At 2, Austen has discovered the middle ground. She’s no longer has two modes only: happy and crying. She has a calm middle setting where she observes and relaxes a bit. She’s very excitable and fun. Her laughter and smile warm your heart. She still gets whiny and cries sometimes, but this doesn’t happen more than a few times a day and she quickly gets over her crankiness with the help of snacks and naps.
Austen shows little interest in baby dolls but loves stuffed animals more and more everyday, almost on par with books. She still loves to sing but prefers to lead rather than follow along. She often cuts Mama off when she starts to sing. This is a major bummer because singing was Mama’s secret weapon against the fussies. Austen’s most articulate speech is still in song, where she’s clear for line after line (only leaving out a few words). As of yet, she shows no interest in poems or wordy stories without flashy pictures or photos of animals or shapes or something she recognizes. As for verbal skills, Austen communicates her wants, her complaints, the things she’s excited about, descriptions of the world around her. Austen speaks in complete thoughts. “In the car watching fishes” she tells Dada through the phone in response to his asking what she’s doing. “Here ya go!” when she’s sharing with other kids at My Gym or play dates. “Chocolate meeka? Yes! Okay!” she says when wanting chocolate milk, a favorite. Austen now uses the possessive pronouns “mine” and “my.” This usually happens when she doesn’t want to share, but it shows new comprehension of language and its structure. She used to call everything “Austen’s doggies” or “Austen’s bottle” & etc. In the morning, she gets ready in the sink next to Mama, brushing her teeth and “washing” her hands (more like splashing some water). Austen can build a tower of yellow blocks. Mama can remember wandering when she’d be able to do something so organized. If feeling agreeable, she can help with clean up, but often she is too busy moving onto the next activity to do so. Watches too much Wiggles … and Elmo … and a little Baby Einstein. Mama worries about her developing an excessive habit, but TV seems to calm her down when she gets too wound up, which helps with her moods. Mama and Dada have a lot of disagreements about discipline. Mama thinks they need to be strict and Dada tries to follow Austen’s requests as much as humanly possible. It’s easier to keep Austen near Mama at restaurants and stores. We still use the umbrella stroller and shopping cart seats, but if Mama is vigilant she can get Austen to walk at her side holding hands. Once in a while, Austen will go jelly legged and refuse to walk with Mama (because she’d rather explore on her own or doesn’t want to go into or leave a certain store) but overall she is manageable now. She didn’t used to be; there was much struggle and carrying and stroller use at one and a half. Austen has learned the word ‘castle’ after her jumpy castle themed birthday party. Wow, what an exciting day. It lived up to its promise.Austen is starting to recognize feelings. When Mama feels hurt by somethings she’s done (push her away), Austen notices Mama’s frown and gives her a hug. Amazing! When Mama tells Austen she’s done something wrong (throwing her food), Austen tries to make up for it with a smile and apologetic “Hi, Mama!”