Walk the Line

January 18 - Carter began walking.

Actually, before the 18th he was taking a timid step here and there, but it is as if something in his brain said, "Hey, you don't walk, fall on your bum RIGHT NOW!" and he did. Starting on Auntie Laura's 30th birthday, Carter began taking more then one step and did about 5 in our living room that night.

All weekend, he has been a walking fool. I think his furthest distance to date is the length of our hallway to our living room - this is about 20-25 steps (baby steps that is, he has little pudgey legs, you know). He did this without stopping, or holding the wall. Pretty darn good.

I was talking to Laura about this whole walking thing. It seems like babies milestones are spread into these moments that people most often ask about. "Is he walking yet?" I have to admit, seeing my little man walking is quite a thrill, but he does so many other things that make my heart flutter - walking doesn't even cover it.

Carter loves to hug his teddy bear, Wayne. He kisses him, throws him on the floor and gives him a big hug with a squeal. He also loves his puppet, Mutton, and she gets the same treatment. Honestly, what can be more amazing than seeing your child express love?

I know I will regret saying this, but the temper tantrums are also an amazing development. Carter seems to have quite a will - I don't quite know where he gets this. It does not happen often, but if frustrated enough, and if pushed to the line, after not getting what he wants will result in a full collapse of little baby body on the floor, followed by a holla. The worst is when he actually hurts himself in the process of doing this, because then you have to console him, rather then letting him writhe in anger until he gets it out of his system. It is amazing to watch this little body become more independent. To know he has needs, express those needs, and express them vehemently - how can you not wonder in the amazement of that?

Seeing his brain change and form is like watching a tributary grow. When one day he doesn't get something, and the next day he does - not only is there a look of accomplishment on his face, but you can see the new synapses firing on the path they have just created. I love watching him figure out that the reason he can't open the drawers in the bathroom is because they are taped shut (we don't use them anyway, and wanted to prevent little pea-fingers from getting caught) and by pulling off the tape is the only way he can open them. Fire, fire, fire goes the synapse.

So, yes, Carter has 7 teeth now. He can walk, he eats off a plate very well, and no longer uses a bottle. But these are not the most interesting things about him. We are not defined by our milestones, but the moments in between.