(First) Step It Up!

Baby feet … or adult feet on an adult with clear foot growth issues

Like a drunken sailor after an evening spent with Captain Morgan, my son is now teeter-tottering around the house in a stumble that is equal parts adorable and terrifying.

For many months we have been saying “He is just about walking!” However, we weren’t ready to pull the trigger and say he’s taken his first steps. (Do we hold a parade when he does? If so, is he expected to walk in it because that seems a bit demanding.)

So, when were his official “first steps”? I haven’t the foggiest idea. After he took his first two steps (let’s say in Decanbruary), my wife and I decided it should probably be three steps before we call it “first steps.” Then, after he could take three, my wife suggested a volitional component that he seek out walking on his own and not just because we stood him up and then waved him over with toys and promises of human affection.

Then, about a month later, I put up a video of him walking about 5 steps to my wife onto the World Wide Webs and everyone immediately started pronouncing that those were his first steps.

Oopsie.

In that magical Decanbruary month, my son was in the 8-10 month range, so is that about right for the ol’ typical baby? Let’s check the Internet!

Visual approximation of a baby’s first steps

“Most babies take their first steps sometime between 9 and 12 months” (BabyCenter)

“[In Month 12], Your baby may be taking her first tentative steps. Or she may still be clutching the edge of the coffee table, content to “cruise” around” (WebMD)

“By 12 months he may walk while gripping your hand, though he may not take his first steps alone for a little while longer.” (BabyCentre) (Note the placement of the E. It’s British!)

Well, it looks like he took his first steps on the early side, which matches for his teething on the later side. (See here.)

So, now that he’s taking steps, cruising around, and trying his best to MacGyver every baby-proofed contraption, we’re very excited for his developmental milestone, right?

Yes, we are very happy and very proud … and OH MY GOSH WHAT IS HE DOING NOW?!?! HOW DID HE GET TO THE STAIRS?!!? WHAT’S IN HIS HAND?!!? WHY DID WE WANT SO BADLY FOR HIM TO WALK!?!?

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