Scarlett the Starlet: Fifteen Months Old! (April 21, 2011)

Scarlett turned 15 months old, and the big news? Houston, we have a walker! She was slow to get started (not one of those babies you hear about that takes off running the same day she takes her first steps). She cruised while holding onto furniture for several weeks, then took a few baby steps on her own, then liked walking around holding someone's hand for a week or so, and finally, she's officially walking on her own as of Easter Sunday. In fact, she's so "walking on her own" that she does NOT want you holding her hand. You know, because she's a big girl and can do it all by herself and holding someone's hand for support is for babies. This is her feeling even on hard or uneven surfaces, which is nerve-wracking, but all part of the process, I suppose.

Scarlett has become much more opinionated this month, and is becoming well acquainted with the word "no." When you ask for a kiss, you often get a "no" these days, but then are usually blessed with an unsolicited one a few minutes later on her terms (accompanied by a dramatic "muah!" sound effect). She continues to love to read, but again expresses an opinion about what she wants to read. She usually rejects Pajama Time at night until she's good and tired because she's figured out that is usually the last one we read before lights out. She has started "reading" to herself -- turning the pages, babbling, nodding her head -- often with the book upside down.

Scarlett helps clean herself off in the bath. She dips her hand in the water and wipes her mouth and scrubs her hair, and when it's time to drain the tub, she says "bye bye" to the water. Scarlett discovered the sprinklers this month and wants to play in them the minute she sees them, which can be a problem when it's not a good time (read: toddler fit). We had the same problem during a rainstorm a few weeks ago. Instead of thinking heading for cover was a good idea, Scarlett wanted to hang out in it. She generally loves to be outside, but the bugs seem to love her even more, so we're trying an organic insect repellent to see if that helps.

Scarlett can identify lots of her body parts, pointing to her eyes, ears, toes, teeth, and of course the ever-popular belly button. When you ask where her tongue is, she sticks it out and waves it around. When you ask where her nose is, she points to it, and unfortunately sometimes ... well ... investigates it, if you know what I mean. So, we're working on that one.

Here are some shots of Scarlett on her fifteen-month birthday. Enjoy!

Reflecting on turning another month older ...