The Bigelows

The Bigelows
Living the Dream, One Day of Chaos at a Time....

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Showing Off!

A couple nights ago, we were at a neighborhood sing along.  It was soooo fun to sing the carols.  I love that my kids know alot of the songs now, and I adore singing Christmas carols.  I took the opportunity to go for the high note at the end of a song, and turned a few heads.  When the people in front of me realized where the High F was coming from, I proudly/jokingly said "I'm a show off!".  But it's not my fault!  Just look at what my family has been up to lately, and it's clear to see that we groom children to show off at this time of year.  I just never grew out of it.  :)



I am super bummed that the video of the ballet performance is too large for my blog.  The girls did great.  I love watching them dance.  They have become so graceful.




The girls also had their first piano recital last week!  They each played two songs, memorized.  No pictures, but videos at the bottom.  Bronwyn almost didn't go up because she was supposed to introduce herself.  At the end she finally conceded after Todd said he would introduce her.  She then played flawlessly.  And even though she claims to not like attention, she sure didn't mind all the attention she got during refreshments when she loudly sang "Jingle Bells, mommy smells, mommy laid an egg..."  LOL!


The next time to shine was at the ward Christmas party.  
Anytime the primary performs, my heart smiles.


Several days later, Todd got to show off his new work location.  The kids and I loved walking around Aptina's new locale, and seeing where Todd spends most of his time.  Here the kids are in the lab, looking at themselves on a tv screen.


This is Todd's cube.  He does miss his office, but hopefully it's worth working closer to home!


I loved how the cookies had the logo on them!


I get to show off everytime I hold Brandon.  Not only is he the cutest baby around, but he always settles into me and rarely cries if he is with me.  He will be screaming with someone else, then I come and grab him, and he settles right down and sucks his thumb.  :)




It's no secret that I think Ty is the cutest thing on the planet.  I was beyond excited to see him in his first performance ever today!  He was so cute, authentic, and at times, hilarious.  


I think he sang more than any other kid in his class.  He really knew the lyrics, which is so like his mom.  :)  Lyrics rule.



He knew the words, but didn't know the actions...  But his own actions were pretty funny.  Especially when he grabbed his crotch.  My friend and I about fell out of our seats!  Todd wasn't as amused...


As time went on, we began to see more and more of his personality come out.


Love that kid.


As soon as Ty's show was over, we rushed over to Maple Grove for Magdalen's!  She has been working hard and practicing her songs at home.  She was also chosen to go on the stage and be one of the special dancers (another file too big for the blog, ug!)  She did great.  The program was mainly light hearted and fun.  But there was one song about children wanting peace and good will, and it really pulled at my emotions.  The melody was simple and sweet.  The voices were innocent.  With last week's tragedy, I couldn't help but choke back a tear or two.  

And there you have it, our month of showing off!  Below are video highlights.































Friday, December 7, 2012

Half-way There


Despite the craziness of raising 4 kids, I really do try and savor the moments while my babies are tiny.  It is hard to find a quiet moment to enjoy where they are in life.   And for some reason, it seems even harder to find a picture that really captures all the cuteness of Baby Brandon!  I can't believe this little guy is half way through his first year of life! Here are some of my favorite shots, highlighting where he is in his journey.



Brandon was fed solids for the first time on Thanksgiving day.  I just couldn't resist mashing up a sweet potato for him!  He loved it!  He caught on fast, and enjoys all sorts of orange colored food. 



Brandon and I spend about 60% of our awake time in this position.  He loves to suck his thumb and be held close.  I've never had a thumb-sucker, but I think it's the cutest!  Plus, it's way better than always searching the house for the binky.  


Magdalen loves to help feed Brandon.  This was her first try.  She has since learned how to clean his face with the spoon along the way.  :)




This is one of my favorite pics of all time!  Totally captures my Brandon.  Now for a group of too many pictures that are all too similar...  Just couldn't decide how to narrow it down!







These were taken last night at the girls' ballet recital.  He was soooo good.  Just laid on my legs and smiled at me.  I know everyone thinks they have the cutest baby, but I'm pretty sure that I actually do.  I just LOVE having a little guy to tote around all day.  I love his soft, chubby cheeks.  I love his little giggles and squeals.  I love that he loves me.  

6 to 12 months is probably one of my absolute favorite times in a child's life.  I am so excited for the next half of a year.  He is starting to sit up and can roll around like pro.  Everything is fun and exciting.  The next two years should be wonderful.  Then potty training starts and it all goes to crap....  :)