The Family *roll

Eleanor is now a half a stumble away from walking and she lives to move: if she sees or hears something that catches her attention (dog, dishwasher loading, stair gate left open), she will crawl maniacally and surprisingly speedily to the object of interest with joyful intensity. She often emits a type of war cry on the way to her goal which usually serves as sufficient warning to me or the dog to avert disaster.

She has learned that push toys offer speed and entertainment. We inherited a toy lawnmower that plays a catchy little mower-themed song when you push a button. She likes to push the button, dance to the little 12-second song, pause and repeat.

Her desire for motion and new horizons (also known as “getting into shit”) is not unique. At baby playgroup this week, a friend left the front screen door open. Ellie and two other babies made a bee line for the open door like chubby hairless lemmings.