Mr. and Mrs. Volk: Austin's 2nd Birthday!

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Austin's 2nd Birthday!

Austin turned 2 on Sunday, March 5! I cried. This past year while Aaron has been gone so much, I've been pushing time forward counting down every second until Aaron would be with our family again. The year seemed to take forever at times and then suddenly, Austin woke up and is a year older and I cried with how quickly the year passed.

We love Austin and his hugs and dimples. He loves Eli - he calls him "i" all the time. He loves animals like his dad. He sings, "I Am a Child of God" and "I Love to see the Temple." He loves reading books and cuddling his two blankies. He always has stuffed animals in both of his arms and is great at building towers and putting puzzles together. I took him to the Dr. yesterday for his two year old check up and the Dr. was impressed with how well he speaks. He and Eli talk more than I do. :)

Before Aaron deployed, he gave us all a blessing and in Austin's blessing, he said that when the time was right, he would get over his binky. Last week, I noticed that the binky had a small tear in it and I was afraid Austin would bite it off and could chock. I realized at that moment that it was time for him to be over the binky. He has gone to bed just fine, but has struggled sometimes with nap time, but he's getting better and better each day about going to sleep without crying. As I prayed for Austin to have strength to get over his binky being suddenly gone, I said the words, "Please help Austin to realize that I'm taking this away for his protection. I know it will be best for him even though he may not understand it at this moment." As I said those words, I had several moments in my life come to mind in which I doubted Heavenly Father knew what was best - but as I look back on those times now - with jobs that fell through or relationships that didn't work out - I can see and boldly declare that Heavenly Father does have a perfect plan for each of us. Oh Austin, I pray you'll forever know that to be true!

Balloons and birthday streams are a tradition to wake up to around here. :)

Eli and Austin had sprinkle pancakes for breakfast before church. We were all up so early that Austin even got to open his presents before church - he loved the shape cupcakes and scooter!!

Eli drew Austin this card and was explaining it to him in this picture!

I love this little boy so much!

Austin and Aaron have a special relationship - I think it's because when Austin was first born, he was in the NICU for 4 days and Aaron held and fed him the entire time. Technology has also allowed Austin to still be in touch with his dad while he's been away for half his little life!