First Steps (In the Wrong Direction)

So Sophie took her first steps today. I have been waiting for this moment for MONTHS. I’ve been sitting on floors, holding out my arms, making those ridiculous encouraging noises that all parents make. “Come to Mama! Come on, baby girl!”

First Steps (In the Wrong Direction)

Except when the moment finally happened, she walked right past me. Straight to the neighbor’s golden retriever who was visiting in our kitchen. Not toward me. Not toward Marcus. Toward a DOG. Our child’s first milestone was motivated by her desire to pet another species.

Marcus thinks it’s hilarious. I’m trying to be a good sport about it, but honestly? I spent nine months growing this human, twenty-two hours in labor, and countless sleepless nights, and she chooses the dog for her grand debut. I know I should just be proud that she’s walking, and I AM. It’s just… I had pictured this moment differently.

The good news is she’s been practicing all afternoon, walking back and forth between me and that golden retriever. At least now I’m getting SOME of the first steps action, even if I wasn’t the original motivation. Next milestone, I’m hiding all the dogs.