Blessing Day Post from Papa

Okay, so there are a few life events important enough a man can blog and still hold onto his, "I am a man card." Sunday May 3rd was one of those events. My first post announced that Yvonne was pregnant, and my second is to tell about blessing little Elise, aka--"Nug, Nug" or "The Nuglet." How I love my little girl, she is amazing! I have decided that having your finger squeezed, and then making eye contact with a little one of this age, is about as good as it gets. So, here goes......

Picture 1: After wrestling her into her blessing dress, she is not looking so happy. But so would you if you had to go around with a lace bow attached to your forehead. Don't get me started on this, but even I suppose it was pretty cute.

Pictures 2 and 3: We're a little more relaxed at this point. I think Elise has realized that negotiations have failed concerning the bow, dad failed, and this is going to be on the rest of the day.....

Picture 4: Reality has sunk in....this is not a comfortable onsie!!

Picture 5: Outside the Olenik's home. Dad does his best to appear goofy in all photos. I really don't have to try that hard, it just comes naturally to me. Yvonne is beautiful as always, as is Elise.

Picture 6: We've added Grandma Kathie to the mix and the picture continues to improve. No, wait, there I am with that same look on my face.

Picture 7: Yvonne's parents Fred and Margene. I don't think of them as in-laws, I think of them as mom and dad number 2. You would to when you see the large, tasty, thing of goodness they got for me at the bottom of these pictures.

Picture 8: My way cool sister and her way cool husband Johnnie 5. Yes, this is the same sister who is gave Elise her first bath and first IV. Oh yeah, and their very special little girl named Mackenzie. Speaking of Mackenzie......

Picture 9: Is me and Mackenzie holding baby E together. There will be few things I miss more than hanging out with Kenz, calling her a monkey, and hearing her call me names I'm not allowed to print on family friendly blogs. Just kidding, but she is a funny one that one!

Picture 10: The tasty goodness I spoke of above. Who does not love Costco cake? Well, I don't know, but you shouldn't trust anyone who doesn't. Ok, so this time I tried for a dorky look. I think I succeeded.

For our friends unfamiliar with the LDS church, the blessing of an infant is similar to a prayer in their behalf. It was an amazing thing to hold my little one and try to convey the love and blessings of her Heavenly Father. Thanks to all who participated! And a special thanks to (my younger, and wiser siblings) Ellen and Steve for being examples of what parenting is all about--Ellen I still get to learn from here; Steve I'll get to learn more from later.

Ok, well, that's my blog about this special day. If I post again, maybe it will be of super manly things like: Pictures of Todd and I backpacking in southern Utah; recent campouts with my scouts; or my hero Bear Grylls. Until then, I'm off to watch a Jazz playoff game to forget about the fact I "blogged." Oh well, Elise, you're worth it!

Love,

Dad

5 Weeks old
I cannot believe that baby Elise is already 5 weeks old. She is growing so fast! We are so in love with her. For those of you interested we will be blessing her in our ward on Sunday May 4. Anyone who wants to come is invited to the blessing.
Here are some pictures we have taken this week. I seriously love her rock star hair!
Jim left this morning for Arches Nat'l Park with his friend Todd. They are going hiking/camping for the night and will be back tomorrow night. It will be nice for him to get away for a night and do what he loves best...be outdoors. My awesome Mom is coming to stay the night with us tonight which is great. I don't know how I would do this without Jim.

My little onsie Daddy bought in Texas....Go Cowboys!!

Daddy and Elise's hands

Jim's Graduation
I wanted to update everyone on the status of Jim's Graduation speech. He was not chosen to speak at Graduation which I think he was a bit relieved. He had a great experience and I am so proud of him for writing such a great speech. Jim will graduate this coming Friday May 2! Yeah for him, he has worked so hard to get to where he is and I am so proud of him.

