Life Lately

I'm not going to lie..life lately has been tough.  Not a bad tough, just a time of learning new roles and routines.  I recently listened to a recording of convocation at Liberty where Jerry Jr was commenting on change and progress - everyone hates change but loves progress.  Change is inevitable, but we don't always handle it well.

I'll start by saying I have been blessed by two sweet little boys..three boys really..but two little ones.  Crew turned three months old a couple weeks ago and I'm beginning to fear that we'll be closing in on his first birthday before I know it!  This whole two kids thing seems to have sped up time.

 

To summarize the boys: Crew has found his hands; he likes to either hold them together or have them up near his face or mouth.  I find it adorable when I find him laying there with his arms making a big O shape as his hands are tightly clasped out in front of him.  He always seems so pleased with himself and entertained.  He is letting me in on his sleep patterns and we've come to a mutual understanding regarding those patterns.  If I'm allowed to say so, Crew seems rather smitten with me.  I often find him following me with his big puppy eyes.  He seems to be a bit more solemn than Levi ever was, but he does smile for us and is giggling more as well.  As long as he isn't tired, he also gives his big brother lots of smiles - which makes this mama's heart happy.

Levi's talking has taken off.  I love getting to hear what is going on inside his little head - often still regarding trucks or tractors.  Sometimes he counts things (sometimes accurately, sometimes not).  Sometimes his trucks move things.  Sometimes he's a firetruck (he has a signature siren sound).  Sometimes he's giving someone (like cousin Casen) a play by play of what he's doing: "Keiko, going down stairs!  Keiko, going up stairs!  Keiko, tractor worker!"  I don't know if it's because he is a little boy or because he is a toddler, but his energy level (and volume level) seem to be increasing.  I'm not sure how many more increases I can handle..ha!

Levi tried on Crew's hat..

Levi loves Crew and loves to help.  We still have to watch him as he gives snuggles to be sure he doesn't squish Crew.  Almost any time we lay Crew on his tummy, Levi likes to get down next to him on his own tummy, as close as possible, and giggle at Crew's face.  He alerts me whenever he hears Crew wake up after a nap.  Crew is also included now in his random singing: "Mommyyyyyyy, Daddyyyyyyyy, Crewwwww, Levi, Mommyyyyyyy, Daddyyyyyy, Crewww, Levi..."

Basically, both boys are doing well and seem to genuinely enjoy the other's company (for the most part).  I think I have found my groove with caring for 2 kids and although I very much prefer to have Clay around home to help, I know that I am capable.

Pink breakfast on Valentine's Day

Clay started his new job on January 12th.  I am so thankful that it didn't start any sooner (for my own sake of adjusting to life with Crew).  He is enjoying what he is doing and thinks that it will be a good fit.  However, as with starting just about any new job, it has been rather overwhelming.  Not only is he learning management skills, but he also has to get up to speed with knowing the company and its technology.  The poor guy has been in the car nonstop for training with people all over the state.  And if I may add, his poor wife has been left home in the middle of winter (90 inches so far, folks!).

As I stated earlier, its been tough.  The Lord has been so good in allowing me to find joy at home with the boys.  Don't get me wrong, I want to stay home with them, but I used to have my husband around more to talk with, and a job to give me involvement with a community of people who appreciated my contributions.  However, our family is my priority and I'm learning what that means as a wife and mom.  The travel will slow down with Clay's job and I will continue to find my groove at home.

Brothers on Valentine's Day

Thankfully, Levi brings me lots of laughter and just today was acting out an episode of Little Einsteins (its a Disney Junior show).  I guess that little brain of his is remembering a lot more than we realize..

Here's to hoping Spring comes soon..