Our Christmas Card

Friends & Family,

We have had a great year. Here are some reasons we loved 2010:

1. Kaizer turned 1, started walking, running and unfortunately approaching the "terrible two's!"

2. Skyler returned from his mission.

3. Spring break visiting Camille’s family in Las Vegas.

4. Family reunions in Island Park.

5. Summer vacation to California with the Broulim family where we enjoyed playing at the beach, swimming, and soaking up the sun.

6. Swimming at Ross Park.

7. Cal was born on September 9, and he is a sweet and healthy boy that likes to be held.

8. Cecily has been busy working at the salon, is trying to find her inner Martha Stewart, and enjoys staying home with the boys.

9. Dallin graduated from BYU-Idaho with a Bachelors degree in Construction Management, and an Associates degree in Architectural Technology and is currently working at an Architecture firm in Idaho Falls.

10. We became a family of 4.

After looking back at the year we have had, we feel so blessed to have good health, a great marriage, active boys, nice things, and amazing people in our lives. Who knew upgrading to a double stroller, getting very little sleep, and adjusting to being a family of four could be so fun! It definitely helps that the boys have such great grandparents who love to keep them for a few hours and let us run to town. We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, and hope that it can truly be the most wonderful time of the year.

Love,

Dallin, Cecily, Kaizer, & Cal

(see Christmas card above)

7 years later....

...and we're still in love!

Happy Anniversary!

College Graduate

Today is the day my hubby graduates from college. I can't believe that the day is finally here. I couldn't be more proud of him. He has worked so hard and is graduating with high honors. We are excited to celebrate his big accomplishment with our family and friends today.

Loving baby Cal

Cal is now 3 months old. I know every mom says that time flies, but wow.

Here are some things about Cal:

He is SO cute. I just love his hair.

Cal seems to be a lot longer than Kai was.

Purple baby mouth! Cal has had thrush, so we have had to use this purple

dye in his mouth that gets on and stains everything! It also looks pretty funny!

We would just laugh when we would put the nasty stuff in his mouth,

because he would just smile instead of crying. He is a happy baby.

Luckily, he is just getting over it.

Cal and his future wife Bentley.

We feel like they are a good match and will be very happy together!

Ok, so WE would be the happy ones :)

This kid loves a clean diaper and will cry until he is changed.

We have put thousands of miles on his swing. He will sit in there for hours.

Eating seems to be his favorite thing and he makes sure you know when he is ready to eat.

I can tell that Cal wants to be up and running with his brother.

He is always smiling while he watches Kai run around.

Riding in the car puts this little man right to sleep. Thank heavens!

He is the best sleeper in the day, but we are still working on getting him to sleep at night :)

Cal likes to be held, but I like to hold him-so I guess it works out!

Thankful

"Mercies and blessings come in different forms--sometimes as hard things. Yet the Lord said, 'Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things' (D&C 59:7). All things means just that: good things, difficult things--not just some things. He has commanded us to be grateful because He knows being grateful will make us happy. This is another evidence of His love."

-Bonnie D. Parkin

Sometimes I need to remind myself how many things I have to be thankful for.

"Mom, he's touching me!"

Oh cute. They are holding hands.

I could pretend they were, but no they're not.

Cal was touching Kai's blankey.

For those of us who know Kaizy poo know that his blankeys are a big deal,

so he is pushing him away. It was so funny to watch him try to be soft,

but to get Cal the heck off his beloved blankey.

The look on his face in the last pictures says exactly how he feels.

What am I going to do with this cute kid?

Poor Cal.

i.love.fall

I have been trying to practice using my camera, and learning to take better pictures.

I am not an aspiring photographer by any means, but we were at the park enjoying the

fall weather and I thought Kai looked so cute.

I decided to pull out my camera to take some pictures of him,

and instead I got a lot of this...

I give you the many faces of Kai.

Taking pictures of a 19 month old can equal a headache. He isn't real into "posing,"

so instead I chased him around the park and let him do his thing.

Week 1:

In our first week as a family of 4.....

I have spent lots of time snuggling this little man,

and changed more diapers between Kai & Cal than I can count.

My other half went back to school for one more semester,

and this is as close to baby brother as Kaizer has been!

Call me crazy, but we also got some family pictures. Coming soon..

(Never do that 4 days after having a baby!)

I feel so happy! Although having 2 kids (babies) has been a slight adjustment, and I am running on only a few short hours of sleep, I wouldn't trade it for anything! Thanks to my sweet husband, family, and friends for helping us get through week 1!

