Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Motherhood | my own little audience

I love to play the piano. I have my mom to thank for that, since she taught us all to play when we were little. I remember dancing around the room with my siblings as my mom played silly songs like the "indian song." As I got older and started taking piano lessons more seriously, my admiration for her grew as I realized just how amazing she was. She could be playing Brahms or Beethoven, but she never made it look any harder than one of the children's songs. I loved listening to her. I loved watching my dad smile as she played. I wanted to be just like her. Now, I have a chance to be the mom that plays the piano for my kids. Braden sits in his bouncer next to the piano, snuggled in a blanket while I play him some songs. Most of the time it's primary songs or hymn arrangements, but sometimes I'll throw in a Gershwin or Chopin piece. I love watching his eyes go wide with excitement and his legs kick until his socks come off. This morning, I thought he was about to fall asleep as I started playing, but after a few dramatic key changes and some loud octaves from the right hand, he was wide awake again. He is the best listener! I make so many mistakes since I'm always looking over at him, but he still watches and listens. Someday he'll be able to dance around the room like I did as a kid, but for now he's just my own little audience. Thanks mom, for being the kind of person I wanted to grow up to be. Because of you, my children will have music in the home just like I was lucky enough to have when I was a kid.




Monday, February 25, 2013

Family Pictures

I just realized that I never posted our family pictures on the blog! My talented sister-in-law, Kristin Young, came over and took pictures of us at our house about a month ago. She did a WONDERFUL job! We had her take a few pictures of us outside on our porch so we can remember our little home in Provo. I'm sure it will be fun to show Braden pictures of the house he spent his first few years in. Here are some of my favorites (prepare yourself for a picture overload!).



















Video of Braden


Here's a little video of Braden. He has been talking (or "telling stories" as my family would say it) so much lately. I love how he kicks his feet when he's excited. Enjoy!

Monday, February 18, 2013

Weekend in Sandy

Braden and I got to spend the weekend up in Sandy since Devin was away in California for volleyball. It was so great to spend time with my parents and brother Logan for a few days. I enjoyed playing games, watching a cheesy KBYU chick flick, tracking Devin's games online (found out later we could have watched them), going to Logan's basketball game, shopping, eating Mom's delicious food, joking around with Logan, and watching Braden show off for the family. I'm taking advantage of the time we have in Provo since I know we'll be leaving Utah for an internship and later a job when Devin's done with school. 

Here are some pictures from the weekend:


(My mom turned his blanket into a Pharaoh costume. I love his little mustache sock peeking out the bottom!) 

No, he did not spend the weekend unclothed! These pictures were taken right before his bath. Logan is showing off his battle scars from his game. Look at his knee!
 

These were my old sunglasses as a kid. We had put other pairs of sunglasses on him and he'd squirm and get mad, but as soon as we put these ones one he started smiling up a storm!
 



 My dad got Braden to smile so big! He loves his grandpa! 


The weekend wouldn't have been complete without a little Batman dress-up party! haha




Thursday, February 14, 2013

Braden | two months


Braden is two months old (...and a few days)! He has grown so much this month and continues to make us love him more and more each day. Some of my favorite things about Braden right now are:

- He smiles so much, especially during diaper changes and after eating
- He loves to kick his legs and ends up kicking his socks off a few times a day
- He LOVES taking baths and loves to splash the water with his feet
- He loves to make sounds. It's so cute to see how hard he tries to let out even smallest little noise.
- He likes riding in the car with the car seat cover up so he can look around.
- He likes riding in the stroller when Mom walks around the track at BYU.

He is such a good baby! We love him so much!





It was hard to choose which picture to use for his two month, so I had to include a few more of my favorites:



Tuesday, February 12, 2013

BYU Men's Volleyball


Devin started another volleyball season in January and it's about time I wrote about it! He has started every game this season, which is saying a lot since BYU is ranked #1 in the nation. It has been SO fun to watch him play! I've been to a lot of his practices in the last year, but to see him play so well in games has been awesome. The highlight this year for me was when Devin had the winning kill against Irvine (who was ranked #1 at the time). It has been a little tricky with Braden's feeding schedule, but now that he's old enough to come to games it has been much easier. Our nurse told us to put some cotton in his ears to muffle the sound and it seems to be working since Braden doesn't seem to be too bothered by the noise. 
 

Lucky for me, BYU had home games all of January so this weekend is the first time he has traveled all season. Braden and I have been spoiled to have him around so much! The good thing is that I don't have school anymore to keep me in Provo, so I'll be going up to Sandy a lot when he's traveling. We love spending time with Grandpa and Grandma Clarke and Uncle Logan! 
 
(I think Braden got his "game face" genes from his dad)

I am so proud of Devin and all the hard work he has put into becoming so good at something he loves to do! I'm so glad he still has one more season so that Braden can come to his games when he's a little older.



Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Pictures of Braden


My talented sister-in-law Kristin took some picture of Braden a few weeks ago and we are so happy with the results! She did a great job! She really captured his personality right now, which I love. We love this little man!