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Peninsula Kids
Home»Parenting Articles»First step: My baby is becoming a toddler
Parenting Articles

First step: My baby is becoming a toddler

Updated:July 29, 20213 Mins Read
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As Son #1 (now 3 years old) approached his first birthday and took his first steps I thought “Ooh, is he becoming a toddler now?” and spent the next few days re-reading all the baby-to-toddler developmental material.

Second time around, I don’t need to look at the calendar. Son #2 will celebrate his first birthday soon but I’ve recognised the warning signs of impending toddlerdom for some time.

The mess!
Case in point: Son #1 (now aged 3 years), in his search for a particular small flat yellow brick, empties the box of Duplo onto the floor. Across the living room, Son #2 snaps his head towards the clattering waterfall. He drops to his hands and knees and charges towards the pile. Head down (presumably to reduce wind resistance and increase speed), he ploughs through the Duplo, sending coloured blocks flying up to two metres away and cackling gleefully to himself. I sigh as he wheels around for a second attack. Finally satisfied that the entire room has been re-carpeted in plastic primary colours, he knuckles down to alternately pushing and chasing a spare set of Duplo wheels across the kitchen floor.

Vertical planking
You know the move: you try to pick them up to move them away from imminent danger and suddenly the arms go straight up in the air, body rigid, shoulders unlocked, forcing you to practically bear hug their torso in order to lift them up. Yup, this is where the planking craze started: toddlers.

Improved gross motor skills
Our TV sits on a coffee table. I put toy boxes in front of the coffee table to prevent Son #2 crawling underneath and chewing on the electrical cords (he appears to believe electrical cords are his personal teething toys). The toy box barricade worked beautifully… until he figured out how to climb onto the boxes and up onto the table. I found him standing on the table, holding onto the TV looking quite pleased with himself.

The barricade was dismantled immediately and smaller boxes were slid deep under the coffee table to block the cords but prevent climbing. Genius!

Today he managed to pull one of the boxes all the way out from under the table and I found him sitting on it, happily waving his arms at Shaun the Sheep…

Into EVERYTHING
To his great excitement, Son #2 has sussed out the opening of cupboards, including the pantry. The installation of child locks has commenced. They have been met with some consternation and outrage by Son #2 (who managed to rip one off just an hour after it had been installed…).

The arguments have started
Son #2 (holding out a strawberry to me): “Ba-da-da da!”
Me: “Yes, it’s a strawberry, yum!”
Son #2 (hurling the strawberry on the ground): “NA-BA!”

Understanding “No!” (but pretending not to)
Son #2: Raises hand to pull washing off the clothes airer.
Me (using stern, deep voice): “No, nooooo!”
Son #2: Retracts hand, turns, grins, cocks his head to one side, reaches out hand again.
Me: “No, leave it alone, nooooo!”
Son #2: Retracts hand, looks at me, giggles, reaches up, pulls teatowel down onto his head and crawls away at top speed, cackling hysterically.

Upright and mobile
He took his first unaided step a few days ago. He doesn’t know it: he didn’t realise he’d let go of the couch momentarily, but I saw. My baby is growing up [cue proud sniff].


Rebecca Stephens MPK bloggerRebecca Bowyer is a regular blogger with Mornington Peninsula Kids. You can read more of her blogs at Seeing the Lighter Side of Parenting and follow her on Facebook or Twitter. 

