A baby, a house, and going to see the mouse! 12/10

[MrsDrewsky]

Love the picture of Jonah!

Sounds like a perfect day in the MK!

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Thanks Melissa!

 

[teekathepony]

Awe! What an adorable picture of Jonah! That's precious.
Sounds like a great way to tour MK. The dessert party will be a great way to watch the fireworks for you guys! Nice and relaxed.

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[DMGeurts]

Awww Ashley!!!! Jonah is so adorable!!! I cannot believe how much he has grown!!!

Your plans sound wonderful!!! You all are going to have such a wonderful trip!

D~

 

[MrsDrewsky]

Awe! What an adorable picture of Jonah! That's precious.
Sounds like a great way to tour MK. The dessert party will be a great way to watch the fireworks for you guys! Nice and relaxed.

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Thanks Wendy!

I agree, it will be nice not to have to fight the crowds in the hub.

Awww Ashley!!!! Jonah is so adorable!!! I cannot believe how much he has grown!!!

Your plans sound wonderful!!! You all are going to have such a wonderful trip!

D~

Thanks D~! He just hit a big growth spurt. So happy he is a healthy growing boy.

Ahh, I agree. I just can't wait to see Jonah take it all in.

 

[MrsDrewsky]

I found my camera cord today! I hope it’s okay if I catch-up on the baby pics.

First, his growth chart pics from the last three months.

More pumpkin patch photos:

So blessed to be surrounded by such handsome guys.

First Halloween:

Funny story about Drew’s costume: I am in a VERY basic sewing class, so naturally everyone now thinks I’m Martha Stewart or DMGuerts The week before Halloween Drew informed me his work was having a halloween costume contest and he thought it would be fun for him and Jonah to be Mike and Sulley. He wanted me to sew him a costume... umm… It took me three weeks to make an apron, so I didn’t foresee that happening. I did manage to throw together this little number last night though. Thank goodness for finding a mask or I don’t think anyone would have had a clue who Drew was.

Happy Halloween Everyone!​

 

[Dream426]

Great pictures. It goes so fast. My little girl is 6 months today. I wish time would stop for a little. The costumes came out great.

 

[teekathepony]

Thanks for catching us up on the pictures! Jonah is one heck of a cutie. Love the costumes! You did much better than I could have and I'm very impressed!

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[MrsDrewsky]

Great pictures. It goes so fast. My little girl is 6 months today. I wish time would stop for a little. The costumes came out great.

Aww, happy half birthday to your little Sophia. I know what you mean. It's exciting to see him do all of these new things, but it's happening way to quickly.

Thank you. We had already bought Jonah's Mike outfit from the disney store so at least that was taken care of.

Thanks for catching us up on the pictures! Jonah is one heck of a cutie. Love the costumes! You did much better than I could have and I'm very impressed!

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Oh, my pleasure. Thank you.

I just cut up a couple of t-shirts and sewed them together.

 

[MrsDrewsky]

I generally try to keep things trip related and light with my posts, but it has just been an awful week here, and it will possibly impact the trip so I guess it is relevant.

First, we learned Drew's mom has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully her prognosis is good, and at this point she only has to have a lumpectomy. Thank the Lord for breast cancer awareness month, she works at a hospital and during October they had set-up for everyone to get their mammograms. I just wish they didn't live so far away so we could help her during her recovery. I would really like to send her something though, some sort of care package. If anyone has any suggestions I would greatly appreciate.

Second, I received summons for jury duty and was dismissed today due to not having regular childcare, but was told I will receive a letter to come back at the beginning of January, which is when our trip is scheduled. I think I was so intimidated by the judge that I just didn't know what to say. I then left, proceeded to find my car, and have a meltdown. I was bawling on the phone to Drew, just devastated. I feel so silly about it now, but at the time it was like it was my last straw. I didn't realize until today how much mommy guilt I had been dealing with. I just want him to do well and thrive, and every time he had a not so great check-up or the reflux emerged it felt personal, like it was due to my not being able to stay healthy enough to carry him 40 weeks. I had to give up breastfeeding last month due to the reflux, and it felt like a big blow. When the judge asked if I was BFing, and I said no it felt personal. If you are breastfeeding you are dismissed, so I do not qualify. I just really don't like being away from Jonah, even this past week I asked not to be scheduled with work because I was having a difficult time being away from him.

