Teddy Bear Drive Success

(My apologies for such a delayed posting...life's been crazy, in a good way)

Our First Attempt at 

The OMS Teddy Bear Drive

was...

SUCCESSFUL!!

We were able to deliver 271 Teddy bears, toys, books and games to an extremely thankful U of M Mott Children's Hospital on October 22nd this year.  The staffer who helped us unload the toys said that at the time of our delivery their shelves were nearly bare.  Our main goal had been to spread awareness of OMS, but it was so neat to be able to spread some cheer and happiness to the kids at Mott as well.  This past week, we were at Oliver's infusion and one of the Child Life Specialist mentioned that they rely so much on donations for things like Play Doh (which has to be given to each chid every time for infection precautions), arts and crafts and giveaways.  They do not have a budget to "shop" for the play rooms.  As I, and I am sure others, assumed they did. 

We are so thankful to report that our friends and family also donated over $750 as well that will be pooled with donations from all over the world to be given in the form of grants to doctors studying OMS.  As of November 4th, over $30,000 has been collected in this year's effort.  AND, as of October 30th over 4000 toys have been donated to hospitals all over the US.  (The numbers are still coming in!)

Going into this, we had no idea what to expect or if we would do this again next year.  Now I know we will.  Only, we will be doing our toy drive early next year.  While the National OMS Teddy Bear drive begins in annually in October, we will begin our collection in July.  After talking with the hospital staff, they are most in need in the summer months when seasonal donations run out (Nov-Jan being their peak season).  I will also collaborate to find out their specific needs and most requested items.  

We are always on the look out for corporate partnerships as well!

Again, a HUGE THANK YOU from our family and the OMS community to you and yours!!

I was asked….

Yesterday an old friend reached out and asked me for any help in coping with the significant illness of a little one.  Her 26 month old nephew (we will call him julio) has been diagnosed with cancer.  While there is no silver bullet- no perfect solution to help her sister and brother-in-law, she was asking for my input.  I thought maybe my words might help someone else, too.  So, I'm responding in a blog…which already has some details changed to protect the privacy of my friend's family.  This family has yet to share the news of their baby's diagnosis with anyone outside of their family…please don't guess.  You'll never figure it out and that's why I feel comfortable responding in a blog.

Understand.
From the perspective of Julio's parents, I can understand that they do not want to communicate directly with each member of their family.  It is a great strategy to have one person that receives all the shareable details and is authorized to share with the individuals that have been "okayed" by the parents.  In the early days of figuring out what was causing Ollie's symptoms we share with our immediate family and a handful of close friends.  We chose to do this because the thing we wanted first and foremost was their faith-filled, confident prayers that Oliver was already healed from the top of his head to the bottom of his toes and everywhere in between.  That phrase can still be heard- 9 months later- whenever our family and friends pray for him.  We are so thankful we made that choice initially and later asked for that SPECIFIC prayer from our vast network of praying friends.  We believe the action of being in agreement amplifies the effectiveness of this essential communication with our God.  We chose never to pray from a standpoint of fear.  We would NOT let fear in. 
^^^^^^^
So, my best advice on that topic, give Julio's parents some grace.  Understand that the last thing they want to do right now is re-hash the details of every bedside report, every impending test.  It is more than they can process, likely.  Ask questions through the family designate or do your own research, which leads to my next point…

Reasearch.
But don't share your opinion until asked.
Oliver's experience was with a disease that is extremely rare.  No one in our family had any previous knowledge of the causes, impacts, symptoms, treatments, etc.  Most of our family members did a "brand name" search and read as much as they could.  I think it only served to freak them out, but it did give them an idea of what we were fighting without us having to detail it over and over again.
^^^^^^
In this case, a cancer diagnosis is too broad for any significant research.  I would find out what you can about the type and go to town online.  Look for alternative or assistive therapies that will improve his outcome.  Again, don't share until asked…or do so with impeccable timing, skill and respect.  If not, the parents will likely be unreceptive and potentially offended.  However, my dear friend was able to greatly improve her husband's outcome (as stated by his world-reknown doctor at the James) through different natural enhancements to his treatment-  mainly diet, but also hyperbaric treatment, supplements and (eek) coffee enemas.  I'm not suggesting these therapies for anyone in particular- just using them as an illustration of some of the things that hospitals probably will not suggest, but may be helpful.  In any case, it is good to have the knowledge for when the family is ready to listen.  

