June 2006 – Page 2 – Austen & Gage

Austen is strong willed by nature. “When she’s older, she’ll never let any men push her around,” says Mommy. Mommy and Daddy sometimes call her the ‘baby dictator’ — or ‘crazy baby’ when she’s manic. She has strong feelings about what she wants and if she doesn’t get it right away, she lets out a protest scream. Just try taking the remote control our of her hands. Thank goodness there are no longer extended periods of crying where she’s difficult to soothe. Her strong-willed personality is closely related to her passionate attachments to things and people. Luckily she likes a lot of things, but dislikes only a few (face touching, being strapped into a seat for too long, slow food service).

“Strapped in again! At least I’m in my floppy seat.”

Austen can stand unsupported for up to a minute but doesn’t take a step unless holding onto something.

She does, however, jump, particularly if there’s music playing. When holding onto something or someone, she bends her legs and bops up and down. [Insert video of her jumping]

Her love of the cats grows. Whenever she sees one, she squeals with delight and tries to say “Caaa.” Squirt is her favorite kitty although Austen is much too rough with her. It’s odd to see the power-burst fuzz running away from a baby lest she get whacked.

Austen can climb up stairs, but going down unassisted is a complete wipeout and would be incredibly dangerous for her.

Austen’s loves to hold things … while getting her diaper changed … while being carried around … even while using her Haba walker. [picture of Haba walker] If only she had three hands, she could hold more than two things at once. It’s hard for her choose which thing to let go of in order to pick up something new.

Her favorite game is the “I’m gonna getcha” chase game where Daddy flees with her while Mommy chases after, yelling “I’m gonna getcha!” Austen laughs and laughs at this game.

Austen is much better at independent play than she once was. (She used to scream if Mommy left the room or wasn’t there to constantly assist her in standing or sitting or reaching for something). She can play for a while in her playroom while Mommy walks around putting things away. Or she can crawl around downstairs while Mommy types on the computer — but you have to keep an eye on her because she can quickly get into things she shouldn’t.

Socializing is something Austen always loves. She climbs and grabs other kids and mommies at classes and playgroups. Currently, she’s involved in Music Together, Gymboree, YMCA Swimming class, Middlesex Moms and MOMS club of Edison. Other moms comments on her smile and her eyes — and how she’s doing things early.

Austen still loves when Mommy sings to her … and doesn’t seem to mind too much when Daddy sings to her. Her favorite songs are the ones that include activities: “Pop Goes the Weasel” (jumping), “Pease Porridge Hot” (clapping) and “Ring Around the Rosy” (falling down). Anything said with animation and spirit is more appealing to Austen.

Notes:

Getting into trouble: unraveling toilet paper, trying to pull out nightlights, treating trash can contents like a smorgasbord, picking up dirt off the ground and trying to stuff it in her mouth, trying to pull herself up on a standing lamp in the family room, leaning over the edge of the bed (couch), whacking people with her flailing arms (mostly by accident), _______________

Austen naps two or three times a day and is going to bed around 8pm and waking up around 7am (but sometimes she gets formula in the middle of the night around 3am).

Less drooling, except when teeth are hurting. Less use of pacifier during waking hours and to soothe her. Soothed by toys and change of scenery.

Soiled diapers two times a day. Very squirmy during diaper changing but less crying.

[It’s Daddy’s fault that this post is not complete. It’s also Daddy’s fault that there are so many entries missing from this blog; the computer has been down. EVENTUALLY, all missing posts, dating back to May 20th, will be up, so please check back in a few weeks.]