Mind the Gap

Shortly after Ander turned 9 months he started walking. I guess it's only 3 months I feel ripped off from the immobility I could've still been enjoying, but the kid is bright and healthy so I shouldn't complain, nevertheless... Our house is not baby proofed, and thanks to Taiwan quirks/oversight/indifference we have an extra layer needed to secure our home.
Take the stairs for example. On the third story up there is a gaping, and I mean gaping opening in the railing. The above shot shows how if someone was as unlucky as this doll was- and fell through the gap, it's fully two stories down before you meet the hardwood floor.

This is typical in most houses we saw when house hunting. The railings would often be short, about the height of my hips, and then the spindles are spaced quite far apart. Most people I know buy netting that they tie across the spindles for safety. Thankfully our banister is higher and because of the glass there are fewer gaps to worry about. But what an impressive gap it is. Right now we have some temporary safety measures in place -velcro, is surprisingly strong. I had Kennedy hold Ander by the stairs to illustrate the problem clearly.
Besides the plethora of oddly placed plug ins right at a toddler's eye level, several dozen unforgiving wooden stairs, and plenty of bite sized toy parts/bugs hanging around, I guess there isn't too much to worry about.

(notice the Cheerio up on his ear, saving it for later)

Ander just turned 11 months old, he has now perfected his walking skills to the point that he practically runs from place to place. He still loses his balance a fair amount though but pops right back up without skipping a beat. I continually underestimate his abilities, he is learning so much faster than I give him credit for. I've had to take the knobs off of the oven, and push things further back on the table/counters because he has go-go gadget arms. He long since discovered the toilet- I found him the other day happily watching his handy work, a new roll of toilet paper soaking up fresh pee water in the toilet, clapping his hands all the while.

Here is a video to show a smidge of the walking...

And then a clip of Nathan trying to change Ander's clothes while the babe does an uncanny pig squeal impression, and I get busted at the end.

I know each child is different, but I don't remember wrestling with my other children like this until they were closer to 18 months?

Lastly, I have to say Ander is a happy, HAPPY boy* (*Unless you try to change his diaper or his clothes). He is pretty darn patient with his siblings "playing" with him and doesn't seem to get too upset when he can't figure something out, he just tries over and over until he succeeds. Who knows if his determination will remain so strong as he gets older, but for now it seems to serve him pretty well.

And did I mention he's a mama's boy? yeah, I love that part.