for several seconds but as soon as he really wants something he drops right to those knees and crawls over as fast as possible.  He has taken an occasional step but nothing I would call his "first" real step...still waiting and watching and hoping I've got my camera nearby when he decides to go for it!!  I'm not rushing him I just don't want to miss the big moment!

Today was Lindsey's birthday and Ella had her a special present - she took 7 steps for Cindy and then she took about 5 while we were all watching.  It was so exciting!  

On the other hand, give him something to hold onto and he is running!  In fact, Matt likes to have baby races between Ella and Payton.  They each have a push toy and take off at the same time.  I witnessed my first race today and I think Payton crossed the finish line first!  Either way, it was pretty darn cute!

Payton loves to play in the bonus room.  His shape sorter has become one of his favorite items.  Somehow, he managed to get all 5 shapes into the barn without any help.  I think he crammed them all into one of the larger openings.  He's got the idea though!  

We attempted to make the bonus room completely baby safe.  Unfortunately, we have certain items that just don't have a very good home and have to stay in the bonus room for now.  One of these is my college TV stand.  A cheap Walmart special that I put together myself while moving into my first apartment.  Payton loves the open area.   He loves to take his little plastic ball and bounce it on the bottom...over and over and over again.  He loves to pound the side or the top with his hand.  He loves to drop items behind the TV stand and Mommy loves to retrieve the lost toys!  As you can see below, this little space is just his size.  He crawled right in and made it his personal play area.  He attempted to stand up as well but after realizing he was bumping his head he crawled back out. 

As you can see, he's got a small plastic basketball in his hand.  While in the bonus room, this rarely leaves his hand!