this is joy

Our little E-bear had her 15-month appointment today. 

We asked her doctor if we should be concerned that she hasn't started walking.

The doctor said that it's fine that she's not walking...as long as she stands up independently for some periods of time.

Well. She doesn't really do that. Barely ever, and only for about 2 seconds. If that.

(The girl says almost 30 words, but will not walk without holding onto someone. Go figure.) 

So tonight, we decided to start practicing the standing alone. 

She stood for at least 10 seconds! 

We clapped, we took pictures on our phones. 

And suddenly...she walked!

She walked.

I screamed.

She fell.

We laughed.

I burst into tears.

She looked at me and burst into tears.

I don't even care that our video camera battery was dead.
(Mac to the rescue again.)
It's just so amazing.

And! It's almost like she is making up for lost time. So steady on her feet!

round leg, square hole.

About 5 minutes ago, I went in to check on E.

I couldn't believe my eyes.  

I called her dad and her grandpa to come in and take a look - then grabbed the camera. 

(Before you start to wonder - Yes, we turn the lights off for our daughter to sleep. 

These photos were taken in the dark. Just had to use flash to capture the image.)

She did catch me! Oops. 

She went right back to sleep. After we pried her loose, of course.

And with those adorably chubby 15-month-old thighs, it was no small feet feat!