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Mommy found a used clubhouse at the Metuchen town-wide yard sale, so she order two figures to go with it. When they arrived, Austen listened to the automated voices for a minute, then took over. For the next half hour, Minnie and Daisy engaged in a long, rambling, Austen-generated conversation as they traveled about the room and in and out of the playhouse. Austen loves make-believe, back-and-forth conversations, or creating dialog, as a novelist would say. Often the words she uses are similar to ones from exchanges Mommy and Austen have had, or they have to do with some issue Austen is currently dealing with, such as not being scared at preschool.

Austen definitely recognizes the characters from her favorite TV programs and gravitates toward their toys, but …

…her favorite playtime activities are most creative (and non-commercial): building things with Legos and doing art projects with paper, markers, stamps and glue.

Austen got through her first day of preschool without any tears. Although she was a bit anxious and not ready to talk to the teachers, she played with play dough and patiently waited for Mommy to return and pick her up “just like with Miss Liz’s art class.”

Thanks for the big hug, Mia!

Austen was not too thrilled about the poking and prodding at her three-year check up, but she got through it with minimal drama thanks to skittles, chocolate milk and a lollipop at the end.

Her height is 38.5 inches and her weight is 28 lbs, so she’s above average in height (75th percentile) and below average in weight (25th percentile).

Austen now talks to various imaginary friends, including a dinosaur named “Dinosaur.” She carries on both sides of the conversations, words coming out of her mouth for both the friend and herself. She often repeats phrases that Mommy has said to her, particularly strictures and instructions on how to interact with friends.

“Is it my turn?”
“Yes, it’s your turn.”
“Okay! Thank you!”
“You’re welcome.”

Austen’s artwork has a strong facial theme, focusing on the details. Austen pointed out the “big nose” in her creation matches Dada’s big nose.

From 2008 09 01

Austen somehow learned to draw smiley faces, but not from Mama or Dada (maybe art class?). Following this, Mama showed Austen how to write the letter ‘A’ using three strokes and Austen copied.

Austen also recognizes all numbers and half the letters…half the time.

She knows she’s turning “3.” She counts the number of items in a picture (i.e., five crabs) although her counting is sometimes fanciful.

Austen is extremely affectionate now. She’s always giving hugs and kisses, especially when Mama isn’t feeling great. Before naps and at bedtime and even when being dropped off for classes, Austen insist on getting a hug and kiss goodbye.

Playing the role of a knight, Austen’s ready to duel.