Scurrying down the hall …

… toward the library, Gage tries to outcrawl Mommy, who is following him on foot. He knows he’s not supposed to go into the library (where Austen’s dangerous craft supplies are in easy reach), but he sees that the door is open, so he tries to reach the easel before Mommy can catch him. Once there, he quickly pulls himself up to his feet and grabs a piece of giant chalk, trying to hold onto it with all his might as Mommy twists it out of his hand. He’s going after what he wants whether you like it or not.

A First Step

Cruising from couch to table, Gage took a step.

Uh, Oooh, Ooooh, Ooooh

Gage’s favorite expression. He uses it every time he drops something or even when someone else drops something.

He also says “cat” as “ca ca ca.”

Not sure how he says going to say “Austen.”

There’s also “Mamama” and “Dadadada” and “Babababa” for bottle.

No More Video Monitor

Since our return from Cape May in August, we’ve stopped using the video monitor to watch over Austen in her room. Privacy … finally! Austen has adjusted and now just gets up, walks out of her room, usually talking loudly but not crying, and makes her way to Mommy and Daddy’s room. Previously — the first 3 1/2 years of her life — Austen had to call for Mommy and Daddy to come get her when she was done with sleeping.

The bathroom light in the hall is always on at night. Austen doesn’t like to get up and walk around in the dark.

Grabber

Gage is so fast with his reach and grasp. He shocks with how fast he can knock something over, and we always underestimate how far he can reach.

His crawling is super fast now, so you can’t let him out of your sight or he’ll dash for something dangerous, like electrical outlets.

Our naptime secret is a princess video.

Put on a video for Austen, and Mommy and Gage can lie down for a nap while she keeps the noise to a minimum for about an hour. Big sister has quite a voice, so we constantly remind her to keep the volume down when Gage is trying to sleep.