Fast As Christmas?

I have decided to ban the term, "Slow as Christmas".  It's silly!

Although time does fly (when you're having fun), we had an AWESOME Christmas! Ollie still doesn't totally grasp the whole "Santa" thing, but  she had a blast playing with all her new toys. John and I decided to enjoy our last Christmas of sleeping in (if 7:00 is sleeping in). We gave Ollie her breakfast before we actually got up and went to see what all Santa had left. Ollie was too cute in her little bunny slippers and pjs. When she entered the living room and saw all the new toys she froze.

She stood in amazement and just looked at everything. I had to explain to her that this would not happen often...just once a year. We had a blast! Mom and Dad came over for breakfast and played with O and her new things. This was the second year I made breakfast for the family and I am hoping it becomes a little tradition. Lesley, Mitch and Row left Christmas morning for Wetumpka to have Christmas with Mitch's family. Although the whole family didn't get together Christmas day, we did enjoy Christmas Eve with everyone. Mom made dinner and we opened gifts. This year was so much fun having two kiddos.

Jumping back to the weekend before......

We did Christmas in Elba and Enterprise.

John has a really big family and it's hard to get us all together.

The 4 brothers have a little tradition of jumping in the pool every Christmas (above photo).

Although Christmas in Elba is somewhat chaotic (with 11 adults and 7 kids) it's lots of fun!

And if you are wondering what Santa brought me......I got a watch. Not just any watch!! It's a runners watch and tells distance, speed, time, calories burned and more. I love it. According to last night's reading I ran 6.06 miles at an average speed of 5.1 mph. Yes, I ran for an hour. Whoop whoop!

Who says 31 is old??

Lynsey

My Latest Adventure

I've always been a "do it myself" type of gal and I recently tried my hand at making quilts. Because quilts take alot of planning and time, I wanted my first quilt to be for my mother. Although I am not a perfect seamstress, all I had to do was follow instructions. This includes choosing fabrics, cutting, sewing and piecing the quilt together. Because I do not own a quilting machine, I found a sweet lady in Pleasant Home to quilt my finished quilt top. It came out beautifully. I started small and made a lap quilt. My mom LOVES it and I am officially hooked on quilting. Now if I could just find the time..........

Lynsey

You Read Right....

Second place baby!

I have been training for a total of 9 weeks now and just recently ran in my first 5K.  As most of you know, I have never been a runner. I always wanted to be but couldn't even make it 2 blocks down the road. I decided I was going to give it a try, after all, I enjoy a challenge. Well, I did it. I ran in and finished my first 5K and did it in a mere 31 minutes. For those not familiar with a 5K, it's 3.1 miles. Our course was pretty tough with the last mile being mostly uphill. It also took place (like most runs) in the morning, a time in which I am not so full of energy. I have no problem running at night and ran 3 miles just last night without even becoming out of breath, but something about the sun and the cool crisp air and no coffee and I thought I was going to die. I actually ran past my house with less than a mile to go and seriously thought about running inside and quitting. I stuck with it and am oh so happy I did. It's official, I'm a runner. Yay! And to top it off, a 2nd place trophy to prove it. I guess I should add that I wasn't second place in the race, I was second place in the women's group and narrowed down even more to the 30-34 age category. Who cares! I got a trophy and it proudly sits on my mantel.

Lynsey

Housewife, Desperate to Run-Take 2

A funny thing happened on my run last night. For those not facebook stalking, I have made it up to 4.5 miles. I was very impressed with my ability to get through 3 miles on Tuesday night, only to be ecstatic to make an entire 4.5 miles last night. When I left the house to run, I only prayed I could repeat the 3 mile trek. After I made it 3 miles I began heading home.  I was running down 3rd Avenue from E3N and I just passed my house. Yep, just decided to keep going. It was at this point that my second wind kicked in. I had never really been a believer in "2nd wind", especially while running (Too bad it took 3 miles to get it). Anyway, I just thought I should run to the High School and back home (3 blocks, one way). Well, I got to the High School and made a right and kept running. It was CrAzY! It's funny cause a few posts back I talked about wanting to be like Forrest Gump and here I was, running and running and running. Every time I would get to a good point to turn and head home, I went to opposite direction. (I jus kep run-nin). After I had been gone from home for close to an hour (yes, running the whole time), I thought it would be best to go home before John sent out a search party, after all, he thought I was only running 3 miles. Turns out I ran 4.5 miles. I'm not going to lie and say it was easy. It wasn't, nor was it hard. It was more gratifying than anything.  I actually recall smiling for most of the last mile.

