Vivian took her first two steps more than a month ago. We noted the date (October 22, 8:14 PM) but it didn’t really count. She was walking along James’s arm on her way to the couch, and he dropped his arm. She took two steps and banked for a landing. Likewise, last week she was walking with my hands under her shoulders, and when released would totter forward a step or two before making a controlled descent.
Over the last three days she’s been taking a step or two if sufficently entranced with what was in front of her. Then she’d get her Wile E. Coyote look (oops, gonna fall now) and reach for an edge or sink to her hands and knees.
But Friday, with all six grandparents gathered for Thanksgiving dessert, things were different. For the first time, she walked. She looked at the gap and stepped out into space.
She went dashing from my mom to me, throwing herself into our arms. Mostly because she can’t stop — but partly to collect a enormous hugs.
She knew what she was doing, too. She had a wonderful, power-drunk grin, even before the cheering started.
Gosh, she's gorgeous.