On the Cusp of the Double O

It's true--there is a new adventure waiting for JLO, LJ and me coming December 2013: being a family of four!  We are now currently, as JLO's cousin so poetically stated it, On the Cusp of the Double O. No, not twins, but one little nugget who is due to arrive mid-December.

LJ continually answers the question, "do you want a brother or sister?" with "I want a sister and a puppy." Sorry, kid. You might be disappointed on both accounts. Although according to how I've been feeling and what everyone says, he may just get that sister. Today, I'm puke-free and hydrated. I haven't been able to say that for the last fifteen weeks, so I'm hoping the second trimester "happy" period is really beginning. This first trimester was so different than with LJ, hence the reason everyone thinks its a girl.

So stayed tuned for more updates and insights on our journey of becoming a family of four!

It's been a big week!

It's been a big week around these parts. First, LJ requested to be moved from his crib into a big boy bed. With a lot of hesitation on our part, we agreed one Sunday morning. We had planned to do the big transition over Spring Break when there was more time for not sleeping if it didn't go well. Yet, instead we listened to LJ and switched him on a Sunday night. Good thing we did. He absolutely LOVES his Big Boy Bed and has been going to sleep and sleeping so much better since the switch. He also likes to show everyone who comes over his Big Boy Bed. Here is the last picture in his crib and the first one in the Big Boy Bed (notice his cousin's Lyla Bean's birthday balloon made an appearance in both!)

The other big news around our house is that finally after 16 years of driving the same type of car (Red or Black Toyota Corolla), I made the big switch to a new type, brand, and color. And I'm in love. Zoom. Zoom!

2012 Reflections

I've learned a lot this year. A lot.

1. It is easier to teach 150 teenagers than to chase around a highly energetic toddler.
2. I get more accomplished if I don't nap in the middle of the day.
3. My mom was right--dain it--I do understand "now that [I'm] a parent."
4. Pinterest is addicting. But can also spark a creative side I have tried to conceal. And produce some yummy meals.
5. Respect. My marriage functions because we respect each other (some times better than others).
6. Teenagers--my students--don't change. Year after year they want the same thing--to be understood.
7. I am stronger than I think I am (both physically and mentally).
8. I struggle to finish things I start (but I'm working on this...)
9.  There is so much in this life that I don't know.
10. Life is better when you operate out of love instead of fear.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from the Olstadts!

First Skate!

This picture makes me smile from ear to ear. I love watching JLO tie (okay, just put on) LJ's first pair of hockey skates for his first time skating. After many months of talking about, watching and playing floor hockey, we finally took LJ skating for the first time. And he absolutely loved it. 

Happy Halloween!

LJ picked out his own costume this year as we were walking through JoAnn Fabrics one day. He spotted this little froggie and instantly yelled, "Um Uh" which in LJ speak means frog. And if you've ever gone shopping with LJ, you know how very loud his requests can be, so I snatched it up and he loved it. He wore it numerous times before Halloween and then even after trick-o-treating he greeted kids at the door.  At one point, he was saying, "come on in" to whomever showed up. We had to do a quick lesson in stranger danger :) But are also thankful he's so friendly, too!

LJ started his Halloween night by trick-o-treating at Grandma and Grandpa's house with his cousins. Grandma even dressed up!

Five years!

It was a beautiful day back in 2007 when JLO and I got married and it was another one when we celebrated our five year anniversary on 10.20.2012. We bummed around Minneapolis, relaxed at the W hotel and had a delicious dinner at Manny's Steakhouse.

Things are certainly different these days--instead of eating cheesecake like our wedding cake, we had gluten-free/dairy-free cheesecake. Instead of staying out super late, we went to bed early. And instead of taking our time at a morning brunch, we rushed home to see LJ.  We enjoyed reflecting on the last five years (so very busy) and remembering all the love and support we've always had from our friends and family. We. Are. So.Lucky.

10.20.2012 Manny's Steakhouse