My Sweet Husband

This post is for my husband. A week ago on my Birthday he came home with these beautiful flowers. Jim normally doesn't buy me flowers because he knows how I feel about them. I love flowers but I would rather have the $$ spent on flowers for shopping and buy something that lasts longer. But it was so sweet of him to think of it and I really do love them. Even though we stayed home to celebrate my Birthday this year Jim went out of his way to make it special.
Jim is a wonderful husband, throughout our marriage he has always been so caring, sweet and helpful. While I was pregnant he was amazing and always did little things for me that made being pregnant just a bit easier. Never did I dream that once we had a baby that would change. Well it has....for the better. I am in awe at how great he is with Elise. He really is a GREAT father. I am so in love with him and love to watch him with her. He has also taken care of everything around the house so I don't have to worry about it. I feel so lucky to be married to such a great man.
I know he will kill me for putting this in but I think it deserves attention. A couple of months ago Jim got a letter from the University of Utah asking him to submit a speech for Graduation. After much persuasion from me he decided to do it. Well, this week the U called and he is one of 10 people chosen to come give their speech in front of a committee. If chosen he will be speaking at Commencement on May 2. I am so proud of him and all he has accomplished!
Love you baby! Good luck on Monday.

Our Little Angel

We can't get over her hair. She has so much and it is such a pretty color. I hope it stays that way.

4 Generations-Yvonne, Grandpa Olenik, Elise, Great Grandma Olenik

Grandma Kathie
Uncle Dale

Cousin Mackenzie

Uncle Brent and Aunt Jen

We are all doing well. We are trying to adjust to this new schedule of no sleep. I have been told all along that this little baby will change our life but nobody really tells you how hard it is. You will not sleep for days and everything you do is for this little one. I can't wait for the day when she sleeps through the night! With all that said I love her and love being a Mom. She has changed our lives forever and we love it. Thank you for all of your comments and well wishes. We love to read them.

March Madness of a Different Sort...

Elise Genevieve was born 9:09 pm March 20th. What a great way to welcome the first day of Spring! There is a lot going on (getting her Bilirubin numbers down, getting her to want to eat, etc) so I won't spend to much time on this. She had some respiratory trouble and a few other issues, but all seems to be getting better. Suffice it to say, I love my wife and my little girl! What an experience, what a tender time. I'm sure Yvonne will update this with more detail, but until then, here is a few pictures of our last few days. Thanks everyone for your love and support, advice, good will, and prayers! We need em, well, not Yvonne, but I know I do!

This is a few hours before baby arrival time. I just ate a JCW's bacon cheeseburger to bring good luck.


Just after she was born:

Just after my sister (who is a PCT) got to wash and check her out. Just a shout out to my awesome sister who helped more than she knows!


This is my sister Ellen holding her up for the family to see:

My little girl, yea, I love her! Click on the picture to check out her sweet hair. Daddy is proud.


Our family of three:


Welcome Elise!

Tomorrow is the Big Day!
We got the go ahead and tomorrow I am being induced. We are really excited, but nervous as well. I pray that all will go well and Elise's lungs are well developed. This morning we went to the hospital to have the amnio done and the Dr. couldn't find a good spot to stick the needle that wasn't through the placenta. So he and my Dr. decided it wasn't worth the risk of both me and the baby so they opted to not do it and go ahead and induce tomorrow. I can't believe that this is all coming to an end and I am going to be bringing a baby home. We will update and post pictures as soon as we can. Love to you all!!

No Baby This Week
We had the amniocentesis done this morning and the lungs are not developed enough to have her this week. It is a bit of a let down but I want to do what's best for this little one so I will wait. I go back in next Wed. and they will test her lungs again. If the lungs are mature enough they will induce on Thurs. 3/20 If they still aren't mature they will wait another week (39 weeks) and induce then regardless. So we still have 1 maybe 2 weeks left. At least the house is ready and I can relax a bit. I am going to keep working until I have her so that is good and will keep me busy. I just have to remember that the longer she is in there the better. If she isn't ready I don't want to force it. It's not that I am tired of being pregnant it's because of my blood clot and being on blood thinners that the Doctors want to induce early. I just want to do what is best. So, we wait!!!

