Christmas all year long!

[KatMark]

Ann, that is great. You got sleep, Zoe did better with the screams, she used the bathroom and everyone is in better spirits! I am so happy to hear this.

So are the pictures "official" contest pictures? If so, it is the adorable Zoe in my favorite color purple at Epcot near Test Track in the splash area.

 

[annmarieda]

Ann, that is great. You got sleep, Zoe did better with the screams, she used the bathroom and everyone is in better spirits! I am so happy to hear this.

So are the pictures "official" contest pictures? If so, it is the adorable Zoe in my favorite color purple at Epcot near Test Track in the splash area.

You totally nailed that one, Kathy!

1pt for Zoe
1pt for Epcot
1pt for near Test Track
1pt for Splash area

4pts total

And you and me both!! I am so happy that last night went better and so far so good today. Don't get me wrong... it is a pain and a half to have to cath and when I did do the cath/irrigation, she wasn't pleased. However not having to hold her down while I did it was a huge step in the right direction. Now to find something that will help with her pain level without doing damage to her kidneys (cant take tylenol forever) or alter her mood narcotics or the antispasmatic)

 

[tinacaplan]

Oh, sure...Kathy totally beat me to it tonight! And for one I actually knew!

Ann...let me just say that reading through your last few posts had me shedding a couple of tears, as well as smiling. I can't even begin to imagine how you're doing all of this, or how Zoe is, either. I'm glad that Kira has been some help, too. I just wish that there was more I could do for you all than type things and put cute little in the posts.

I know what you mean, though, about doctors sugar-coating things. (And lawyers, too...but that's another matter entirely.) When my uncle was diagnosed with his cancer, they said that it was systemic and eveywhere and just bad. BUT, the docs insisted that he might be able to pull through and not to give up hope. They put him on radiation anyway and he was still gone within three months. Just tell us the truth...it is infinitely better that way!

Wishing you tons of pixie dust for the next few weeks and hopefully things will turn around and things will be looking up. You never know when there might be just a little bit of magic around the next corner.

And, heck...here's another one of these

 

[annmarieda]

Oh, sure...Kathy totally beat me to it tonight! And for one I actually knew!

Ann...let me just say that reading through your last few posts had me shedding a couple of tears, as well as smiling. I can't even begin to imagine how you're doing all of this, or how Zoe is, either. I'm glad that Kira has been some help, too. I just wish that there was more I could do for you all than type things and put cute little in the posts.

I know what you mean, though, about doctors sugar-coating things. (And lawyers, too...but that's another matter entirely.) When my uncle was diagnosed with his cancer, they said that it was systemic and eveywhere and just bad. BUT, the docs insisted that he might be able to pull through and not to give up hope. They put him on radiation anyway and he was still gone within three months. Just tell us the truth...it is infinitely better that way!

Wishing you tons of pixie dust for the next few weeks and hopefully things will turn around and things will be looking up. You never know when there might be just a little bit of magic around the next corner.

And, heck...here's another one of these

Tina, Thank you so much. All the cute smilies do help. I try and stay positive. And all in all I am seeing that there has to be hope... but I would be lying if I were to say that I wasn't frustrated. I feel a bit "sold on a bill of goods". This was to be "life changing" Well, instead of just being wet, we now have to use catheters. So yes, life changing.. just not in the way I had hoped. In all fairness though, she is much dryer. I mean... during the day she is more "I ran..sneezed.. jumped. etc." wet. Getting her ready for bed tonight was so much easier than last night. It makes me feel.. relieved... grateful..hopeful. But... then I get a bit testy. I think so great... she isn't screaming as much but even if she doesn't scream and it goes easier that way there is still the constant use of the cath. Oh.. and not just a cath. See, Zoe is a tiny person so the cath is super tiny. This does not allow for much to flow out of it. So... I have been using syringes to draw the urine out. I know we will get into a routine...but it is a bit sad to me that we will have to have a routine. I don't know... I guess I am just rambling. It is late and I am tired. I should go to sleep. I always feel less optimistic and testy when I am tired.


So I will head off to sleep. Thanks for the pixie dust... keep it coming. I think we need it.

 

[shocky5]

I'm proud to say I knew more about those pics (aside from clothing details) and they are so darn cute!

Ann, I just hate what you have been through/going through. I can relate... being married to a coach (God love his heart), my DH is gone A LOT! And while he tries to spend ample time with us in the 'off seasons' it's always an adjustment back into our routine that we get used to. That being said, I have our routine down to a fine art and when he 'jacks' with it... I get grumpy. It's kind of like you do all the grunt work to keep Zoe moving forward and nobody else really has the whole picture. God bless Kira for being that support for you! Just think she is a teriffic girl! And as for the men in our lives - they are wonderful and great but they are men... who are wired waaaay different than women... they would truly be lost without us. You are SUPERWOMAN and I pray that everything continues to get better.

Was so happy to read you got sleep, I think you are spot on with the medication issues - there's a reason family medical history is important so great job tracking your own and relating it to what Zoe's been enduring.

