Martins World

Okay, I have to admit, the video is not really spectacular. At least not for you, probably. A little child walks some distance. So what?

Why I recorded it anyway and even posted it here? On one hand side I like the colours, on the other hand side yesterday was the first sunny day here in Berlin for a long time. And, probably the main reason: because I am still fascinated that Nadja can walk now. And I am (still) surprised when she just stands up and starts to walk around ;-)

Nadja walks. On her own. Without helping hands, without supporting herself on the wall or table, without her pram or Bobby-Car. Just on her own. Yesterday she made the first three steps, from free standing into her mom’s arms. Today 4,5 steps into daddy’s arms. It will be documented on video in the next days for sure (and then published here of course!). So come back soon ;-)

Finally: Since last weekend Nadja is not only able to walk (guided by us) but she can crawl – all by herself, conscious and aimed. This morning she crawled smiling from her room towards us, being in the bathroom. Very sweet to look at, especially since the hard wood flooring is quite slippery. Maybe we can catch it on video as well.

Move all by herself – the first step into independence. And stress for us: “Where the h**l are these f***ing children protection plugs for the power outlets we bought weeks ago?!”

Next step for her: learning to say “Yes” and “No” so she can tell her wishes. That’s our target for her before she goes to the kindergarten: so she can say “No” and/or move away if there is something (or somebody) annoying her.

Well, it is said that there are parents who proclaim (half joking, half seriously) that they “damn the day when they have taught their children to walk and to talk”. Because more independence for the child means more responsibility for the parents and it reduces the “easiness of handling” a child – you have to look closer, take care, have to explain, to discuss, to educate more. Well, we really looking forward to do so (until now…;-) ) and can’t await the first clear words of Nadja. There are many good approaches already (even with some positive interpretation some “Mam” and “Dad” ;-) )…

Okay, right now Nadja is still a sweet little girl. However, she is already learning what it means to be a Lady. One part of it is – be aware, gender stereotype!!! – going shopping. So this morning I could hardly stop her from grabbing the (luckily outdated and invalid) credit card which laid on the table. Does she guess what this little piece of plastic can be used for? And she is also training the other important part of going shopping. She is learning to walk! She can’t crawl yet – but maybe she just skips that and starts to walk first?! Okay, get real again, dad! She nearly crawls now, sometimes she is indeed crawling. It is just not 100 percent controlled yet, it still looks a bit uncoordinated or accidentally. And concerning her walks: without a helping and guiding hand no step would be taken. But she loves to walk, we hardly can stop her to walk as soon as she is standing, and she is getting better day by day. I am really curious which way of movement she will “master” herself first: Crawling or walking?! ;-)