Five steps!

After taking her first step yesterday on her first birthday, Lucy this morning took up to five steps at a time after Hayley and I encouraged her to walk between us. She still seems un-nerved by the experience at times and would prefer just to be carried, but I suspect she could be walking much more by the time of her party next week.

Lucy's 1st Birthday

Today we celebrated Lucy's 1st birthday.



We kicked off with the little lady opening her presents at home, aided by her helpful big brother.



Later, Hayley and Oliver decorated the cake that Hayley had bought for her. Hayley then prepared a picnic while Lucy, Oliver and I played upstairs.



Then we all headed off to the park for a long and enjoyable picnic lunch with friends in the sunshine.



Oliver ran and played with his friends,


while Lucy crawled across the grass at high speed


or stood at the railings to the playground watching the older children.


After our sandwiches, she opened her birthday cards,


then we lit a candle on her cake and sang Happy Birthday. Lucy cut the cake,


then we all had a piece, Lucy demolishing a good portion of it herself.


At one point, Lucy stood up and then stood still unaided. At this point someone asked if she was walking. "No", we said. "She can stand like this but she won't take a step". Upon which, Lucy promptly took her first step! Maybe she had been waiting for an audience.


Despite indulging in ice-creams and ice lollies mid-afternoon, we all found room for our traditional Friday fish n chips when we got home.


After all the fun in the sun, a nice bath saw both our offspring settling quickly down for a good night's sleep. The end of a fabulous day.

Walking: it's the way forward

This morning before I left for work Hayley saw Oliver walk without prompting across the room for the first time. He was standing up against the coffee table and decided to go and see Mummy who was sitting against the sofa. But instead of dropping to all fours and crawling as he usually would, he walked the 4 or 5 steps across the room to greet her.

It's the first time he has decided to travel on two feet for a distance further than "diving" distance (ie two steps and a dive). Previously he has only walked this far when we start him walking with our hands around him then let go.

This evening he walked un-prompted and unaided across the kitchen from the cooker to the sink. He staggered slowly with his arms outstretched - zombie fashion! - until he reached the sink where Hayley was standing. She looked down at him open-mouthed with delight and told him how clever he was. He laughed, excited and pleased with himself.