For five days straight, out of nowhere, at random times, Austen suddenly exclaims, “Julian broke his leg!!!” When Alyson and Julian came to visit last Friday, Alyson told the other moms the story of how Julian broke his leg when he was 8 months old. Austen was apparently listening and the story has made quite an impact on her little psyche. Out of nowhere, it all comes back to her, and she yells, “Julian broke his leg!!!” as if it just happened ten minutes ago and she’s telling us for the first time.
If only Alyson would come tell a rapturous story about how pushing little kids is not cool. 🙂Huh?
Dean & Theo’s Halloween Party
Pirates, train engineers, a knight, a cookie monster, witches, a dragon and a princess gathered to celebrate Halloween. In their normal style, they ran around, went wild in the jumpy castle, played games and gobbled up treats (as if they needed more fuel!). Four hours later, the only ones slowing down were the adults; I’m sure there were plenty of napping monsters this afternoon.
Pumpkin Carving
Austen & Dada carved a pumpkin today. Austen took more of an advisory role while Dada was the laborer.
After lighting the candles inside pumpkin head, Austen insisted on blowing them out to celebrate.
Princess Obsession: Sad but True
Poor Austen has been hit hard by the world of princesses … where a new dress is everything you could ever wish for and one dance means love. “Ugh,” says Mommy.
“Big Girl” Austen watches Disney fairy tales obsessively; they’re great for bribery. So far Mommy has given in and bought Cinderella (“leave the sewing to the women, you go get some trimmings … and we’ll make a lovely dress for Cinderelly”), Beauty and the Beast (more admirable female lead), Sleeping Beauty (vapid) and The Little Mermaid (sixteen and getting married?).
When Austen goes out, she spots every princess related item in her vicinity and even creates some new ones: a prom dress becomes, “Look! A princess dress!” She even recognizes the songs (her mommy’s fave part of the stories) when she hears then, identify which movie they’re from.
Any item in a store related to princess (mostly Disney princesses) must be purchased, if not now, then later. “Later, okay we’ll buy it tomorrow,” says Austen when Mommy tries to discourage her without producing screaming.
Daddy’s favorite part seems to be helping Austen with her princess dress up clothes. He keeps track of the clip-on earrings and is good at helping fasten princess tops. “I’m Snow White,” Austen always says, although she hasn’t worn her official Snow White dress since last Halloween. Mommy’s choice of an outfit was prophetic. We’ll probably be getting it out of the closet for one of this year’s parties.
Potty Training
Austen’s been potty training since Sunday. She’s very proud of herself today but often puts up a bit of a fight. Best results are when she’s home and has her big girl cotton panties on.
Emma & Erin’s Birthday Party
Austen really enjoyed seeing Emma & Erin at their birthday party; it was princess heaven … with cake and gifts.
Halloween Party at MOMS Club
Austen put on her new chicken costume for the annual MOMS Club of Edison Halloween celebration, where she hooked up with many friends, played games, ran around, paraded for the local residents and ate a lot of candy.
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Pumpkin & Apple picking
Dressing and Undressing
Austen is getting really good at taking off her PJs and putting on her clothes (or vice versa). She’s very proud of herself. “Look! I did it!” And she talks about how her baby brother is going to need help getting dressed.