Baby Cal

Callahan Richard Olaveson

6 lbs 13 oz

09.09.2010

Sweet baby Cal made his entrance into this world earlier than expected. We couldn't be more thrilled to have our healthy baby boy here. I can't stop loving on him. His beautiful dark hair is to die for!

photo by McKenzie Taggart

Big boy!

Little Kai turns 18 months today. I can't believe it. He is at such a fun stage. He loves to sing "3 Little Monkey's Jumping On The Bed," and the "ABC" song makes him laugh for some reason. His favorite toys are balls and books. He would eat 10 packs of fruit snacks a day if I let him. We are looking forward to nursery! This little man is a busy boy, and always on the go. It is so fun to watch him grow and learn. I can't believe he isn't going to be the baby anymore!

I know I am about to turn your world upside down, but it is going to be ok! I'm nervous too. We will figure this out together.

Today is all about you little buddy. I don't know what I would do without you.

I love being your mom!

Cali

We had an amazing trip to California with my family. We happened to catch a picture at the beach just as the sun was setting. It was beautiful. Spending our days in the sun and water made for a perfect vacation.

Bridger is always trying to make Kai laugh.

Dallin met Charles Barkley and got to have a picture as he was having drinks on the balcony of our Hotel.

He also scored a picture with Shaq right before they started shooting the t.v show Shaq VS. playing Charles Barkley in a round of golf. We got to see them film the beginning of the show, and it was fun to see how big that they really are.

Kai & Daddy at Laguna Beach

I loved watching Kai play at the beach. He played and played in the sand, but didn't really like the ocean waves chasing him up the shoreline.

Our sleeping beach baby

We celebrated this guys big birthday on our trip in Las Vegas with Camille and her kids at a water park. It was 105 degrees, and a perfect way to spend Dal's birthday.

Just keep swimming...

We have had a blast going to Ross Park this summer. Kai is a little fish and can't get enough of the water. He would have played ball with his daddy all day. I am so happy to see my little boy healthy and having fun. I am also LOVING the sunshine! We are trying to fit in as many fun things as we can this summer.

10 weeks until baby #2 arrives!

World's Best Daddy

Dal is a super dad in my eyes! Kai would spend every minute with him. I am so thankful that Dal is such a hand's on Dad. I never have to ask for help, because he never stops helping me with Kai. I love that he always wants to come home to "hang out with Kaizy." Our boys have a great example to look up to.

Dal is always playing with Kai, and lets him do what he wants to do to have fun.

Some of the things Kai likes to do with his Daddy are:

-Ride on the bike with him

-Play with Daddies electronic devices

-Throw rocks and pine cones, or just hanging out outside

-Play at the park and go down the slide

-Swim

-Drive the car

-Sit on Dad's lap

Now you know why we feel like we have the World's Best Daddy at our house!

Happy Father's Day Dal!

Home!

Room #18 at Mt. View Hospital became our home for the past 3 days. Kaizer had his tonsils and adenoids removed due to their huge size and infection. Handing my baby off to strangers to go have surgery is something I hope I never have to do again. That was the longest hour and a half of my life. The Dr. said that the surgery went really well, and that the recovery would be rough for a little guy like Kai. It was rough. What was supposed to be a one night stay turned into 3 days in the hospital. Watching him fighting to breath after surgery about scared me to death. Kai couldn't understand that he needed to swallow, so he got really congested. He didn't want to take the pain meds, because he would have to swallow. Either Dal or I was in the hospital bed with him at all times. Since Kai is kind of a wild man, I thought that trying to keep him in the room was going to be my biggest challenge. He didn't want to move. He just laid on the bed or on us. It breaks my heart. The I.V saved our lives and he was able to receive extra fluids, antibiotics, and steroids through it for 3 days. He didn't even try and pull it out. I am so thankful for modern medicine and great Dr. that helped my baby boy. I know there are many kids and parents who spend weeks and months at a time in the hospital, and I only got a tiny glimpse of how hard it would be to really have a sick kid.

We watched Barney over and over. It was the only thing that seemed to take his mind off the pain. Since he wouldn't drink, the Dr. told us to give him anything that he would like. I ran over to the gas station, and picked up a big Mt. Dew for Dal, and thought that might do the trick. It did! It was the first thing he had to drink in 2 days. Since his dad drinks it like it is going out of style, Kai enjoys an occasional sip with him. Even though it was Mt. Dew, I was so thankful that he would finally drink something. He was a little wired for a few hours after that, which was fine by me.

After a 3 day stay in the hospital, I am exhausted. We have been up around the clock with him. I couldn't have done this without Dal. He is the best dad, and has been so helpful. It is nice to have a partner in crime. Love you. There have been a few different times that I could really feel the help of our Heavenly Father, and his love for us. I am so thankful for the power of the Priesthood, and that there is such comfort that comes from a father's blessing.

