A Whole New World

If any of you follow Emmett's page on Facebook, you have probably seen a few videos of him walking. Every time I post one, I am amazed at how much he has improved in such a short period of time. His little Frankenstein walk is becoming more natural and relaxed every day. He has mastered turning in all directions and his balance has improved. He is beginning to navigate around obstacles and transitions well between different floor surfaces. He even claps his hands while he walks sometimes. He still falls pretty easily, but he is doing great!

When we are home, he spends much of his time just walking around, exploring the house. He knows when someone leaves the room and will quickly follow after them. What used to take him several minutes, only takes him a matter of seconds now. If one of us "escapes" to the bathroom, it isn't long before we hear his rhythmic, two-handed drumming on the door.

I think the best part about Emmett walking better is that he is becoming more interested in everything around him. He's trying to turn door knobs and he is just tall enough to reach things on the kitchen counter and table. I have caught him snatching food off of his brother's plate and have even saved a few dishes before they hit the floor, but I don't mind a bit!

Just last week, we visited the children's museum and it was the first time I really felt like he did more than just watch the other kids. He was able to walk around a little and check things out on his own. He especially enjoyed pounding on the drums and feeling the sand on the spinning turntables. I have to watch him carefully when we go out in public because he doesn't really understand the concept of strangers or personal space, but it is fun watching him as he discovers and explores new territory. I can tell that he is enjoying it too because he has a little smirk on his face that says, "Hey, I'm walking all by myself!"

Keep it up, little man. You'll be running before we know it!