Oliver began walking last week. We spent the weekend in Milwaukee for a wedding and discovered very clearly why it was such a delight to have 14 months of a baby that stays in your arms reach. The wedding and whole weekend were really great, lots of friends and catching up. The wedding was at an aquatic center and the reception was at the Urban Ecology Center, an amazing place, both venues that provided oodles of square footage for walking walking exploring walking and more walking. Fortunately, Oliver was adored by all the people he encountered on his adventures, making friends as he went, but I quickly discovered that parenting gets harder here as do adult conversations, since Chris or I had to constantly be excusing ourselves to go toddle after our toddler. Chris, super dad that he is, really took charge and let me spend time reconnecting with friends, and I can see how the importance of parenting in partnership will amplify as we go forward.
A particularly awesome moment was the wedding reception cocktail hour, as Oliver reached up and grabbed bridesmaid booty several times in a row, to the squealing laughs of the crowd, and of course Oliver. Several little girls adored him too and we sampled letting him be carried around by the herd of young children who want to be in charge of the babies.
Walking delights Oliver. I can see the joy in his eyes and expressions as he walks across a room and can so easily access the things he sees. He explores with vigor. Fortunately, he also slept really well all weekend too, so perhaps the walking will help keep some schedule in our lives.
I know that you guys told me he JUST started walking without "wall/couch/furniture support." But it's just hitting me now how GOOD he is at walking. Crazy! Also, please note all the times you both say "no" in this clip of videos...you wonder why it's his favorite word. :)
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