On the Move

I think some babies are born with a natural umph to try and move. I have a good friend who's baby is 5 months older than Jackson. He was crawling at 6 months, and walking at 9. Having no other relative examples, I thought this was normal.

When Jackson was three months, I was certain we only had 2-3 more months of leaving him and finding him in the same spot.

Funny how when we expect something, it seems to come to pass in a totally different way.

Jackson has turned out to be one of those babies that does not have a natural umph to move. He's content with whatever skills he has, and doesn't seem to push himself very hard.

He has toyed with some scooting--looking like this, and resulting in 2 cm of movement.

(Arm and leg movement is of no requirement. This technique only requires lifting a massive bum off the floor, and allowing that force to accelerate one forward.) [F=ma]

He has been a decent roller for a few months--as long as it is only on his left side. Back and forth, back and forth, on that left side--never really going anywhere. With the 9 month mark and a Dr.'s visit looming ahead (next week), I decided I would try and guide him to a bit more movement.

Last Tuesday, we practiced rolling. Then we practiced it some more, and even some more. Finally at 4 pm, I called Mark at work, ecstatic.

"JACKSON rolled across the floor all by himself!!!"

He actually moved. Somewhere new. On purpose.




Since I felt this all had to do with my relentless focus and coaching, I had quite the sense of mommy pride--void of any sadness that this might mean a lot more work for me.

However, if you notice the numerous cords and plugs in the background, you'll feel a twinge of sadness as I attempt to semi-baby proof the house.

Video quality is limited because the other camera's battery was getting charged--.

Not to worry. He still will sit and stay where we put him.


It may take a while for me to coach him on the intricacies of going from sitting to crawling.