Austen & Gage

Over the past few weeks, Austen has completed her transition to walking. Walking is her preferred method of transportation. In fact, if you chase after her, she gets excited, starts to giggle and run away, looking back every now and then to see if you’re close to catching her. Otherwise, she loves to walk everywhere: indoors, outdoors, at stores, malls and restaurants. The downside is she’s not as content being strapped into her stroller, making it a little tough when we’re in a place that’s not conducive to baby walking.

Although Austen took a break from jar foods for a few weeks, she’s back to eating pureed organics now, but in a smaller quantity. This works out well because you can quickly feed her a jar and then leisurely let her feed herself regular foods like chicken, ham, turkey, string beans, whole wheat bread, fruit, and organic cheerios (of course!).

She hasn’t touched a pacifier in over a month so that concludes the pacifier stage. It looks like Mommy and Daddy can skip over the weaning-your-baby-off-the-pacifier chapter. Lucky break!

Austen has an idea of what is right and wrong, or at least what she isn’t supposed to do, but she can’t seem to resist doing it — or maybe she’s “testing” Mommy and Daddy. For example, she knows she’s not supposed to run into Daddy’s closet but whenever the door is open, she darts in, grabs some clothes, turns around, gives Daddy a big grin as if to say, “I just couldn’t help myself.” Then she usually leaves after being reminded that she shouldn’t do that. She also darts for the open fridge or open door leading outside; unrolls the toilet paper; grabs at electrical outlets and cords; tries to open drawers and cabinets; and finds anything you absent-mindedly leave on the floor. Quick and tricky little booger!

Sleep has always been Austen’s sticking issue. She sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night and needs soothing or milk. She keeps Mommy and Daddy guessing. One day she naps for 4 1/2 hours and the next day she naps for 40 minutes total.

Personality is Austen’s best feature. She’s still a people lover, albeit more wary. She warms to those who smile at her as long as she is given time to stare at them for a while, with a cautious grin on her face. When people are talking and laughing around her, Austen must join in and have her share of the laughter — even though she probably has little idea what’s being said. She thrives in social settings involving other kids and parties for hours without fussies. Flume rides and high swinging appeal to her thrill-seeking side. She laughs when you dangle her upside down or spin her around. Mommy loves the excited way Austen flails her arms and squeals whenever she “discovers” Mommy under the covers in bed. It’s easier for Mommy and Daddy to teach Austen things now, as long as they use wacky voices in doing so. Austen is learning to roll a ball and identify face parts (nose, cheeks, and ears). If you’re sufficiently animated, you can read her a book.

Most surprising update of the month: Austen’s interest in toys has actually DECREASED. Most of her playtimes, including a lot of independent play at home, is devoted to walking and exploring.

Austen practices her dancing moves while eating some cheerios and wearing a baggy (but clean) diaper.