A month in the life of Jasmine Maya

Sandy Green
Wednesday, March 20, 2002

As she approaches ten months, Jasmine shows that she understands simple instructions such as 'No' and 'Don't touch' by shaking her head as she reaches out to touch items she shouldn't, such as flowers and plants, or books and files on a low shelf, and by looking to see if she is being watched as she hesitates prior to her actions. Her hands and fingers quiver and flex in excited anticipation as she prepares to touch surfaces that give her particular pleasure, such as patting the family pets. Her character shows her to be an increasingly mischievious and fun-loving baby who delights in play whether alone or with the adults around her. Jasmine watches older babies and toddlers with interest, but makes little response to those younger than herself.