the quadraped

The commando crawl is sooooo 2013. Enter: the quadraped (pronounced kwah-druh-ped), meaning to crawl on all fours.

Colden graced us with his army crawl over a year ago. In that time he's truly perfected it; becoming rather efficient in his movements and speedier than ever. This kid can seriously motor; I'm so thankful that this was never an issue for us. The question wasn't if he could get around, but how. For as long as I can remember, we've been working on the quadraped position in physical therapy. In the very beginning, Colden hated it. He just didn't have the strength to bear weight on his arms for long periods, so he fought getting into any position that required it. Over time though, his strength increased.

Several months ago I started noticing him holding the quadraped position in small spurts on his own. Then, starting a few months ago I saw him try to crawl for a couple of rotations in that position before flattening out on his belly and motoring away (this was happening all at the same time he started to push a cart, and was learning to cruise, etc). Just recently however, something clicked. Colden had finally gained the strength to crawl in quadraped as his main mode of transportation. He would start out with long strides and occasionally switch back to commando style if he got tired or he wanted to go faster. In the span of one week, he's adopted and perfected the quadraped as his go-to method of motoring. I almost miss the commando crawl and wish I had more videos of it! Have a look at this video, it's one of the very first I caught of a long stride in quadraped (now of course it's all the time!).

I credit a leap in Colden's quadrapedding to this awesome new fun center from Grandma and Grandpa.

Look at that face! Colden just loves it. I totally recommend this set as a physical therapy tool to encourage gross motor play. Plus it just happens to be green guard certified for all those smooches and licks.

Here's his first time going over it on his own...he totally surprised us and turned around to go down the slide! Way to go for it, cool breeze. Always keeping us on our toes.

And here's the first time going down the slide upright. Now of course, he has no fear and flies down, off, and around the whole thing. Its amazing to watch his boost in confidence over such a short time. I must post updates.

Even though quadrapedding has become the new norm at Colden's house, I can't help but do a double take every time I see him motoring on all fours. I can't get enough of it. What an achievement, cool breeze! We are SO proud of you.