Sawyer Edison Olson

Second Time Around

Earlier this month we ventured back to the Stollery Children's Hospital. As most of you know, in February Sawyer was diagnosed with Pulmonary Stenosis, a heart condition affecting the transfer of blood from his heart to his lungs. This time the procedures were familiar, a heart echo followed by an EKG and finally a consult with the pediatrician.

Waiting for the consult, I looked around the waiting room hoping that in a few moments the doctor would tell us that Sawyer's condition had improved and that we would be able to forego any future trips to the cardiac unit. This was not the case. The doctor informed us that his condition has become slightly more exaggerated and although surgery is not needed at this stage it may be needed at some distant time down the road.

And, again it needs to be said that we are thankful to God for His provision and goodness. We are overwhelmed by the knowledge and friendliness of the Stollery staff and we are grateful that Sawyer can receive such outstanding medical care.

Another appointment has been booked for July.

Three Months!

Weight:13lbs 2oz

Height: 23 inches

Stollery: Smooth sailing on his second visit to the Stollery Children's Hospital. He was a rock star. Even with doctors, nurses and technicians poking and prodding he was a content baby. It's just too bad that good behaviour doesn't keep us from heading back for another echo and EKG in a few months.

Newest tricks: Whining... it's really cute right now but I can only imagine how we'll feel about it in the years to come.

Little explorer: First Campfire. Rachel and Robin, the lovely people downstairs, kindly put a fire pit in the backyard. We've enjoyed one evening of flickering flames and good conversations so far and we're excited for what the summer evenings are going to bring.

First: Sleeping for 5 hours at night! I'll gladly take this over 45 min at a time. I had almost forgotten what sleep felt like.

Dislikes: Immunizations. Not really a shocker there. He went for his two month shots and showed us that he does know how to scream. Poor little guy.

Words: No distinguishable sounds yet but lots of cooing. He takes after his mom as he is always eager to chat.

Ten Weeks...

Newest tricks: Sawyer spends a considerable amount of time laughing with his dad. Nothing is more precious than his little giggles and ear to ear smiles!

First: Explosive poo. We've entered the world of messy diapers! His worst mess to date snuck out of his diaper and was flowing down my pillow. It would have made a disaster of the bed but Trev got to it just in time. Thank goodness for bleach and washing machines!!

Little explorer: To Saskatchewan and back again! This week we traveled out to visit Grandma and Grandpa Olson in Swift Current. Sawyer slept the whole 7 hour drive with the exception of a stop to eat. Now if only we could convince him to do the same at night!

Likes: Sleeping on his tummy. I know that it is not recommended but as of this week he seems to greatly prefer to nap this way. Up until now Sawyer has done little to no tummy time. Before this week he made it clear that he thought tummy time was the equivalent of some cruel form of torture. Why the sudden switch?

Favourite toys: Sawyer loves to lay under his play gym kicking, flailing his arms, smiling and cooing.

Favourite moments: Smiley mornings... We've learned that Sawyer loves the mornings.

Two Months...

-Sawyer and his monster friend, Bruffin.-

Weight: 12 lbs

Height: 22 inches

Little boy: Sawyer is now wearing big boy clothes. This week he grew out of his second round of clothes (1 month clothing) and is working hard at fitting into a new set, a set which includes some adorable overalls. A big thank you to The Andrus Family for the said adorable outfits. We love them and we love you!!

-Seven Weeks.-

Kidnapped: Once again Sawyer and I headed for a visit in Red Deer. We weren't expecting to spend the night but after some smooth talking on the part of his grandparents, we ended up staying. Although I am sure that Trev missed his little man for the night that we were gone, I am sure that he welcomed the uninterrupted sleep and distraction free study time. Thank goodness that exams will be over soon!

Newest tricks: Sawyer seems to be able to focus on objects and people that are moving or that are at the far end of a room now. He seems to really enjoy following people with his eyes. This makes the time that he is awake more engaging and all the more fun.

-Cuddle time, one of my favourite times of the day.-

First: Almost every day for the past few weeks Sawyer has been out for a walk, either in his great Phil and Ted's stroller or strapped to the front of his dad in a Snugli. All three of us are SO thankful that spring is here so that we can get out and explore the city and markets on foot.

Likes: I like that Sawyer is as good as gold when we go out in public (knock on wood). We take him to church, bible study, out for dinner and this week we had our first coffee date with Kim. When we're out he doesn't make a sound, just sleeps soundly in his car seat. What a good little boy. I sincerely hope that he keeps this up :)

Just Like Korea 참치 김밥

Chamchi kimbop (참치 김밥), strange words to most of you but ever since leaving Korea they are the two words that are most likely to get Trev's attention. And, much to his delight, this past week Eddy was kind enough to host a Chamchi kimbop party at our place. Our stomachs are eternally grateful!

'What is Chamchi kimbop?' you might ask. Kimbop: rice and seaweed roll. Chamchi: is the variation, it means tuna. Simply put, kimbop is the equivalent of our peanut butter sandwich to Koreans. It is their 'go to' food for any and all outings. Ask a Korean for a snack, you'll most likely get a shiny tin-foil wrapped roll of kimbop.

To the untrained foreigner it resembles a sushi roll, but really it is so much more than that. Kimbop comes in many, many different styles. First off, you can spell it with a 'K' or you can switch it up and spell it with a 'G'. There is round kimbop or triangular kimbop, my kimbop always looks a little more rectangular. You can get kimbop with cheese, kimbop with squid, kimbop with tuna, kimbop with beef... You can even get nude kimbop! The lists of kimbop variations are truly endless. But for Trevor, nothing but Chamchi Kimbop will do.

Let me show you how to make Trevor's favourite food.

참치 김밥 (Tuna Kimbop)

Ingredients:

• Rice (밥)
• Seaweed (김 or Laver)
• Pickled Radish
• Crab meat, Tuna (canned)
• Soy Sauce, Mayonnaise, Vinegar, Garlic, Sesame Oil and Seeds, Carrot.
• Perilla Leaves (kind of minty plant)

Spread rice mixture (Mix 1/2 tbsp Sugar, 1 tsp Salt, 1 tbsp Vinegar and add to 5-6 cups of cooked rice) evenly over a sheet of seaweed (laver).

Place carrots, crab, pickled radish, and any other toppings of choice on top of the rice and to one end.

Then top with perilla leaves, followed by tuna mixture (canned tuna, 3 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tbsp sugar, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tsp pepper) and a squirt of mayo.

Roll up the kimbop gently using a bamboo mat, seal the edge with a little bit of water.

Cut the roll into slices...

... and enjoy! :)

Six Weeks...

Favourite moments: I realized this week that Sawyer and Kimchi are now about the same size, weight wise. Kimchi may look a bit bigger but he's all fluff. Sure did take Sawyer a while to outgrow Kimchi. I never really thought that I would have a child that was smaller than my tiny little dog.

First: Sawyer is now a regular attendee of church...however, he may regularly sleep through the whole service. At least he has an excuse, unlike others of us. :)

Smiles: And sometimes something that resembles a giggle, are becoming more frequent. We have yet to capture one on camera.

Trying to Learn: To control his head and his hands. He's getting a little more coordinated every week.

He prefers: Green hair... Sawyer has discovered that the turtle, one of the toys on his play gym, has green hair that he can suck on. It's hilarious to watch him wiggle his head until he gets a mouthful of hair to gum. He seems to really enjoy the whole experience and spends a considerable amount of time munching on his turtle.

Likes: Sawyer seemed impressed that our Canadian men won the Olympic Gold in hockey... he sat wide eyed through the whole match and even helped us cheer.