Is or is he not walking?

Cindy made a comment on my previous post saying that she missed the announcement that Matt had started walking. Well there has not been a big announcement because we are not really sure: is he or is he not walking? This has been a recurring question over the last few months. I have been at peace waiting for his walking, but have been looking forward to the big celebration when we can finally let off fireworks to celebrate that milestone. However recognising this milestone has been more tricky than one would think. For a number of months Matt has had the ability to walk but has not chosen to use it unassisted. He would walk 6 or 7 steps between Lloyd and myself when we are seated opposite each other on the floor, and when we initiate it. He would walk 8 to 9 steps from the one side of the room to another in order to get his favourite toy – but only if I encouraged him to do so and only as long as my two fingers were gently resting on his shoulders. And as we posted previously he would sit down immediately if there was any sign of praise or jubilation – the pressure of knowing he was being watched was just too much. So is that walking or not?? Slowly, very slowly he has started taking steps from the table to the couch, from the cupboard to the bed, from the bath to the toilet – independently and self initiated. Sometimes he would reach his destination and other times fall politely on his bottom. We weren’t convinced that that was a description of walking so although thrilled at the progression the fireworks were not left off. And bit by bit, day by day he has progressed, until now he can stand up and walk a good few meters in any direction he chooses – with a 90% success rate (i.e. no falling). He is still not confident to walk in places with which he is unfamiliar – he prefers to hold my hand. So is this now walking…or not quite yet? Do we let the fireworks off and announce to the universe that our little Sunshine is now walking? What do you think?

Here is a video (taken from Lloyd's cellphone so quality not the greatest) of Matt taking his steps: