Last night Natalie took 2-3 steps from her walker to the couch, not holding on at all. This morning she did the same thing again, twice, but from different objects. Her steps were probably an accident, as I don't think she realized she wasn't holding on at all, but it still counts, right? : )
Re: Does this "count" as first steps?
I would count it!!!
Admittedly Kira had about 3 weeks like that at 10-11 months old and I said she "was taking steps" and I didn't call it "walking" until she was walking between rooms, which happened suddenly. The "walking" date actually stands out to me more than when she took her first steps...it was undeniable then!
Regardless, 2-3 steps is 2-3 big girl steps!!!
Go Natalie, and watch out Mommy!!! 
Our Thanksgiving Day baby 11/22/07
Pregnant with #2 with LPD, uterine polyp/hysteroscopy, DOR (AMH = 0.17), 2 c/ps
Our early Christmas present 12/9/10