Long distance help.
Not much can be done when the family isn't open to visits, phone calls, etc.  The biggest blessing I can think of is mail….send a "picture of health" to focus on and a reminder that his health will be fully restored.  Maybe send gift cards for meals, iTunes, activities to keep Julio from getting to restless (if he's up for the activity-- if he isn't today, he will be in the future). When and if the need arises, helping to organize fundraisers can be a huge help. Once a specific diagnosis is made, look into support groups for that type of cancer and ask those parents what made the biggest impact for them.  


Connect.
The following are tibits of advice from other OMS parents and grandparents…

This is more for the parents than those wanting to help, but a tip from one of my OMS mommy buddies:  
"getting a "carebridge" account I wish I had known about them when ****** was sick. I could have used all the positive comments that can be posted and I would not have had to call everyone to update them they could have just gone to the site and seen the update.

An OMS grandma shared these thoughts:
When ***** was in the hospital so much, we had a friend that brought dinner several times. She also brought real plates, bowls, etc. for us to keep at the hospital. It made it more "home". While many people feel funny giving cash, it's still the best. You can't anticipate needs...gas, food, heck, washing detergent...and cash will fill the need easier and quicker. We had a bank account set up with one person "at home" that could access the account and then me at the hospital. Anyone that wanted to give, all they needed was *****'s name at the bank or give to the other person at home. Since we were miles away, that helped so much. What would help with meals is a schedule where they wouldn't have 6 different meals on one day and not enough storage to freeze. One person to coordinate meals would help. One contact to be direct contact with the parents is nice. That eliminates them being bombarded with calls. The contact person can keep a notebook of who has called, their message, and they also can write down what news the parents want to share. That way, the "news" stays the same and doesn't get distorted. Have an "errand" group. Someone that can be in charge of feeling free to call and ask "can you go get..." Another thing is someone to have a house key. To turn the heat/air up when they get on the way home from the hospital. Feed pets, check mail and put it inside, someone to check on the house so it doesn't look deserted. I know this is a long post, but we spent a lot of time 2 hours away from home, and these things helped so much!

From other OMS moms:
Tell friends and family to send well wishes by email, text, Facebook when they think of it. These seemingly simple messages of love got me through some rough times.

I think cleaning help, babysitting so parents can spend time alone, or with unaffected child, dinners delivered...anything that helps relieve a little of the pressure. Unfortunately, distance is sometimes only overcome by paying someone else to do for a loved one that which you would do if you were closer by. Perhaps if they are members of a faith group, church, synagogue, offering to organize volunteers? It is really so tough. I'd like to say I don't know how we did it. Part of me says, we didn't, as my marriage didn't survive the challenge of OMS, although it wasn't on the firmest foundation to start with.

Help with food would be great as would cleaning- even when I was just sick at home not hospitalized. 


And from other non-OMS moms who have all had sick kiddos or who have themselves faced challenging times:

A friend showing up unexpected with a gift for my then 1 1/2 year old. I was exhausted, scared and worried and knowing someone was thinking of my baby and myself just brought me to happy tears as well as seeing a friendly and familiar face!

Called instead of just dropping in. And brought me magazines to read.

Wish meals had been provided upon return home. (With a full time job, 2 kids, and seriously ill husband)  Oh, after I had my first baby, one of my L and D nurses went to the cafeteria and brought a huge tray of food...chicken fingers, fries, salad, cake, etc...so that I could get to the NICU faster to see my baby

 would say the way I was treated, in the sense of are we making this patient feel safe, comfortable and at ease given the reason they are here? When I was young I had surgery on my eye. Maybe it was because I was a child but everyone was so kind and good to me. It put me at ease and I never felt scared. On the flip side, when I had *****, everything went so fast. But I found that the people that took care of me were a little cold. No one was sensitive or warm given the fact that I just had a baby for the first time. It made me uncomfortable. Like I was just another person. I couldn't wait to leave. I think it's important to make your patients feel a little at home since they are having to away from their own.

