WALK! Don't Run

It's official. Annie can WALK!! We are (mostly) out of the Bonk Stage and on to the walking stage. In fact, I find myself mentally telling her to "Walk, Don't Run!" so that we CAN be out of the Bonk Stage! The poor girl looks like a battered child. But a happy, independent battered child.

I know a lot of moms dread the walking stage because it means that baby is now a loose cannon, a constant danger to themselves, and to anything in arms reach. I, however, am REVELING in her new mobility. My life has changed almost over night. I can now put Annie down and let her go, play, and get something done. My one-handed life is OVER!

My new-found sense of freedom has only been amplified by the fact that we have family and COUSINS in town! We are in the middle of our Porter Family reunion (future post...be excited) and all of the cousin time has been fantastic for Annie's development and confidence. Her first day of solid walking was right before the first set of cousins arrived, and not a moment too soon. She has been having the time of her life with all of these little people to follow around constantly. She is all smiles and giggles and feet moving as fast as she can.

Not only has my life changed drastically, Annie's has as well. She has this new sense freedom and confidence. She can go where she wants to go without needing anyone's help. I imagine the feeling is similar to that first drive you took after getting your Driver's License. FREEDOM! She's simply over-the-moon about it.

She's also more easily entertained. Even when Annie learned how to crawl and sit up on her own, she was never very good at playing on her own--she constantly called for my attention. Now, however, she can self-entertain for a solid 10 minutes. By herself. Without needing me. Breakthrough guys! I mean, I can go to the bathroom when I need to, rather than waiting for Scott to get home. "AHHHHH!" *angelic choir* Granted, I'm sitting there with my pants around my ankles, calling after her to make sure she isn't putting anything in her mouth while I'm doing my business...but even that's a worry for another day. Nothing can put a damper on my newfound freedom. ANNIE CAN WALK!!