Well, I'm pretty sure my blog is still stuck in November sometime but we are alive and well. Here is an update on the Crooks family.
I am three weeks away from having baby boy #3. That is really crazy to say. We are excited and nervous all at once. My pregnancy has been a piece of cake so far and now we're just getting geared up for a scheduled amnio and having this little guy 3 weeks early. Oh the joys of the practical parts of pregnancy like dealing with insurance (and what it doesn't cover?!)
Ryan is working hard at CarMax but is going through his own health struggle involving specialists, blood work, being uncomfortable, not sleeping, and just feeling crummy. We are especially grateful for a job that is so understanding at this time in our lives. Things really do happen for a reason and although there is enough on our plate right now, it is good to know that at the very least the Lord is watching out for us when and where he can and now it is just up to us to learn what we can from the situation and endure. Even with all the craziness, Ryan has been a doll and made it so I could go to a bunch of Relief Society activities lately. In doing so, he has earned himself a new job- bedtime master. When I put the boys down it takes at least 30 minutes between reading, singing, rocking, checking and double checking on them. Ryan has them both asleep and in their bed for the night within 5 minutes- he is amazing! Just another way we're being watched out for because we all know that our roles are about to get changed and turned upside-down with the addition of this new little guy. Thank goodness for amazing dads!
Tyler is growing up more every day. He tells great stories, shares what he learns at preschool, and is excited to give soccer a try in March. He is a very caring little boy who keeps asking about his new baby brother, reminds us to ask for special blessings in our prayers for baby brother, daddy, and anyone else who he knows is in need. (There were two times we saw an accident during the day and that night he asked me to remember to bless those people to be okay) He is still testing limits and learning to tell the truth even when mommy doesn't see everything he does. Tyler loves to play the Wii and PBS kids (when he earns it) and he is doing so much better at staying in his bed...at least for the first part of the night. He always ends up in my bed at some point because he says he "misses me". Not sure how or why he misses me so much, but I love and hate it all at once.
Jacob has probably changed the most. He is learning every minute of every day. He is Tyler's shadow and copies absolutely everything Tyler does. Jacob loves to run in circles around the dining table or on the carpet. He's got some great dance moves whenever he hears music, and he too is blessed with a sweet heart (and a strong will). Tyler was sick this week and Jake kept getting him cups and snacks from the kitchen and tried to force them on Tyler (while Ty was sleeping on the couch). Jake is the first to ask if you're "okay" if he hears you say "ouch" or sees someone get hurt. Jacob stayed in nursery all by himself for the first time this past Sunday since I was released from my calling as a nursery leader. He did great! He gives great hugs to babies (which we will need to temper a bit with a newborn) and he is the first to say sorry. Jacob also can be a little tempest when he doesn't get what he wants. He throws a mean fit but he is finally beginning to truly understand if you stop, look him in the eye, and explain his options. He usually makes a good choice and realizes that fit is just going to end up in time-out by himself.
We had a great experience travelling to California AS A FAMILY (which never happens) in early January. The boys were sick with a fever for the first few days but they were good by Wednesday and, thanks to a dear family friend, we got to spend the day at Disneyland. The boys lasted from 10-6 and it was the most wonderful day we have had as a family in a long time. Tyler was sweet to mom and dad (rarity) and once Jake figured out what Disneyland is all about he loved it and even took a nap in the stroller for us. Tyler went on Matterhorn, Space mountain, and Big Thunder with daddy. It was AWESOME!
Those are the basics, and now I'll work on being by the computer and the camera at the same time to add some sweet pics in the mix.