This trip has been what everyone has been looking forward to. When I was on bed rest, thinking about our first family trip kept me from just worrying about Jonah all day and keep my blood pressure down. I know Disney isn't going anywhere, but it just felt like it was going to be a great way to start 2014. I am so hoping I am able to get one more postponement, I don't have a problem fulfilling my civic duty this will actually be my third time serving, but the timing just stinks.

Sorry to be a Debbie Downer... I really appreciate everyone who has been reading my PTR. I am generally very shy, and it was really fun to share the beginnings of our family and the trip plans with everyone. I can't even tell you how long I lurked the boards before being comfortable enough to start posting here.

During the times Jonah was having a rough night the kind words and comments left here were very comforting. So I genuinely wanted to say thank you very much for all the kind words and encouragement.

It may be awhile before I update due to the trip currently being in limbo, but I will definitely be keeping up with everyone's PTRs and TRs.

​

 

[blessedby3]

Sorry it has been a bad week. Im very sorry about your mother in law, but thankfully she has a good prognosis.

My 4th child DD(now6) also had horrible refulx. She didnt sleep through the night for 2 1/2 years!! It was awful. I also had to stop nursing her at 3 1/2months (ironically we were at WDW at the time she started taking more formula..hypoallergenic) and that was very hard. I had successfully nursed her 3 siblings for a couple of years each. We made it through, but it was tough.

I also was called for jury duty last October when we had a WDW trip planned. I called and spoke with someone that said I could be exempt from it because of the trip, but would have another chance at being called until the end of Dec. Thankfully, I was not needed! I also had no child care for my dd, but that didnt seem to matter to them.

Hopefully everything will fall into place for you as well, and you can enjoy a wonderful WDW vacation!

Sending prayers your way today

 

[emmysmommy]

Oh Ashley, I'm so sorry for the series of emotionally exhausting events. First of all, it shows your lovely mommy heart that you want what's best for Jonah and are so sensitive to spending time with him. Just look at those adorable photos of your little guy over the last few months, he's so worth all the love and attention you give.

Thank God for the screening at for your mother in laws work. I pray that all goes well with her treatment, recovery, and all the emotional roller coaster stuff that you and your family will have to face. Seriously grateful that this was caught early. As for a great care package, what about a photo mug with Jonah's adorable image and fill it with something that she likes. I've used Shutterfly for these in the past. You may even be able to do Jonah's handprints and have those as the image and say something like "these little hands clap for joy when they think of grammy" or something not so nerdy. (Obviously I'm not creative.) Or what if you sew her an apron with a pocket panel that you have Jonah "draw" something on the fabric. If nothing else, Edible Arrangements are always nice.

As for your other updates, your hubby and Jonah's Halloween costumes are so cute. I totally see the Sully in your hubby's costume. Great job!

Hang in there sweetie! I hope you have a good weekend.

 

[DMGeurts]

Oh Ashley... First off - I want to say... I just LOVE the costumes you made. Everyone has to start somewhere - and you started off fantastically... Please continue to create and make things for all of you. I am a firm believer that a creative mind is a great stress reliever for moms (or anyone)... It's good for the soul. And I loved seeing Jonah as he has grown... I love his little "man" eyebrows - he is just a little sweetie!

Secondly... I am sorry to hear about your MIL... I am so thankfull that it was caught early. I love Brenda's idea of a coffee mug with Jonah's photo on it... That is such a cute idea! Maybe a photo of her with him... I guess it's a good time to ask if she is a coffee drinker?