Church provided us with meals and people checked in with us. It was nice. Also maybe someone close by able to provide a shower! Childrens hosp for us is an hour away and frankly I never left the room for 4 days. I had a friend in the city offer her place for a shower which was awesome. Also, my boss had given me her paid time off hours so that my paycheck would be the same since I had exhausted my days on reeds medical issues. Never pressured me or made me feel guilty about not being at work and just asked me to pay it forward. It would asp be nice for someone to check in about maybe needing stuff from target because even though I had packed bags I would forget or run out of stuff.  Also new toys to keep a toddler busy was awesome too. My mom brought an entire package of new stuff (toys, books, stickers) to help occupy *****.

I know my family greatly appreciated meals. For when they were receiving care out of state, so many people wanted to do something so my parents just asked for donations to go to the Ronald McDonald house to help house future families. people were happy to help a cause that was helping us.  (Taylor and I agree wholeheartedly with this one.  The RMH in Springfield, IL has been a haven for us when at the specialist…to the point that Ollie wants to visit there right now).

he stylist who did my hair came to the hospital and washed/styled my hair...made me feel human...and so grateful. Also...just having friends drop off meals, books, something personal like lotion...or ask what errands they could run. For the last couple of my friends who have had serious surgery/accidents I sent a box of paperbacks that I had already read and just asked that they do the same for someone else when they had finished them.

I had 15 neuro surgeries in 1 yr after I had *****.  It was so rough being really sick n having an infant n young child at hm. My family telling me the only thing I had to worry about was my self n getting better. While my husband n parents all pitched in. That was the best advice I every received it was my dad who said it as he was at home watching the girls changing diapers which he never had done. I couldn't have done it with out my family!

So, I'm not sure if this helped at all.  I truly hope that it did.  I know in the beginning it took us about a week to really be open to other people helping us…in away I think we felt like it would all be a mistake and we'd wake up the next morning with a fully functioning child.  (Praise God that was the truth within the month!!).  Until the family is willing to accept help, be thankful that the most powerful thing you can do is pray for all involved.  And keep on doing it even after they allow you to do other things. 

"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up…the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:15-16.

Teddy Bear Drive Update!!

WOW!!

This is what 1/2 way looks like!! Big thanks to friends and family near and far for being a part of our teddy bear and toy drive! 

When I got to the Whitt house on Thursday night, Mimi handed me more bags of toys.  Her friend Sue found some great stuffed animals from the Kohl's Cares collection.  (this is in no way an advertisement for Kohls).  And I had gotten a shipment of books from another of her friends, Caryl, via Amazon as well.  Plus, Mimi had picked up a few more on top of what she and Aunt Ashley had already contributed (TONS!!).  

Ollie and I came home from a weekend at Mimi's to a box full of toys from our neighbors!  Even though we could not attend the block party, they went out of their way to help us out.  THANK YOU!

As I was finishing up this post, Taylor came home from a weekend in Louisville with our amazing friends and mentors and our total is now 130!  (Thanks Antonio and Nathalie!)

We will be taking the toys to Mott on October 22nd, the day of Ollie's follow-up MRI.  Please reach out if you are looking for a way to get items here, we have shipping addresses and alternate drop off spots as well.  We can even do some pick ups where possible!

Please also take a minute to like www.facebook.com/OllieWinning

Thank you family and friends.
We love you all!

Taylor, Katie and Ollie

End of Summer

PHEW!  It has been a busy summer...mostly wonderful!

Ollie has finally gotten into a little routine with speech "class".  His therapist comes to our home one day a week to work with him.  Taylor usually supervises, but I got to watch a bit a few weeks ago.  It was so cute to see Ollie sit indian style (or criss cross or pretzel or whatever is PC now) in front of Miss Cindy and listen so well.  He really interacts nicely with her.  

Ollie's vocabulary is constantly expanding and he often groups 2 or more sentences together.  However, you (who EVER you are) would not likely understand more than a few words.  We are all working to help Ollie remember to annunciate the start and end of his words and particularly C's and P's.  Taylor has been working on getting a schedule set up with UofM's outpatient clinic so that Ollie can get the first appointment of the day to reduce risk of infection.

