Hridya’s first steps
Once babies hit nine months, everyone starts buzzing about when they’ll walk on their own.
Once babies hit nine months, everyone starts buzzing about when they’ll walk on their own. When Hridya turned nine months, Grandpa told Murali, "Hey, kid, you took your first steps at nine months and two weeks. I bet Hridya does the same." That got Murali excited because he had been daydreaming about strolling hand in hand with his little sister. She was already saying "Papa" and "Mama," just as Auntie Manjula had predicted. She'd even made up the word "Tattu" for Murali. When folks asked her name, she'd chirp "Pittu." Soon, "Tattu" and "Pittu" became fun nicknames around the family and friends.
It was a lazy Saturday afternoon. After lunch, Hridya and Murali plopped on a mat in the living room, playing away. Hridya did not eat much yet, but loved joining the table like a boss, getting served all the goodies just like the grown-ups.
Mom and Dad were at school because it was a workday for them. Grandma relaxed by the window, flipping through the newspaper. Grandpa tinkered in the garden out front. Mid-play, Murali rolled a soft ball to the corner. Hridya zoomed after it on all fours, snagged it, and giggled like she had won a prize, showing it off to Murali.
"Come on, sweetie, bring it back!" he cheered.
Out of nowhere, Hridya popped up, stood tall, and dashed right to him. Murali froze, jaw dropped. Only when she crashed into him with the ball did he snap back, hugging her tight. "Grandma... Hridya just walked!" he yelled, pumped up. Grandma had seen it too, her eyes wide. She peeked out the window and called to Grandpa, "Hey there... Hridya walked!"
Grandpa dashed in, thrilled. Hridya tried again, heading for Grandma, but spotted Grandpa and switched directions, running to him. He scooped her up, planted kisses on her cheeks, and beamed, "Great job, my little star!"
Grandma and Murali clapped like crazy. When Grandpa set her down, she bolted back to her favorite brother.
The house exploded with joy, and even at school, Mom and Dad’s coworkers buzzed about it. Grandma called Mom, who was in the staff room during a free period. Mom shared the news with her friends there, itching to tell Dad when his class ended. Everyone asked for sweets to celebrate, so Mom and Dad promised some the next day.
Murali burst with pride now that she could walk. His dreams took a leap forward, picturing walks to school together. The next day, he shared the news with Grandpa's walking buddies. They swapped fun tales of the first steps their siblings, kids, and grandkids took. Each story packed helpful facts and tips for him.
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Life-Skills Introduced in This Chapter
Patience and Anticipation: Waiting excitedly for important milestones, like a baby's first steps, while understanding that everyone develops at their own pace.
Encouragement and Support: Cheering on family members during play and new challenges to help them build confidence and try new things.
Celebrating Achievements: Recognizing and joyfully marking small victories, like a first step, with hugs, claps, and shared excitement to strengthen family bonds.
Sharing Joy with Others:Spreading happy news with family, friends, and community, and using celebrations (like sweets) to include everyone in the moment.
Learning from Stories: Listening to others' experiences and tales to gain tips and insights about growth and family life.
