15-Months Old

Emma is 15-months old now!  Wow.  Each day she grows more and more independent.  Here are a few of her favorite activities as a "big girl":

• Destroying all mega-lego constructions;
• Knocking over block constructions;
• Throwing balls and playing catch (she is a very accurate pitcher, we are working on the catching);
• Enjoying lots of quality time with Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Coco and Grandpa and Grandma Shelar;
• Feeding herself using a spoon and/or fork;
• Eating spicy, flavorful food;
• Eating popsicles and ice cream (who doesn't?);
• Developing a potential attachment to a pink fleece blanket (although she seems to do fine without it);
• Chasing after Lily the cat;
• Getting upset with Lily if she expresses too much interest in Emma's toys;
• Speed crawling;
• Having an overnight stay with Grandpa and Pepere (she is up to two!)
• Climbing into and out of chairs (little chairs that are her size);
• Partaking in "cheers" by slamming her cup against yours;
• Brushing her teeth;
• Wanting to do everything by herself;
• Giving kisses (I love this!  Usually involves an exchange of slobber, so this isn't for the germ-a-phobe.);
• Cutting two new teeth including one molar (she is up to 8);
• Camping in VT's Jamaica SP and exploring NH's White Mountains;
• Going for long car rides (actually this might be her least favorite activity when she is awake);
• Reading to herself and "asking" you to read to her;
• Walking behind her walker toy;
• Walking while holding onto only one of your hands;
• Playing with her hair while she falls asleep;
• Watching the Lion King with Papa and Mama (our first movie night!); and
• Expanding her drumming abilities with a lesson at Grandpa and Peperes in banging (I mean making music with) metal bowls.

Here are some fun photos of Emma as a 15-month-old.

Hello cutie pie!

"Mom, I don't think you understand how much I want her tail."

"Look at me, I'm a big girl with my rocker!"

Dragging her favorite stuffed animal (turkey, in the mouth)
while she does circles around our kitchen island.

"Papa, I don't care how stable you think this lego fortress is. 
Let's get one thing straight, I will destroy it."

"Mom, can we get metal bowls for our house?!?!" - Emma
"Absolutely not." - Mama

"Hot sauce is my ketchup."