Recently, Oliver's favorite past-time has been watching TV.  NEVER thought I would EVER say that about a child of mine, but he is pretty much under house-arrest...options are limited.  Usually Taylor can get Ollie outside for 2-3 hours a day...playing basketball, golf, baseball, taking walks or playing in the sand.  But, Ollie always seems to wrangle a few episodes of Umizoomi.  His favorite.  Our family's least favorite.  However, each of us will begrudgingly admit that Ollie has learned so many things!  Shapes, numbers, basic math and patterns. AND, the theme song.  TOO FUNNY to watch him shake his bum and sing/dance to the tune. 

We did have one small set-back this summer.  In August, we noticed a few symptoms try to make a reappearance.  At the suggestion of his specialist, Dr P, we moved up his IVIG by a week and held his steroid dose for an extra two weeks before we moved to the next step in the taper process.  As it turns out, Oliver's body was probably fighting germs (I ended up with strep throat, ear and sinus infections- diagnosed a week later).  As we already knew, any increase in immune system activity could bring about symptoms.  Thankfully, IVIG and lots of prayers for protection led Ollie to avoid any relapse that might have been looming.  He is strong and healthy.  Thank you God!

We closed out the summer with the start to Oliver's Teddy Bear Drive for OMS Awareness.  Ollie's goal (well, our goal) is to collect 250 toys in Ollie's honor to donate to C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.  We are excited to give back to the hosptial that helped make Oliver's inpatient stay as comfortable as possible and even more excited to help raise awareness for OMS.  Early diagnosis improves the outcome for those impacted beyond measure.  Some kids go months or years w/o diagnosis.  Ollie went 4 days (which, by the way, felt like forever).  The sooner OMS is treated and moved into remission, the less chance of chronic relapse and brain damage.  Ollie is a blessed little man!

If you would like to donate to Ollie's Teddy Bear Drive, the link is on the right hand side of the page.  Donations can also be made on the national OMS Teddy Bear Drive page:  http://www.razoo.com/story/5th-Annual-Oms-Teddy-Bear-Drive?referral_code=share.  Please let us know if you donate so we can personally and publicly thank you!

As of 9/25/13 we have collected 108 toys and $100 towards our goal.  THANK YOU!!

You can also visit Oliver's new facebook page:  www.facebook.com/OllieWinning

This will be our primary posting place.

As Ollie says, "see u toon!"

Fishing...only pole that never caught a fish!

hanging out in the backyard

Me and my Gigi

Papa Ernie reading me my Ollie books

My Mickey towel from Mimi

"meepin" with Daddy

Who IS this kid?

August 2013

8/3/13:

Tonight we asked Ollie if he wanted to go for a walk after dinner.  He was really excited so we hurried to get it together (meaning dogs, leashes, shoes, clean up bags, water, ect...) as he was jumping up and down by the back door (along with two very excited dogs).  

When I got the stroller out he said, "Ollie not go in dare, mama go in dare".  Obviously that was not going to work, but I was able to get him to push the stroller, empty.  Tay and I figured that would last until the end of the drive way and he would want to be pushed.  Not so much. We turned out of the driveway and headed out of the court, down the main road.  We got three houses down (pretty big lots, so it was a decent chunk) when he started chasing the dogs who were on their leashes out ahead of us. "I catch 'em!....  Look at me! Look at me! I run-nin!" 

Mind you, it was after 8 pm.  Light as the middle of the day, but I know some of our neighbors had little ones trying to settle down.  Here is our public apology:)  SORRY!!   But, Oliver was so excited and so were we, to see him so active and free!  It was awesome!  We continued to walk around the entire neighborhood while he shouted and jumped and ran.  He would stop for sips of water and then spit them out (ahem, like the real runners).  When home was in sight, he developed yet another skill...he began to hurdle the little lines of grass that were growing into the street from some of the lawns. 

Even when we got to the top of the driveway, he just didn't stop!  Ollie launched into the lawn to run through the sprinklers.  He finally went to bed after 10pm!

I just don't know where he gets it.  I've NEVER been a fan of running....but it was such a great reminder of how far Oliver has come in such a short time.  Less than 4 months ago he was unable to sit, stand, walk, run or even hold his head up.  God is SO GOOD!

A link to a video of Ollie on his run:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201096301383575&l=1721497037785920969

(FYI, as mentioned, we didn't expect that he would be running.....hence the crocs.)

wrapping up July

Mimi dressed up like Mickey for my arrival.
 She is so cute!

