On July 14, I went back to work. Going back to work was tough, but has been a very positive experience overall. Miss Karie, the lady Austin stays with during the day is awesome. Each day I get a phone call during lunch where she updates me about Austin's morning. We have a notebook that Miss Karie fills out each day with all of Austin's activities - everything from swinging and floor play to poopie diapers and how much he eats. It is really nice to read each night about his day.
Austin has new friends at Miss Karie's house. There is Jake, a 2 year old little boy who was so excited to have another little boy at Miss Karie's that he went around telling people (much to his parents chagrin) that "Austin has a peepee like me"! There is Carlee, a 1.5 year old little girl who likes saying "hi, Baby!" to Austin. Carlee also likes giving Austin his pacifier but isn't completely coordinated so the pacifier usually hits him in the nose or in the eye before finally making it to his mouth, only to be pulled right back out! Luckily he is an easy going baby and just smiles at Carlee when this occurs. Finally, Austin's favorite new friend is Tessa, Miss Karie's 8 year old daughter who ADORES Austin. I think Tessa will have withdrawal when she goes back to school in a couple of weeks!
Austin is growing like crazy. He now weighs over 14 pounds. He is able to hold his head up really well and can sit up with just a little help. He also LOVES to stand with help. Many times sitting is simply not an option. Why sit when you can stand?!? He also laughs now and it is the funniest and most wonderful sound in the world. One night Daddy got Austin to giggle and laugh just by talking to him. I don't think I've seen Daddy glow like that other than on the day Austin was born. :-)
Rolling over is the latest trick Austin has learned. He can get from his back onto his right side, but hasn't quite figured out how to get over to his stomach. We are expecting this revelation to occur any day now. Right now, though, he will lay on the blanket and go from his back to his side, then flip back onto his back and repeat the process over and over. When placed on his tummy he can get all the way over onto his back.
Austin is becoming quite the blabbermouth. He says lots of "mmmmm" and "ma" sounds but hasn't quite gotten the "mama" out yet. We are convinced that dog-speak and baby-speak is interchangeable. Daja and Austin seem to be able to communicate perfectly!
