Hayden pulled up onto the ottoman all by himself today. It was funny. After changing his diaper, I sat him up and walked to the garbage to throw it out. I came back and he was standing up! I got all excited and sat him back down to see the repeat performance. Nothing....not even my exuberant encouraging did anything. He just stared at me like I was crazy...and loud. Then I gave up, figuring he would do it sometime later. I walked 10 paces to the garage to grab the dustbuster, and when I returned from around the corner, there he was happily standing again...this time with a sly smile on his face and his little tongue sticking out (which he loves to do now).

So...once again, I sat him down and tried to encourage him to perform his new trick. Nothing. We went about our business, eating lunch, cleaning up and hanging out. Then, a little while later, with a little coaxing, he did it...and I witnessed it this time.

He was so proud...and so was I. We called dad right away to share the news. It is the little things in life.... -- mam