Just to recount, I have trained for 7 weeks. You would be surprised at how fast your body can catch up if you just keep pushing through.

Get up, get out & Run!!

Peace Out!

Lynsey (A.K.A. Forrest Gump)

My Fair Lady

There once was a child named Ollie Pearl,

 Who went to the fair as a little girl,

She thought balloons were so funny,

And loved baby bunnies,

But the best part was riding the Merry Whirl.

The end.



Happy Fall Yall!

CF Check Up

Last Thursday Ollie had her 3 month CF checkup. At this particular visit, it was scheduled that Ollie's CF Doctor do a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). PFT is a way of measuring lung function, specifically the measurement of the amount (volume) and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. Because O is just a toddler, the test is accomplished by gathering the info while she is asleep. He tried this before a few months ago but gave O a lil bit too much of the sleepy medicine. It not only knocked her out but gave her the hiccups as well. Having the hiccups made it absolutely impossible to get any reading of lung function. This particular day was a little better. I had a hard time getting her to drink the nasty stuff and because they gave her so little, it took a while to rock her to sleep. As I rocked her, I could tell she was getting a little "drunk". The little smile and an occasional giggle through her paci gave her away. While the test was being preformed, John and I waited in the lobby. Good thing too cause I'm not sure how well I would have held up watching them close up my child in a mini tanning booth looking thing only to force air into her tiny chest and take measurements. We all survived and the test was over before we knew it (mainly cause we both fell asleep). O's CF Doctor then preceded to tell us that little "Sassy" was a fighter even in a sedated sleep. Apparently she squeezed her vocal chords shut every time they tried to push the air into her lungs. He was, however, able to get one reading he felt was accurate (they prefer to get at least 3 good readings to get a good happy/medium but we'll take what we can get). As it turns out, Ollie's lungs are functioning in a normal range. I won't bore you with all the numbers but after doing a little research myself, it looks as though those numbers are actually on the upper end of normal. This is an awesome feeling! We can now feel sure that her lungs have not been damaged  but also know there is nothing hiding deep down in her lungs, untraceable with an everyday culture. Speaking of culture, the one they took that day came back negative. Pseudomonas free for 11 months! Yee Haw! We must be doing something right! Praise God!

On a lighter note; Ollie is now doing her own breathing treatments. When it is time for them I simply tell her to come do her treatments. She drops everything and happily runs for the recliner to get set up. She holds her own nebulizer and mask and is dang sure to put it right up to her face. Although this is a wonderful break for J and myself, it's a battle once the treatments are over (she gets furious when I shut off the machine-I'll try to get that on video for you-crazy, I know!) Lets just pray she continues to always be this happy about treatment time.

Little Man Down

I would like to kill the little man that lives inside my ipod and tells me when to "run"!

I think he lies about the time.

Housewife, Desperate to Run

Just to let you all know that:

a) I haven't given up (had my butt handed to me in the middle of E3N St)

b) I am alive and well! Kicking up dust, actually.

Today started week 5 of Couch to 5K. I would like to say that it is easy and that anyone can do it, but that would be a lie. Many of my close friends (and family) know that I am the kind of person who finishes what I start....even if it kills me! Something about pride? I don't know. I would also LOVE to say that each week it gets better.....BullS***!!!! Every week the amount of time you are suppose to run increases and not just little by little. You gotta think that if this program works in just 9 weeks, you gotta work for it. At first I totally believed that I would advance quickly (which I have) and that one day I would just start running like Forrest Gump and keep on going the whole 3 miles (which I have not). Not going to happen. I have, however, come to learn that this whole running thing is totally mind over matter. Even when your legs feel like rubber and your lungs are about to explode, don't stop until the "little man" says so! And, if you got it in ya, keep going. Your body will let you know when you absolutely have to stop. Possibly by shutting down completely or by projecting puke. ;) Today my run consisted of run 5 minutes, walk 3, run 5, walk 3, run 5, cool down. I did it and even ran at least an extra minute at the end (mainly cause I was ready to get home and running gets you there much faster). I will say that I feel great! I have yet to loose any weight, but have also yet to gain any. Although I weigh the same, all my clothes fit differently...better. My legs are much more toned and I can tell I am stronger. Whether it be chasing Ollie around or walking up stairs with bags of groceries and without getting winded. Anyway, I hate to go on and on. I just hope to inspire you to give running a try. Be strong! You have to, cause this defiantly isn't a program for the weak.

