2014 here we come... WDW, a cruise, F&G and more!!!

[DMGeurts]

I love how the quilt blocks turned out! And I really LOVE that Mabel has a new home!!!

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Good morning Chiara... I know I am a bit early - but I won't have time to do this tomorrow. So, I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

D~

 

[blessedmom4]

I know I haven't commented on Mabel (LOVE her and the sewing space)...but I was SURE I had told you how much I loved the pictures of the children, they made my day when you posted them!

Your quilt blocks made me swoon, so many of my faves!

I hope you have time to just enjoy the day and somebody else is doing most of the cooking!!

​

 

[babynala]

The quilt blocks look great, that will be a well loved quilt. Mabel looks happy in her new home.

Hope you guys had an enjoyable Thanksgiving.

 

[cogero]

I know I am behind and I have pictures to share but life has been so super crazy.

Last Saturday was Js 6th birthday. It was low key just us nothing much going on.For DH and I it is honestly kind of depressing because we don't think he even realizes it is his birthday.

We went out to dinner on Wednesday to celebrate for his birthday and J was such an angel.

Thursday I had a meeting at Js school I was so very nervous (I get nervous to the point of making myself sick) but it turned out great and I am in the process of writing a letter to explain why J needs a one on one aide and we are looking into alternative communication system since he is mastering a picture system. Oh and Miss Sami turned 6 months.

Today I had a pediatrician appointment for Sami for her 6 month check up. It went well for the most part she is in over the 90th percentile in height, weight and head circumference. There are a couple issues we are trying hard to resolve. Sami has had really bad eczema almost since she was born and we have tried everything they have told us. Well now we have a steriod cream for her scalp and are using cortaid on her face and severe dry spots. We are also using Neutragena T-Gel for baths. Oh and we are switching to a soy formula because this could all be related to a Milk Allergy. We go back on Christmas Eve for another round of shots (we spread them out to appease my vaccination/autism nervousness ) and to see if we made progress on her eczema if not we will be going to a pediatric dermatologist. (I am thinking it may be a milk allergy since she is eating more real food I think it has been better)

So who wants a Disney Update....

We purchased our flights for April. We are flying with a stop on the way down and nonstop on the way home. It is a little bit more than I wanted to pay but we are flying during Passover and Easter so I have to deal with it.

Oh and I moved our dinner reservation at Jiko back 45 minutes. WE were planning on hanging at the hotel that day anyway.

Have a great night and I will be back with pictures later.

 

[DMGeurts]

I was super happy to log on this morning to find an update from you. I know you've been busy, but it's nice to hear what you've been up to.

I am glad to hear that J had a great birthday. I am sure he realizes that the day is different and special in some way, even if he doesn't understand it fully.

I am also happy to hear that Sami is doing well - she is just so precious - I cannot believe how quickly she is growing! I know how you feel about the sterioid creams and such - Alli has had psoriasis her entire life (although, for the first 6 years - it was misdiagnosed as eczema) and with the psoriasis creams (not sure if the eczema creams are the same or not), but it makes her skin really thin in those areas. If she is not careful with washing her hands, it eats away the skin on her hands. I always worry about side effects from any medication. I also wish I would have known then, what I know now about vaccinations - I most likely would have opted out of a few of the non-essential ones.

Anyways... What I was trying to say... I hope you are able to get Sami's eczema under control soon. And hopefully the change in diet helps...

Is your next trip over Easter? Or are you going at Christmas time too? I can't remember.

I hope you have a fantastic weekend...

D~

 

[cogero]

Thanks D. I am not antivaccine at all I do believe they are for the most part good. My problem is with these super vaccines where they are for 4 or 5 vaccines at once. We are doing a more traditional route with no more than 2 vaccines at once.

She is actually on a cream for psoriasis for her scalp. I think the dr was concerned because I said it would clear up and then come right back. He asked a long series of questions I think he is trying to figure out if it is being caused by the environment. Hoping the elimination of milk helps.

We are going for our Spring break which covers passover and ends near easter. We are coming home the Thursday before Easter hence the expensive flights. We are not going for Christmas and I can't pull C out of school anymore there is just too much work for her to make up.

We are in a new routine we like. Cruise in February, Trip in April/March (whenever spring break is) and our August trip. As hot as it is the crowds can't be beat.

 

[cogero]

We are heading to church and then I am coming home and packing up a few things that need to be mailed.

I am also working on a secret santa gift.

I have a 30% off coupon for Joanns but I am not sure want to drive there.

I have to take a picture of Sami in her new outfit.

Be back later.

 

[DMGeurts]

Thanks D. I am not antivaccine at all I do believe they are for the most part good. My problem is with these super vaccines where they are for 4 or 5 vaccines at once. We are doing a more traditional route with no more than 2 vaccines at once.

