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Since we had a good time at the previous amusement park trips, we decided to go to Hershey Park. It was also a chance for Mommy and Daddy to take an overnight trip. We stayed for 3 days at the Hershey Lodge.

Splashing around in the kiddie pool at our lodge.

Enjoying food at one of the local restaurants.

Daddy and Mommy played a game and Daddy won Austen a stuffed doggy. Daddy enjoyed beating everyone but Austen didn’t seem too interested in the toy.

Mommy tricked Daddy and Austen into riding this water flume ride (rated as a 4 out of 5 on the thrill level). As you can see, it has a good size drop that lasted about 3-4 seconds. Although Austen didn’t like the slow buildup to the top, she was very intrigued by the new sensation when going down!

Sitting securely between Mommy and Daddy while going for a gentle sky ride.

On the Merry-Go-Round with Mommy and Daddy.

With a late night spurt of energy, Austen climbed these stairs 4 times! After humming the Rocky theme, we decided to create this video.

On the last day, we decided to eat lunch at the Hershey Hotel. It was pretty fancy and Austen got to walk around the ornate lobby seating area, which had an entertaining water fountain.

In her ninth month, Austen developed advanced cruising skills, walking from one object to another (sofa to coffee table, one big toy to another), provided it was only 1 or 2 steps away.

Now, early in her tenth month, she’s started to walk towards something even if it’s not so close. She can take 7-8 steps before she tumbles to the ground and crawls the rest of the way.

Austen bit Mommy on the upper arm with the clenched jaw of a tiger. Mommy screamed, “Nooooo!,” which caused a major pouty face. Austen understands ‘no.’ Mommy now has a bruise.

Austen did amazingly well considering the hot weather.

Austen enjoyed the rides, including the water rides, but balked at waiting in long lines — and being splashed.

Austen went on this ride with Mommy and Daddy …

… here she is, swinging away and trying to hold down her lunch of watermelon, turkey, and cheerios.

Here’s Austen waiting in line for the Flying Fish Ride.

The Flying Fish Ride is much like Mommy’s favorite childhood ride at Disneyworld: Dumbo’s Flight.

Look at that super cutie bathing suit from Janie and Jack.

Austen and Auntie Heather had a fantastic time playing together while Mommy and Daddy went to see Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man’s Chest; looked at SUVs; and ate middling Jersey Italian food.

Auntie Heather even managed to put Austen to bed … despite Austen’s sneaky baby tricks (splattering the bottle of milk, only crying when someone’s looking, trying to eat whole ice cubes).

Today Austen and Mommy sat down for a meal together at Brewed Awakening. Mommy ordered French toast and ham. Austen fed herself bits of ham and a bunch of cheerios while Mommy ate. It was a pleasant, relaxing experience for both.

Earlier, at the pediatrician’s office, Austen got a clean bill of health, which means that Mommy and Daddy will have to start retraining Austen to sleep through the night after a reprieve due to her recent illness.

Austen is now showing signs of clingyingness. When an adult other than Mommy or Daddy tries to interact with her, she is wary at first — she’s never frightened of other kids. She even got fussy when Chacha picked her up, after not having seen him for a couple weeks. It’s an odd feeling for Mommy to have “Little Miss Indepedence” cling to her for comfort at the pediatricians office. Maybe this is a symptom of teething or just not feeling 100% but it’s new for Austen. One theory is that it’s a result of memory kicking in.

After months of practice, Austen is now an expert cruiser. She barely touches the furniture or wall surface that she uses for balance as she moves around the room, and she often lets go to stand unsuported. However, when she attempts to walk, she only makes it a step or two before falling forward and speedily crawling to her destination.

Who knew climbing is easier than walking? Austen can climb all over the place — up an entire flight of stairs — and she gets into everything — including the kitchen cabinets — but she’s not a proficient walker yet.

Austen no longer likes pureed baby food. She now eats bit-sized pieces of turkey, melon, bread, cheerios, banana, green beans, and not much else. Mommy and Daddy are working on expanding her repertoire.

Another big change for Austen is she no longer seems to want a pacifier … even at night.

Laughter is still Austen’s strong suit. She likes funny noises and funny faces and, when not tired or hungry, is usually smiling at Mommy, Daddy, a friend, a stranger, or a cat. Her laughing is contagious and can inspires others to smile along with her.

A last minute decision to visit Bowcraft in Scotch Plains showed off Austen as the most intrepid of the bunch. Mommy, Daddy and Uncle Rin rode only two rides each. Austen beat them all with a total of three rides: Monster Trucks, Crazy Submarine and The Merry-Go-Round.

The hot day made baby Austen very lethargic after her whirlwind spree of thrill rides, but she enjoyed noshing on cantaloupe and organic cheerios during the ride home. Mommy, Daddy and Uncle Rin opted for ice cream.

On Tuesday (July 5th), Austen woke up in the wee hours of the morning with a high fever. The next day, the doctor diagnosed her with an ear and throat infection and prescribed antibiotics. Austen was very lethargic, barely moving, only wanting to sit with Mommy or Daddy and watch Baby Einstein videos. It was a lot of trouble getting her to drink and she refused all food. After about 24 hours, her fever broke and she began the road back to normalcy.

Today, her drinking, eating and playing have returned to normal — but there’s still some clingyness and fussiness due to teething.

Today Austen took three baby steps without support. Yes, we know, Aunt Holly will want to see proof. Mommy and Daddy will keep the videocamera charged and ready.

For days now Austen has been trying to take steps without holding onto anything, but she usually falls onto her backside. But, once in a while, she has a successful mini-walk of about ten inches. Not sure if that would even register on a pedometer.