Aurora contines to grow and develop by leaps and bounds. She knows several standard baby signs (bath, book, milk, more, eat, brush teeth) and she even made up one of her own for "snack" (kudos to Jon who figured out what she wanted whenever she made that sign!). She also understands simple commands, such as "come" (or "gung wao lai") or "give that to Mama." Of course, she may choose to not follow them if she prefers not to! Aurora has known what "no" means for at least 6 months, but it doesn't always deter her from touching the humidifier or trying to shake the living room lamp. In fact, she often thinks "no" is a game - can she make it to the light before Mama or Baba can? Aurora has a few spoken words, including "up" and "dat" (that). She can reliably indicate what she wants to us by pointing and grunting or saying "dat", by shaking her head no, by using her baby signs, or by pushing things away. When she is ready for bed, Aurora will bring us her PJ's or try to herd Mama down the hallway into her bedroom!

Aurora has been able to push/pull open doors and close them for several months, but now she understands that if she comes into the bathroom when someone else in already in there, she should close the door after she enters. She also closes the door to her bedroom when she is ready for bed. She learned how to turn off her bedroom light switch a while ago, but by the middle of the month she had also figured out how to turn the light on while standing up in her crib.

She is becoming more independent. Aurora will wander out of one room and into another, even if we don't follow her. She knows how to look for us in each room if she wants to find the parent who is currently not with her. If she wants to go outside, she will bring our shoes to us. We bought Aurora her first "kid sized" peice of furniture - a round easy chair from Pottery Barn Kids. She loved it immediately! Aurora climbed right into it and sat down. She likes to have stories read to her when she is sitting in her chair. Unfortunately, she quickly learned how to stand up in her chair too. We are sure that she will fall off it at some point. Aurora is very adventurous around the house but she is still quite shy around strangers.

At the end of the month, we planted some flowers, herbs, and tomatoes in containers that we keep on the front landing to the house. Aurora likes to use the watering can Wai Pao bought her to help water the plants. OK, so she waters the concrete more than the plants. But she knows that to fill her can she needs to bring it over to the rain barrel and then either Baba or Mama will fill it up for her. Aurora loves to play with water, whether it is causing a mini tsunami in her bathtub, sticking her hands into a bucket of rainwater, or turning on the faucets full blast to wash her hands.

Tooth count: 10


May 2, 2009: We spent the morning at the library (Mother Goose on the Loose, followed by a little play time), then met up with some friends for lunch in Brookline. After lunch, we went to a Brookline playground.

Video: Attack of Baba the elephant!

Aurora loves playing at this table. We may need to get one for home!


Greer and her Daddy at the playground


Molly's a natural at holding Greer!


Greer smiling up her Daddy


Aurora and Greer meet again...Aurora is not sure if she likes Greer (especially when Mama or Baba is holding Greer)


Greer and her Mommy



May 3, 2009: The City of Newton hosts an annual Kids Fest, which we took Aurora to this year. She went on her first carnival rides that day. Not sure who had more fun - Baba or Aurora?

Aurora drooling with excitement (or maybe she's just getting a new tooth...)


Aurora loves to go down slides, and she finds her own slides at home.
Video: Sliding down

Aurora on her first carnival ride. Baba went along to make sure she didn't get too scared.


Aurora goes on the taxi ride by herself. She looks very intent while driving.


Fried dough...yummy!


Aurora meets the Newton Liger, a family photo, and then time to go home before it rains again!



May 5, 2009: Aurora loves the songs and games we learned at Mother Goose on the Loose.

Video: Grand Old Duke of York


May 7, 2009: Aurora tries out her new chair. It's just perfect for reading books!

Video: This one is just my size!




May 9, 2009: Trying out the Loker Park playground near Mama's school.




May 16, 2009: MGOL in the morning, then lunch with Mama's friends. Heather is visiting from DC!



Heather and Rebecca


Amy and Aurora


Aurora and Greer once again. This time, Aurora gives Greer a kiss.



May 17, 2009: The Newton Memorial Day parade passes close to our home.




May 21, 2009: Uncle Anthony babysits Aurora that evening so Mama and Baba can go to the prom. Here she is showing Uncle Anthony how much she loves yogurt.




May 23 and May 24, 2009: Aurora loves to dance, and she starts to boogie whenever she hears good music. Here she is enjoying the intro to "Ni Hao Kai Lan."

Video: Naked dancing

Video: Dancing in PJs


May 30, 2009: We grilled some food for dinner, and Aurora tried corn on the cob for the first time. Do you think she liked it?



Video: Corn on the cob