Lots of and like Kathy said - PM or vent away on here... even my DH has learned to let me have my 'dis friends' time.

 

[swwake]

Just to let you know I have been following along - just not much time for posting. Sorry for all of the trials. You really are as much of a nurse as a mother right now. But glad it seems that Zoe's getting better and there's hope. I bet by the time your trip rolls around, there will be no more screaming. Either she will be used to it or you'll be done with the cathing (is that expected?).

Anyway, here's a hug

 

[annmarieda]

I'm proud to say I knew more about those pics (aside from clothing details) and they are so darn cute!

Ann, I just hate what you have been through/going through. I can relate... being married to a coach (God love his heart), my DH is gone A LOT! And while he tries to spend ample time with us in the 'off seasons' it's always an adjustment back into our routine that we get used to. That being said, I have our routine down to a fine art and when he 'jacks' with it... I get grumpy. It's kind of like you do all the grunt work to keep Zoe moving forward and nobody else really has the whole picture. God bless Kira for being that support for you! Just think she is a teriffic girl! And as for the men in our lives - they are wonderful and great but they are men... who are wired waaaay different than women... they would truly be lost without us. You are SUPERWOMAN and I pray that everything continues to get better.

Was so happy to read you got sleep, I think you are spot on with the medication issues - there's a reason family medical history is important so great job tracking your own and relating it to what Zoe's been enduring.

Lots of and like Kathy said - PM or vent away on here... even my DH has learned to let me have my 'dis friends' time.

I know... I don't really hold it against Steve. In fact, he hasn't cathed Zoe once.. not just because it isn't his "thing" but because I am too much a control freak to allow for it.

It will get better... it has to. I just feel a bit frustrated that other than Zoe being in pullups, we could go about our lives in a normal fashion and now we cant. I have no idea how I will go to work this week... how I will send her to school... or even how we will be able to go on this trip.

Just to let you know I have been following along - just not much time for posting. Sorry for all of the trials. You really are as much of a nurse as a mother right now. But glad it seems that Zoe's getting better and there's hope. I bet by the time your trip rolls around, there will be no more screaming. Either she will be used to it or you'll be done with the cathing (is that expected?).

Anyway, here's a hug

Thanks for the hug. I sure hop you are right. I hope the screaming stops. I know the battle is lessening and so it gives me hope. Still frustrated that before she was only wet and now she is wet AND has to be cath'd.

 

[annmarieda]

Yesterday marked the 19th Saturday left till the trip.

I am a bit frustrated by our movie collection. First, we have quite a few on VHS since we got them when Kira and Zach were young. Next, a couple years ago we had a special needs man/child (he was 18 to 20) who lived behind us. He was constantly getting into our house when we were not home and taking movies and video games (nothing else) It has been a while since I have sat down to take not of what we have, but lets just say there are quite a few dvd's missing and even one blu ray. So this is only important because I thought we had Lilo and Stitch. Last minute we had to order it on itunes. Now, it wasn't a huge expense... but I like having the hard copy. So now I have to buy it again.

ANYWAY.. so that was the glitch in our otherwise nice movie night where we watched Lilo and Stitch. What a funny and yet sad movie.

We had dinner to go along with it (sorry no pics) I think it was way over the top sweet... so I feel a bit ill today. I tried to make it even a bit more special by buying some items from dollar tree. Just some paper plates (tiki) and a serving dish. Oh and as if I needed more sweet... some flip flop suckers that had those Hawaiian flowers on them.

Kira and I made two different punches (one with alcohol and one without) The alcohol one had vodka, lemonade, cream of coconut and pineapple juice in it. It as frozen and then blended and then lemon lime soda added. Yummy but too sweet. The one without the alcohol had guava nectar, orange sherbet, and ginger ale and was severed with frozen mango chunks.

I made a Hawaiian bread that as a banana, pineapple and coconut bread. It was probably my favorite thing of the entire meal. It was soft and chewy. It had potato flakes in it...and I think it really added neat texture.

There was a pineapple, mandarin orange slaw. Yummy...but sweet

Finally there was Polynesian chicken (chicken, ginger ale, bell peppers, basil) We ate this over white rice.

I actually made a pie too... but we didn't even touch it since it was just that much more sweet.

All in all it was fun but the food was too sweet.

Just 18 more Saturdays!!!

 

[annmarieda]

 

[KatMark]

Yesterday marked the 19th Saturday left till the trip.

I am a bit frustrated by our movie collection. First, we have quite a few on VHS since we got them when Kira and Zach were young. Next, a couple years ago we had a special needs man/child (he was 18 to 20) who lived behind us. He was constantly getting into our house when we were not home and taking movies and video games (nothing else) It has been a while since I have sat down to take not of what we have, but lets just say there are quite a few dvd's missing and even one blu ray. So this is only important because I thought we had Lilo and Stitch. Last minute we had to order it on itunes. Now, it wasn't a huge expense... but I like having the hard copy. So now I have to buy it again.

ANYWAY.. so that was the glitch in our otherwise nice movie night where we watched Lilo and Stitch. What a funny and yet sad movie.

