Time to drop the crib height

David sat up in his crib.

We take mobility for granted after a few years, but it has to be learned with great effort. Holding our heads up. Waving our arms and legs with intent. Reaching for people and toys. Grasping, holding, picking up, pushing, pulling, hitting, throwing. Finding our feet. Rolling over, in both directions. Sitting unassisted. Standing with support. Going from sitting up to laying down in a controlled way.

And tonight, going from laying down to sitting up.

We didn’t see him do it. L put him down in the crib, on his back, as always. And came back a minute later to find him sitting up, happy as a clam.

Are clams actually happy, papa?

Yes, son, clams are very happy. That’s why they always look like they’re smiling. And tonight, we are happy as clams too, because we are so proud of you. Every new skill you master, every new expression you try out, every new sound you make—we cherish every one.