March 2008

This can't be normal

Kati Oliver — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:44:14 GMT

Just when we thought winter was over Mother Nature decided to remind us that she is still in charge. On Saturday night in a matter of hours we had 5 inches of snow covering our blossoms and tulips and no power (no surprise for us). Our beautiful Japenese maple tree was bent in half because of the weight of all the snow on the blossoms. The courageous hubby took a push broom to the tree around midnight in the pitch black and knocked much of the snow off, thus saving the branches. Usually I'm not much of a tree hugger but I do love this tree especially when it blossoms, so yes it actually did worry me.

It's obvious Carson enjoyed what we hope is the last snow for MANY more months.

We're all friends right?

Kati Oliver — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 04:10:11 GMT

Often times when someone asks how you're doing, you usually say "fine" because it is what you think they want to hear. You figure that you shouldn't really dump your problems on the unsuspecting friend who was just trying to make casual conversation. Well, that's what the last few posts have been, casual conversation, trying best to avoid dumping our problems on anyone who was just checking the site looking for cute pictures of the boys. Well, I've decided at last that since we're all friends I should share what's really going on at the Oliver's.

This week has been the 2nd miscarriage in 5 months for me. The first one happened early December not long after finding out we were expecting. It was over and done with pretty fast and I can honestly say it didn't bother me much. I don't think the idea of being pregnant had really sunk in. Late February we found out I was pregnant again and my doctor immediately began to monitor my hormone levels through blood tests because of the previous miscarriage and because I am RH negative. From the beginning they knew the pregnancy wasn't going to make it because my hormone levels were not rising like they should have, but technically I was still pregnant and the fetus was still growing, just not as fast as it should have. The doctor offered to end the pregnancy since he had no reason to believe it was viable. However, Nick and I just didn't feel comfortable ending it while there was still a heartbeat, and so we waited. Last Tuesday after 12 trips to the lab, 3 ultrasounds at the hospital and 2 trips to the OBGYN the technician was unable to find a heartbeat and we consented for the doctor to perform a D&C since my body wasn't miscarrying the fetus on its own.

Unlike December this miscarriage has been a lot more emotional and disappointing for Nick and I (the boys don't know). I feel blessed to have so many friends and family close by who have taken great care of our family over the last few weeks. I have been reminded of the infinite love of my Father in Heaven who offers me peace and comfort in times heartache. More than ever I believe that Carson and Spencer are miracles and that Nick will forever be my best friend, he has held my hand through the happy, sad and most painful moments of my life. And I look forward to the day when we are blessed with one more and the Oliver Family can be a party of 5.

Easter

Kati Oliver — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:41:12 GMT

Lately it has become apparent that getting the boys to hold still and be serious long enough to take a picture is nearly impossible. Here are some of the better shots of the boys from Easter Sunday. Carson and I had the following conversation a few days before Easter. . .

C: Mom, what kind of stuff will the Easter Bunny leave us?

M: Mostly candy.

C: What about surprises? (meaning toys)

M: If he does it will only be little surprises.

C: I wish Santa could share some of his power with the Easter Bunny so we could get bigger surprises.

Sorry kid only the low budget, little power Easter Bunny works in these parts.

St. Carson's Day

Kati Oliver — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:04:54 GMT

Anyone who knows Carson can attest that he bleeds green. It all started with John Deere but now it's just a passion of his. Everything that comes home from preschool is colored, painted or glittered in only one color. When he dresses himself there is only one color of shirt he'll choose to wear. So you can imagine his utter delight when he learned about St. Patrick's Day this year. A whole day devoted to the color green and the bonus that you're allowed to pinch anyone who does not share your same enthusiasm for the color! Oh boy Carson, this is your day!

Snakes, spiders and lizards (oh my!)

Kati Oliver — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:57:06 GMT

Today we went to the Reptile Museum in Monroe, WA with Carson's preschool group. Needless to say it was a huge hit with the boys. There was no hesitation with either of them when it was their turn to hold the snakes. I on the other hand was a little nervous seeing those snakes hugging my babies’ necks just a little too snugly for my liking. Even the sign which read "All of our poisonous snakes have been surgically devenomized" didn't make me any more comfortable. But because the boys were thoroughly enjoying playing reptile man for the morning I did my best to hide my fears and encourage them to hold and touch all they wanted. . . and then promptly broke out the Purell hand sanitizer.

Meet Spencer

Kati Oliver — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 01:17:56 GMT

The last few months Spencer's personality has begun to surface and we are really getting to know him and the things that he (not his big brother) enjoys. One of the most surprising is his love of vegetables. He definitely did not learn this from Carson. In the picture above I caught him hiding after sneaking a whole tomato out of the fridge and eating it like it was an apple. Spencer will devour both asparagus and broccoli in the same fashion. A couple of weeks ago we tried a new BBQ asparagus recipe which he loved and asked for more until it was gone. When we made it again last weekend I bought two bunches of asparagus and he still couldn't get enough. Those are always fun diapers to change the next day.

Hands down his favorite animal at the moment is a kitty; in fact he spends a good part of each day crawling around meowing. It's ironic because B.C. (before children) when Nick and I were living in Los Angeles we were at a Blockbuster and there was this little boy crawling around acting like a puppy and his Dad was totally playing along and even let him crawl out to the car. I commented to Nick at what a great parent that man was to foster his child's imagination regardless of what other people thought. . . Yeah it's a whole different story when it's your kid. When I was in Utah in February I bought him this stuffed animal that he named Whiskers. Can you tell it was a hit? It's our middle ground when he wants his blanket and I say "No, but you can have Whiskers".

Also lately he has gotten into carrying around a notebook and pen and making notes and drawings wherever he goes. At this point it's hard to decipher between a letter, animal or a pirates map. However, he can and he takes great care in making each deliberate mark. And finally Spencer loves making a "Spencer Sandwich" with Nick and I. Usually it happens right after dinner when we are cleaning up and Carson is still at the table whimpering about having to eat yucky food again. Nick and I will get on either side of Spencer and squish him with hugs and kisses and he's the happiest little boy. I love Spencer so much and can't believe I ever wanted him to be a little girl!

Good Fortune

Kati Oliver — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:37:06 GMT

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?