As this year comes to a close, I find myself feeling reflective along with the rest of the world. I also thought I'd post a little update since we didn't send out Christmas cards.
2017 was a good year and a challenging one. Ty is still enjoying his work, and he has learned a lot through his job as well as at the University of Utah as he keeps pursuing his master's degree in information systems. He still loves reading and fly fishing and playing whatever game Will invented that day. He's Will's favorite person most of the time, and they have become best buddies over the course of this year as Will's personality keeps emerging and he becomes more communicative and interactive. 
Will is a well rounded kid with an obsession with balls and a deep love for babies. He’s as bouncy as ever and wants to be playing outside no matter what the weather (which is a challenge for his fair weather mother). We spend time at the library and pool weekly mostly because Will constantly craves social interaction. In that same vein, he LOVES nursery and asks me everyday if it's “nursery day.” True to his name, William is a strong willed child who always knows what he wants and how things should be done. (I have no idea where that comes from ;) ). He brings Ty and me immeasurable joy and laughter as well as some frustration and worry.
Most of my year has revolved around mothering Will and my pregnancy with our second son (due mid-March). I have been constantly stretched as I try to figure out how to be a good mom and fulfill the other roles in my life. After a rough first trimester summer, I've felt much better through the fall and winter, and I've felt a renewed sense of gratitude for my health and my body. I'm so grateful to be in this phase of life even though it's been challenging.
Baby is growing and developing well. We talk about him constantly, and Will says he's excited to be a big brother. We know his world is going to be rocked, but we're capitalizing on the enthusiasm as long as it lasts. :) Ty and I are having a hard time agreeing on a name for this baby, so the list is getting longer rather than shorter as the due date draws closer and we try to find the perfect name for this little nugget. I'm 29 weeks along now, and we're getting really excited for little brother to get here. He moves a lot when he hears Will or if Will sits on him (which happens at least once a day), and he moves when Ty pokes him too. He's not as bouncy as Will was in utero, so we'll see if that translates to personality when he gets here.
As we've been teaching Will more about our Savior and the gospel, we've been reminded of the basic truths and principles of the gospel, and our testimonies have been strengthened. We're so grateful for all we've been blessed with and learned this year and look forward to more lessons and challenges and tender mercies in 2018.
