first steps

I got Charlie to take a couple of steps on his own today. It took a little coersing because he kept sitting down instead of taking the couple of steps toward me. I held my hands out toward him to persuade him to reach and take a step and as he did, I moved them back some. He finally got to where he would just walk to me no problem. We usually have a truck parked across the street and we spend many an afternoon looking out this window at that truck. He points and I say "truck!" I get a sound similar to the word in return so he definitely has his own sound for truck. Today we were focused on the car in the driveway a few houses down.

We've been trying a few things to get Charlie to gain a little confidence and walk on his own. I had seen somewhere to put clothespins in both hands and since they are used to walking with something in their hands. Charlie walks some with one clothespin since he is down to holding one hand but most of the time, he throws it down. So, we've been trying to get him to walk with anything in that hand. He favors his left hand and refuses to walk only holding on with his right. He will sit down and pitch a fit until you reach for his left hand. Spoiled, I know. Every kid has their quirks I guess. He still insists on you touching him somehow if he is carrying an object. You have to wrap your hand around his or hold his wrist, etc. I know that I am just asking for it by encouraging him to walk. But, he's got to learn sometime! I think he is going to be a runner...so lace up the tennis shoes!

Here is a video of his first steps...

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