Milestone

Happy New Year.

The last few weeks have been full of holiday parties, celebrations, and reunions. I noticed in Johan a new interest in other kids. Rather than wanting to play with me or by himself, or just look at other kids, he actually wanted to play with them.

This is so cool to watch as it seems to be a major marker in his development as an autonomous being. He doesn't need me to entertain him or to have fun. He interacts with others in his own way, without direct cues from me (although my comfort level in a given situation is mirrored by him- in other words, he is quicker to get accustomed to a new environment if I appear at ease.)

This is also an exciting milestone in that it makes for more momma-enjoyment when bringing Johan to parties. It is fun to watch him interact with kids and also to have more freedom the engage in adult conversation.

There are so many milestones kids reach. The first step. The first word. The first time he sleeps through the night uninterrupted. The first tooth. You don't hear much about the first time your kid just goes along with a bunch of cousins and spends the morning playing with stuffed animals, wrestling, jumping on the bed, and playing make believe princesses and castles and knights while mommy drinks coffee with the grown ups. Well, let's be honest, I'm not sure if Johan knew he was supposed to be a knight or just liked riding the pretend horse Even so, believe me, this is a milestone to be celebrated.

Happy New Year.