Piper took TWO steps tonight all on her own. She's been cruising quickly along the couch and any furniture she gets herself up to. And she's been cross-stepping beautifully (which Sean joyously pointed out that will help her with her surfing skills in the future). She's been brave to go from the couch to the coffee table by taking one hand off of one to place it on the other. And just yesterday she started to stand for about 2-3 seconds and then lunge forward at me.

But tonight was altogether different and exciting. It happened and Sean and Dillen's new karate studio. They have a play room which is completely covered in rubber, soft, large mats. It was here that Piper found the confidence and balance to start standing all on her own. She went from 5 seconds, to 10 seconds and then 15+ seconds. Just standing there! Her little toes were gripping the floor and she was looking around, feeling the freedom of standing without any assistance.

Then it happened. An early birthday gift to me.

I turned her to face Dillen (since all she would do towards me was lunge and fall) and she took a step and lunged at Dillen. Of course, Dillen was super excited and said, "Let's do it again!!" Roxy came running over for encouragement and, luckily, Sean came peeking through the door since his class hadn't started yet. I faced her towards Dillen, let go and, after about 5 seconds of standing, she took two steps to Dillen (who caught her quickly like a good big sister would). We all whooped and hollered for her.

Sean's class lasted an hour and a half and, for a good portion of that, Piper worked on mastering her new standing and two step skill. Her beams of enjoyment were proof she was thrilled with her accomplishment. It was a hoot to watch.

Everyone who sees her is amazed that she is only 10 months (just!) old. She has 8 teeth now, enough hair for two little sprout ponytails and she's big! She also has several words and is very alert/awake when engaged. Her sense of humor and fun is awesome as she still likes to play peek a boo (has been for quite some time) by holding something over her head and pulling it down quickly with a huge smile and she makes funny faces because she knows we will give her a reaction.

She's truly an amazing baby who is almost a baby no more.