Up, Up And Away By Kate

First Rosie did the important things, like learn to land safely on her nappy-padded bottom when falling backwards; judge the grabbing distance of passing furniture or parents for emergency handholds; and sprint up and down our corridor on tip-toes while pushing her trolley.

Then came gap-crossing - a step unaided from one improvised safety-rail to the next. Followed by free-standing - preferably while sorting through Mummy or Daddy's underwear drawers.

Next Rosie started launching herself forward for a couple of steps before dropping to the more familiar position of all-fours. Then, a couple of days ago, she put one foot in front of the other, let go of the dining chair and just kept going.

It's no wonder it's taken Rosie three months to get herself from cruising (walking while supporting herself with the walls and furniture) to walking unaided. She's nothing if not cautious and methodical when approaching a new physical challenge. Something she definitely doesn't get from her father who is, by his own admission, as sure-footed as a two-legged mountain goat and apt to forget to look before he leaps.

But I digress.

As a parent, it is an extraordinary thing to see the once-helpless creature, who couldn't even hold up her own head fifteen months ago, now tottering cheerfully along on two legs.

Rosie herself seems fairly unfazed by her new ability. As far as she's concerned, it's simply a more practical way of getting from A to B while holding a toy in each hand.