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Tiny, pudgy feet clumsily stumble across the orange play mat. My jaw falls to the floor as I squeal, "You're walking! Cassie did it!" A dull thud sounds as little hands hit the mat. Cassie lifts her head. Her dark brown, doe eyes look up at me, bewildered. She had no idea she was walking away from her mommy. Cassie was actually on her own, just like a big girl.

A toothless grin produces the one-year-old's infectious laugh. Her newfound freedom is exhilarating for her as it sends a flood of mixed emotions running through me.
My eyes well up. My heart feels both heavy and light at the same time. My baby is quickly becoming a little girl. I can still feel the elation of bringing her home from the hospital.
Until now, unsure, wobbly steps were always preceded by a search for Mommy's hands to help her. Today is different. Today is Cassie's first day at Gymboree. Children clamoring over brightly colored play equipment hold her attention. Cassie is eager to be like the three-year-old who runs past her.
Determination takes hold as Cassie struggles to get back up on her own. Mommy is not needed since cushiony blocks provide a place to safely regain her bearings. Cassie stands, triumphant. She starts to babble quite loudly in her baby jargon as she makes her way across the play equipment.
She spies a dark-haired little boy, crawling through a tube. I hold my breath. Cassie makes it to the tube and studies it. She decides to squat. Slowly, her little knees bend. Cassie purses her lips as she fiercely concentrates on her task at hand. She wobbles, and then steadies herself. I restrain myself from jumping to her aid as she puts a hand out to keep from falling. She seems to want to continue on her own.
Cassie manages to squat down. She peers into the tunnel. Suddenly the boy's head pops out in front of her. Cassie bursts into laughter as she relishes the reward of her efforts. The head disappears into the tunnel again.
Cassie falls onto her padded bottom and suddenly rolls to the side. She continues her roll in the direction opposite to where I stand. Cassie sits up and looks around, carefully studying the layout of her play area.
A blonde baby, just about her age, slowly crawls toward Cassie, with a blonde mommy following behind her. Cassie plants her thumb firmly into her mouth and cocks her head to one side. These strangers continue to approach her.
Cassie now looks around the room quite intently. I know that look. She is sending out an SOS and I am happy to oblige. She sees her mommy at her side and stretches out her hands, asking to be picked up. She nestles her head into my shoulder as her arms wrap tightly around my neck. For her, complete independence can wait. For me, I still have my baby a little while longer.

Learn more about this author, Kimberly Tittle.
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