Havin' a Ball

It must just be a boy thing....the idea of throwing balls in the house is just too tempting to resist. It doesn't help that Matt joins right in the action & often spearheads the game in the house. A few items have been knocked on the floor and broken as a result, so I generally feel that throwing a ball around should be reserved for outside. But, since it's been raining.....

Braden gave me an innocent look as if he wasn't on the verge of throwing the ball.

Uh ohhhh...fortunately, the plastic golf ball didn't cause any damage though!

"I got it!" This was Braden's favorite line every time he caught the ball during their little game of "ping pong" across the coffee table. Matt sat on the couch on the other side of the table & it was actually entertaining to watch.

Braden displayed shear delight every time he tossed the ball.

Guess it could be worse....the football & soccer ball weren't thrown around the family room today!

The Great Outdoors

A bit of chilly weather wasn't enough to keep Braden inside. If only I had nearly as much energy as he has....

Braden kept throwing the ball & telling me to chase it. I did for a while & then realized he got more satisfaction when he got to chase it himself. Worked for me!

He said he was looking for snakes in the bushes. Thank God he didn't find one!
Braden took a break from searching for creatures to cruise around the driveway.
Braden kept telling Pepper to stop taking the bone & running so fast....

Then he realized how disgustingly slimy the bone was! Braden quickly returned it to Pepper while yelling, "Groooossss!!"

This was the expression on our sweet boy's face when he was apologizing for crashing into me. It's impossible to not melt when I see this face!

Little Lovebug

Braden seems to understand the concept of Valentine's Day to a certain extent at least. He likes the fact that treats, presents, & art are all involved in the celebration!

Braden picked out Valentine's Day cards and treats to share with the kids in his class. He patiently stood in the rain while I snapped this picture & then told me goodbye. Apparently, he just wanted to cruise into class by himself & not have his mom cramp his style while he distributed the goodies.

Braden was spoiled by his grandparents and us with lots of goodies.
Braden enjoyed unwrapping all the chocolates, but only ate a single bite!
Our little artist was quite methodical in placing about 25 stickers on Daddy's card. He even found a couple snake stickers to add to the collection. Daddy took him to check out snakes & other creatures at a reptile store recently. Braden keeps telling us about watching the snake eat a live mouse....I opted to stay outside the store for that experience!
Braden enjoyed some heart-shaped rice crispy treats we made. He is the sweetest little guy! We just adore him.

Big Boy Bed

One of the things we have always loved about Braden is the fact that he's consistently been a good sleeper. He still sleeps contently in his crib and I figured we would just keep him in there until he was in kindergarten! For some reason, Matt decided that Braden was due for a big boy bed. His crib converted into a full size bed which seems huge for our little baby.

Braden acted like a king cruising around on the mattress and box spring. He enjoyed all the attention he received from the other shoppers and employees at the store while Daddy pushed him around. Braden doesn't typically bring DeeDee the monkey out of the house, but apparently shopping for a mattress was considered a special occasion.

As usual, Braden takes every project with Daddy very seriously....

until he gets distracted with playing of course! Braden is obsessed with counting everything. He lined up his cars on one of the bed railings and discovered it made a great track!

After Braden convinced me to read 3 books to him before bed, he got cozy with several pillows and stuffed animals. We'll see how this new sleeping situation goes....

Show Off

Braden has been doing a great job with potty training. Matt and I are very pleased with this, but the best part of it all is Braden's reaction. We offer him treats or stickers when he uses the potty, but he generally is uninterested. Instead he says, "woo hoo" and does his signature move....

Braden runs over to the carpet and does a somersault! We get a kick out of it every time!

6 More Weeks of Winter...

The first thing Braden told me when I picked him up from preschool on February 2 was that it was Groundhog Day....my 2-year-old teaches me a lot! If the legend is accurate, we will experience 6 more weeks of winter. We actually really haven't had much of a winter yet. Groundhog Day was a bright, sunny day, but now the rainy weather has arrived. Nevertheless, Braden decided it was a perfect day to play outside.....with his beach toys.

Braden has been obsessed with the ocean ever since we visited Braden's cousin, Charley. Guess he's just getting ready to go visit again soon!

There's nothing quite like playing on the grass with a shovel, pail and raft! Braden was trying to convince me to let him continue playing in the rain. When his pout caused his bottom lip to practically hit the ground, I almost gave in....

Sk8r Dude

It's always fun to see the excitement in Matt and Braden's faces when they get to do new activities together. The bond between a dad and his son is priceless. Sometimes Matt forgets that Braden is only 2-years-old though.....

Matt decided to let Braden cruise around on his skateboard. Braden was acting like such a big shot. He was even calling Matt, "Dude."

Braden loved riding Daddy's skateboard! Fortunately, he didn't get any injuries.
Watch out Tony Hawk...Braden just might be the next skater prodigy!

Chillin' with Charley

After many requests from Braden, we finally went to visit his cousin, Charley. Once we arrived at Aunt Kristen and Uncle John-Paul's place, we wondered why we hadn't practically moved in with them previously. They live steps from the water in Seal Beach. Now we know why they nearly throw a fit when they have to come out to visit us! After I explained to Braden that his cousin is still very little, Braden was very excited to teach Baby Charley how to walk and use the potty. That would be a lot to accomplish in just a couple hours, but at least he's setting his goals high!

Adorable Charley wasn't shy about getting cozy with his older cousin. Braden, on the other hand, was a little hesitant of this little guy climbing up him from the moment we walked through the door.

Knowing that they would soon be buddies, Charley was persistent. He wasn't going to let a bit of resistance from Braden stop him from pursuing the bonding. After all, Charley could tell that the two of them could really stir up some trouble if they combined their efforts.
Kristen's brother and sister came for a visit and even brought toys, puzzles, and bubbles! The bubbles were definitely a hit!
Uncle John-Paul pulled out the guitar and they all sang some of Braden's favorite tunes, including the ABCs and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Braden is still talking about this sing-along!

Uncle John-Paul let Braden and Charley strum a bit too! Looks like it's time for Daddy to dust off his guitars!

Abstract Art

When I am getting ready for work in the morning, it's always nice when Braden occupies himself with an activity. He often asks to color or play with his train set. He asked if he could do "art," so I happily told him that was a great idea. Certainly this would allow me a few minutes to get myself together! I assumed "doing art" meant coloring, but clearly I was wrong!

What a difference 5 minutes makes! The kitchen was clean until Braden decided to make the floor his canvas.

It's unlikely Braden is the next Van Gogh or an art prodigy. I assume he did an art project at preschool that involved foil, wax paper, baggies, or one of the other supplies he borrowed off the shelf.
Guess I'd better start saving the cardboard roll when I'm done using the foil so that this doesn't happen again!

Lumberjack Johnson

Having a 2-year-old is so much fun for many reasons. We love this stage! Braden is intrigued with everything and is enthusiastic about learning new activities.

Braden chopped wood with Papa so they could have a warm house in the freezing mountain weather!

Braden will probably be devastated when he discovers that we just buy our wood for our fireplace from the store, or worse yet...just turn on the electrical switch!