Is he walking?

So I guess I got a little bit carried away when I said he was almost walking. The truth is he doesn't WANT to ...

We have stopped using the walker and have opted instead to go on walks just holding his hand. He does very well (balance wise) and manages to go for about a block at a time. We do have to stop, however, at every twig, branch, flower, leaf, or interesting piece of trash he sees along the way. He squats, inspects it, gives it to me, and we resume our walk. We also stop whenever he hears an airplane, sees a bird or car or to wave at some passerby. Just to go around the block takes us a good hour! These walks have given him a better sense of balance, but not of confidence in himself, which is what prevents him from taking off on his own.

What made me get carried away is that the other day, he decided to give walking a try, without me prompting him. He took off on his own and must have taken about 15 steps before falling on his belly. (He gets so excited that he wants to run!) I picked him up and he motioned he was ready for more. He did this about 4 times, but unfortunately, the place we were at was closing and we had to leave. He hasn't repeated this again. He will take 4 steps on his own here and there but that's it. I'm not too concerned about him being 14 months and not walking, but my back could use some rest!

Mateo's love affair with Noukie

For the first 14 months of his life, Mati was unattached and oblivious to any stuffed animal or lovey. Now, though, his horse (Noukie) is very dear to him. He hugs it, smooches it and caresses his ears and tail. I love this affectionate phase; it's so pure and innocent. It’s as if he’s caring for another creature for the very first time, and he gets so much joy out of doing so. Before going to bed, either for a nap or for the night, he has to have Noukie within his reach. While he sucks his thumb he caresses Noukie until he falls asleep. When he awakes and I got get him, he greets me with a big smile and hands Noukie over for me to kiss as well (but I have to return the horse promptly).

Finally, some endearing pictures of my two guys. Nico got home on Saturday and felt like listening to Guns-n-Roses. Mateo found the music soothing (???) and rested his head on daddy's chest, but got a kick out of Nico playing the air guitar!