Precious, Precocious, and Perilously Premature

I know I ought to update December '09 through September '10 before breaking big news, but baby development stops for no mama, especially when it's Sammy, who moves with lightning speed.

He displayed remarkable neck musculature in the hospital. He rolled over at two-and-a-half months. He crawled at five months. In the last week, however, he has amazed us. Jon discovered Sammy could hold a standing position if placed in it. (With support, like against the couch). Then, on Thursday, he pulled himself up into a kneeling position and then tried to push up into a standing position. It didn't work, but it was a great try. I have witnesses! (It was at Tae Kwon Do.) On Friday, I told the doctor (at Sammy's six-month checkup) "Developmental delays I can handle. Can you slow this kid down?" And then today, Saturday, I went to get him up from a nap and caught him standing -- standing!!! -- in his crib. The child is not even six-and-a-half months old, for heaven's sake.

I freaked. I shrieked. (Though not as loudly as when I heard President Monson announce the Indianapolis temple last week.) I explained to Sammy that this was outlawed, forbidden, verboten, unsanctioned, and anathema. He smiled at me. "I'm serious!" I scolded, then explained in even more detail how this was not, NOT approved, permitted, or allowed. He flashed a grin and then looked sweet and innocent. Not "Who me?" but playing dumb, as if he had no idea what I was talking about.

I know better. He totally understands me. Jon started making comparisons to Bean. (The tiny, superintelligent major character of Orson Scott Card's novel Ender's Shadow.) I agree.

I should point out that, according to the doctor, as of yesterday Sammy weighed 14 pounds, 6 ounzes, and was in the 5th percentile for weight. Yet he is also well ahead in certain key developmental milestones.

Lest no one misunderstand -- I'm not bragging. (Well, not much.) Instead, I am terrified. We have to hurry up out babyproofing campaign, among other things.

Also, once he officially becomes a toddler, I'm afraid he will no longer attract as much worship and adoration in public. He is the most fun I've ever had with a baby, and I am not ready for him to grow up. Even if he's the tiniest tot ever to toddle at seven months, once he starts walking, he officially becomes a "toddler," not a "baby" in my head.

It's too early! Do I hear an "Amen"?

Above: Sammy, age six months and one day, calmly stands and considers his cruising options. Jon assisted him into the position, but you can see how in control he is, and how he's thinking about The Next Step. 9/29/2010