Thirdly, what a bummer about being called for jury duty. I can so relate... I will never forget the one and only time I was ever called - it was while Josh was in Iraq and I sent a letter to the judge asking to have my civic duty waived/postponed - as I was already doing my "civic duty" every darned day at home... I was not much nicer in the letter, because I was so angry that I was even called at that time (how would they know? Right. LOL). But I totally understand being called during a stressful time. I pray it all works out and that your trip is not affected. Is there any way to change your dates just in case?

Thinking of you and big hugs!!!

D~

 

[dtr_angel]

Okay actually at the computer to reply...

Jonah is absolutely adorable! I love the black and white picture of him with the pumpkins, his facial expression is precious. I'm sorry Jonah isn't sleeping. I know the feeling - really know it. I've been without sleep for over 15 months. Is it sad that I know the last night I had a decent night sleep? January 22, 2012. I was 13 weeks pregnant. My grandfather died suddenly the night of the 23rd, and the night before I woke up in the middle of the night after having a terrible nightmare. Anyway... hopefully he will start sleeping better soon. Like you, I rarely know what date it is, LOL. Isn't it the best when they start reaching for you? I love it. I tell Gavin that he is lucky that he's so cute. I seriously think he is trying to kill us with no sleep. If I get more than 4 hours I don't know what to do with myself. Who knows what I would be capable of if I got a full nights sleep.

An early morning breakfast at Crystal Palace is a great way to start the day! I love his mickey ears in his 4 month picture. He is getting so big! Ooh I love the pretty blue stroller! We have the same one but it's black. Should make it easy to spot in Disney parked amongst a million others! I love your boys costumes, too cute. You did a great job on the Sully shirt! I've gotten craftier since I've been a mom, I keep telling Daniel I'll be unstoppable once I get a sewing machine (and learn how to use it, lol)

I am so sorry to hear about Drew's mom. I will be praying everything goes well with her surgery and recovery! As far as a care package, what about gift cards for dinner so she doesn't have to cook? Cookies made by you and Jonah? Books or a gift card for Amazon if she has a Kindle/e-reader.
I'm sorry you got picked for jury duty. I hope it doesn't interfere with your trip (you should be able to be excused) Daniel actually just got a summons for jury duty this past week for December/January. As the sole provider for our family, we're hoping they will excuse him. He got picked a few years ago for Baltimore (2.5 hours away) and we claimed it would be a hardship (it would've been... he wouldn't know until that morning if they needed him and with traffic it's 3-4 hours drive in the morning. he would've had to stay down there, paid for a hotel, and been without work for a month. ) luckily they let him go, just not sure if we'll be able to get out of it this time. I will be so stressed out if he has to go! I know how stressful and difficult it is to be away from your baby. I was seriously losing my mind for those 3 months that I worked part time being away from him. Mommy guilt is terrible. Since you have pre-paid vacation plans I really don't think you'll have a problem being postponed.

I'm always available if you need to talk. Being a Mommy is the most rewarding job in the world. But it's also demanding and exhausting. A user manual would've been nice! I have a lot of days where I feel like I'm just not cut out for this. My husband tells me it's because I have too high expectations for myself and I think he's right. Before Gavin was born I thought I would be able to do it all... and I can't. Big hugs! Concentrate on that beautiful baby boy and your amazing vacation coming up!

 

[LB1122]

Definitely agree, Epcot is fantastic. I hope you all are able to take it all in. Will you all be doing the Agent P adventure? I can't wait until Jonah is old enough to enjoy it.

So excited about booking Regina. I think it will be fun.

We hope to do Agent P but not sure how much time we will have.

Here is what I make for breast cancer-

Just some paper cute flowers with positive messages - they live - a friend told me getting flowers when she was diagnosed was sad because they always died so I made her these. Now I make them for anyone I know who has to deal with this.

Sorry you are having a hard week. I would call the court house/jury place and find out what the policy is about pre-planned vacations there must be a plan for this in the system.

