From Tummy To Toes

Ahh, the miracles of locomotion. Back when the Hungry Mouth was a mere six months old, learning to sit up, I wondered when she’d ever learn to roll over, even as I positioned her sitting on our bed, waving feebly, surrounded by pillow buffers. (Nowadays, she simply snatches such offending obstructions out of her path as she gallops towards the light switches, squeaking determinedly.)

But she did it eventually. First one way, and then, as the books say, the other. Was that left to right, or tummy to back? ‘Tummy time’ suddenly became a lot more fun, as she wiggled hopefully on our smooth floors, all too often sending herself speeding backwards…sometimes underneath a table and alarmingly out of sight. Cleverly, she managed to get into sitting position from her tummy. But would she ever gather those tubby knees under her hips and crawl?

But she did it. Once her tummy and leg muscles were strong enough and coordinated enough, she rose to all fours and progressed proudly — forwards. Playtime became so much less frustrating, home so full of places to explore. Muslin Mummy could no longer vanish with that tantalising ‘Mummy’s back in a moment’ to complete a tiny task in another room. Instead, an anxious scurrying, shuffling sound would indicate the approach of my tiny four-footed tot, hurrying as fast as she could after me, chirping with happiness and relief as I came into view. I’d leap to the floor and crawl welcomingly towards her till she slid underneath me for a hug.

Next, pulling-up and cruising. She did it all herself. One day she simply got a good grip of something and tugged herself up. Everything became a handle, and a much taller tot can reach many more shelves, and things on shelves, and things in things on shelves… Here’s where to apply the Muslin Mummy out-of-reach rule. Can it hurt her? Can she hurt it (do I care)? If yes, move it up a shelf.

Next, getting up to her feet to stand alone, wobbling and clapping herself, squeaking with pride, demanding applause 75 times a day. Practising holding something while getting up…a prune, perchance. Blankie, of course. Bumping back down with a nappy-padded thump. Gliding up and down in seamless squats to make an unfit Muslin Mummy’s thighs creak in sympathy.

And that brings us to the toddling stage. The enthusiastic springy leaps holding our hands gave us the idea. So we bought her a wooden pushalong trolley full of toy bricks. She took one look at it, grabbed its handle and set off. She picks up a fair pace until it tonks against a piece of furniture. Then she cruises around it, climbs in, and sits hopefully on the bricks, awaiting rescue or…a ride!

I expect she’ll walk next. Sigh. Run. Climb trees. Swim. Trike. Bike. Car keys…