Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho! It's Off to Celebrate We Go!--LAST UPDATE!!! PG 62 ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

[TarzansKat]

I love the Disney drawer as well! It's just so nice to have a place to put all that type of stuff. I should really clean out one of mine and do that.

 

[lmillercrew]

I too love the idea of a Disney drawer! I'm making a saving money drawer. If I see it in the bank, I spend it. So, hopefully my drawer gets filled up quickly.

 

[MegansMom]

Sorry, didn't mean to leave you hanging-- it's been quite a week around here. Liam (my younger son) got tubes in his ears on Wednesday and we had my parents in town to help us juggle kids. Yesterday afternoon, we had a meeting with the school district to discuss Liam's potential eligibility into their developmental preschool program. Although there were some delays, the only significant one is in speech and he will qualify for a once a week phonology group for next year.

As I was driving home, I had to stop at Kroger to pick some stuff up for dinner. Our Kroger has a mini Dr office with a nurse practitioner on staff and I decided to have them do a BP check -- well, it was 160/100. She had me wait a minute and do the other arm. In that one, 150/90. So, called the OB who sent me up to L&D for bloodwork, monitoring etc. All of my bloodwork and urine was normal, but my BP only cooperated while I was lying down. The on call OB was not my normal (and remember the boys were born in Michigan, not Ohio) so I think the on-call OB pretty much overlooked my history and sent me home without any precautions or restrictions - including no 24 hour urine screen, bed rest, medication -- ANYTHING. I was baffled. So I am putting myself on modified bedrest until I see the OB on Tuesday and can really discuss this in depth. I do not want a 31 week baby!

Ok... back to Disney, because I am pretty sure talking disney is one of the best things for one's BP out there.... Caribbean Beach! Here is the map of the resort for reference. http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/cbrmap.htm We stayed in Barbados 16, which is about as far from the food court as you can get making it about a 8-9 minute walk. We were about 3 minutes from the bus stop and the Barbados bus stop picks up first for over half of the resorts. The only place I'd really say to avoid is Trinidad South. It's way out there and ALWAYS is the last to pick up. Since we really never ate at the food court, we didn't mind the walk. We were there while they were refurbing the main pool (which is now AMAZING) so having the 1 minute walk to the quiet pool was perfect. You can pay extra to stay in Martinique 24,25, 26 or Trinidad North and then you are a stone's throw from the main pool. If you don't want to pay extra for a preferred room, your best bets are to stay in Jamaica 44, 45, 46 or Aruba 51, 52, 53. If Barbados is not picking up first, then Jamaica is. Plus they are a short walk across the lagoon to OPR.

Like others have said... CBR is super tropical island relaxing! There are beaches with hammocks in the sand all over the place and plenty of climbers to play on. Also, you can watch Illuminations from one of the beaches. (Which one it is escaping me right now...) I have plenty of pictures, but they really don't compare to Saftymom's. Hope that helps!

First of all, thanks so much for the great info on CBR!!!! It really sounds so nice and relaxing!!! All this info helps in making our decisions!

BUT, most importantly, REST REST REST!!!!! Start calling out to all your family and friends to rally around you right now and come help! I know you are going in to see your doctor this week, but I would put in a call to them tomorrow to just go over your BP results, and remind them of your history. This stuff can escalate SO quickly, and you want that little nugget to stay put as long as possible!!! I'm thinking and praying for you and your little one, and PLEASE keep me posted!

great idea on the Disney drawer! I guess that move also assisted in re-organizing Meg's and the other room eh? (much like moving to a new house encourages more organization)

You got it!!! Organization is my middle name---I love organizing everything and anything, and the challenge of moving/changing things around always gives me such good opportunities to reorganize!!! YEAH...FUN!!!!

moparop, rest up, hope you do not have to stay on bedrest. Just don't exert yourself....Keep that little one in your belly for a while!

I CONCUR!!!

You are so bad, Jen!

Yes........guilty as charged!!!!! I try to be good, but the bad leaks out a little at a time!

Awwww, I love you, Jen!!!

DITTO!!!

This drawer must really be ginormous!!!

It is pretty big....I will have to try to get a picture!

Jen, your Disney Drawer sounds fabulous! I need get myself one of those. I tend to throw everything into my suitcases.