Our Chubby Baby
This past Saturday Jim and I went to get our re-takes at the 3D photo studio. We had originally gone in December but the baby was sleeping the whole time with her hands in front of her face. I am so glad we got to go back at 36 weeks because she looks so different and looks like a baby. The Dr. doing the ultrasound kept saying "very chubby baby, with big lips" I am so excited to see what she looks like when she arrives. Here are a few pictures of our chubby baby!





Tomorrow morning I go have the amniocentesis at the hospital and if the lungs are mature, which I don't doubt they will be, I will be induced Friday morning! We are so excited for Elise to arrive.

Baby's Room
I promised I would post pictures, so here they are. We live in a 2 bedroom apt. and even though we have moved our office to the living room--this room is still housing all my scrapbooking stuff. I figure the baby needs a place to sleep, be changed, and a place to put her clothes. So, that is what I have. I think it has turned out pretty cute.

Baby's bed:
The crib bedding is couple of different styles from Pottery Barn. Definitely some great deals and I loved the colors. Notice the pink flamingos and dragonflies, so cute.

Changing table/storage
I got the idea to use an IKEA bookshelf and turn it on its side from my friend Molly, thanks Molly. I think it has turned out pretty well. And someday when we no longer need it as a changing table I will use it as a book shelf. I love IKEA!

Lastly, my cute car seat. I wanted something that could be used for both a girl and boy. I really like the colors and it will be easy to clean.

I think we are ready for this sweet bundle to enter our lives. A HUGE thank you to everyone who has been so generous in your advice, gift giving and friendship. I know that our lives are about to change for the better and we couldn't be more excited!

Purse Tag

I know I am slow but here is my purse tag from Michelle. It was good to go through my purse and throw out some stuff. I know my purse is huge but I love it. I also know that soon enough I will be trading it in for a diaper bag!

Here is what's in the bag:

Wallet, check book, i-pod, phone, gum, extra packet of Emergen-C, lip gloss (2), Burt's Bees chapstick, pens (2), business card holder, lip stick case, spare key, zipper pouch with all my necessities ie. tums, Tylenol, more gloss, super glue you get the idea.

Trip to Texas

Well, hello everyone! I am taking a turn blogging because Yvonne is eight months pregnant, and lately, I am doing things I just don't normally do. What things you might be asking? Well....I am running to the freezer to get cups of ice for her to munch on, arranging pillows in a comfortable manner, comparing the various pros and cons of differing onesies, and discussing crib color schemes. Oh yeah, and then running back to the fridge for more ice..... My favorite phrases now begin with, "Umm...can you..." I wouldn't trade it for anything though! Fun stuff I say.

A little update: Yvonne is doing great, while she is still considered high risk because of her blood clot, the pregnancy is progressing normally. Little Elise (yes, I am officially refering to her by her first name these days) is doing great! I am forbidden from rubbing Yvonne's tummy in public, but every now and then I sneak in a quick hello to my little girl! Yvonne was released from Young Womens a few weeks ago. I am proud of her, and while she won't admit it--she did awesome things for those young girls. But now, a little rest is in order for the next few months. We have been blessed with great gifts from showers etc, and are almost "ready" for her to arrive. I say almost cause I don't think anyone is actually really ready for the event.

For us, life these days is a little crazy. I have been accepted to the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Syracuse, and I just got back from an interview down at Texas Tech that I really enjoyed. I should hear back from both Texas Tech and BYU in the next few weeks as well. It's an exciting time as decisions on where we will live for the next 2-6 years are being made. Want to hear something cool though? Whenever I start to get stressed out about it all--I just think of my pregnant wife and little girl, and it all washes away! I have found that the family can be a source of great comfort and strength. Almost, as if, there was a grand plan behind it? Hmm.... Anyway, we should know in a month where we will be headed: Syracuse, New York; Lubbock, Texas; or Provo, Utah.

Last Tuesday, Yvonne and I went to speak to a group of girls who are, or have been pregnant, and are considering adoption or keeping the child. Yvonne rocks! I love to watch her talk, bear testimony, and give advice at these events. She really is amazing, and I realize the importance of this type of work in general, and of adoption in particular.

