Hugs For Grandpa Earl

Austen continues to demand attention from Grandpa Earl, although he does not seem to encourage this. She reaches for him and insists on being picked up and held … even when Mommy or Daddy are already carrying her. If she keeps this up, she’s been promised a Shetland Pony.

Mommy is still waiting for Grandpa Earl to give her one compliment, the first of her lifetime. “You sure are a good mother, Lucinda!” would do.

Grandpa and Dolly were visiting from Friday to Sunday and rode to Erin’s and Emma’s Birthday Party with Mommy, Daddy and Austen.

Very Strong!

Austen went to get some shots today (including the preservative-free flu shot) and the nurse commented that she sees children Austen’s age all day long and Austen is “very strong!” Obviously, Austen does not cooperate when getting shots, straining her arms and legs to try to get away.

Mommy noticed that mirroring Austen’s feelings — “You don’t like it! You don’t want to get any shots!” — seemed to help a lot. Austen understands a lot of what is being said to her. And she tries new words everyday, even phrases like “Thank you, Dada!” and “Happy Halloween!” She’s an expert as saying “Hi” and “Bye” accompanied by waves. After the crying was over, she waved goodbye to the nurse. No resentment.

Trick or Treating

After countless Halloween parties, get-togethers and events, Austen finally got to go trick or treating. She got into her pumpkin costume (you may have seen a picture or two) and off we went.

We started by visiting our neighbors. The first few houses were a little scary; Austen was reserved and fussy. At the next few houses, she was comfy being held by Dada while being handed some candy. Several houses later on a different street, she started smiling, waving hi and bye and reaching in to the hosts’ buckets and carefully pulling out a piece of candy. By the time we made it to the final round of houses, as soon as someone came to the door, Austen already had her arm outstretched ready to grab the candy, followed by some waving and babling.

Interestingly enough, several people instructed Austen to only take one piece. I guess they didn’t realize she couldn’t really understand them or even eat the candy. One person insisted that a baby like Austen must take take a Three Musketeers bar instead of a Heath Bar. Go figure! Austen just liked holding the crinkly wrappers.

Correct Notes

Today while Mommy was singing a Music Together song, Austen hummed along with the correct notes! “Sing Rue, Sing Rue…”

Mommy predicts Austen will be the next musician in the family. She has about a one in four chance of being correct.