July 28th

Papa Ernie is in town, so we went to visit Mimi's house.  My mommy and daddy decided that since my cousins haven't been in school or around many other kids, I could see them today.  So Aunt Ashley brought Avery and Addy over to play with me.  

Papa was throwing BP and Mimi was my backup hitter

Nakey boy swimming with Papa

I was supposed to take a nap, but I wanted my mama to snuggle with me instead.  I'm pretty sure she took a nap, but I did not.  After awhile, I got really tired and told them I wanted to go home now.  {mommy's note: repeatedly.  after asking all week to go to Mimi's house.}

Mimi got my one of my special treats {an ice cream cone filled Nutella, sprinkles and whipped cream} before we left.  My daddy got some on Auntie's face...she was not happy, but we all laughed!  

We FINALLY left and I fell asleep in the car about 2 minutes later.

July 30th-

Last time I was at Mimi's house, she and Addy gave me some Mickey Mouse wall stickers.  Mama finally let me hang a few on the wall.  She was a little reluctant because I had redecorated with the animal ones I had above my crib previously.  She told me if I left them alone during my nap today that she would help me put the rest up later.  However, I figured, why wait?  So, after mommy went to work, I got Daddy to help me put the rest up.  {m: sucker!} 

When mommy came home from work, daddy and I were outside playing and looking at the new photo book that mama made for me.  I LOVE to look at pictures of myself.  I took mommy out to the slide so I could show her how good I am at climbing all over it- up the slides, on top of the tunnel.  Mama looked a little concerned and she hovered the whole time, but I am quite confident in my abilities.  Then mama wanted to look at the flowers, so we went for a little walk around the yard.  We were stopped when water started shooting from the ground.  crazy!  what was even more crazy was when mama started running through the water!  I quickly got the hang of it.  {he was so cute, yelling "I got wet".  "I got really wet!" and giggling!!}  I couldn't understand why mama was just standing there watching me, so I started trying to push and pull her into it too.  She finally gave in:)  

I did have one other mishap today, I grabbed the syringe with my night night meds in it and squirted it all over my face and in my eyes.  Mama grabbed me quickly and soaked my face with water, so it was ok.  I've been letting her and my daddy give me my meds ever since.  

All throughout July, I've been having picnics for almost every meal.  Meaning, my food is prepared on a cookie tray with a towel under my plate and I can eat it where ever I want.  Mostly mama's room or nana's bed. One time, Aunt Stinky (Sarah) joined me...

I have also discovered my mama and her sibling's toys... I've played with their old food sets and Little People toys, but my favorite is the "Narble" set.

what just happened to me?!

July 25th, 2013

IVIG infusion.

This morning, I woke mommy up by giving her 3 kisses in 3 different spots, then a BIG hug around her neck!  She loved it!  (works every time)  

I get a little nervous when momma puts the EMLA cream on my port on infusion mornings.  She says it is supposed to keep it from hurting when they access my port, but it is cold and I don't like it.  I usually get pretty quiet afterwards.  {mommy's note: today he actually had his lips pressed together from that moment until we got to the clinic- not excited}.  

For the first time, everything went smoothly at the clinic.  The nurses were on board and had orders from the Doc to match what the protocol from the specialist recommended.  PHEW!  My mommy and daddy are so much more fun when they don't have to argue to get things done right.  I had a new nurse and I like her a lot.  Everything was going great....

I like to spend most of my infusion days playing in the dugout- today I met a lot of great kids who were also there for treatment.  Since we are all getting treatment, everyone is very careful with germs.  Not just me!  Towards the end of the day, a little girl was playing with me.    She was almost done with her chemo treatment and was getting her port hep-locked.  I guess the taste of the heparin was too much for her tummy, and she turned and threw up all over my lap!  She had been drinking blue gatorade to try to mask the taste, so my shorts were covered in blue.  I wasn't sure what to do...I just held my hands out to the side and froze.  Her mama leapt into action, and actually caught most of the 2nd round.  My mom and dad quickly got me out of my clothes and cleaned off with a mini-bath.  Thankfully they always bring extra clothes for me, cause the nurses wouldn't let me run around "naked boy" like I wanted to.  I didn't blame the little girl... I don't like the taste of that stuff either.  I think it is really strange that the medicine they put in my port makes my mouth taste funny!  