Ok, well, that's about it. I do want to say thank you to all of Yvonne's friends and family who are doing so much to help her/us out!! One last thing, while I was at the Dallas Ft Worth airport I picked up the Dallas Cowboy onsie. I don't care if it's not girl colors!!!

To All My Momma Friends
As most of you know I am going to be a new Mom. It still hasn't sunk in yet but I know that she will be here soon enough. As we get closer to the due date I am starting to panic a little due to the fact that I only have a crib and some clothes bought for her. My problem is there is so much out there. Now, I am not the type of person who has to have everything but I know there are things that I will need and must have. That is where all of you come in. My question is What are your favorites and something you couldn't live without? You know favorite brands of diapers, best kind of rocking chair, swings, toys, etc. things like that. I already have the carseat and stroller chosen. But other than that I am really at a loss.
So to all my Momma friends please help me out. I would love your advice and your list of must have's. It will be much appreciated.

Happy New Year!!

Not that I am counting but I have 13 weeks to go until we welcome this sweet little baby into our family. I haven't posted anything for awhile since we have been so busy with the holidays. Hopefully now that it is a bit slower I will find the time. We did have a wonderful Christmas. Jim, his Mom and I were able to travel to Las Vegas the weekend before Christmas to visit our sister in law Katie and our neice Samantha. It was such a good visit and we all had a really good time. Jim's brother Stephen passed away 1 year ago on Christmas Eve so it was a great time to go visit and to remember him. Samantha (Steve's daughter) is 2 1/2 and such a cutie. She has the sweetest little personality and reminds us so much of Stephen. We are thankful for the Holidays and especially the time we have to be with our friends and family. This year was good to spend time with family and celebrate the birth of our Savior and also to remember the life of our brother Stephen.

Happy New Year to all!

December 12, 2003

Engagement Day!!!

That’s right, 4 years ago today Jim proposed to me! I said YES!!! This picture was taken right after we got engaged.

Here’s a trip down memory lane.
I knew a proposal was coming, I knew Jim had the ring but I didn’t know when he was planning on doing it. We were both working together at the Provo Marriott at the time. It was a Friday and I knew that Jim worked Friday nights so I didn’t think it would happen. It was the day of my annual performance review at work and I wasn’t looking forward to it. After my review my boss left his office and told me to wait there for a minute. He came back in and handed me a card with my name on it. I opened it up and it was from Jim. It said “you know what the outcome of tonight will be but I wanted to surprise you a little. Pack up your stuff and meet me out front in 5 minutes.” Come to find out, my boss and co-workers were all in on it. So, out the door I went at 4 in the afternoon with Jim waiting for me.
We drove to Midway where we ate dinner at the Inn on the Creek. After dinner he took me on a sleigh ride which was more of a carriage ride since there was no snow in Midway. The funny thing is a couple of weeks before that we were eating dinner and I mentioned that it would be fun to go on a sleigh ride before Christmas. He got this funny look on his face and said “how did you know that is what I was planning” What!! He said that is what he was thinking of doing for a proposal. Guess that was out. So going on the sleigh ride was a little joke. After the sleigh ride he put a blindfold on me and drove around for about 15 minutes. He took me out of the truck and walked me around for a minute and then removed the blindfold. When I opened my eyes all I saw were tons of white Christmas lights going up a staircase. It took me a minute to register where we were but we were at the fairgrounds where we had had our first date. The lights went the whole length of the grandstand and then up to the very top stairs. At the top of the stairs was a little lit Christmas tree. We walked up the stairs to the tree and there was little box wrapped. I un-wrapped it and Jim took the box and got down on his knee and asked me to marry him. It was the most romantic proposal ever! He still teases me to this day that I didn’t cry but I was just so excited that I couldn’t. It was beautiful.

I am so thankful for my husband. 4 Years ago I never would have imagined that I could be this happy. Just a little shout out to Jim. He is almost officially a college graduate!! He took his last final on Monday and is done with his Bachelors degree!! I am so proud of him and all the time and effort he has put into school. I love him!!! The University of Utah doesn’t have graduation ceremonies in December so he will walk in May!

