Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Saturday night strutting



We have to admit: Our first reaction was Huuunnnh? The thing looked like a pizza box on wheels, the sort of unsteady tippy-toppy, woopsie-daisy death trap yanked from store shelves eons ago.

The thingamajig -- I guess it's a walker -- was a gift from Hope's grandparents, Clem and Beef. They taught four kids to walk using the contraption, which is little more than a white piece of plastic, wheels and a little basket for a carriage.

It seemed hopelessly outdated, the toy equivalent of treating a cold with cod liver oil or leeches. But, hey, they're Hope's grandparents. They're good enough folks. We'd humor them, take it out of the box, throw it in the basement, move it to the living room when they visit and tell little white lies.

Of course, Hope's in love with the thing. Initially, she would hang out and play with her toys. Slowly, she learned Hey. If I stand up in this thing and lean a little, it moves. From there, she would lurch about the house, thrusting herself like Michael Phelps -- minus the boutique bong -- leaning toward the finish line.

Like parents seeking to strike a Pavlovian cue, we would encourage her with objects she desired -- a remote control, a straw, her own shoe. She'd huff. She'd puff. She'd lunge and lean until she got her prize and promptly plopped it in her mouth.

Now, she's using it to walk. Honest to goodness, across-the-living-room, Look at Me It's Saturday Night strutting. In no time flat, she'll be a menace to the cat, we're sure.

It's a sight to behold and another reminder that the ol' grandparents may yet have a few tricks. We're still not sure about the cod liver oil, the miracle cureall that is A&D ointment or claims that a little water with bay leaves can cure the common cold, but credit where credit is due ...

13 comments:

Misty said...

i'm not sure why, but the video won't upload--maybe it is just my error? or my own computer prob.... i can't wait to see her!

Misty said...

ok, got it to work after i messed around! that is so awesome!

Rhonda said...

How cute. Reminds me of the "old days". Sean had one of those, too. He also loved the little riding toys. He would zoom all over the place on those long before he could walk. Good job, Hope!

heidi @ ggip said...

That's great!! I love how she both wants to bite on the drawer and open and shut it!

The neighbor baby has one of those and zips around the house although he can't crawl. When he's done with it I'm going to ask them if we can try it.

Rachelle said...

Yay for Hope! They don's make walkers like that anymore! We had one from when our older boys were little that we used for Joey and his sisters. They all loved it. Sometimes the best things are the old time things! Great video!

Becky said...

love your videos!!!

GO HOPE!

Deni aka Mrs Chicken said...

Love it Love it Love it!

You guys always have me in stitches with your videos, Hope is just so adorable!

We have a couple of cute video's of Tae, and I keep asking Nate to put them on the computer for me, but he seems to be having trouble converting or something??

Anonymous said...

Oh Man, that was beautiful! I could not help but cheer and clap for her. I am so joyful to see how much Hope has learned in this last year. It's so fun to see your videos!

Staci said...

OMIGosh that is so super super cute! Go Hope!!!

Hugs Staci and Vinny

Anonymous said...

Hilarious! I think it was time the grandparents stepped in -- you put the poor kid in a laundry basket? Haven't you heard of playpens?? :::))))

Karen said...

Awesome video! Ben is only just realizing that he can walk in his gait trainer.

Anonymous said...

I especially love when Hope maneuvers to peer inside of the drawer. Great video.

And, feel free to pass on any other ailments remedies, etc. Clem and Beef have.

Leslie

Anonymous said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this video! She is looking more and more CUTE every time I see her :) GO HOPE!!! hxo