What’s the biggest news to come from our household since Ted was born? Ted has officially rolled over. We’re not talking about the butt-pivoting, rock-to-one-side-and-back movement that he’s been doing for weeks. I’m talking about the full-fledged back-to-tummy roll. Awww, yeah. My kid is awesome. I bet no other babies can do that. Wait, what’s that? Babies roll over all the time? Oh. Well, I bet Ted did it super-early only being a little over 4 months old. No? It’s perfectly typical for babies to start rolling over at this age? Oh. Well, I don’t care. Ted is still a special little dude to me.

It is rather funny how big and important something seems just because your kid does it. The first time Ted rolled over neither one of us saw it, but I did get a call at work from Ted’s mom to tell me the exciting news. He’s since rolled over twice more today and dad was lucky enough to catch him in the act both times. Of course, I’m not sure the first one I saw really counted. I mean, yes, he did go from back to tummy by himself, but he had a little extra leverage by pushing one of his feet against the vertical poles of his play mat. The second time, however, was all Ted. I put him down in his crib after changing a dirty diaper so I could go wash my hands and 2 seconds later I glance over to see him flop onto his stomach. A few grunts later and he managed to extract his arm which was still pinned under his body, and then he let out a little squeal of excitement. (By the way, the baby books say that “squealing” is a 6 to 9 month activity so he’s definitely ahead of schedule in that department. Just though y’all should know.)

Edit: Since I started writing this post not more than an hour ago, Ted has rolled over onto his tummy another dozen times at least. Now, of course, this is because dad kept pushing him back onto his back in the hopes of catching some mid-roll pictures.

It really should come as no surprise that he’s learned the new skill of rolling over. He mastered “stay” on day 1. You put that kid somewhere and he does not move an inch. Combining this with rolling-over is going to present some challenges, however. He’s still working on “sit” because just when you think he’s steady and you take your hands off of him, he does a face-plant right into your lap. But I’m sure he’ll get it soon. After all, Ted’s dad has earned couch potato status from his mastery of sitting.