Newest tricks of Osten

Today I was talking to my friend, Cheryl and told her that I've always wanted to document when kids are doing new and exciting things.  This is the perfect forum for me to "journal" the cool things the kids are doing.

Osten is currently:

• Nursing about 4-5 times per day--once in the morning, once when I'm at work (Sheri the wonder caregiver delivers at 1pm daily), and then two to three times between 5pm-11pm
• He is sporting four teeth--two on bottom and two on top
• He is performing "so big"
• He is waving his arms frantically when we say "go guy go"
• He has a mushy face--squishes his eyes closed because he has such a big grin
• He likes to snuggle between Brad and I when sleeping at night
• Eating all sorts of yummy and nutritious vegetables including squash, beets, carrots, peas, greenbeans and parsnips and also rice/oat cereals.  Tried corn bread the other night and thought it was DELICIOUS.
• Loves to play with toys like kick and play, balls, tin pan
• Loves to holler and make "B, M, G, D, Na" sounds
• Really enjoys touching different textures--recently fell asleep while caressing a big teddy bear
• He has a very gentle touch and loves to touch faces--right now loves to dig in noses so if you hold him, you better have a clean nose or it will be cleaned for you in short order

By the way, did I write about how CUTE he is? 

Osten John Olson.  Schmokey Lonesome, Puppy Shoes, diaper boy...

Lotta

Astrid Lindgren wrote of a little lady named Lotta--what Astrid did not know at the time (late 1960s) that Lotta would come to life in 2006 and be named Katie.  Katie and I are totally enjoying the shenanigans of Lotta and discussing ways that we would react to the same situation.  Although we both would like to think we would act more honorably, I think Lotta's way would be the result.  Loveable, laughable and sweet. 

Tack Astrid, du är en otrolig berättare

Dawn of a new day



Good morning--it was quite brisk here in western Wisconsin today.  My thermometer read -9.  Tonight I will be busy with an open house for Jacob's Ladder Preschool---a place where I hope all three of our children will be educated.  Anders and Katie had wonderful experiences and I am so thankful what Kim, Cathy and Lisa do for the kids and families who attend.

509 weeks old

Anders Cole is now 509 weeks of age.  So many wonderful things have happened during those weeks and he has developed from a tiny infant of 9 pounds 5 ounces and 21.5 inches in length to a strapping 71 pound 58 inch boy. 

An Anders story--during the first year of his life, he was a traveling man.  Before he was 3 weeks old, he traveled from Illinois, were he was born, to Grantsburg, Wisconsin for his baptism on May 27, 2001.  Then, a few days later on May 31, 2001, he travelled with Mom & Grandma and Grandpa Blomgren through the states of Iowa and Minnesota to spend ten days in Mountain Lake.  We had visits from many loved ones before our grand move to Idaho including travelling to Flandreau, South Dakota to visit Great Grandma Margaret Blomgren. 

Early on June 11, 2001, aunt Ibby, Anders and I travelled from Mountain Lake, Minnesota to Mitchell, South Dakota, Wall Drug and on to Rapid City, South Dakota.  We were amazed by the "mountains" of the Black Hills even stopping to take a photo of their majesty.

Back on the road early on June 12 where we decided to take a "short cut" across the Big Horn Mountains (real mountains compared to Black Hills) in Wyoming and spent the night in Cody.  June 12, you would think would be warm and wonderful?  It started snowing on June 12 and when we tried to cut through Yellowstone on June 13, we had to drive several hundred miles south as the east entrance was closed due to heavy snow fall.  Goes to show, when Clarence and Vivian Blomgren tell you to stick to the interstate, you should.  We arrived late on June 13, travel weary to our little five bedroom apartment in Idaho Falls.  It was so great to reunite with Brad!

Next adventure was back to Minnesota on July 5, 2001 where we travelled to North Dakota to visit Great Grandparents Grace and Clarence and attended first bacherlorette party and wedding of dear friend, Julie Anderson Thibodeau. 

Another adventure in August 2001 to Los Angeles, California for cousin Erin Olson Batstone's wedding and Universal Studios/Pacific Ocean.  Back to Wisconsin for Thanksgiving 2001.

Two unexpected trips back to the Midwest for the funerals of Great Grandma Blomgren who passed away on February 17, 2002 and Great Grandpa Clarence Swanson exactly a month later on March 17, 2002. 

Our last big trip of Anders' first year was to Las Vegas in late March 2002 so Brad could meet up with Lambda Chi buddies from Mankato. 

In sum total, Anders visited Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, North Dakota, California, Arizona and Nevada--12 states in 12 months.  WOW!

More for later...

Super Bowl Fever

This is the first time in my recollection that I was super pumped about the Super Bowl and what the outcome would be.  I'm so happy the Packers are the reigning Super Bowl champions!

Our family was able to watch the game at an amazing party hosted by the Mueller's.  Thanks to Jennifer and Garth for a wonderful evening and thanks to the Packers for an outstanding game!

Uncle Bob

About a week ago, my cousin, Sarah wrote me a message on FaceBook letting me know that her grandfather, my uncle Bob, had passed away.  I have very fond memories of Bob --his wit, his card tricks, playing countless hands of "99" and his great teasing personality.  Here's to you, Bob--may you rest in peace!

I have copied his obituary from the Eidsness Funeral Home website below.  I also thank the family for postponing the funeral from the original date on Tuesday.  Winter weather havoc would not have allowed me to attend his funeral had the funeral not been rescheduled. 

Robert D. Lorden, age 83, of Elkton, died Friday, January 28, 2011, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Funeral Mass has been postponed to 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 5, 2011, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Elkton, with interment at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitations will precede services at the church on Saturday, beginning at 10:00 A.M.

