Baby Alyvia Learns to Walk

Today has been a wonderful day. Just your typical Wednesday. My brothers and sister went to school. I got to play at the gym while Mom did her exercise class. I waved and smiled at people at the grocery store. I had a great nap. When the older kids came home from school I was able to follow them around and hear about what they did at school.. 

 

We’ve just finished up dinner - homemade mac and cheese - one of my favorites. Mom is washing my hands and telling the others that “maybe today is the day!” They seem to be excited about whatever it is. Mom carries me on her hip to the living room. John, Tyson, and Ivy are all squished together on the love seat. Mom hands me off to Dad and he ducks and weaves when I try to grab his glasses.

​

He turns me so that I am facing Mom. She’s crouched down with her arms stretched out. Uh oh. I know what this is. They’ve tried this before. They want me to walk. It’s not that I am against walking. I’m just against falling, and that’s all I seem to do when we do this silly ‘make the baby walk’ game.

 

Dad crouches down and tries to set me down, but I stick my legs straight out in front of me. Dad just laughs and holds me there until my legs get too tired and I slowly put one foot down and then the other. His hands are still under my arms supporting me so I stand just fine. I guess this is ok.

 

I look over at Mom’s outstretched arms as Dad slowly lets go of me. I’m standing on my own now and Afton claps her hands.

 

“You can do it Ivy!” Tyson says.

 

Easy for him to say his feet are huge. I look over at him and John who are eagerly leaning forward on the couch watching me. I lose my balance and almost fall on my bum, but Dads hand shoot out and catch me.

 

“Quiet guys, let her focus.” he says.

 

I look back at Mom and see the look of hope and encouragement in her eyes. Ok, I can do this. I shift my weight slowly to my left foot and take a tiny wobbly step forward with my right. Mom gives a little gasp and says, “That’s right, keep coming!”

 

I did it once, I can do it again. I shift my weight to my right foot and take a tentative step forward with my left. It lands where I want it to. I’m tired, I just want Mom to hold me. It’s almost bedtime, right? Let’s just do this. 

 

I move my feet, left, right, left, and then I’m in Mom’s arms. Everyone cheers and claps! Mom throws me into the air and then sets me down facing Dad. This time I don’t hesitate. 4 steps and I’m in Dad’s arms. John jumps up and crouches down by Mom.

 

“Walk to my Alyvia! Walk to me.” John says.  I turn my face away and nuzzle into Dad’s shoulder.

 

“I think she’s had enough for today.” Mom says. Walking over to us and rubbing me on the back. I lean towards her and she pulls me into her arms. John, Tyson, and Afton all gather around telling me what a big girl I am. I feel like we’ve reached a new chapter. Imagine all the things I can reach now!