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Hill & Ridge Community Market Nestled among the rolling hills and towering gums, the @hillandridgecommunitymarket is fast becoming a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike. Held on the first Saturday of each month at the Red Hill Recreation Reserve, the market brings together a variety of stallholders showcasing the very best of the Mornington Peninsula and beyond. In 2024, the Red Hill Agricultural & Horticultural Society - proud custodians of the Red Hill Show since 1922 – embraced the opportunity to run the monthly market, ensuring it continues to thrive as a celebration of community, creativity and country life. From artisan breads and cheeses to handmade jewellery, clothing and homewares, there is something to delight every shopper. You’ll also find gourmet street food, coffee and sweet treats to enjoy as you wander through the bustling avenues of stalls. And of course, no visit is complete without supporting the local Scouts at their legendary scone stall, or grabbing a bacon and egg roll freshly cooked by the Red Hill Football and Netball Club. The Hill & Ridge Community Market is more than just shopping. It’s a place to meet friends, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy live music, and watch the kids’ faces light up with activities and entertainment. Families, foodies and curious browsers all find their place here. With free entry, easy onsite parking, and the warmest of community welcomes, it’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday. As the organisers say, it’s all about “good things in the heart of Red Hill.” The next Hill & Ridge Community Market runs from 9am–2pm on Saturday 1 st November at the Red Hill Recreation Reserve. https://www.hillandridgemarket.com.au/
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rIt’s our final Home Game in Frankston and it will be a Footy Spooktacular! 💥 Come watch the Hawks light up the field in an exciting finals contenders ladder battle PLUS take part in our Halloween festivities for all ages including: 🎃 HAWK-O-WEEN FUN ZONE (Opens 5 PM!) 👻 · Trick-or-Treating for all ages 🍬 · DJ spinning fright night hits 🎧 · Costume Parade on the ground at half-time! 🏆 · Spooky Styling: Face Painting, Hair Styling, & Airbrush Tattoos ✨ · Photo BOO-th and Roaming Entertainment 📸 Already have Halloween plans? Extend the fun, cheer on the team and join us from 5pm! Get your tickets now! 🎟️ Adults $15, Junior (Under 18) FREE https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/event/130062D7A6831FEB @hawthornaflw
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🎅🚨GIVEAWAY🚨🎅
Get ready, because Santa’s sleigh is making a very special stop this year…and it’s landing right at Caulfield Racecourse!

Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland is an immersive, walk-through experience where every moment of Christmas has been beautifully brought to life. Every jingle, every bell, and every HO HO HO will create the most wonderful memory, reminding visitors of why the magic of Christmas is still the most prolific of all!

⏩⏩We have  1  family pass (4 tickets) for opening night, Friday 28 November, 7pm valued at $125!
Enter below by telling us which part of Melbourne's Christmas Wonderand you're most looking forward to? ✨⛸🤶🦌📮🏰
Be sure to be following both our Facebook and Instagram pages, too!

Running from 28 Nov - 24 Dec 2025 you can find more info at https://www.melbourneschristmaswonderland.com.au/
And tickets from: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/

*winner will be announced in this thread on 30/10.
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🎅🚨GIVEAWAY🚨🎅 Get ready, because Santa’s sleigh is making a very special stop this year…and it’s landing right at Caulfield Racecourse! Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland is an immersive, walk-through experience where every moment of Christmas has been beautifully brought to life. Every jingle, every bell, and every HO HO HO will create the most wonderful memory, reminding visitors of why the magic of Christmas is still the most prolific of all! ⏩⏩We have 1 family pass (4 tickets) for opening night, Friday 28 November, 7pm valued at $125! Enter below by telling us which part of Melbourne's Christmas Wonderand you're most looking forward to? ✨⛸🤶🦌📮🏰 Be sure to be following both our Facebook and Instagram pages, too! Running from 28 Nov - 24 Dec 2025 you can find more info at https://www.melbourneschristmaswonderland.com.au/ And tickets from: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/ *winner will be announced in this thread on 30/10.
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Bluey will release its first Christmas music single, Bluey Verandah Santa, featuring new and original music from the global hit animated series, on 7 November 2025. The four seasonal songs from the series’ award-winning composer Joff Bush and The Bluey Music team will be released on CD and music streaming services, via BBC Studios’ record label Demon Music Group. Plus, three of the tracks will be pressed on Bluey Verandah Santa 7” White Vinyl. The “Verandah Santa” track is available now on all streaming services. For Bluey music-themed activities and more, please visit the official Bluey website https://www.bluey.tv/bluey-music #bluey #verandahsanta
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Brand-New, Architecturally Designed Childcare Centre State-of-the-art learning for children 6 weeks to school years Trusted for Over 30 Years Locally owned and established since 1991 Limited placements remain Secure your child’s enrolment today For parents who want the very best, this centre brings together generations of experience and the Peninsula’s most dedicated educators Now Open - Book your tour today to meet the team (03) 5978 0808 enrolments@lgh.com.au 1408 Nepean Highway Mount Eliza 3930
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