I am so glad it is all together....it is going to be so much easier to throw it all together for when we need it in September!

hey Jen...I meant to ask you....happen to notice my new ticker?

I SAW!!!!! CONGRATS!!!! Of course I want all the details!!!! WL!!!!

Like the idea of Disney Drawer.. Great Idea

I can't take credit....CP inspired me to follow in her brilliant footsteps!!! It is GREAT!

I have a Disney Drawer...of course right now its overflowing so now I'm starting to store stuff in my Disney park bag until time comes and I keep throwing things into a closet LOL...I need to take a page from your book and get myself organized!!!

Love that you are starting to buy little things!!! Can't wait to hear more!

I wish we lived closer....I would LOVE to come organize you!!! I know a Target run is in my future this week, so I am hoping to add some more to the Disney drawer...I'll keep you posted!

A Disney drawer sounds great! I just have Disney boxes.

Boxes sound good to me too!!!! Anything Disney sounds good to me!

I love the Disney drawer as well! It's just so nice to have a place to put all that type of stuff. I should really clean out one of mine and do that.

I feel like by starting the drawer, I am already on my way to packing....and that much closer to the trip!!!

I too love the idea of a Disney drawer! I'm making a saving money drawer. If I see it in the bank, I spend it. So, hopefully my drawer gets filled up quickly.

I am hoping for a little extra cash to come down your way to help fill up that drawer!!!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I finally took the pictures of the mailbag for you!

I hope you don't mind that I am posting them over here.

This picture has my wallet and a small 4x6 notebook so you could get a better idea of the size.

I hope this helps!

 

[MegansMom]

Thank you so much for doing that for me!!! You are the best!!!!! That looks like it would hold everything REALLY well......I am in deep consideration over that one and one of their backpack varieties. I was just realizing the other day when we were at KI how much I use sling backpacks when I am there.....never feels like I have something on. Now, I didn't feel overwhelmed by the Hipster last year, but that is my only hesitation with the Mailbag this year.....I just don't want it to hurt my shoulder. Your pictures were great....so many nooks and crannies!!!!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Thank you so much for doing that for me!!! You are the best!!!!! That looks like it would hold everything REALLY well......I am in deep consideration over that one and one of their backpack varieties. I was just realizing the other day when we were at KI how much I use sling backpacks when I am there.....never feels like I have something on. Now, I didn't feel overwhelmed by the Hipster last year, but that is my only hesitation with the Mailbag this year.....I just don't want it to hurt my shoulder. Your pictures were great....so many nooks and crannies!!!!!

You are so very welcome! Sorry it took me so long. I really loved my mailbag, it is a great bag but that being said, I want to be able to take a second pair of shoes into the parks in case I have problems this trip so that is why I went with a backpack. I do plan to bring my mailbag for MNSSHP for example, or if I am going back at night after a break.

 

[TarzansKat]

I hope you all don't mind my butting in for a sec here.

LL, is the mailbag bigger than the hipster? I'm still debating the possibility of a Vera for myself.

 

[MeMom]

I have a Disney Drawer...of course right now its overflowing so now I'm starting to store stuff in my Disney park bag until time comes and I keep throwing things into a closet LOL...I need to take a page from your book and get myself organized!!!

A Disney drawer sounds great! I just have Disney boxes.

Soooo... if you have a Disney drawer and Disney boxes and a Disney room to keep all of your Disney party stuff in, does that mean you've gone overboard?

I could possibly know someone like that.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Soooo... if you have a Disney drawer and Disney boxes and a Disney room to keep all of your Disney party stuff in, does that mean you've gone overboard?

I could possibly know someone like that.

I want a Disney room!

 

[MegansMom]

You are so very welcome! Sorry it took me so long. I really loved my mailbag, it is a great bag but that being said, I want to be able to take a second pair of shoes into the parks in case I have problems this trip so that is why I went with a backpack. I do plan to bring my mailbag for MNSSHP for example, or if I am going back at night after a break.

GOOD thinking!!!! I am nervous for you about your feet on this next go round.....you had one heck of a time in May, and I don't want that to happen again.....sending you some pixie dust!!!

JUST in case the Asics end up not much to your liking, I am a HUGE fan of New Balance shoes......if I could be a paid spokesperson, I would in a heartbeat!!! I have everyone in my family converted to them....they are SO comfy, and I really have almost NO soreness in my feet when I wear them for long durations. Just an FYI.....................