The Wait Is Over
We had our ultra-sound today. We are both soooo excited. I would post pictures but I am too tired tonight and really don't they all look the same? I promise there is a baby in there and IT'S A GIRL!!!!
We were both so shocked to hear the tech say it was a girl because we had thought for sure it would be a boy. Either way we didn't care we are just excited that everything checked out okay. Now it's on to the name game. We have some names we like but who knows what we will end up with. My due date didn't change so I am due April 4th. Most likely I will be induced the week before my due date. Because of the blood clot I had 2 months ago I have the lovely chore of giving myself injections of blood thinners into my stomach 2 times a day (Jim also pitches in when I can't seem to find a spot not bruised or sore). In order to control the bleeding and if I want an epidural during delivery I have to be off of the shots for at least 24 hours. It is more likely that this cute little ball of sweetness will come the end of March. We couldn't be more excited to be parents and we are so thankful that so far everything has been great. I feel great and I am so thankful for life!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

Jimmy's first post:

Well, for those who know me, it would take the occurrence of a major life event for me to “blog.” It just so happens that a major life event has occurred—I’m graduating from college next month. But even that event is not a blog-worthy event. Let me tell you what is….. A while back, Yvonne and I planned to go out to dinner to one of my favorite places. All we had to do before hand was stop in and talk with some friends for, “just an hour or so.” No problem, right guys? Well, that hour turned into two, (which was not a problem cause the friends we were visiting were both fun and friendly) and Jimmy started getting hungry. Jimmy’s favorite place was now closed, and Jimmy was getting grumpy. So Jimmy settles for something he doesn’t really want to eat and they go home. Yvonne is patient and loving with Jimmy (because she’s awesome) and tries to get him to get out of his low blood sugar pity party. Jimmy eventually realizes he is being a schmoolie, and apologizes to Yvonne. Ok, enough third person, here is where it gets good. A few minutes later Yvonne comes over to me with a little wrapped present. I’m thinking, “Man, I should apologize more often for things!” I can’t quite figure out what is going on as I unwrap the little gift. What do I find inside? Smartwool socks! I love to hike in Smartwool socks, base-layers, and hats…but I notice that these are a little small for my size 13 toboggan shaped feet. These are really small, not the small of, “Ooops I got the wrong size small” but the size designated for those under the age of 2. I’m not a bright man, so I ask Yvonne why she got these for me. And then, slowly, the light begins to dawn as she is smiling at me. We find out the day before Thanksgiving if it will be a boy or girl. I don’t know that I have ever been more excited for anything (other than marrying you babe). It’s a big bag of mixed emotions: excitement, fear, love, anticipation, and joy. It is big time now, we have another life to look out for. How grateful I am to be a dad, and the perspective that gives me on life. How I love my wife. How I hope I don’t make too many mistakes! Here is a picture of those little Smartwool booties that sit on our bedroom dresser.

Our due date is April 4th. Which, for you fans of Yvonne, you might recognize as her birthday. We were not trying for that, but we'll take it.

Update
First off I just want to say thank you to everyone for your well wishes and concern. It has been almost a month since I was in the hospital and I must say that I am coming along great. My foot is doing so well, I am able to wear running shoes now which is so great. My foot seems to be getting better every day. As for the blood clot I have not had any pain or problems at all. I was able to return to working out at the gym this week which has been wonderful. I am sticking to the eliptical and the bike so nothing crazy. I feel good and even though I feel like I have gained so much weight because I have been imobile for so long It feels good to sweat again! Other than that I am doing so good. Life is slowly returning back to normal. Work has been extremely busy so that doesn't help but I am dealing with it fine. Jim is busy in his last semester at the U of U and will finish in December.
Again, thank you so much to everyone who sent such positive vibes our way! We love you!

Celine Dion-Aug. 2007

Because of everything going on lately I haven't posted my pictures from the Celine Dion concert I went to back in August. I know what some of you are thinking----Evonne & Tanya "I am Celine Dion and I am the best singer in z world" but seriously she was amazing. She has such an incredible voice. It was a fun girls weekend in Vegas. My Mom, sis Tash, friend Deanna, sis in law Jenny and her sister Stephanie all went. I would go again if I could afford it!

