A few days before Maddie turned 10 months, her daycare teacher told me that she had been pushing things around in order to practice her walking. Now, the daycare teacher is super nice, but sometimes I wonder if she stretches the truth on how smart Maddie is :). I know my baby is smart, but the teacher continues to claim that Maddie is doing things that quite honestly a wonder baby would do.... and I have yet to see some of these actions at home. So.. when the teacher told me this, I nicely replied, "oh really?!" but somewhat dismissed it.
Despite disbelieving her, it did remind me that Maddie may be ready to practice her walking and have her walker converted (it was still a walker that you sit in like Fred Flintstone). So as soon as we got home I took it apart and made it into a walker. We have hardwood floors so I carefully put Maddie's hands on the walker and stood her at the end of the hall while I went to the front end of the walker to provide some resistance so she wouldn't fall. We started very slow, but Maddie was getting frustrated with the walker not going as fast as she wanted. I figured that I would let her try and she would probably take a few steps and sit down, which would teach her how to use the walker on her own.
I let go and stepped to the side. I'm sure you have already guessed it, Maddie took off with a mission. I had no idea this child already knew how to do this! Away she went, understanding how to move the walker in order to not hit an object... it was incredible!
It's so amazing at this age, she is mimicking everything I do. We have a pink bouncy ball that she loves and she used to just pick it up and try to eat it. Last night I sat down with her and was able to teach her to throw the ball. So cute!
She is also such a dare devil and has so much energy! There is a very calm and quiet little baby at daycare and we say that Maddie is literally the complete opposite. Maddie hates being restrained in her car seat or stroller. The last time I took Maddie to the mall I decided to pack her favorite stroller, the one where she sits straight up and down and has a tray in front of her to put toys on, etc. She likes this one the best because it is less restraining and she can see better, since it sits so far upright. While I am used to buckling Maddie in if I am jogging or walking fast outside, I did not buckle her in because I was walking slowly down the aisles of stores and taking her in and out of the stroller to see things so she would be entertained. At one time people were looking at me very strange and I was a little confused, looking down at my outfit, etc. After realizing there wasn't anything wrong with me, I looked over the shade of the stroller and saw Maddie hang-gliding from the tray!!! I didn't even realize she could do this! This seat is so upright, this child had to wiggle and fight her way down to hang like this!! She is such a crazy 10 month old!!
On another note, we are getting ready for Maddie's 1 year birthday party. Her outfit is just perfect and I am so excited. I can't wait to see everyone and share this special time with family and friends.
At 10 months:
- Maddie still has 2 front teeth at the bottom, but Dr. says the top should break any day now
- She is LOVING daycare and it was one of the best decisions we have made
- She can easily eat her puffs, baby mums, and other crunchy food.
- Push objects around the house, like a walker, etc.
- Bear crawls.... crawls on her feet and hands, no knees
