Month: December 2008

Apparently, Austen is the not the only one holding it in.

Christmas was celebrated with the usual mosh-pit of girls, gift opening, running/screaming and some video-chatting with Cousin Morgan!

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Chacha helped Austen celebrate Christmas this year. With so many gifts to open and a general excitement in the air, it was an action-packed day.

A concerned Austen checks to confirm that Mama’s stocking was indeed empty; somehow Santa keeps forgetting about that one.

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Austen was more interested in conversing with Santa rather then taking a photo with him. Conversation topics included self-introductions, explaining a picture she drew for Santa and what Austen wanted for Christmas.

While Mama is completely bowled over by colds, Austen seems to fight off the same virus in a matter of days, and it barely slows her down.

It was Austen and Erin’s year to join Emma on Auntie Heather’s annual trip to the Nutcracker. Davinder, Lucinda, Zack, Janet and Eric were also in attendance. All three little girls did amazing, mesmerized as they watched the children dancing, the ballerina princesses spinning, the Christmas tree growing and the mice running around after the soldiers. Mommy was so impressed.

The amazing three year olds, Austen and Erin, sat still in their seats the entire show. Austen was excited from the start, anticipating princesses and the Nutcracker, whom she’d see at the Metuchen tree lighting ceremony. Next to Lucinda, Austen say in Emma’s arms, sharing a seat, and reminded everyone “Shhhh, you can’t talk during the show,” as she, Emma and Erin shared a container of gummy bears. There was some whispering between the girls but only about what was going on on stage. “Wow, the tree is getting taller and taller,” said Austen, in an excited whisper. “When are the mice coming?” asked Erin, who’d been told what to expect.

It was a joy just to watch the three little faces propped on the banister (Auntie Heather got us really good second tier seats). Their wide eyes were infectious.

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Austen watches Curious George every day. She likes to communicate in monkey talk: “Ooo Ooo Ooo, Ahh, Ahh, Ahh” and pointing. And often she’s inspired by what happened in the current episode. If George picks apples, Austen wants to pick apples. If George rides a bike, Austen wants to ride her bike. If George goes to the beach and builds a sand castle, Austen tells us she wants to go to the beach (in December).