The first time they can replace their own pacifier in the middle of the night. (for Z: somewhere around 7 months.)
The first time they can walk without constant supervision/advanced impalement prevention tactics. (approximately 15 months.)
The first time they feed themselves without throwing anything from the highchair or getting food in their hair. (last month.)
The first word they say that you didn't know they knew. (yesterday. "hydrant".)
The first tooth that comes in without being heralded by horrendous behavior/noxious illness/flood-like drooling. (3 months ago.)
The first time they can -and do- follow an instruction, HAPPILY. (16 months. and then... not so much.)
The first time you can in good conscience leave your toddler on your bed, in your room, and KNOW that she can and will get herself down safely. (a few weeks ago.)
The first song they sing. (2 months ago. "Ring Around the Rosie".)
The first time you're pretty sure they said "I love you, too". (tonight. 7:58 pm.)