I wish that Kai could understand me, and that we could talk about what was going on. I try to tell him, but he just whimpers back. He wanders around holding his mouth, and always wants to be held. He still doesn't want to eat, and has already lost 5 pounds. It doesn't help that all of his favorite foods are "scratchy" foods. I have tried everything.

The minute we brought him home, he went right to his crib, and fell asleep for 3 1/2 hours. That was the longest he had slept in days. This has been the hardest experience for me to go through as a mom having to watch my little boy be in pain, and doing everything I can think of to make it better. I have not done one thing but hold him since last Wednesday. I let him do anything he wants, like open and close the microwave and push the buttons for a half hour. He has now successfully driven the car down Grammy's lane, received fun new toys and dvd's, spent hours outside, and we have tried to treat him like a King. He still hurts and cries. I am hoping that by next week, we will see a big improvement. Until then, I will spend my days loving on this little guy, and waiting on him hand and foot. We are just so happy to be home!

My kind of birthday...

It seems like the older you get, your birthday just kind of slips by. Not this year! My sweet hubby went above and beyond. He surprised and spoiled me with lots of fun presents, a lunch/shopping date, and a fun dinner with lots of family members.

I felt so special thanks to Dal and my fam!

I think I need more than one birthday a year.

(check in later to see what I got...)

The Hose

Playing in the hose kept Kai really entertained today. He likes to splash in the water even when he soaks his clothes or falls down in the water. Looks like watering the lawn is going to be his job.

Homework Helper

This is how my daddy gets a 4.0.

I think these pictures say it all. Dal can't get out any of his books, binders, pens, or laptop without Kai needing to help.

Who knew that school supplies could be so much fun?

Ears

Though we were really hoping to avoid it, after many ear infections, we followed the Doctor's advice to have tubes put in Kai's ears. We are really hoping this helps him to feel better. Bright and early at 6:15 this morning, we checked into the hospital and began our wait. The fact that Kai wasn't supposed to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before made our hour and a half wait seem more like three. At 8:00, they took Kai in for surgery. The surgery was quick (only about 15 minutes), but he wasn't too happy when he woke up. He needed his dad and was ready to go home. After a big nap in his own bed, he was acting like himself by noon. I think that the new toys his grandma's brought over for him made the whole experience worth it!

#2

Kai is going to have a baby brother!

We spent Dal's spring break in Vegas! It was awesome! Camille let us stay with her and her cute fam. I miss them already! She always takes us to the best places to eat, shop, and play. Thanks for the awesome pictures ;).

The beautiful weather made it really hard for Dallin to get me in the car to come home. 80 degrees is my kind of weather. I wish I lived there...

He's Home!

My brother returned from his mission on Friday. I could hardly wait for Friday to come. It was fun to see him. He got to meet Kai for the first time, and immediately started to work on becoming "the favorite Uncle." He was such a good Missionary, and a good example to me. I am so glad he is home! We have lots of fun things planned to do with him before he starts school. Welcome home Sky!

Playing At The Park

We visited our friends Kam & Mal tonight and Kai just loved playing at their park. I couldn't resist taking some pictures of us finally spending some time outside. He would laugh so hard when Dal would go down the fire pole (so would I). It is fun to see him enjoy being outside this year. We are so excited for SpRiNg!!!

Bye-Bye "Bobs"

Taking away a babies bottle =

1. Crying

2. Sleepless nights

3. Fit throwing

4. Starvation

5. Frustrated Mommy

6. Did I mention crying?

To say the least, things have been a little rough around our house for the last 3 days! I knew that when Kai turned 1, I had to take the bottle away. I didn't want to. He has always been on a bottle, and has done great.

Well, I did it. It's gone. I feel bad, and I guess I can't give it back.

Sorry Kai. Hopefully you will find love for your sippy, SOON!

He won't touch it now that he knows "bobs" is gone.

Wish me luck....

1 Year Old

Happy Birthday Kai!

My baby isn't such a baby anymore. Today he turns 1.

He walks around, eats big people food, says words,

gives kisses, and knows what he wants.

Today is HIS day. He gets to eat as many bananas

as he wants, get in the tub/shower 3 times, watch

The Little Einstein's all day, dig into a Birthday cake,

and savor this last little bit of time he has left with his bottle.

Happy Birthday little man! Thanks for coming to our family!

Piano Baby

Kai loves "playing" the piano.

He especially likes when Grammy Broulim comes over and plays

The Barney Song, Little Einstein's songs, and I Am A Child Of God for him.

Hopefully some of her talent rubs off on our little piano man.