Robert Dennis Lorden was born on July 16 1927 to Charles and Mary (Zahrobsky) Lorden on the Lorden homestead in Richland Township, Brookings County, South Dakota. He was raised on the family farm and attended country school District 48 in Richland Township graduating from the 8th grade. Bob then worked on his family farm until he joined the United States Navy in 1951. Bob served aboard the destroyer USS Wadleigh and obtained the rank of Petty Officer First Class during the Korean Conflict. Bob sailed around the world twice during his tour of duty and was very proud of his years of service to his country and the many memories and experiences he gained during that time. Following his honorable discharge from the United States Navy in 1955 he returned to the family farm where he continued to farm. He met and later married Audrey Blomgren on June 25, 1960, in Elkton SD and they had two children, Charles and Diane. Bob and Audrey formed a cattle and farming partnership with Ervin and Grace Kurtz which lasted until Bob and Audrey’s retirement in 1998. Bob enjoyed many activities; he was an avid hunter and trapper, he enjoyed fishing, playing cards and pool, photography, and he was a master at card tricks. He was a Minnesota Twins fan attended the 1965 World Series. He continued his education during adulthood in electronics and he became a certified EMT.

Bob served for 6 years on the Elkton Farmers Union Co-Op Board of Directors, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Elkton, SD and the St. Thomas Moore Parish in Brookings ,SD. Bob and Audrey traveled after retirement to the southwest and enjoyed their travels around the country meeting new people and renewing old friendships. Bob enjoyed sharing his military experiences with others, especially fellow veterans. He was an active member of Elkton Legion Post 198 and served for many years on Post 198’s Color and Honor Guards.

Bob is survived by his son Chuck, his wife Carol, and their children, Cameron and Cierra, of Elkton, SD, his daughter Diane Smith-Opbroek her husband Gene of Pickstown SD, her children Sara Smith of Pierre SD and Chris Smith of Watertown SD. He was preceded in death by his wife Audrey, his parents, sister Katherine, brother James and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

37 weeks ago...

Our family of four became a family of five.  Osten John is a wonderful, sweet, gregarious, absolutely perfect addition to our family.

This morning Kathryn and I were snuggling in bed together and regaling the times before Osten was born that we would read about his development in a baby book every morning during our snuggle time.  Kathryn said "now we don't have to read about him because he is here!".  So exciting. 

Kindergarten Registration

Today was the day of Kindergarten registration for our sweet five year old.  I had written on my FaceBook page about mentally preparing for the event.  Several responses were shared by friends including a note from our five year old's preschool teacher, Mrs. Kaiser.  Apparently the little girl we refer to as Katie has decided that she should now be called "Kathryn" her given name. 

After asking Katie about this, she says that she will now be Kathryn as she is heading into Kindergarten.  At registration, she signed her name Kathryn on her name tag and everyone called her that.  I think it may take me some time to get used to, but she does have a lovely name. 

Got a chance to catch up with Anders' Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Eggimann.  She thinks Katie will do just great in the transition to Greenwood.  We are thrilled!  We also recognized several people who were being registered and we excited to hear that Katie will have another Anders in her grade next year.  Great things are bound to happen. 

Here is a photo of the newly registered Kindergartner, Ms. Kathryn Olson

and a photo from our after registration date at Earth Angels coffee shop for a cup of hot chocolate.



Another week older

When Katie was a wee one, I started a mission to photograph her on her one week birthday.  I have adhered to that tradition quite well in the past five years.  There have been a few lapses, but not many.  Here is the latest edition of Katie + one week.  To conserve time, I decided to take a quick photo, not letting her decorate the sign, therefore the dour expression...they can be just as fun as a cheesy smile.

Today, Katie was so excited that it was Groundhog's Day.  It was a large topic of conversation both at dinner last night and at breakfast this morning.  Phil did not see his shadow today, so according to legend, spring will come early.  This is welcome to many people who have been enduring a long cold winter.  Thanks to Mrs. Kaiser and Sheila and the University Preschool for fueling that education fire for Ms. Kathryn Grace!

Our Anders

My new goal is to post a commentary weekly in 2011.  If it's more great; less, ok. 

Received a really nice message about Anders this morning from a fellow Mother of 3 here in River Falls.  I have to admit, it left me speechless (says a lot if you know me), with a lump in throat and misty in eye.

Thank you so much Dawn for renewing our belief that our son is a special spirit.

Hello Karen,



This is Dawn and I just wanted to ask you what Anders favorite treat is..Austin did a Valentine's for Anders and asked me if we could get him something special. Of course I said...Before you tell me it's not necessary, it is...haha..It really is.

You know that it's scary when your kids start school. I worried about everything..Anders has really made it enjoyable for Austin. He is a part of Austin's success though this Kindergarten year. We all know that he is a very sweet boy but he really made my son happy this year. Austin thinks and talks about him all the time. Anders always considers Austin and not just on buddy day. I have seen some buddies walk right by the kindergarten and not say anything but not Anders. EVERY TIME I have been with Austin and Anders is walking by, he always stops and does their buddy handshake...Austin EATS IT UP..He is sooooo happy with Anders so when he asked me if we could get him a special treat, how could I even say no...What a great kid you have.....


Dawn

January post

One of my goals in 2011 was to post at least once on our blog.  There is a lot to share for the month of January, but I don't have photos uploaded yet...so here is a bit of old, but fun news...

Osten and Jasmine on a date at the River Falls Academy waiting for big sisters Jordan and Katie to complete their Miss Jennifer dance class