 

[MeeskaMomma]

So sorry to hear about your MIL. Cancer sucks. I am so glad try caught it early!

Oh the curse of mommy guilt. We have all been there but it sounds like you are doing very thing you can die Jonas. I am surprised that the judge even asked if you were BF. Does it make you less of a care giver if you are not? I don't think so! Maybe look into the guidelines for your state. I know in my state you are except if you are the legal guardian and primary care giver of a child under 12. Everyone I have been called since becoming a Sahm I fill out the exception form an that is that. If not maybe if you call they can work something out.

Good luck with the rest of the trip planning! I hope you have a magical week! You need it!
Pixiedust:

 

[cogero]

Oh (((HUGS))) sounds like a doozy of a week. Listen you are doing nothing wrong.

I will keep you all in my prayers.

 

[DMGeurts]

Good morning Ashley... I know your life is a bit upside down right now, despite that - I miss seeing you around and I hope that all is OK. 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~

 

[teekathepony]

I'm just getting caught up on everything now, I had missed your post. I'm so sorry to hear that you're feeling down and I sincerely hope that you're feeling a little better now. We're all here for you when you need to talk/vent/ask/worry. That's the great thing about the Dis!

 

[MrsDrewsky]

Sorry it has been a bad week. Im very sorry about your mother in law, but thankfully she has a good prognosis.

My 4th child DD(now6) also had horrible refulx. She didnt sleep through the night for 2 1/2 years!! It was awful. I also had to stop nursing her at 3 1/2months (ironically we were at WDW at the time she started taking more formula..hypoallergenic) and that was very hard. I had successfully nursed her 3 siblings for a couple of years each. We made it through, but it was tough.

I also was called for jury duty last October when we had a WDW trip planned. I called and spoke with someone that said I could be exempt from it because of the trip, but would have another chance at being called until the end of Dec. Thankfully, I was not needed! I also had no child care for my dd, but that didnt seem to matter to them.

Hopefully everything will fall into place for you as well, and you can enjoy a wonderful WDW vacation!

Sending prayers your way today

Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement. The reflux is not fun. He is doing much better now, but the night is still rough at times.

I was able to get the jury duty postponed until April, but I still have no idea what I'm going to do with him when I then.

Oh Ashley, I'm so sorry for the series of emotionally exhausting events. First of all, it shows your lovely mommy heart that you want what's best for Jonah and are so sensitive to spending time with him. Just look at those adorable photos of your little guy over the last few months, he's so worth all the love and attention you give.

Thank God for the screening at for your mother in laws work. I pray that all goes well with her treatment, recovery, and all the emotional roller coaster stuff that you and your family will have to face. Seriously grateful that this was caught early. As for a great care package, what about a photo mug with Jonah's adorable image and fill it with something that she likes. I've used Shutterfly for these in the past. You may even be able to do Jonah's handprints and have those as the image and say something like "these little hands clap for joy when they think of grammy" or something not so nerdy. (Obviously I'm not creative.) Or what if you sew her an apron with a pocket panel that you have Jonah "draw" something on the fabric. If nothing else, Edible Arrangements are always nice.

As for your other updates, your hubby and Jonah's Halloween costumes are so cute. I totally see the Sully in your hubby's costume. Great job!

Hang in there sweetie! I hope you have a good weekend.

Thank you Brenda. I was able to read the comments on my iphone and I think I cried when I read that. It was an emotional week!

We sent a photo mug and some tea her way to cheer her up. She really liked it.

Thank you! They were a hit at the Halloween party.

Oh Ashley... First off - I want to say... I just LOVE the costumes you made. Everyone has to start somewhere - and you started off fantastically... Please continue to create and make things for all of you. I am a firm believer that a creative mind is a great stress reliever for moms (or anyone)... It's good for the soul. And I loved seeing Jonah as he has grown... I love his little "man" eyebrows - he is just a little sweetie!

