walking, walking, walking

soren started walking just about a week before his birthday.  he would move maybe 5 steps or so, and then drop to his knees.  he's gradually increased his steps since then, but up until yesterday, he would crawl way more than walk.  but when i picked him up from daycare, oh my god.  there was no stopping this kid!  he followed me around the room, walked out of the room with me, down the hall, then down the hall again, then down the hall again, and again, and then out into the lobby.  i couldn't believe it!  it is so crazy to see that little body stand up so straight and just go!  

all along i've been in awe of the biological process - how we grow, develop, learn.  so much of it is really just instinct.  i never taught him to sit, crawl, or walk, but he just does them, right around the time most kids do.  but of course a lot of it is environment.  this week soren is transitioning into the toddler room at daycare.  no more bottles, only one nap, no cribs, no babying, structured playtime, and lots of walking.  nevermind the fact that this is seriously stressing the three of us out.  we aren't sleeping at home, he is super clingy and is having a lot of separation issues.  but i am sure that his sudden increase in walking has everything to do with the fact that he is now surrounded by other toddlers who are doing it.  i think there's a lot to the idea that when you treat someone a certain way, they begin to act that way.  this week he's been treated like a toddler, and now he's starting to act like one.

and this weekend, i am headed to d.c. for two weeks for work.  i am thrilled to see all of our old friends, meet the newest baby of the dp clan, get away from the office, do some interesting work, and to do something on my own.  but i am going to miss that little toddler so much!  thank god jim was evidently smoking crack one night and agreed to bring soren to d.c. the middle weekend.  i didn't remind jim that we've only been on a plane once with soren, and it wasn't when he was walking or throwing tantrums.  so glad tickets are already purchased.  get ready for soren to walk all over our nation's capital!