Exploration

I remember a time when Leah was immobile. At the time it seemed like we were anchored down by this little person who couldn't do much more than squirm in the little vibrating chair that we kept her in. Now when I look back I realize how easy we had it without even knowing it.

Once Leah was able to roam the house, we spent so much time chasing her down that we couldn't get anything done for ourselves. Cooking dinner took forever, cleaning was an impossibility and putting our feet up was entirely out of the question.

The irony of the situation was not lost on me. On one hand there is this tiny thing that isn't going anywhere that we felt had to be watched 24 hours a day, and on the other is a stealthy toddler who at any second could start playing with a power outlet or pull a carelessly-placed knife off of the counter. It's a lesson I learned entirely too late but one that I hope to pass on to other first-time parents. I'm not suggesting that anyone should neglect a newborn, just that a parent can be productive regardless of having a baby.

Now since Darcey and I both felt that we couldn't accomplish anything and keep Leah within sight, we sort of adopted a new policy: we just let her go. Most of the time she stays nearby on her own but she will often leave the room and explore her world. We listen for clues as to what she is doing and where she is. The Christmas piano has turned out to be a great tool for keeping tabs on her as has Daisy. If she has been quiet for a minute or two we will go find her. I've noticed that she can usually be found in her room reading a book on the floor or in the den sitting in her rocking chair.

Sometimes though she is getting into things that you wouldn't expect. She pulls Darcey's sweaters out of the storage bin under our bed and carries them all over the house. She will take any television remote within reach to any other room where it will remain lost for a day. And sometimes we don't realize how quiet she has been until there is a thump and she starts crying. A quick hug and a little reassurance and everything is back to normal.

Leah's exploring is fascinating to watch. She is not only drawn to some new thing that she has noticed, but she is constantly going back to things she has touched before. I think it's kind of like using flash cards to learn math. She is gaining knowledge and understanding by increased frequency and interactions.

And sometimes she just does something funny.

- Sefton