Pushing Boundaries

Being two and a half is all about seizing every opportunity to eke out a little independence, and the Ducklings are quick to insist "I do that!" at pretty much every turn.  From getting dressed to climbing into the rear-most carseat, they want to do it all.  And you know, much of the time, they can.  Evelyn puts on her own boots (most often on the wrong feet, but hey, to her credit she can still clomp along), mittens, scarf and jacket.  Keith can snap himself into his high-chair, and Colin can climb down from the high guest bed all by himself.  Particularly with Baby Z's arrival on the horizon, I'm so pleased they're motivated in this direction.

Today, I was downstairs making a few phonecalls and Nana was upstairs getting them dressed, when she summoned me to "Come quick!".  I reached the playroom in time to see Keith and Evelyn streaking by... literally.  Not a stitch on.  Seems they've mastered that rather well, and in record speed.  So, out came the potties - which we've been half-heartedly using for a few months now - and they will now become a permanent fixture in our bathroom.  Whether I'm ready or not (and there are some draggy days where the mere thought of toilet-training triplets is exhausting), we are careening towards that big slice of independence.

Later on this morning, Nana and I helped them get ready for another new adventure:  walking down the street on their own two feet.  It was the first time we've gone outside together without a stroller, and although we've been taking baby steps in that direction for a while - little sojourns down to the corner, one on one - I was excited to see how we would do "en masse".  A few people have suggested getting a rope like daycares use for them to hang on to, but I wanted to start with us holding their hands until I'm more convinced they won't bolt.  With Sprocket in tow, we set off with the goal of reaching the construction site - a 10 minute stroller ride down the road.  It was a slooow hike, but we made there and back.  They absolutely relished the experience: splashing in the puddles, admiring the crane, stepping aside for cars and trucks (and even a bus!), and squealing at the squirrels and snowmen along the way.  It was a huge success, and yet another push towards autonomy.

It's all so wonderful to observe.  And so bittersweet.

And on a totally unrelated note, here's a brief musical medley: