Milestone: Walking

Carl is (finally) walking.  Yes, he took his first steps about two months ago.  But since then, he has been very reluctant to improve on that skill.  I couldn't coax him into taking any solo steps at the Duede's house for Christmas and for most of this new year, he averaged about 2 or 3 steps a week.

But two weeks ago, I figured out what motivated him: love.  He wouldn't walk for any number of yummy small treats and he wouldn't walk for excitement and praise but he would walk for hugs and kisses.  And in the last two weeks of practice, he has gone from a rare couple of steps to walking 80% of the time.  He has transformed from my little baby to my big toddler.

He waited so long that this doesn't change much.  He could already get into anything he wanted to and it isn't like he was chomping at the bit so there's no eliminated frustration.  It's been a pretty seemless transition.  The only change is that I look up and see him walking to me, arms free for hugs and face up for kisses.