She is actually on a cream for psoriasis for her scalp. I think the dr was concerned because I said it would clear up and then come right back. He asked a long series of questions I think he is trying to figure out if it is being caused by the environment. Hoping the elimination of milk helps.

We are going for our Spring break which covers passover and ends near easter. We are coming home the Thursday before Easter hence the expensive flights. We are not going for Christmas and I can't pull C out of school anymore there is just too much work for her to make up.

We are in a new routine we like. Cruise in February, Trip in April/March (whenever spring break is) and our August trip. As hot as it is the crowds can't be beat.

That is very interesting about Sami's eczema... Alli's psoriasis is much the same way... As long as she applies her medication religiously - she can keep it at bay, but the minute she stops, it comes right back.

Your trips sound awesome!

We are heading to church and then I am coming home and packing up a few things that need to be mailed.

I am also working on a secret santa gift.

I have a 30% off coupon for Joanns but I am not sure want to drive there.

I have to take a picture of Sami in her new outfit.

Be back later.

I hope you have a great day today! Looking forward to seeing Sami's new outfit!

D~

 

[cogero]

So I figured I would share some Sami pictures and things I have been working on.

Thanksgiving


and with my sister Aunt Franni on Thanksgiving


and a couple things I made

Lace ornaments


and 2 tote bags





oh and a fun then and now picture of Sami right before she turned 6 months.

 

[DMGeurts]

Loved the Thanksgiving dress - those fabrics are marvelous!

I just love how much Sami still looks like she did when she was first born - she is getting to such a fun and expressive age!

The totes turned out really cute - I just love the Santa applique ones... And the ornaments are beautiful. How did you do those?

D~ <---- Trying to occupy my mind by posting on The Dis.

 

[LB1122]

Love the cute bags ad dresses and LOVE your photos you had done.

Congrats on the new machine (my Mom calls her something i will not repeat most of the time...but loves it!)

All caught up now.

 

[cogero]

so my children haven't been sleeping lately and it has been crazy busy here. I used to look at the computer before getting the kids up but it has been a mad dash to get the kids moving and then I want to work out and I have to put that first.

This morning C doesn't have school teacher development day so I had J out the door at 6:45 and was able to work out then.

I really need to Christmas shop we went to the mall yesterday but the only shopping done was getting things C needed and a picture with Santa. It was too too crowded. I am finishing online.

TRIP UPDATE So it is now official Sami has her passport so we can travel the globe.

So do you want to see a Santa picture. This is my favorite.

 

[DMGeurts]

I hope you are able to finish your Christmas shopping soon.

I know the feeling... It's been a mad dash for me in the mornings now - since Josh is home for school, I have to work out in the office and be DONE by 6:30 am, which means I have to have all of my desktop computer time completely finished by 6am... It's kind of crazy. But - I agree - I am doing my best to making working out a priority, and I prefer to have it done in the morning, so it isn't hanging over my head all day long. I am so proud of you for all the changes you are making, you are doing such a great job Chiara!!!

Love the picture of Sami with Santa - how adorable. And congrats for getting her passport, I see many great travels and family memories in your future.

I hope you are able to get some good sleep soon. (((Hugs)))

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Hi Chiara and family! I know I am a bit early - but I wanted to stop by to wish you a Happy Holiday and wish Sami a Merry First Christmas...

D~

 

[blessedmom4]

Chiara, LOVED my Christmas card, Thank you!!! GREAT PICS!!!


From our family to yours!




I know I am far behind on your report; however, you are always in my prayers.​

 

[cogero]

Can I just say that I am happy the holidays are over. I always get super stressed leading up to them. Thankfully we had a great holiday.

Jimmy actually opened his own presents this year so it was fun.

Merry Christmas to everyone and tomorrow I will be starting my morning with a work out.

Oh and for our February trip I did score a reservation for Hollywood and Vine for Play and Dine since I heard both Sofia and Doc McStuffins will be there. Very excited for that.

 

[DMGeurts]

Good morning Chiara!!! Just stopping by to say hello... and a great BIG thank you for keeping me on track this holiday season... Your FB posts are so inspirational. Looking forward to continuing on this journey!

D~

 

[cogero]

Aw thanks I truly feel support and accountability are the key.

Also I believe in eating real food.

 

[DMGeurts]

Aw thanks I truly feel support and accountability are the key.

Also I believe in eating real food.

I couldn't agree more... For the first time in my life - I enjoy eating for the sake of eating and TASTING... It's a wonderful thing... And to not be bound by calories in/out - just enjoying what's there in moderation - it's so much less stressful! Granted, I am not losing as fast as I want to, but I feel good and I am making small progress, so I am content with that... Even if I only lose a size/year - it's still going in the right direction.

I hope you feel better today, and hopefully no one else in your house gets sick.

D~