Thankfully, she wasn't ill, just had an upset tummy.  I was most upset that the playroom had to be closed while they cleaned it.  Mommy and daddy found it amusing that yet another incident report will be added to my record. AND, they were really proud of me for not crying and for keeping my hands out of my mouth!

My doctors say I look great.  I'm happy and feeling good....

{mommy's note:  Ollie's temper was fantastic despite the fact that he was awake from 4:30 am to 7 pm with NO NAP!!  mommy on the other hand, needs a nap!}

Just God

I wrote this one a couple of weeks ago and I've been mulling this over for awhile prior to that. Reading back over what I've written below, I still haven't really done justice to how I really feel about this topic....but, it is a start and it feels good to have it off my chest.

For Oliver's first Christmas (in 2011) I put together photo books for my parents and in-laws.  Since he was born in January, it was almost a full year of photos.  My mom asked me earlier this week if I would do it for his 2nd year....which had me looking back through pictures taken just months ago that feel like they were years ago.  Remembering the feeling of taking a picture of my 2 year old lying on the floor, unable to sit or hold his head up yet still grinning from ear to ear (after he was taking trazadone and before the real treatments started).  Crying out to God to heal my baby.  I think I was more emotional tonight than I allowed myself to be during the whole experience...Mama had to keep it together. 

It made me so thankful for friends and family- truly, brothers and sisters in Christ who have taught us to pray from a position of strength.  That we should truly cry out to Jesus for what we want and need...not "Just God, please...." anything.  To know beyond a shadow of doubt, full of faith, that He is standing by waiting to act on our behalf.  

Thankful we didn't pray- in our ignorance - for them to find something that was causing his symptoms- be it infection or neuroblastoma- so that we would at least know how to attack it.  No.  We prayed for complete healing from the top of his head to the bottom of his toes.  Yes, we still treated Oliver with pharmaceuticals and traditional medicine, but we believe his full recovery can only be a credit to God's hand at work in Ollie's tiny body.  (Not to mention the protection Ollie has received from any negative side effects of the high-power drugs he is taking)

So, take a moment and think about how many times you unwittingly (try) to limit God with your words.  Once it was pointed out to me, I realized how frequently I heard people set limits with words like "Please God, just_____", "God, if only you would_____", "Please, God, at least _____", etc.  Thank God he is able to work without our cooperation, but think how much more powerful we would be if we didn't limit God's action in our lives.  How much more freely He could bless us. 

I know I have a LOT of room to grow in my words.  It is an area that I am just beginning to understand and explore.  But for what it is worth, I see every day examples of how what we say creates how we feel and impacts our circumstances.  I love hearing Ollie say "I trong, I ealed, I a tictor" (I'm strong, I'm healed, I'm a victor) your brain only knows what it is fed :)  
*Ollie learned from Mimi this weekend:  "Mimi bootiful, Mimi nart, Mimi teetiy" (Mimi is beautiful, Mimi is smart, Mimi is pretty).  Maybe I need to start throwing in a few affirmations for mama:)* Just sayin'

So very very blessed.  And stepping off my soap box. 

my (EARLY) mornings with mama

I'm waking up between 3:30 and 5:30 every morning.  Sometimes it is dark, but I'm wide awake and feeling great...so why not get up?  I get up and start calling for my mom, "hello, hello?  mama?"  She will open my door and say "I'll be right there, baby".  I'm pretty sure she goes potty and then comes to get me.  When she walks in I say "BOO!" She really laughed hard the first time I did it.

Our conversation the other morning:
Me: mama got nilk?
Mama: mama got nilk.
Me: mama got ipaa?
Mama: mama got ipaa.
Me: mama got tone?
Mama: mama got tone
Me: mama got note?
Mama: Mama got, wait, what's a note?
After several repeats she finally got it....i just wanted the tv remote!
Once i had these things I could settle in for the early morning. 

Once it hits 6:30 or 7, I'm allowed to go to Nana's room and wake her up.  I get to read my Ollie book and play with my spiderman puzzle book.  I usually want the TV on to watch more "Nickey" (mama is glad I don't really pay it any attention, but I do like to hear them talk).  I prefer to take Nana's pillow away from her because papa's is "too hard".  