Peace Out & again I say:
Eat My dust!!

Lynsey

Wally & The Dream Park Adventure

 I recently had a long talk with my dear husband about the lack of quality time he spent with me and O. Laying around the house watching cartoons does not count as time well spent. I spend all day with Ollie and try to come up with fun things for us to do. Those fun things must fit somewhere between treatments, naps and my study time (I am going back to school and currently taking Anatomy, but that's another story).  All this being said, John started working on his "family time" this Saturday morning by taking us to Dream Park. If you have never visited the Dream Park, you are truly missing out. This is an amazing play place for children. Heck, I even enjoy playing and climbing and sliding (note the leg shot below).

Ollie and I have visited once before and our experience wasn't all that grand. Besides the fact that it was very hot and I had no help, I discovered some, u-hem, "leftovers" from a teenage night of fun....YUCK! Anyway, the trip this Saturday was a lot of fun. Ollie found a playmate in a 4 year old little boy named Ashton.

He was super cute and oh so sweet to her. I can still hear him calling her, "Wally, I'm over here!

Wally,Wall-eeee!"

They played together for at least an hour before little "Wally"  ran out of gas.

Overall it was great! Can't wait to see what John has planned for next time!

Spaghetti In My Pocket

Tonight we had spaghetti. John fixed Ollie a plate and put it in the freezer to cool. We do this so often that I think O actually believes her food is "cooking" in the freezer. Although John didn't want to give her the plate (he thought it would be best of he fed her), I wanted her to enjoy her meal like the big girl she is. Ollie loved it! She used her fork and smiled and ummmmed through the meal. She drank her tea all by herself too. We actually thought she had eaten everything on her plate, only to find the majority of it in the pocket of her bib. Oh well. She enjoyed it and so did we!

The following is a little video of dessert. Yum!

Cooking Up A Cure

For Cystic Fibrosis

The Ollie's Army Cookbooks have finally arrived! Yay! They are super cute and have recipes from all our friends and family. The book also has pictures of our many supporters-mostly Ollie's "little" friends. I have several books and would like LOVE to sell them ALL! You can get your cookbook by stopping by my house (when someone is home) or going by Salon Utopia or Vicki Popwell Photography (both in Andalusia). For those in Elba, contact Beth (mother-in-law). She has several available for purchase. For those who want a book but are unable to visit any of the places listed, you can order online. Books are just $15 and shipping is an additional $5. For more information on how to complete your order, simply press the "buy now" button on the left, under the picture of the cookbook. If you have any questions feel free to contact me. Until then, Let's all cook up a cure!

Love to all!
Lynsey

Introducing R E T

Rowland Edward Thorn

My beautiful nephew entered the world today!

My phone rang at 5:00 this morning and although it took me a while to reach it, I knew exactly what was going on. My sister, Lesley was in labor! 2-3 weeks early! Row was ready!

Being that it was so early in the morning, it took a little while to find a volunteer to come watch Miss O. Luckily I have some great family and cousin Beth Covin (Pebworth) came over. As soon as she arrived I was out the door fearing that I could miss out on something. (Isn't it silly how we forget that babies take forever to get here).

I wanted to be there. Lesley is my baby sister! My best friend. I had to be there!

As it turns out, her water had broken around 3:00 this morning. All of this was totally unexpected. Lesley was so calm, laughing and joking throughout the day. She handled labor like a seasoned champ. Around mid morning her contractions became stronger. It wasn't until around 11:00 or so that she finally reached 5 cm and was given an epidural. Once I knew she was comfortable and resting well, it was off to the cafeteria to grab me and mom some lunch. We'll just like the old trick in restaurants, if you want your food to come, get up and go to the restroom, babies work the same way. Go grab a sandwich and bet your bottom dollar that before you can even get a bite in, the baby starts making headway-literally. As soon as I got back her contractions became closer and the ball really began to roll. This same thing happened to me while in labor. My doc decided to go eat lunch only to be called back to deliver O before he had the chance to eat. CrAzY!

