Thursday, April 19, 2012

18 Months!

(I've been working on this post for three days!  Sorry it's so late!)

Little Miss is 18 months old!  She weighs 20 pounds, 11 ounces and is 29 inches tall.  We're moving to mostly 18 month size clothes to fit her chubby thighs and arms.  She has 16 teeth, and uses them to eat her favorite snacks: dried mango, purple star puffs, melon, and animal crackers (but still not swallowing any liquids).  Her favorite toys are her princess chair, the star stacker (she can now take the top star off by herself), and pretty much anything that makes noise and lights up.  She watches some Sesame Street and Yo Gabba Gabba when momma needs a shower or to make some dinner. 
She likes to stand, but it pretty stationary (she can't get up or down on her own yet).
She was fascinated by the view out the window on her first train ride - we had lunch with other families from her school at a pizzeria owned and operated by deaf people.  We got some good signing practice!
This month's biggest accomplishment is that she says MAMA!  It's rare, but hear it every day now.  We're working on DADA (and Grandma is pushing NANA) but not too much yet.  Over the last few weeks, we have also been noticing just how grown up she is looking.  Her hair is growing long enough that it needs to be brushed after every nap, and if we do it just right, she looks like such a little girl.  She is still (and will always be!) my baby, but the subtle changes in her face are becoming more and more noticeable.

The other sign of impending toddlerhood is her personality.  Boy, does she have a big one!  She smiles for almost anyone she meets.  She has a cooky little sense of humor that sends her into fits of giggles that continue until everyone has joined in.  She has become much more alert to the sounds and views around her (with or without her hearing aids) so she is constantly looking around to see what is going on.  She's become quite the momma's girl, too - if I dare walk by her without picking her up, I will hear about it!  Nonetheless, she still has a sweet spot for her daddy, especially when she first wakes up.  Most nights she still sleeps well, but some nights...well, she doesn't.  She fights going to bed, cries and cries, and then wakes up a few times in the night.  I am hoping this part is just a short-lived phase.  Either way, we have solidified a bedtime routine and that helps most nights.

It has been 16 months since Scarlett was diagnosed with a supposedly deadly brain tumor.  Did she ever show them!
Getting ready for CT
She has her doubts about the big machines now.

This morning, she had the first procedure to prepare for her reconstructive surgery.  A 3D CT scan was performed to give the neurosurgeon and plastic surgeon a good idea of how exactly the bones of her skull are situated.  It was a quick and easy procedure for her, but it marks the beginning of yet another bumpy patch in her life and ours.  We are working with her therapists and teachers to help prepare for ways to help her cope with being hospitalized, as well as a plan to get her back on track as soon as possible.  We're eager to get it all over with, but there's just no easy way to approach brain surgery.

10 comments:

Melissa said...

Happy 18-month milestone Scarlett! You are defying all the odds, and are an inspiration to so many out people. We just keep being amazed, over and over.

DiJe said...

Happy 18 months!

Mrs.Andrews-Next Adventure Travel Co said...

What a milestone! Happy 18months beauty! and how cool on starting the reconstructive bit. I know it's stil brainsurgery and scary but for a MUCH happier reason :)

KellyG said...

I love the yellow socks hanging past the little feet!

Christa said...

Happy 18 month birthday!! And yay for her first word!! We worked hard at our house to make sure "mama" was our daughter's first too! :)
--christa, oct. 2010 mom

Carrie said...

I do not onow if this will make you feel better but my 17 month old with only 4 teeth has never slept through the night! We let her fuss it out but she is big time hit or miss. We could have 10 days of just letting her fuss, never going in and then all of a sudden she does the crying until she chokes, banging on the crib, we have to go in thing! So when she is up at night, know somewhere out there is too!!

Robyn Glasser Hoekstra said...

It's so wonderful to see how far she has come through your blog. Thank you for keeping us posted on little Scarlett. Even though I don't know you it is great to read your updates. I am sure Scarlett brings hope to so many families out there struggling with this awful diagnosis.

Emily said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Emily said...

This post is so amazing! Scarlett is thriving! She sure did show everyone, didn't she? :) Happy 18 months, Scarlett!

Em said...

Wow, I'm so happy for you that you get to watch her grow up and you get to mother her, although I also must admit I cry just about every time I read your posts.
I guess I'm watching Eva through your little princess.
You realize I'm hooked on Scarlett now and you must keep us updated on your little sweetheart.