Mini-FCC

Recently, Austen started using the word “stupid.” Mama & Dada quickly discouraged use of this word and it stuck. Accidentally say “stupid” in any conversation within Austen’s earshot and you’ll quickly get a firm reminder of your violation in a dissapproving tone, eliciting an immediate apology by the offender. Fortunately(?), this is the only word on the mini-FCC’s list at this time.

Two Video Baby Monitors

Mama has to keep her eyes and ears open and monitor two little video screens now. One for Austen and one for Gage. It’s the best way to determine who’s sleeping soundly and who needs some attention. When Austen is upset about being in her room Mommy can keep track of what she’s saying and whether she’s calmed down enough to talk out the problem.

Hotel Stay

Austen enjoyed staying at the hotel during our visit to see her cousins for Easter.

The room had two queen sized beds as we requested and we brought a pack-n-play for Gage but Austen decided she wanted to sleep in it so Gage got the queen-sized bed instead…go figure.

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Marriage Proposals

Austen has several future grooms already planning weddings. We won’t say who to protect their identities. Let’s just say Mama suggests some ancient Roman ruins on the Amalfi Coast as a nice setting.

I guess this is what happens when you spend all your time chasing boys around in circles, up and down hallways, in and out of stores, around coffee tables, up stairs, …

My Own Private FCC

After Mommy stalwartly insisted Austen never call things/people “stupid,” Mommy is frequently caught using the word in the context of some long conversation with another mom or Dada, and Austen immediately hollers, “Don’t say “stupid,” Mama!”

She’s listening!!! … Very closely!!!!

Three-Month Update: Art Appreciation

Gage moves around in his crib. A week before his three month birthday, he rolled over from his chest to his back. Hooray! Maybe he’ll be an early walker like big sister. Mommy is predicting that he’ll be walking by the time we don him in the pumpkin Halloween costume.

Gage is enamored by Austen’s artwork and stares at it, complaining when it’s moved out of view. Mommy ran to Amazon.com and ordered some black and white geometric-image cards, as well as some books. He loves them all.

Sadly, Gage rarely melts in your arms now. He’s working on his small motor skills, so he jerkily moves his arms and legs whenever he’s awake — and even bobs his head a lot. When he’s tired, he goes a little spastic, voices some loud complaints, and needs to be rocked, patted and soothed into sleep. He doesn’t just drift off to sleep like the most easy going babies.  

Gage is not into toys yet, but he loves to look people in the eye and “talk” and smile with them.  He stares at lights and the TV, but his dangling playmat toys haven’t really captured his interest yet.  Mommy can’t help but compare him to his sister who LOVED toys at around his age:  they were her constant obsession.

Gage really loves his bouncy seat, his bumbo chair and his car seat … although now he wants the car to always be moving and the bouncy to be bouncing. More work for Mommy and Daddy.

Often Mommy likes to walk around with Gage in a sling. Daddy think he looks squished but Mommy has had success holding him this way in at playdates and parties when he’s not happy to be sitting in his car seat on the floor or laying on the floor playing. The motion of walk and the patting by mommy seem to make him happy.

Unlike when he was first born, he doesn’t seem to need to be cuddled up close to someone to stay warm or covered with several blankets to sleep. He still likes blankets and being held but it’s not a constant thing for him anymore.

Sometimes Mommy puts Gage on the bed or on the floor to look around and check out the scene. He’s definitely starting to pay more attention to his big sister, although she’s a little too animated for him sometime.

Gage now weights 15lbs 3ounces and is 25.75 inches long.