Our names are Tessa & Braden & we are the Crooks! We hope as you read this letter you get a glimpse of who we are, what we stand for, our personalities, quirks, traditions, hobbies, and beyond. 

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Why Adoption? Adoption has always been something on Tessa's mind. But, to have it be the first option was something we never imagined. In January of 2020, we got married and decided we wanted to try to start expanding our family. Late of October we were so excited to get a positive pregnancy test, and late November that positive test soon became something we never thought would happen to "us". We miscarried and now believe that our angel baby is watching over our family. Since then, we have visited the fertility center, gone through multiple rounds of IUI with no success, and have even tried a holistic approach to find success or some kind of answer. We have never been able to find an answer as to "why" we have not been able to grow our family earth side and pray every day for there to be a chance for us.Later in 2023 we felt strongly we needed to go forward with adoption.

 

In April of 2024 we were blessed to adopt our first child Kayson and he has brought so much joy into our home. Our hearts are overflowing with love and anticipation as we eagerly await the opportunity to welcome another precious child into our lives. To the courageous expectant parents considering adoption, we want you to know that we have the utmost respect and admiration for the selfless decision you are making. Your strength, and love are awe-inspiring, and we would be honored to embark on this journey with you. we hope to have an open adoption where there can be a healthy dialogue and openness. We also respect if you prefer to have a more closed relationship. We understand that the road ahead may have its challenges, but we are ready to embrace them with open hearts and unwavering determination. We are committed to providing a stable, loving, and supportive home for our child and future children, where they will always feel cherished and valued. 

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Our lives TOGETHER! We are Braden and Tessa Crook, we were both born and raised in Utah and currently live in Eagle Mountain. We both have moved a long way from home since being married in 2020 (30 minutes). We are active members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in which we love spending time with the youth. We are adventurous and love the outdoors whether that be heading to the lake for a day of paddle boarding, playing a game of pickle ball, hiking or camping in the mountains, or on a drive listening to the same playlist we've listened to 60 times. No matter what it is, we love being together and trying new adventures!

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Meet Tessa - As Told By Braden: Tessa is without a doubt the kindest person that you will ever meet. she loves everyone unconditionally and will make sure that every person she ever comes in contact with feels loved and appreciated. Tessa at first may seem somewhat introverted but for those who are lucky enough to really know her, she will have you on the floor laughing. Tessa is one to always be looking out for others, especially those who may not initially be seen. She will be the first there to help, the first there to comfort, and the first one to make a meal for anyone in need. She is so nurturing and cannot wait for the day to welcome another child into our home where these traits will continue to shine.

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Tessa is up for any adventure especially anything related to water...In fact if you ever cannot find her and there is a pool or lake near by there is a 98% chance that is where she is at. Tessa grew up very active. She ran track, cross country, and was on the high school mountain bike team. she continues loving being active in her life whether that be doing a fitness class at Vasa, going on a hike up in the mountains, or jumping back on the bike and hitting the trails; even though sometimes the trails hit back.

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After high school Tessa went to one year at dixie state before serving an lds mission in brazil. Tessa speaks of her mission often and how much fun the people of brazil were. Through the good times there also came some difficult trials where she learned how to be strong and rely on the lord. Tessa still is able to speak fluent Portuguese which has allowed her to help be a translator for those in need. 

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After Tessa's mission she attended some college where she studied interior design and learned the ins and outs of how to beautify our home. This being said there is always a DIY project to be found around the house, whether that is painting the bathroom, refurbishing a desk, or redecorating the office. It somehow always turns out incredible! She truly has an eye for beauty.

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Tessa is very driven and is the queen of getting things done, without fail every morning Tessa wakes up at 5:30am ready to accomplish the days tasks. Sometimes she even accomplishes all of the chores before I even think about waking up. when she isn't doing a project, or helping beautify our home there is a good chance she is on a walk to enjoy the sunshine and without fail every kid in the neighborhood will yell "hi Tessa!" they love her so much!

 

Tessa is truly the most "christlike" person I have ever met, she is my adventure partner, my greatest friend, and especially the greatest mother! there is no one else that i would rather be on this adoption journey with, I love her! 

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Meet Braden - As Told By Tessa: Braden is a force of nature. For those who get the lucky chance to meet him know how truly amazing he is. Braden loves the social aspect of life and enjoys to make those around him feel comfortable and loves to make sure they are having fun! Every day Braden will call and check in on those around him. If anyone ever needs help, Braden will drop anything to go help and expects nothing in return.

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He has an outgoing energy that lets him try new hobbies and adventures. Braden grew up playing baseball which he continued to play throughout high school and afterwards. Braden currently put baseball on hold and his obsession right now is golf, we have a shared google calendar and once the snow melts I know I can expect at least 2 games of golf to be on the weekly schedule. Braden puts 100% effort into being a dad and there's always fun and laughter to be had when "dad's" home! 

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Once high school ended Braden served an LDS Mission in Florida Tallahassee. But, if you ever ask where he served he will tell you Alabama, as he was never in Florida for his time serving. We never knew each other as he served but the way he talks about the people he met there and the areas  he served in, he truly loved his time there. Braden's mom always tells me that once he came back home, she could not understand him as he picked up a strong southern accent. To this day, people will still ask him if he is from the south. Braden loves to use phrases such as: dadgummit, piss & vinegar, that dog will hunt, etc. and whenever he is cheering me on he will say, "atta girl"! I truly believe Braden has a southern soul but was physically born and raised in Utah.

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Braden went to school at Salt Lake Community College and after receiving his associates in business, he transferred to Utah Vally University. There he studied and graduated in marketing and received a certificate in professional sales. When Braden was in school I realized that he thrives on procrastinating. He would pull up an assignment 5 minutes before it was due, and complete it with 100%! Braden graduated during 2020 (the Covid era) so he was not able to walk, but all his close family was able to come together and celebrate how proud we were and continue to be of him. 

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In the summer you will find Braden outside in his Cowboy boots and shorts and I don't know how I got so lucky to be married to such a carefree, fun-loving, kind of guy. Braden is my best friend and going through life with him has been the best choice I have ever made. 

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Meet Kayson - As told by Tessa & Braden: Kayson is just a ball of joy! Whenever he walks into a room, store, church, or wherever we might be he never fails to make others smile. Kayson has a contagious smile that will instantly turn anyones frown upside down! 

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Kayson has current obsessions with any type of sports ball, throwing anything in his hands, clapping, biting our chins and noses, being outside, wearing any hat he finds and of course having fun! He is so excited to have a sibling and friend to play with.