Collecting Sticks

Cutie E is walking!

Oh my, I have forgotten how cute it is to watch little dudes figure out how to walk.  That cute toddle sway with hands positioned just right so they don't fall.  Or the balancing they must do to navigate the dangers of carpet, hardwood floor, scattered toys and dogs.

He has mastered the dangers pretty well, inside.  Try to put him down on grass or the sidewalk and you'd think we were dropping him off at a strangers house.

To get him more comfortable on outside surfaces we started taking little walks together.  We'd walk down the driveway, across the front of the house and around the cul-de-sac.  He had a tight grip on my finger, but he navigated each surface like a pro.  

It didn't take him long to notice all the sticks on the ground.  The first stick happened to be a branch that broke off the previous day in a wind storm.  It was much too big for him, but he happily settled for a smaller piece of the branch.  He carried this stick on the entire walk.

Over the last few walks he has let go of my hand and ventured out on his own.  He has places to go and things he wants to see.

At first I didn't want him to let go.  It started out as my concern for his safety, but really it was that I love holding his little hand.  I didn't want him to let go.  His little life has already cruised by so quickly.  Holding my hand a little longer means time slows a little bit.

He let go and I released his little hand.  Its his turn to explore, discover and gain confidence.  As soon as he was free he plopped down on the side walk to touch the pavement, the grass and collect sticks.  He popped up when he was ready to toddle down the sidewalk.  There were a few trips and spills, but each time he got up and found a new stick to carry.  

Each walk is filled with new discoveries for him.  I love being his shadow.  Our walks are the best part of the day.;