Another Ethan first: He put back a picture on request.

Ethan was playing in our bedroom, when he spotted a small picture of Beth on my nightstand. Curious as always, he took hold of it to get a better look (and taste, of course). Beth told Ethan that, no, he couldn’t have it. He understands limits and has learned to be obedient, so Beth knew that she could put the picture back and expect him to leave it. What she didn’t expect was that when she said, “Please put the picture back”, he would understand and do as she asked all by himself.

Another Ethan first: He rescued a bird shadow.

Ethan loves birds. His face lights up with fascination when there is a flock of them outside. Today, he even defended a precious bird in his own little way. Birds don’t exactly tremble with fear before our house cat Julius, especially when he’s only shadow stalking. All the same, when Julius was after an unwary bird (or so he thought), Ethan came to the rescue.

Another Ethan first: He climbed up and down the stairs.

Ethan is becoming more adventurous, and his goals more lofty. He started climbing the stairs on Friday. We were eating dinner with friends, a time when Ethan often plays around on the floor. When things got suspiciously quiet, we looked for Ethan, finding him a couple steps up the stairway. Today, he went further, making a round trip more than half way up and all the way back down. It would be only a couple more days before he would reach the summit.

Another Ethan first: He stood up and stayed standing.

Ethan has found a reliable balance, at least when stationary. Today, he stood tall and strong all on his own for a good two minutes. He was well planted without a hint of the wobbles.

Another Ethan first: He walked on his own.

Beth was playing with Ethan while talking on the phone to Grandma. I sat down nearby and held out my hand, which Ethan took hold of has he stood up. I motioned for Beth to hold up her hand, and Ethan transferred his balance support from my hand to hers, then back to me, and back to Mommy again. I backed up and held out my hand again. Ethan came, all on his own, walking toward me. He made it three steps before losing balance and plopping safely down.

Grandma and Ethan wondered what all the subsequent cheering and excitement was about. We described the scene to grandma; we’ll explain to Ethan later.

Another Ethan first: He roared like a lion.

Ethan picked up a new animal sound. Eight months ago it was the seal, one month ago the monkey. Today, when I suggested to Ethan to “play with your lion, grrrrr”, he let loose a compelling lion roar of his own.