First steps

Alby took his first steps a couple of weeks ago. They began more as the result of chance rather than any specific skill; Alby would be standing at the coffee table or sofa and then throw himself at you.  The action forced his feet to take a few steps but it was more a case of semi-controlled falling than walking.  Since then, control has slowly increased and whilst I wouldn’t yet say that he is a “walker” he is gradually mastering the first few steps. 

More often than not he falls within a second or two – and far short of his destination.  But every now and then true skill shines through and Trouble Monkey is officially moving
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Whilst I have shared a number of Alby’s developments in this blog, this one I have stalled on.  I haven’t known where to start or how to write it, ultimately because of how big a milestone walking is and how cruel it seems to be sharing it with Mark over the internet rather than in person.   

My message to Mark is don’t be sad at not being here for this.  In all honesty I found watching him charge up and down the living room with his walker for the first time far more precious than this – maybe because you were there to share it with, but also because in my head those were the true first steps, that’s where it all started.  As with all other Alby milestones you get the first look in a good month or so before the skill has been mastered.  The wobbly sit preceding by several weeks true accomplished sitting, the gumming of an apple happening months before real biting or chewing, the commando reach marking the start of crawling.  And now this, the walker mayhem acting as the precursor to the zombie-armed, side shuffling, front shuffling totter. 

And in case you thought the walker may now be redundant, it most certainly isn’t (much to Percy’s distress).  With no Daddy around to bash into, Mama and Percy are now bearing the brunt of Albert the Bully.  Whilst independent walking is still a work in progress, he is a pro at the Walker – and as such there is no point in claiming his bashes are accidental, especially not when they come following a perfectly executed three point turn.