the children's zoo

Jack and I have been spending a lot of time at the LA Zoo.  We bought an annual pass and, since it is so close to us, we often go for an hour here or there just to get out of the house and do something stimulating.  We practically have it to ourselves on weekdays.  We are yet to see all of the animals that are housed there and this last visit was actually the first time we explored their children's zoo.  

Jack was just under a week into his walking phase so when I parked the stroller and took him out, he first started screaming and crying and tugging at my legs.  

I asked him to give me a chance to take off my sweater, then I would pick him up.  More crying.  Then there was silence.  

And he's off folks!

Who needs animals to play with when you're wearing velcro shoes?

He may kind of look like he is smiling here but he was actually yelling at me because he could not climb that huge step on which he is leaning on his own and I was sitting there taking pictures instead of helping him.  (Look at those teeth! -- we are up to six now, that we can tell)

I am loving this phase and I am loving him walking on his own.  Yes, it means a whole different level of work for me, but it is wonderful to see him pacing around talking up a storm.  Most of all it is wonderful to have a little more insight into what really interests him from moment to moment . . .what catches his eye . . . because now he can walk right up to it and interact with the world on a whole different level.  

He seemed so cautious all of those months he was not willing to let go and walk on his own but now he suddenly seems fearless.  And believe me, he already has plenty of bumps, bruises and abrasions to prove it.