At least once a month I write a post about Talia’s development, or lack thereof, and some days it has been a struggle to stay positive when her milestones are delayed. So I am very pleased to announce that this month, we have made progress.

Following a recommendation from the hospital physiotherapists, we have been putting more time into helping Talia sit. I started by sitting her up in a sturdy cardboard box, and more recently bought her a second-hand Bumbo seat, from where she can watch me hanging out laundry or pottering in the kitchen. I wedge her between cushions, toys and my legs, so that she can sit up and play without any fear of hurting herself when her balance fails and she pitches sideways or backwards. Or occasionally forewards, her head curving in a slow and graceful arc which ends as she kisses the carpet.

Up until last night, Talia always needed the support of an adult finger in her hand, or a leg behind the small of her back. Then, we noticed that she seemed to be leaning forward almost confidently, and we moved back, leaving space behind her. And she stayed sitting! She played with her toys, waved her arms around and generally behaved like someone who has been sitting for months, not minutes.

My husband and I were as excited as if Christmas had come already. I grabbed my camera and took a dozen or so photos – most of which were blurred due to Talia waving her arms or moving her head. Maybe she was doing a happy dance too!

Today Talia is exactly nine months old, six months corrected. Halfway through one of the most amazing developmental years of her life, and we are as proud as parents can be.