Austen is just starting to be able to grasp and hold a rattle, which she immediately moves toward her mouth for tasting. She still loves her pacifier and is soothed by it many times each day.
Austen now holds her head up 90 degrees above the ground during tummy-time – although she dislikes being on her stomach for very long. She can also turn her head from left to right in the process, although with a bit of a wobble.
Occasionally, Austen is able to roll from her stomach to her back, although she hasn’t mastered this skill. Mommy & Daddy are in no rush because they like to be able to leave her on the center of the bed once in a while without worrying she’ll get herself into trouble.
Austen has a strange love for diaper changes. If she’s crying or fussing and you put her on her changing table, she calms down almost instantly and even starts smiling and playing. Remarkably, she enjoys having her diaper changed even when it’s not actually soiled.
Smiling is one of Austen’s favorite activities – a close second to flailing her arms and legs and batting at toys hanging from her play gym. Daddy often gets a big “welcome home from work” smile. Austen smiles when a bottle of milk approaches her mouth but immediately screams LOUDLY if you mischievously take it away before she’s full.
Speaking of LOUDNESS. Austen cries loudly almost every time she transitions from play to sleep, or from eating to playing, or from sleeping to eating. This is apparently her way of telling you she needs your assistance ASAP. Correspondingly, she also coos and talks loudly and likes to hold back and forth conversations in baby talk. If you walk up to her, bring your face close and speak, she’ll usually either smile or say something back to you. Mommy was elated the first time Austen smiled back at her when she rushed over in response to some fussing.
Austen’s first party was Emma Famous’ 3rd Birthday party, where her pacifier was swiped by Cousin Morgan Famous – see the exciting caught-in-the-act video footage soon to come. She had a good time napping in people’s arms and playing on Cousin Erin’s play-mat.
On the weekends, Austen is often babysat by her Rodey grandparents who never let her out of their sight for even a moment.