These "winners" were in the parking garage waiting for the elevator. No joke the one with the sunglasses on had just gotten married at a strip club. When we made a comment about how they were dressed or the lack of they said "wait until you see the bride" We had to go and didn't have time to wait to see her. Darnit.

On a side note I am embarrassed that I even had my picture taken with them yucky!

O yes, and I got to see David.....I just couldn't resist a photo. He wasn't really having any of it.

A Scary Last Couple of Days
Monday 9/17 afternoon my leg with the broken foot really started to hurt. By early evening I couldn't even walk. My leg was really swollen and purple. Even with elevation nothing was changing. So Monday night we went to the ER. After a few hours of ultrasounds and tests I was told I had a blood clot in my leg. The admitted me and started me on blood thinners right away. The good news is I am home after 24 hours in the hospital and my blood is being regulated by medication.

It was a scary few hours when we realized the severity of a blood clot. Especially one like mine that starts at my pelcic area and runs to my calf. I am grateful for my wonderful husband who has been there for me for every little thing. Jim and my Dad gave me a priesthood blessing in the hospital on Monday night which gave me so much comfort. I am just so thankful it wasn't worse and they caught it when they did.

I am home resting today and will write more but wanted to say how thankful I am to be here today!

Watch that step! It's a doozie!

Labor Day weekend our friends The Baldwins invited us to their family condo in St. George. We love going there with them and knew it would be a nice relaxing weekend. We decided to go to Zions and do some hiking while we were there. We planned to hike to the Emerald Pools and then on the Narrows. About a mile up and right before the middle pool I was walking when all of the sudden CRACK. I somehow stepped on uneven ground and my ankle rolled and I fell down. I have never had anything like that happen before, so for a minute I was stunned. I got up and realized it wasn't my ankle that was hurting but my left side of my foot. Here we were 1 mile up and the only way down was to walk down. So it took us about an hour and it hurt like crazy. But we did it. Jim carried me down on his back 1/2 the way and I hobbled down the rest. I knew it wasn't a sprain and needed to get checked out. After getting off the mountain and riding the shuttle back to the car we headed to St. George. That is where Jim and I spent the next 4 hours in the ER. I guess when it is a holiday, a weekend and evening the ER is really busy. Also, when you first get there and they ask you what your pain level is from 1-10 and you are honest and say a 5. Be prepared to be the LAST one called back. I try to not be much of a complainer but maybe I should have and I would have gotten in a lot sooner. Anyway....I have a broken foot. I don't know exactly how bad it is. They put me in a walking cast and gave me crutches and told me to make an appt. with the Dr. when I got home. So, I go see the Dr. on Monday since the swelling will be down and they can cast it or put me in a walking boot. I have never broken a bone in my body. I am usually a very careful person. I wear high heals 75% of my life and I have never gotten hurt. This seriously sucks. I hate crutches. I don't like being able to do anything for myself. Jim has been so great. He does everything for me. There is no way I would have made it without him. Also, I have to give him props for his awesome Boy Scout first aid dressing he put on my foot to hold the ice bag and give it some pressure. Some nice men on the trail gave us a bandanna and handkerchief and he went to town.
Anyway, that pretty much was our weekend. After that I couldn't do anything else but lay around. This week at work has been crappy, I hate not being able to walk. I am crossing my fingers for a walking cast.
I have some pictures of the weekend. Enjoy!

My sweet Boy Scout first aid dressing

Leaving the ER after 4 hours!!!
Disclaimer--yes, I was wearing my Chacos but let me tell you I have hiked in them many a time and never had anything happen to me. Jim said it was the shoes I say it was the ground. Either way I still love my Chaco sandals and will never stop wearing them.

I made Jim take a picture with me after I had fallen. We hadn't taken any of the two of us and I wanted at least one of us that day! He was faking his smile...he just wanted to get me down the mountain. He is so cute.

Jim on the hike up

Jim, Todd and Cambry. She was a trooper, only 4 months old and she did great all day.

A beautiful sunset on our way to St. George