Sometimes Nana will make me a breakfast picnic.  I started asking for "watuls" and Nana found a special recipe online that is low-sodium so I can eat them, too!  The other day, I showed Nana where to get the waffle-maker when I opened the child lock (she acted surprised...i've watched the bigs do it every day for months!) I made sure to tell her that she can't touch the stuff on the right side because "it tarp, mama dada touch it".  

(This is mama talking now.  Oliver is truly full of sunshine from the moment he wakes up in the morning.  Be it 3:30, 5:30 or later (yeah, right)...just this morning, when he was trying to get ME up, he put his little arms around my neck, kissed each cheek and my lips then hugged me and said "git up mama, i love you!"  BEST moment EVER!)

my speech results and MIMI'S!!

I'm sorry it has been so long since you've heard from me.  My mama has been busy working on a project for me....a photo book!  I found the one she made for my nana and papa on my first Christmas and I LOVE it.  So, she thought it would be nice for me to have another one. 
At first, when I looked at the baby book I was upset because the Ollie in those pictures did not have teeth!  I felt better when I saw the pictures in the end of the book where I finally had teeth.

Lately, I've really been figuring out my words.  Sometimes my big people laugh at the things I say.  Mimi dropped something the other day and I copied her "oh Shoot!" quickly.  I've also learned most of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star".  I had an infusion on 6/26 that took almost 11 hours....on the way home I made mama and daddy laugh when I mimicked the alarm sounds and flashed my light like the fire alarms at the hospital.  7/23 my speech results came back.  I am in the 11th percentile for speech, but off the charts in language.  In other words I know how to structure a sentence and comprehend yours, but my words aren't clear to most other people.  My daddy is working on finding a speech therapist to work with me in our house right now. 

I've been really getting really good about getting my shots.  I know they don't hurt too bad.  Mama calls it my super juice.  I've been feeling so good that I guess I'm ok with it.  Usually I'll ask, "What mama doin'?" and then tell them "no tot, no tot!" But, when they don't listen, I suck it up.  Nana rubs it for me sometimes and I really like the bandaids.  

When daddy went golfing a few weekends ago, mama and I went to stay with Mimi.  I was so excited to visit her that Nana got a video of me hopping around before daddy put me in the car.  Uncle EE was there.  I practiced flexing my muscles.  He played with me and was lots of fun! Nana got a video of me jumping around with excitement about going to stay at Mimi's!!  While I was there, Mimi taught me some cool things to say: "Pretty Mimi, Bootiful Mimi".  I really wanted to go swimming so I laid down in the living room with my legs up.  Mimi got the hint and took off my pants and diaper.  Then I said "Twimming".  I guess i was firm enough, cause she gave in and took me:)  When daddy came home, I was upstairs getting ready with mama...I ran downstairs and said "Hello, Daddy, I missed you!"  Then I got on my tip toes and looked at myself in the mirror over the sink.  It is so fun growing so much taller!

On another visit to Mimi's recently, I covered her entire patio (and the walls) with sidewalk chalk.  I've also been blowing lots of bubbles at Mimi's.  I like to chase them if she or mama blows them for me.  I love to swing and play outside, too!

Mimi's birthday was July 11th.  Me and daddy went to surprise her and stopped at the bakery to get some of her favorites.  Papa Ernie flew in and spent an hour with us.  Daddy let Avery hang out with us because she hadn't been around anyone else in a long time.  I was so happy to see Ave.  I miss my cousins and my auntie ashley.  It was a great day!

Park Lake, Take 2

June 23rd, 2013

Our second adventure to Park Lake! 

Nana and Papa came with us this time (Papa was helping Fishy with ceiling fans and TV mounts).  Nana, Mama and Carla went out on the boat and had a picnic:)

Ollie got to launch a butterfly that escaped its chrysalis while we were there and had a little dance party, too!  He loved picking LOTS of strawberries this time!

Here are the pictures:

(FYI if you double click on one, it will bring it up in a gallery style so you can see them bigger)

"Where Buttafly go?"

 

 

 

"What Papa doin'?" 

Shake ur booty

Really getting down now

Shake it, Shake it

Love my Auntie

Please Ms Jailer Let ME OUT!

Full Facial Drool Dryer!

Ollie's new name: Captain Foot

Nana's napping...."I wasn't snoring!"
(she SO was!)

Not even on the road 10 minutes....

Thanks for another super-fun day!!