Moving on and push came to shove and Row made his debut at 2:15PM. He weighed exactly 7 lbs and is 20 1/2 inches (Ollie was exactly 7 lbs and was 21 inches). Almost the exact same size! CrAzY again!!

It's a sister thing-we're cool like that!

Fortunately being "cool like that" got me a first class ticket in the delivery room.

I LOVED every minute.

Row is the most beautiful baby. He melted my heart the first moment I saw him and I am totally in love. I am so grateful to my sister for allowing me to share her moment. Today was the second best day of my life (right behind Ollie's birth).

For those of you questioning my wedding-BOO! Great day too but this is a new life people!

I am so happy for Lesley and Mitch and so happy that mom and baby are doing great!

Thank you, Lesley, for being such a amazing sister. I am so proud of you!

I love you!

Ollie loves Row too! She was so curious. She gave him a kiss and called him bebee.

The following is a short video of Row being cleaned up by the nurse.

Sweetest sound in the world!!

Jogging Momma

I just wanted to take a minute to post a quick update on the "Couch to 5K" status. Although most of you probably don't care (check back later for Ollie news), some of my readers are genuinely interested in how the training/torture is going. This week started week 3 of the program and boy did it start off with a bang. Throughout last weeks runs/walks I was only up to running 90 seconds and walking 90 seconds (the first week was run 60 seconds, walk 90 seconds). Beginning yesterday I was to run 90, walk 90, run 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes then repeat. 3 MINUTES!! Whoa! I was not expecting that. Some of you may be laughing at my inability to run long distances but I challenge you to make snide remarks once I complete the program. Even though I huffed and puffed during the 1st week at just a mere 60 seconds, I am proud to say that I ran the WHOLE 3 minutes both times! Apparently it works! I feel good and am starting to understand why running is so addictive. I am so excited about the weeks to come! Stay tuned for more info on  my training.

Peace out and eat my dust!!

Couch to 5K

For the most part this blog is dedicated to family life.  I will start off by saying that Ollie is great. She is growing, talking and getting into everything (to be expected of a 1.5 year old). I wanted to take an opportunity to blog about myself and the goal I have set and hope to accomplish. I am really hoping that by putting it in writing for all the world to see, I am not able back out....we'll see.

As most of you know, I have been an avid walker for many years now and have always enjoyed the time to myself. Being a stay at home mom can be pretty stressful at times and a walk around town gives one time to think and process thoughts without the usual tug of the shorts or Dora song blasting loudly in the background.  Although I have always been a walker I have never quite mastered the art of running. Secretly, I have always longed to be a runner. I have always been jealous of people that could run long distances and appear to actually enjoy it. I have even read that running gives one a high and I believe it! Although I have yet to experience that so called runners high, I have received the same endorphin effect from chocolate....it basically makes you genuinely happy. Until now, running did not equal happy! It equaled knee pain, shortness of breath and the urge to puke. Although I still experience those negative feelings, things are looking up. I recently started Couch to 5K. Let me start by saying it should be named experienced walker to 5K. I am only on my second week and it is tough! Basically, it is a 9 week training program that conditions one to run. At the end of 9 weeks, one should be able to run a 5K (3 miles). Each week your running time is increased until you are able to run continuously for 3 miles. For those that have an i-phone or an i-pod touch (what I use) there is an app on i-tunes available for purchase. The cost of the app is just $2.99 and it completely walks/runs you through the program. You are able to easily download your own tunes to the app via i-tunes. The app tells you when to walk and when to run, when you are halfway there and for how long to warm-up and cool down. It is awesome! Although I am pushing my way through it right now, I feel confident that it will be worth it in the end. Hopefully I will become a "runner" and get that so called high from doing it! I am thinking that after this blog, I am unable to back out! I love a challenge!!

Future Andy Cheerleader

This evening John, Ollie and I, along with the Grimes family, Hunter Ginny and William,

walked down to the Andalusia square for a little Bulldog pep rally.

We knew the kids would enjoy it with all the commotion

including drums, music and cheerleaders,

so we loaded our wagons and strolled on down E3N St.

