2 Years Old

Picking flowers for mommy.

This past weekend we celebrated the first 2 years of Austin's life.  Two Years!  I still can't believe it has been that long.  It honestly feels like just yesterday that I was in the hospital giving birth to the kid and now here we are about to do it again for his little brother.  To say that he has changed our life in the past 2 years is in understatement.  Austin challenges us everyday to be better people and better parents. He is constantly evolving and changing and therefore we must as well.  Lately Austin has really started becoming more vocal.  If I had to guess he probably has about 50-75 words and sometimes he will use them in 2-3 word sentences.  He repeats EVERYTHING!  He will try and say everything although sometimes things come out sounding a little funny.  For instance instead of car he say "cargun" and popsicle comes out "ocle".  To be honest we don't always encourage him to say it correctly, because we think it's cute.  He also knows a lot of names now.  He can say pretty much all of his family member's names and a few of his friends too.   It has been so nice to be able to communicate with him and hear his opinion (for the most part ha).  We try to give him choices so that he is able to exert some of his independence.  Austin's favorite thing right now is animals.  He loves all of them!  He knows all of their names and sounds and we try to visit farms, the zoo, and friend's pets whenever possible.  Austin had his animal themed birthday party this weekend and we kept the decorations up a few extra days because he loved looking at all of the animals.   We have also downloaded a few animal games on the iPad and Austin is a wiz.  He honestly teaches me how to play the games sometimes.  It is crazy how fast these kids pick up on things.  While Austin still loves Sesame Street I think his favorite tv show is now Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  Austin doesn't sit still very often these days but every morning when he wakes up he will come in our bed and cuddle with me and watch Mickey.  It is the BEST!  It's actually pretty educational and he has learned to count and name different animals from the show.  Like I mentioned before Austin doesn't sit still for long.  We are usually on the go running errands, playing at the park, at play dates, at preschool, or on a walk around the neighborhood.  I don't know what we will do once the weather gets cold, because this boy loves to get outside.  Lately he is obsessed with playing in the front seat of mommy and daddy's car.  He could sit out there for an hour pressing buttons and pretending to steer.  When our busy day is done we have a pretty good bedtime routine.  Austin takes a long bath in his new bathtub and loves playing with all of his bath toys.  We finish up the night with books, milk, and then bed around 8.  His favorite books at the moment are Giraffes Can't Dance, Dinosaur Dinosaur, Pete The Cat, and Click Clack Moo.  Austin is still in his crib, but we feel like our days are numbered, because he has been putting his foot up on the edge like he wants to climb out.  Mommy and Daddy are praying he gives us a little more time since we have a newborn coming and we at least need one kid sleeping.  Austin is still using his paci when he sleeps but he doesn't use it any other time.  To be honest we are picking our battles.  I know he has to get rid of it eventually so that it won't effect his teeth, but he loves it and so he can keep it for a few more months.  I promise he won't go to kindergarten with it ;)

We are beyond blessed with such a loving and happy little boy.  He just loves life and people.  While no toddler is perfect and they have their trying days, we feel like we hit the jackpot with Austin.  His little brother has no idea yet how lucky he is to have such a good role model.  While I am sure there will be the normal brotherly fights, I know in my heart that Austin will take his little brother under his wing and protect and love him.  It's just how he is.  When I say that Austin teaches me to be a better person I am not lying.  I have said it before and I will say it again, it's a pleasure to do life with you little man.

Austin's 2 Year Statistics

Height 36.25 inches (90%)
Weight 32.9 pounds (90-95%)
Head 50%
Size 6 diaper
2T-3T clothes

New balance bike or "motorcycle"