Secondly... I am sorry to hear about your MIL... I am so thankfull that it was caught early. I love Brenda's idea of a coffee mug with Jonah's photo on it... That is such a cute idea! Maybe a photo of her with him... I guess it's a good time to ask if she is a coffee drinker?

Thirdly, what a bummer about being called for jury duty. I can so relate... I will never forget the one and only time I was ever called - it was while Josh was in Iraq and I sent a letter to the judge asking to have my civic duty waived/postponed - as I was already doing my "civic duty" every darned day at home... I was not much nicer in the letter, because I was so angry that I was even called at that time (how would they know? Right. LOL). But I totally understand being called during a stressful time. I pray it all works out and that your trip is not affected. Is there any way to change your dates just in case?

Thinking of you and big hugs!!!

D~

Thank you D~! Our computer broke at the beginning of November, and being able to sew during nap time was a sanity saver. Aren't Jonah's eyebrows funny? We think they make him kind of look like Donald Sutherland.

Drew's mom does drink tea so we made her a mug through shutterfly.

Oh gosh, I can't imagine being called for jury duty while you husband is deployed. I completely agree that you were already fulfilling your civic duty. Thankfully I was able to speak with the jury clerk (not the judge) about postponing until April. Our trip was through David's DVC and there was no changing the date, Drew and my mom were going to possibly take Jonah without me.

Okay actually at the computer to reply...

Jonah is absolutely adorable! I love the black and white picture of him with the pumpkins, his facial expression is precious. I'm sorry Jonah isn't sleeping. I know the feeling - really know it. I've been without sleep for over 15 months. Is it sad that I know the last night I had a decent night sleep? January 22, 2012. I was 13 weeks pregnant. My grandfather died suddenly the night of the 23rd, and the night before I woke up in the middle of the night after having a terrible nightmare. Anyway... hopefully he will start sleeping better soon. Like you, I rarely know what date it is, LOL. Isn't it the best when they start reaching for you? I love it. I tell Gavin that he is lucky that he's so cute. I seriously think he is trying to kill us with no sleep. If I get more than 4 hours I don't know what to do with myself. Who knows what I would be capable of if I got a full nights sleep.

An early morning breakfast at Crystal Palace is a great way to start the day! I love his mickey ears in his 4 month picture. He is getting so big! Ooh I love the pretty blue stroller! We have the same one but it's black. Should make it easy to spot in Disney parked amongst a million others! I love your boys costumes, too cute. You did a great job on the Sully shirt! I've gotten craftier since I've been a mom, I keep telling Daniel I'll be unstoppable once I get a sewing machine (and learn how to use it, lol)

I am so sorry to hear about Drew's mom. I will be praying everything goes well with her surgery and recovery! As far as a care package, what about gift cards for dinner so she doesn't have to cook? Cookies made by you and Jonah? Books or a gift card for Amazon if she has a Kindle/e-reader.
I'm sorry you got picked for jury duty. I hope it doesn't interfere with your trip (you should be able to be excused) Daniel actually just got a summons for jury duty this past week for December/January. As the sole provider for our family, we're hoping they will excuse him. He got picked a few years ago for Baltimore (2.5 hours away) and we claimed it would be a hardship (it would've been... he wouldn't know until that morning if they needed him and with traffic it's 3-4 hours drive in the morning. he would've had to stay down there, paid for a hotel, and been without work for a month. ) luckily they let him go, just not sure if we'll be able to get out of it this time. I will be so stressed out if he has to go! I know how stressful and difficult it is to be away from your baby. I was seriously losing my mind for those 3 months that I worked part time being away from him. Mommy guilt is terrible. Since you have pre-paid vacation plans I really don't think you'll have a problem being postponed.

