Somebody's Walking!

 
image source: Picture Book
 

For the last few months Chase has been the master "cruiser" - meaning, he pulls himself up to standing using the couch, coffee table, or other low furniture. Then, using sideways shuffling steps, he rapidly moves along the edge of that piece of furniture with one hand.  Sometimes he can find a piece of furniture that he can move without pulling it down on top of himself, such as his ottoman or a stepstool, and he uses it as a walker that he pushes all the way across a room.  We have lots of little height-appropriate "props" throughout the house, so he really can cruise to most places he needs to go.  But every now and then he would reach the end of the furniture and have to make a decision about crawling... or taking that first step.  During these times he would look up at us and grin nervously... I'd hold my breath, wondering, "Is this it... is he gonna do it?" Then he'd crouch down and crawl to that next destination.  He's had excellent balance for a while, and likes to stand and dance on his own, free of furniture for support. But the idea of walking seemed to freak him out a little bit. 

Although we've been eager for Chase to walk for a while, and saw him getting closer to reaching this milestone everyday, Derek and I have made sure to encourage - but never push.  His 1st birthday came and went and, even with friends/family recounting tales of their little ones walking at 10 months... in that week leading up to their 1st birthday... or on their actual birthday... we knew he'd develop at his own pace. I felt that if we made a big deal about getting him to walk that he would somehow sense our expectations, and feel that he had disappointed us by not meeting mommy and daddy's hopes.  I didn't want that to negatively impact his self-esteem.  So rather, we've always celebrated the strides that he did make, making a huge deal out of any new development, which I think has made his self-confidence soar. :-)

Well on Monday (maybe in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday) Chase gave mommy and daddy a special surprise! He decided to take those first steps.... and then stepped some more, and then some more!  He giggled with delight as he tottled across the room into my arms, over and over. I screamed with delight (disregarding all who've said not to get "too excited" lest I scare him - like mommy, Chase appreciates a big reaction!!!) I told Derek that he had walked and when he got out the shower Chase walked to him too. He was quietly self-assured as he took those quick little shuffling steps across the floor.  There was an air of confidence and fearlessness about him.  I was so glad we had let him walk in his own time, rather than pressuring him into something he wasn't ready for.

Since becoming a mom I'm learning to just enjoy each little moment as it happens, rather than rushing ahead for the next one.  I've even begun to wonder what the big rush is anyway?  These are moments we can't get back.  Parenting sometimes seems like a race to the finish line - an unspoken competition, even. Is he weaned yet, did he say his first word, is he crawling yet, potty trained, does he still use a bottle?  The baby who achieves independence first - wins the race.  Mind you, I’ve also been guilty of wishing that certain stages (namely the waking up every 2 hours during the night to nurse) were over and done with, but I'm also continually reminding myself that once that time is gone... I'll never have it back.  Chase is growing so fast - and it makes me sad to think that he'll be a big boy soon.  No more mommy's baby.  Well, I mean, he'll always be "mommy's baby" to me - but you know.  I can't believe a year has gone by already.  It's awesome that Chase is walking now and we'll celebrate that along with his other milestones.  But I'll also continue to cherish each moment as it happens - no rushing along the next one.  Really, where's the joy in that?

Comments

[Auntie Nabs]

lmao @ sibo's reference to chasing him at grocery stores, airports, and doctor's offices.....because we have experienced ALL of the above, smh. bibi and ron have also had to do the chasing at points, lol, when i was pregnant with shabazz.

i'm still shaking my head over the fact this post did not include a video, burst!!!

[1healthymom]

Who cares when they walk, right! It's not like they ask on your college application or at a job interview what age you started walking. People put too much worth on the age that their kid started walking, talking, etc...

[Bika]

great blog...there really is no rush for these moments! see ya next weekenddd

[Meka]

Way to go Chase!!!!!!!!! This post was full of truth. What is the rush? I remember wanting to hear that little voice say Mommy!!!!! I couldn't wait. My mom said it will be here before you know it. Boy was she not kidding. Sometimes I want to put it on mute!!!! lol You and Derek have the right idea. Keep doing what you guys are doing!!!!!!! It's hard not to be anxious about the next move, but again like you said, its better to enjoy the moment rather than rush the next step.

[Nikki @ The Mommy Factor]

Yay chase! It's fun to watch them discover those first steps :) I agree that we should just let our kids do things in their own timeframe.

[Tshego]

WOW WOW WOW I am so happy for Chase..he is a big boy!! Go Chase!!!

I know excatly what you mean about milestones. I once fought with my mother who mentioned how slow my baby is with standing. I ALWAYS put people off about milestones...like...GOD WILL DO IT IN HIS TIME...so GOD IS NOT LATE!!!!

Go Chase, he is such a cute little boy.

[Carissa]

Good for him!!!! That must have been a wonderful sight to see :)

[Sibo]

yay chasey!!! i knew it was only a matter of time, because when i saw him a few weeks ago, he was always standing up like it was nothing! well, now that the walking has started...next comes the running...so get ready to be chasing him in airports, grocery stores, doctor's offices, etc., lol! seeing that always cracks me up.

[Felisha]

YAY Chase!! Definitely savor those moments, they grow and learn so fast. You won't be able to keep him still now, he's going to be on the move :)

[Sheliza]

Go Chase!! What a big and fun milestone. Mommy and Daddy's work now begins!!! Enjoy it :)

[Tati]

WOW!! Our boy is walking!! I cant believe it!!!!

[hicksgirl93]

Good for Chase! (and you) Reaching milestones are wonderful, keep savoring the moments.