Walking on her own

Kelsey has been cruising, as it's called, for quite awhile now. That means she walks around while holding onto the couch, table or a push toy. She's been on the verge of walking for quite some time. (If you ask me, she's more than ready and able.)

So it was last Friday that she and I were swimming in the pool in Grand Haven, when she began letting go of the side of the pool and taking a few steps on her own. (The pool has a nice bench seat/step that was perfect for the little ones.) Granted, it's a little easier to walk in the pool with the water all around you. But I was impressed with her boldness.

Yesterday, though, was her breakthrough day. Anyone who's watched a baby progress knows that a baby truly begins with one or two steps, then progresses to four or five, then 10, and before you know it, a full-blown run. And that's how she did yesterday. Late in the afternoon, I stood her on the floor, as I have for a few weeks now, and let go. Usually, she drops to the floor. That time, she took two steps before falling down. I don't even think she realized what she'd done. She looked quite surprised!

I encouraged her to walk throughout the afternoon and before bedtime. She progressed to four or five steps, though she grew tired of the whole ordeal by bedtime. (Kelsey managed to show off one more time for Daddy when he arrived home.)

Kelsey's certainly not convinced yet that walking is the preferred form of transportation. She has been more than happy to crawl today, with a step here or there. Still, I'm sure it won't be long until she shocks her big brothers and comes running after them!