Baby steps

I remember Kennedy's first steps being a really big, momentous occasion. It was Thanksgiving. She was only 8 and 1/2 months old. She let go of the couch and took three steps to a nearby chair. I was so excited that I almost started crying! And now my mind is tricking me into thinking that after that, she just walked everywhere. No more crawling. Obviously that can't be how it happened, but it really didn't take long for Kennedy to figure out that walking was the better way to get around. And, she was good at it. She was strong. She was brave. She didn't have a big "Nelson head" (I'm told this is a family trait). And she didn't have a mama secretly wanting her to stay a baby just a little bit longer. I didn't know any better at the time. It was so amazing that she was such an early walker.

Macy's process has seemed much more gradual, which I admit is making it easier for me on many levels. She's been walking around holding on to furniture, holding our fingers, or pushing a cart or a stroller. Over the last week, she has been daring enough to take a step or two here and there, but it's like she realizes what she's doing, and then decides to give up. She looks a little pleased, but also surprised, and then she sits down. This time, I just can't say with any certainty that I witnessed that very first step. Or, if I did, I hate to admit that it didn't make the same impression on me. Yesterday she was at Grandma Lu's house, and I heard that she took three steps! Then, last night she took about six! Today (May 5th) the girls came to see me at work, and Macy walked about ten steps! My heart skipped a beat. This was the feeling I've been waiting for - joy, overwhelming excitement, and pure amazement. My baby is walking! I'm so proud of her. Look out world, here comes Macy! One step at a time...

But, Macy, don't feel too slighted about your first step. I have no idea what Kennedy's first word was.