A rise and fall

It was inevitable, as our young hero rose to prominence on the eve of his first birthday, that he would one day land on his own two feet.

That day happened last week. The good Cap'n Quinn arose and stood for the first time.

It started in the bathroom. As Daddy filled the tub, the little man's curiosity brought him first to his knees, then to his feet so he could get a closer look at what Daddy was up to.

Later, in the living room, he was using Daddy as a jungle gym and pushed off his chest, rising to his feet. He grinned and chuckled, as if to say, "Look Mommy, no hands."

He was the conquering hero. But like in any epic tale, those who rise to the top inevitably fall.

For Quinn, it happened Thursday at a photo studio.

When he was smaller and less mobile, photographers at the same studio placed him on a stately leather chair for a photo. Quinn just sat there, immobile and smiling. Now, however, he doesn't care to sit still anywhere. This time, as soon as we sat him in the same chair he sprung himself out -- right on top of his head onto a hard tile floor.

Naturally, he screamed, though Daddy suspects it was more out of fright than pain. Mommy cried, too. Daddy shed no tears, but he thinks he may need open heart surgery now.

This tale, however, is no tragedy. The good Cap'n Quinn continues to conquer new heights. And Mommy and Daddy will be there to guide him -- and catch him when he falls.