15 months. We have entered into a stage with Mason and Smith that Matt and I are enjoying very much. The boys are mastering new skills, experiencing their environment, exercising all five senses, unleashing their unique personalities... and their dad and I are a rapt and enthusiastic audience.

Walking. Smith has nearly mastered the use of his legs for transportation, rather than his hands and knees. It is clear that he enjoys this new mode of movement as he smiles and laughs with each step. Mason is still a novice walker; he can do it but he is less sure of himself and opts for the surety of crawling. When he decides to walk, his steps are small and deliberate - his breathing becomes panting, and he raises his eyebrows and opens his large eyes wide.

Signing. The boys are using a few signs (baby sign language) to communicate. They use the sign for "more" frequently during mealtime. I much prefer the signing to the squealing and grabbing for more. They enjoy signing "all done" when they are done eating. We are also working on "thank you", "please" and "milk". They are very pleased with themselves when they sign correctly and I understand what they want.

Playing. Since their birth, I have prayed that my boys would grow to be good friends. It delights me to see the first fruits of my answered prayers. Hide-and-seek behind the curtains has become a favorite, eliciting much giggling. Wrestling with one another and Dad, pulling/throwing the toys out of their baskets and off the shelf, jumping on the couch, climbing up the stairs - all activities that M and S enjoy doing together.

Making Noise. This well-honed skill is something I am adjusting to. (Forgive me, Janelle, for ending my sentence with a preposition. :) I am learning that boys, particularly my boys, like to make noise by banging, crashing, dragging, pushing, screaming, pounding, scooting, yelling...whatever it takes to elicit a loud sound. Sometimes it's out of anger or frustration, but mostly it's just for fun.

Tasting. The menu at our house has expanded greatly (for those of us sitting in a high chair). Now that my eaters have teeth, six of them each, they are able to eat chicken, toast, waffles, peas, blueberries, cheese bits, quesadillas...all kinds of non-pureed delectables. Of course, just because they are able to eat it doesn't mean they actually will eat it. Berries are a favorite right now, and anything drizzled with maple syrup...naturally. Mason has been known to eat green olives, straight from the jar, and Smith enjoys the taste of coffee.

Yes, we are fond of this fifteen month phase. And wouldn't you know it, sixteen months is looking to be quite fantastic, too.

MayMo...my little thinker. (I think this was taken by Bing's brother, Julian, at the Perrine wedding. Correct me if I'm wrong, Lane.)

Smitty sportin' his swim shirt and the long, spindly legs he inherited from his father.

MayMo talking on his cell phone.

Smiggs, upon waking from his nap.

Mase, enjoying the rocking horse at Grammie and Papa's.

Smitty and Grammie kickin' it at the baby pool in Billings. While there, we ran into a mother with triplet 2 year old girls...I thought I was busy!

Grammie gave the boys bowls and spoons again.

I think they're getting the hang of it.

Just for fun. One of the blogs I read has a "time wasters" category. This fun website
lets you place photos into museum frames. Time wasting - yes, but quite addicting.

You're not alone if you look twice to see if her butt-crack is visible...I did.

Interesting outfit this gal is wearing. Skirt, rolled up pants, and sneakers. Smiggy's lookin' good, though.