I'm always available if you need to talk. Being a Mommy is the most rewarding job in the world. But it's also demanding and exhausting. A user manual would've been nice! I have a lot of days where I feel like I'm just not cut out for this. My husband tells me it's because I have too high expectations for myself and I think he's right. Before Gavin was born I thought I would be able to do it all... and I can't. Big hugs! Concentrate on that beautiful baby boy and your amazing vacation coming up!

Hey Melissa! I'm thankful to hear I'm not the only one losing my mind. We tell Jonah the same thing about being cute all the time.

Thanks for the compliments on the costumes. I hope your husband is able to be excused. If Drew was summoned we would definitely be in a pickle, so I understand how stressful that must be. I was able to supplement with breast milk again, after a visit to a pediatric GI, so I was excused until April.

I love the idea of getting her an amazon gift card for her kindle. She is still undergoing treatment so we are going to send some other things her way.

Thank you for all the kind words. I hope Gavin is doing well.

We hope to do Agent P but not sure how much time we will have.

Here is what I make for breast cancer-

Just some paper cute flowers with positive messages - they live - a friend told me getting flowers when she was diagnosed was sad because they always died so I made her these. Now I make them for anyone I know who has to deal with this.

Sorry you are having a hard week. I would call the court house/jury place and find out what the policy is about pre-planned vacations there must be a plan for this in the system.

I love the flowers you made. My MIL is still undergoing treatment so we are getting another care package together to send her way. I may have to attempt to make some cute flowers.

Thankfully I was able to get the jury duty postponed until April.

So sorry to hear about your MIL. Cancer sucks. I am so glad try caught it early!

Oh the curse of mommy guilt. We have all been there but it sounds like you are doing very thing you can. I am surprised that the judge even asked if you were BF. Does it make you less of a care giver if you are not? I don't think so! Maybe look into the guidelines for your state. I know in my state you are except if you are the legal guardian and primary care giver of a child under 12. Everyone I have been called since becoming a Sahm I fill out the exception form an that is that. If not maybe if you call they can work something out.

Good luck with the rest of the trip planning! I hope you have a magical week! You need it!
Pixiedust:

I was surprised about the whole thing. I was able to have jury duty postponed until April (when Jonah turns 1), but I was told I would be serving then and I needed to find childcare. In our state the child has to have a medical condition that requires the parent to be the primary caregiver. But we visited a GI doc and she adjusted Jonah's medicine, so we are supplementing with breast milk again.

Thanks!

Oh (((HUGS))) sounds like a doozy of a week. Listen you are doing nothing wrong.

I will keep you all in my prayers.

Thanks Chiara!

Good morning Ashley... I know your life is a bit upside down right now, despite that - I miss seeing you around and I hope that all is OK. 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~

I hope your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!

I'm just getting caught up on everything now, I had missed your post. I'm so sorry to hear that you're feeling down and I sincerely hope that you're feeling a little better now. We're all here for you when you need to talk/vent/ask/worry. That's the great thing about the Dis!

Hey Wendy! So excited to read your TR. Thank you for the kind words. I am doing so much better now.

 

[MrsDrewsky]

Sorry for the delayed replies, my sweet husband accidentally broke the laptop a few days after my last post. We waited until Thanksgiving week to purchase a new one so we could get a good deal. It was kind of weird not having a computer for so long, but we did manage to get quite a bit done around the house.

Quick family update:
Jonah’s reflux took a turn for the worse the beginning of November, for a couple of days he was pretty miserable. We finally were able to meet with a GI doc, thankfully it seems he only needs a higher dosage of medication. Due to his improvement he is able to supplement with breast milk again, and therefore I am excused from jury duty until April.

Drew’s mom is just doing okay. She had to have a second surgery and she is waiting to find out if she needs chemo.

A few trip updates!

(I LOVE this picture! I told Drew it looks like Jonah just found out he is going to Disney.)

Our tickets arrived a few weeks ago and I was able to make FP+ reservations.

We have the rental car booked.

Our first set of magic bands arrived in the mail!

Oh and we leave in 25 days! So exciting!​