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Austen can now sing the entire ABC songs, getting all the letters right.

Austen had fun playing with her friends at Ryan’s backyard pool party. Austen splashed the water, played with the sand and ran around, although she didn’t actually go into the pool, even though it was such a hot day.

Mama and Dada set out to build the library. Working odd hours and averaging about 2 hours per week, the job was finally completed 6 months later. Occasionally, Chacha and Austen helped although neither took orders particularly well.

Before:

During:

After:
New lighting, floor, shelves, electrical outlets, base and crown molding…

See all the pics.

Look Erin! I’ve got Minnie on my shirt!

And brought along their parents, including Uncle Mark who got a special birthday dinner. After running and screaming and chasing each other around Austen’s house, the three girls went shopping in Westfield at Thinka Dinka Toy Store. Then they played in the park — trying all the slides and swings. Then they had dinner at Tinga Mexican Tangeria. The evening ended with more play back at the house, where Erin played with all the Mini Mouse stuffed toys as she yelled “Mimi!”

Austen went crazy for both her cousins, playing and interacting with them, particularly emulating Emma. Austen would do whatever Emma did, happy to follow her around. There were no fussies, despite the lack of a nap, because Austen was so happy. The laughter was contagious, even for the adults. Mama and Dada were envisioning many future cousin get-togethers.

We’re not exagerating here. Austen’s favorite toys are books. Followed closely by stuffed animals (she sleeps with and carries around “Austen’s doggie” and “Austen’s tiger”).

Austen now sleeps through the night several times a week. Here she is sleeping with “Austen’s doggie.”

Everyday she plays with puzzles. When Mamma ordered Austen a puzzle with the letters of her name, she took to it possessively and spelled out her name “A … U … S … T … E … N … Austen!” Dada has been practicing spelling her name with the letters decorating her bedroom door since she was a little baby (circa 12 months).

Austen favorite activities are singing, jumping and climbing. Her vocalizations when singing are amazing for her age — ask her music teacher, Keira. Here, she’s singing the Alphabet Song:

Austen is struggling a bit with holding Mommy or Daddy’s hand when walking near streets or in parking lots. Mommy and Daddy have to pick their battles and this is one of them. If Mama makes sure to back off as much as possible and not tell Austen what to do unless absolutely necessary, Austen is happier, more playful and less stubborn. A first this month is that Austen, when she’s in a obedient mood, can be left to walk alone next to Mama: no hands!

In the morning Austen asks for “Yogurt” (pronounced perfectly) and “Fruit Bar.” We now understand a lot of what Austen is saying. When she’s had enough of shopping, she says, “All done!” When she wants someone she says, “Come, Mama!” or “Come, Mimi!” Mimi is her nickname from Grandma Mindy. When she sees Squirt getting into something she shouldn’t, she says, “No, Squirt!” Austen asks for “snacks” and “Coocoos” (cookies) and “Austen’s water” and then says “Thank you” when she gets what she asked for. She also says “Thank you” when she does something nice for someone else, eliciting them to reciprocate the polite behavior she’s quickly mastering.

Look at those long legs. Dada bought this dress in Tokyo.

As for make believe play, the day after her Jane Austen Tea Party, Austen was spotted serving tea to her doggie (AKA Austen’s Dog, AKA The black and white sheepdog from Folkmanis).

Austen can follow two-step instructions. “Go get Dada’s drink and give it to Dada.” When happy, she’ll share toys, fetch things, throw trash away and clean up toys. It just has to be her decision to do so. When she won’t follow the rules and the matter is serious, she gets a “No!” or “Austen you have to …” and if this doesn’t work, she gets a time out. Grabbing things from the other kids at My Gym is one thing she struggles with.

Speaking of My Gym, the mommies and teachers there are impressed with Austen’s jumping and climbing abilities, her balance, and how she “talks a lot.” Mama has to admit she’s proud, but she definitely never expected to parent an athelete.

One of Austen’s super cutie behaviors is talking to Dada (or Grandma) on the phone. She has very long conversation, with tons of emphasis and dramatic intonation, but we can’t really understand much of what’s she’s saying.

At the park or at the town swimming pool, Austen sometimes runs for the hills, which worries Mama a bit. She’s noticed that the other kids aren’t so independent; they at least glance backward. But it’s nice the way Austen can play independently in the mornings, allowing Mama to rest a bit and not have to get up too early.

Like her Auntie Heather, Austen talks about shoes a lot. She likes to put on and take off her own shoes. And she likes to try on Mama’s shoes. Maybe she’s eyeing Auntie Heather’s Manolo collection.

Austen now opens and closes doors using round door handles, so Mama had to run out and buy more babyproofing stuff, including door handle covers. It’s cool the way Austen sometimes has the run of the upstairs or downstairs and Mama or Dada don’t have to always be in the same room as she.

Today, Austen went to see her first movie with Mama. They saw Pixar’s Ratatouille during an early afternoon showing. Although the theatre was fairly crowded with plenty of older kids, Austen happily sat on Mama’s lap for over an hour, enjoying the new experience, the huge screen and of course, Remy the rat (or “mouse” as Austen calls him).

After about an hour, Austen started to tickle Mama and giggle and talk, tipping Mama off that Austen probably had enough. Then, as Austen was carried up the aisle to leave the theatre, she repeatedly exclaimed “Bye-bye mouse. See you later. Bye-bye. See ya, mouse.” while waving to the screen. Mama tried to explain to Austen to speak softly but couldn’t help giggling herself and no one seemed to be bothered by it, although they all stared

Overall, it was a great trip to the movies (even if Mama paid full price for Austen’s ticket and later confirmed kids under two get in for free) and Austen seems to be a budding fan of the big screen.

Mama also enjoyed the movie and was able to see the ending a few days later when she went to see another movie with Dada and Chacha.

While dining at one of Austen and Mama’s favorite restaurants (Tinga), the entertaining balloon artist made this fancy peacock for Austen.