We had dinner to go along with it (sorry no pics) I think it was way over the top sweet... so I feel a bit ill today. I tried to make it even a bit more special by buying some items from dollar tree. Just some paper plates (tiki) and a serving dish. Oh and as if I needed more sweet... some flip flop suckers that had those Hawaiian flowers on them.

Kira and I made two different punches (one with alcohol and one without) The alcohol one had vodka, lemonade, cream of coconut and pineapple juice in it. It as frozen and then blended and then lemon lime soda added. Yummy but too sweet. The one without the alcohol had guava nectar, orange sherbet, and ginger ale and was severed with frozen mango chunks.

I made a Hawaiian bread that as a banana, pineapple and coconut bread. It was probably my favorite thing of the entire meal. It was soft and chewy. It had potato flakes in it...and I think it really added neat texture.

There was a pineapple, mandarin orange slaw. Yummy...but sweet

Finally there was Polynesian chicken (chicken, ginger ale, bell peppers, basil) We ate this over white rice.

I actually made a pie too... but we didn't even touch it since it was just that much more sweet.

All in all it was fun but the food was too sweet.

Just 18 more Saturdays!!!

Ann, sounds like a great and adventurous movie night. Both punches sound good, but especially the first one.

Sorry for the missing movies.

 

[KatMark]

Zoe, Kira and your oldest son (I've gone brain dead with his name at the moment) in Epcot what looks to be near the Camera Shop which you approach before heading into the actual hub of the park (you can see the images that people have in the stone behind you).


****It's Zach, your son who is serving his country!

 

[swwake]

I think that's Zach, you and Kira. Zoe is in the stroller at the bottom of the picture. You're at Epcot, just to the left of the entrance (as you are entering the park, so you've turned around facing away from the entrance). And I'm guessing you are on your way out of the park after a fun morning.

 

[shocky5]

Okay - yes - you, Kira, Zach in Epcot... after reading Kathy's, I do remember the camera shop (Lady - you AMAZE me) - I was going more with the eating establishment whose name eludes me... Electric Umbrella, I believe...

AND you were right! You were not wearing a brown tank top in that other picture... clearly you were wearing this pretty green one with brown straps!

 

[annmarieda]

Zoe, Kira and your oldest son (I've gone brain dead with his name at the moment) in Epcot what looks to be near the Camera Shop which you approach before heading into the actual hub of the park (you can see the images that people have in the stone behind you).


****It's Zach, your son who is serving his country!

1pt for Zoe
1pt for Zach
1pt for Kira
1pt for Epcot
1pt for noting Zach is serving his country.

Wrong side of the entrance to the park though.

5pts total.

I think that's Zach, you and Kira. Zoe is in the stroller at the bottom of the picture. You're at Epcot, just to the left of the entrance (as you are entering the park, so you've turned around facing away from the entrance). And I'm guessing you are on your way out of the park after a fun morning.

1pt for me
1pt for noting Zoe is in the stroller
1pt for left side of the park entrance

Not leaving the park though.

3pts total

Okay - yes - you, Kira, Zach in Epcot... after reading Kathy's, I do remember the camera shop (Lady - you AMAZE me) - I was going more with the eating establishment whose name eludes me... Electric Umbrella, I believe...

AND you were right! You were not wearing a brown tank top in that other picture... clearly you were wearing this pretty green one with brown straps!

Yup.. the green tank 1pt for remembering the previous picture where I was wearing it and you thought it was brown.

1pt total

 

[KatMark]

I couldn't decide if it was the photo store or the "souvenir" store.

 

[ladytink75]

Annemaried when you read this guess where I'll be...... I will be up in the air flying to Disney World... The first of my two trips this year is finally here I pray your little Zoe has a great day today... And that you also have a great day

 

[annmarieda]

Annemaried when you read this guess where I'll be...... I will be up in the air flying to Disney World... The first of my two trips this year is finally here I pray your little Zoe has a great day today... And that you also have a great day

Have a great time!!!

 

[annmarieda]

 

[KatMark]

Well, I know that it is the very pretty Zoe in my favorite color yet again with Princess Belle. I am going to guess that they are at the Magic Kingdom in the area where they used to have Storytime with Belle.


***And Ann in order to have something to do with my PTR, I'm stealing your "where and who are we" theme.

 

[annmarieda]

Since there is the rumor of free dinning being released soon, it has prompted me to play on the website a bit. So I have been pricing out several things
and what our savings would be.

1. Current view at WL with fd = approx. -$7
2. Downgrade our view at WL with fd = approx -$250
3. Change to AKL with standard view and fd = approx -$650
4. Change to AKL with pool view and fd =approx. -$470
5. Change to POFQ with standard room adn fd = approx. -$2060

It is so funny to play with Disney math/numbers. Ultimately, I am not sure what I want to do. It is nice to know that I don't HAVE to do anything though and still be happy with what I have. I had thought fd would save us a couple hundred over what we currently have, but I guess that isn't the case. (maybe because rates went up since the time we first booked ) So I won't be someone who is getting up early (did that for cp) to be calling on Wednesday.