As soon as we heard the band start up little Ollie started dancing.

We pushed our way through the crowd (imagine free food and kids gone wild)

and managed to get a spot right up front. At this point Ollie had to get out of the wagon.

What we witnessed next was the cutest/funniest thing I do believe I have ever seen.

Ollie actually danced and cheer along with the girls.

When they clapped, she clapped. When they danced, she danced.

When they danced "low", well, Ollie danced low.

I knew my kid was observant, but I never knew she would actually follow along.

It was crazy!! She's just under 16 months!!

I did manage to get this short video clip.

It wasn't the best dancing/cheering she did, but still pretty dang cute!

Since we got home, she hasn't stopped cheering.

She claps and mumbles words and raises her arm.

I am definitely seeing cheer leading in her future!

She get it from her mama!! ;)

Fall Is In The Air

And with that, T-shirt time!

I got a jump start on my Fall tees this year and I hope you get a jump start in placing your order :).

Here are some (just made) for you to view and choose from.

Halloween/Fall pumpkin, $15.

Turkey Girl, $18.

Turkey Boy, $18.

Auburn Shirt, $12.

I can also do them in Alabama.

I will post a picture if a Bama fan orders one.

Burp cloth, $5.

 Auburn or Alabama.

Shirts are available from size 6M to size 7. They are white, short sleeve. The brand I use is Rabbit Skins and they hold up very well.  They do, however, run very small so I suggest ordering 1-2 sizes bigger, depending on the child. I also recommend you buy a large enough shirt to fit a turtleneck under during cold weather.

I have come up with a 2 "Fall" packages for convenience and savings.

Option A- 1 turkey shirt and 1 pumpkin shirt (both with or without name/initials).

$30.00

Option B- 1 turkey shirt, 1 pumpkin shirt and 1 Auburn or Alabama shirt (all with or without name/initial).

$40.00

*I will be happy to work with you on other combos, but prices may vary.

Also keep in mind that the fabric is different for each shirt. I like all turkeys to be unique.

For orders, please email me at lynseydubose@gmail.com.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Mama needs a new pair of shoes...seriously!

FREE!!!

Pseudomonas free that is!

Last Thursday, Ollie had a checkup at Children's Hospital in Birmingham. Her regular doctor was out so we were seen by the CF head honcho doctor. We had met him before but were totally unaware of his mannerisms. As most of you know, all doctors are different. Some beat around the bush, some only tell you what they feel you need to know and others scare the hell out of you (basically tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth). Well this particular doctor was a scare the hell out of me type of guy. That being said, our visit was a little out of the ordinary. Although Ollie looked and sounded great (she has moved up to the 36th percentile-from the 10th when diagnosed), we were told that if the culture from this visit came back Pseudomonas positive, they would consider it "colonized". WHAT!!!  This would mean that the Pseudomonas was there for good and we could only give her meds and treatments to contain it. He also said that if if came back negative, it would mean the Pseudomonas was eradicated. YEEHAW! Basically we were at a crossroad. Not the worst case scenario, but a relatively "bad" one considering her young age. There are several CFers living and doing fine with Pseudomonas now, but the longer we keep her lungs clean and clear, the better. Well, I received the call about an hour ago and her culture is clear. Clear, clear, clear! Praise God!

Live, Love, Breathe!

Hot Child in the City...

Running wild and looking pretty!

Woo Hoo!

Come on, Mom. Let's go!

Yay! We're finally outside!

Play time!

What's that over there?

Ok, enough with the pictures. Seriously!

(Just thought I would break it all down for you.)

Lynsey

Happy Anniversary

Three years ago, John and I were married in a small ceremony overlooking Gantt Lake.

Our wedding was followed up with an amazing trip to Jamaica.

We swam.

We ate.

We kissed.

And we sat in the water

so a Jamaican man could take our picture

and then charge us an arm and a leg to purchase it.

In the years John and I have been together, we have been on many adventures.

The Bahamas.

Atlantis.

Snorkling.

The top of Mountians.

The haunted lighthouse of St. Augustine. My favorite, of course!

And our greatest adventure of all.

OPD

Through it all, we have been together, and I couldn't ask for anything more.

I look forward to many more adventures!