I’m a little late getting these posted, but in case you didn’t see them on Instagram/Facebook – my baby girl turned two on August 2nd! Where the heck has the time gone?

We kept it pretty simple this year by celebrating her birthday with my parents (aka Rah Rah and KK) who were in town for a visit from Texas. I had some Minnie Mouse cupcakes made by the amazing team at Sweet (asked them the night before, and they had NO problem doing it last minute!) and we opened gifts at our new home. Austyn naturally loved all of the attention! We bought her a toddler sized denim chair that I’m itching to have monogrammed and a new set of bath toys. Rah Rah and KK bought her a giraffe swimming pool and an outdoor table with umbrella – perfect, because she’s starting to LOVE the outdoors.

Speaking of the outdoors, we also spent some time on Sunday at my parents’ new RV which they parked at Sesquicentennial State Park. Not going to lie – I would TOTALLY be up for traveling cross-country in one of those! Austyn loved exploring inside and outside, even if it meant fighting her nap for hours while I went to get my nails done with my mom! (Thanks, Dustin & Dad!)

It’s really hard to believe that it’s been two years since Austyn made her way into this world. Just the other day I was marveling at how she’s already speaking in sentences and communicating very clearly what she would and would not like to do. Her vocabulary increases on a daily basis, but her love for others is even more incredible to me. She’s so affectionate towards others, and will sometimes stroke my cheek and whisper “mommy, sweet girl!” – of course, I melt every time! Although there are some frustrating moments from time to time, for the most part I marvel that God would entrust me to care for such a beautiful example of his creation at work.

Happy birthday, Austyn Blakeley Chappell!