Author's Note: Once again, another milestone in the life of Avery Samantha Hotchner. I believe the chapter title says it all. :) I do hope you enjoy, everyone. There's nothing sweeter than watching a toddler take their first steps! :)

Disclaimer: I do not own the best show in the world, otherwise known as Criminal Minds. Avery's mine, however. :)

Emily laid her head back onto Aaron's shoulder, stretching her body over the entire length of the couch. "You're a very comfortable pillow," she murmured, burying her face into his neck.

He chuckled, stroking her hair soothingly. "I'm glad you think so."

She yawned lightly. "I am exhausted."

"Well, I wonder why," he teased. "It's not like you've been taking care of…oh, I don't know…an extremely energetic eleven month old non-stop for the last forty-eight hours." He dropped a kiss into her hair. "Get some sleep, sweetheart. You need it."

"Easier said than done," she muttered almost unintelligibly.

As if to prove her point, a loud noise was heard somewhere upstairs, followed shortly afterwards by loud laughter from both Hotchner children.

Emily groaned, swinging her legs off of the couch in a means to go see what her two angels were up to. Aaron held her back, however, his arms wrapping tightly around her waist. "I've got this one," he said reassuringly, kissing her neck languidly. "Just rest."

"I love you so much, do you know that?"

"I do," he said with a smile, heading up the stairs to the nursery, where Jack and Avery were playing. "Hey, you two."

"Hi, Daddy," Avery beamed.

Aaron chuckled quietly as he eyed his daughter being held up by his son, her feet on his. "What happened?"

"The noise?" Jack asked. "I…I accidentally knocked over Avery's lamp," he admitted sheepishly.

"…What were you doing?"

"Well, I was watching Ave as she was walking around and it looked like she was about to fall, so I –"

"Wait a minute," Aaron interrupted. "Did you just say that she was walking?"

Jack broke out into a grin. "Mm-hmm! At least, kind of walking. At first, I let her stand on my feet and we walked around like that, then I held her hand and she was able to take a few steps! Then I let go, and…yeah." The boy turned to his sister, who was currently picking at the yellow and purple checkered dress she was wearing. "Do you want to show Daddy?"

Nodding emphatically, she giggled and said, "Look, Daddy! Look!"

"My eyes are wide open, baby," he said, kneeling to her height and kissing her nose. "Alright, now show me."

On unsteady knees, the little girl wobbled forward, a focused expression on her face as she made her way to her father. When she was just a couple inches away, however, her chubby, adorable legs gave out from under her, resulting in Avery falling on her diaper-covered bottom. She huffed in response, seemingly disappointed in herself for not making it all the way.

God, she's so headstrong, Aaron thought. Just like her mother.

Speaking of which…

"Jack, stay right here, okay? I'm going to grab your mom; she's definitely going to want to see this."

When he descended the stairs, however, he couldn't hold back the small smile that spread across his lips at the sight of Emily's peacefully sleeping form. He really didn't want to wake her; she deserved the chance to rest and just…do nothing but lay in bed all day, reading a book or watching a movie. That being said, she would be absolutely heartbroken if she missed something so monumental in Avery's life. So his decision was obvious.

"Emily?" he asked, his hand coming to rest on her right shoulder. He pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek. "Emily? Wake up, beautiful."

Exasperation colored her voice as she practically whined, "I thought you were going to let me sleep. Aaron, please."

"I know, Emmy, and I'm really sorry, but this is something I know that you're going to want to see." He was met with silence. "Avery and Jack are waiting…"

"What is it?" she mumbled.

"Your daughter has something she would like to show you." And at that, he broke out into a wide smile.

Yawning shamelessly, Emily managed to move herself into a sitting position, her muscles protesting as she slid off the couch and plodded up the stairs. Her eyes crinkled at the corners as she walked into the nursery and saw Avery perched atop Jack's lap.

"Mommy!" the toddler greeted with a squeal.

Jack grinned. "Avery has a surprise for you."

"Really?" Emily asked brightly, leaning into Aaron's touch as he began to skillfully knead the knots out of her back.

"Indeed she does," Aaron answered. "Avery, why don't you show mommy what you and your brother have been working on so hard."

"Come on, Ave," Jack encouraged, placing his hands under her arms to lift her up. He slowly nudged her forward.

Emily's face lit up in pleasant astonishment, watching intently as her daughter waddled – there was no better word – towards her beaming parents. This time, however, she didn't fall. Successfully reaching her destination, Avery grabbed onto Emily's leg for support.

The little girl giggled loudly as her mother gathered her into her arms. "Look at you," Emily crooned proudly. "You're such a big girl already! Taking your first steps so bravely…" She tossed Jack a radiant smile before asking Avery, "Did you tell your brother 'thank you'?"

The toddler broke into yet another fit of giggles. "Jack!" she exclaimed loudly, her intention quite clear as she opened her outstretched arms widely and reached for him.

He gave her a tight hug, all smiles as he embraced his adorable younger sister. She was just too cute.

"I wish I had our video camera with me…" Emily mused, moving over to a worn sofa in the corner of the room, Avery still in her arms.

"Well, I'll tell you what – later today, I'll head to the store and buy blank CDs and a new battery charger. Then we can film this little one for as long as you want," Aaron said, meeting his wife's somnolent, warm brown eyes.

"I'd like that," she said, her voice hushed as she gazed at the precious baby on her lap.

"Daddy?"

Aaron looked down to see Jack with a question dancing in his eyes. "Yeah, buddy?"

"Did you and…and mommy get a video of my first steps?" the boy asked curiously.

A brief image of Haley running around with a video camera flashed through his mind. "You know, I believe we did."

Now Jack was excited. "Can I watch it?"

"Of course, Jack." Aaron paused, thinking. "Go into my office and check my second desk drawer; it should be there with the rest of our family videos."

"Okay." And in the blink of an eye, he was off.

"Emily, I know you've seen it before, but do you want to come downstairs with me and Jack to watch to video of his first steps? We could also watch our wedding video…Emily?" Hearing no reply, he turned to where his wife and daughter had been seated, his expression softening as he took in the sight before him. Emily was fast asleep, an equally as tired looking Avery laying across her chest.

The toddler smiled shyly as Aaron placed her back in the crib. "Mommy sleep," the little girl whispered.

"Mm-hmm. And it looks like you're about to do the same." He kissed her on the nose. "I'll be right back, okay, pumpkin?"

But her attention was already focused on the plush yellow giraffe and pink elephant sharing the crib with her.

Effortlessly taking Emily into his arms, Aaron carefully made his way to their bedroom, placing her in the middle of the king-sized bed and covering her legs with the sheets. He watched over her for a few seconds, an expression of pure love etched in his features as he kissed her as gently as possible. "Sweet dreams, my love," he whispered, before walking silently out of the room in search of his son, leaving her alone for some much needed peace.

Author's Note: Was that sweet enough for you? I sure hope it was! Please don't hesitate to leave me a review! They never fail to make me smile. :)