Miss Independent

I always knew deep down that Haley would someday walk, and would do so independently. I knew she would walk without a cumbersome walker or holding out hands. But the uncertainty of how long she would be tethered to someone or something remained a mystery……an agonizing mystery.

She began taking independent steps several months ago, but still required us to be near by to hold her hand to go any significant distance. Today she has proven that she can walk independently wherever she wants to go. We have known that for a long time, I think she just lacked the confidence that she could actually do it. Her teachers at school have been telling us how much she walks at school, but this is the first that she has done this much walking at home.

We ate dinner at my mom and dad's house tonight and she just started walking a little farther and a little farther. Then she walked down the hall to her bedroom, then to the kitchen, then back to the living room. She continued to do this for over 30 minutes. Walking. Completely. INDEPENDENTLY. For. 30. Whole. Minutes!!!!!!

Here is a short video of her showing off her independent walking. The noise she is making is her imitation of a chicken….”bok, bok, bok”. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did tonight!!!!