2008 has come and gone. I can honestly say this has been one of the toughest years for us. Having three small children comes with its challenges, Ryan has been working out of town a lot the past six months, which has given me a taste of single parenthood, and as all of you know, the hardest trial we’ve had to endure was my mom’s fight with cancer and then her passing. It has been a whirlwind for us, but through it all we have learned tough lessons, found much joy, and have so much to be greatful for.
Of course, one of our greatest blessings this year was the birth of our first little girl McKenna Ray. She was born on February 22 and has brought so much happiness to our lives. She has been an angel and a special addition to our family, especially for me who lost a mother but gained a daughter. I already feel our bond is so special and so strong. She is growing like a weed and is already nine months. She’s a feisty little thing and loves to chase her brothers around and make lots of noise. She loves having baths and climbing stairs, and is starting to get ready to walk. We all absolutely adore her!
Ty will be two in January and is definitely in the terrible two’s stage. He keeps us on our toes because he loves to get into everything! We cannot take our eyes off of him for a minute, and he can throw the worlds greatest tantrums! But he is also very loving to his family and still loves to cuddle with his mommy and daddy. He and Nate are starting to play together so well, and he’s really getting into books. He is talking like crazy! It’s so nice to know what he needs and wants. He is mommy and daddy’s little helper. He wants to help us do everything…the dishes, sweeping, vacuuming etc. He brings so much fun and excitement to our family.
Nate turns four this December and is such a big boy. I often wonder where my little baby went. He loves to learn and read books, and has the biggest imagination. He loves to play make believe and is always creating fun things for him and Ty to play. He is already learning how to navigate the computer and loves to play on the Disney playhouse website. He started swimming lessons this fall and just barely finished. He did great and really loves to be in the water. He is especially excited for Christmas this year and I love seeing him experience all the wonders for the first time (that he actually understands anyway). He is a good big brother and is finally starting to make progress on potty training. I can’t believe I’m going to have a four year old!
Ryan is working hard for Hasegawa Engineering and loves his job as an engineering tech. He has had to do a lot of travelling this year, and is learning tons and excelling in his field. I’m starting to get the hang of three kids and love being at home with them during the day. I’m still working two nights a week as a receptionist for the walk-in clinic and I absolutely love it. I’ve started blogging (kelliolsen17.blogspot.com). I really enjoy it and find it very therapeutic. This summer we moved back over to the Westside into a townhouse. I love having three floors and the extra space was definitely needed.
We love living in Lethbridge
Much love, The Olsen’s (Ryan, Kelli, Nate, Ty, and McKenna)
2/01/09