I hope you all don't mind my butting in for a sec here.

LL, is the mailbag bigger than the hipster? I'm still debating the possibility of a Vera for myself.

When would we ever mind you "butting" in?!?!?!?! It is bigger than the hipster, but very similar in style and the way you wear it. Since I need to upgrade to something bigger, I thought it would be a good candidate.

Soooo... if you have a Disney drawer and Disney boxes and a Disney room to keep all of your Disney party stuff in, does that mean you've gone overboard?

I could possibly know someone like that.

Well, if this said person has Disney rooms inspired by the various Disney World resorts, then No....I don't see it being a problem!!!!!!!!! I think I know someone like that too, and she is AWESOME!!! Love you MeMom!!!!

I want a Disney room!

Yes.......that would be PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to do an update today, but not sure on what yet.......any suggestions?!?!??!?!!

 

[TarzansKat]

JUST in case the Asics end up not much to your liking, I am a HUGE fan of New Balance shoes......if I could be a paid spokesperson, I would in a heartbeat!!! I have everyone in my family converted to them....they are SO comfy, and I really have almost NO soreness in my feet when I wear them for long durations. Just an FYI.....................

I can attest to the New Balance brand. I don't wear them, but I know my father loves them.

When would we ever mind you "butting" in?!?!?!?!

It is bigger than the hipster, but very similar in style and the way you wear it. Since I need to upgrade to something bigger, I thought it would be a good candidate.

Interesting. I wonder if it's smaller than my cargo sling. It may be a good option for me, I'll have to check it out.

 

[MegansMom]

I'm thinking it may not be as wide....might be a good option!

 

[Lady Lallie]

It is bigger than the hipster and smaller than the cargo sling...I know since I have had all three.

If you will indulge me...the hipster could fit inside the mailbag and then the mailbag could fit in the cargo sling.

 

[TarzansKat]

It is bigger than the hipster and smaller than the cargo sling...I know since I have had all three.

If you will indulge me...the hipster could fit inside the mailbag and then the mailbag could fit in the cargo sling.

Ooo, thank you. That really helps as a frame of reference for me since I own a cargo sling and have seen the hipster. Does it have the same interior pockets as the hipster?

Seems like it could be interesting, although looking Ebay, the bids are way higher for the mailbags!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Ooo, thank you. That really helps as a frame of reference for me since I own a cargo sling and have seen the hipster. Does it have the same interior pockets as the hipster?

Seems like it could be interesting, although looking Ebay, the bids are way higher for the mailbags!

They are probably higher because I think they just released the mailbag style in the Spring.

It has a flap instead of how the hipster zips....

Then it has a small pocket when you lift up the flat that is zippered that has slots for credit cards and then you unzip the big pocket that was in the previous pictures. There is a lot of room in there. I carried a small umbrella, my camera, my tripod, a pair of socks and a bottled water at times.

 

[TarzansKat]

They are probably higher because I think they just released the mailbag style in the Spring.

It has a flap instead of how the hipster zips....

Ooo, thank you for the photo! Love the Lady Lallie tag, btw.

Then it has a small pocket when you lift up the flat that is zippered that has slots for credit cards and then you unzip the big pocket that was in the previous pictures. There is a lot of room in there. I carried a small umbrella, my camera, my tripod, a pair of socks and a bottled water at times.

Oh, slots for ids/cards would be awesome. I'm debating how to carry those, and was actually debating purchasing a new Vera wallet. The Euro wallet actually has nine slots in it, and folds small, but I digress.

That's a lot of stuff you were carrying in there! Excellent.

 

[jenjolt]

OOH I have heard great things about New Balance shoes...I just went and bought a pair of Sacuony brand and they are fitting pretty good except one rides on my back right heel so that might be a deal breaker! I'm going to keep trying to break them in and if after another month I'm going to get me a pair of New Balance shoes LOL!

I really hope my Mailbag comes in the mail today so I can take it on my trip to Michigan with me LOL

 

[Lady Lallie]

It really is a great bag and you can fit a lot more stuff in there!

 

[stacikristine]

Hi Jen! I just read through your whole PTR (Friday and today) I love it so far! Megan seems like the sweetest little girl. Your family is precious. My husband and I are going to be at Disney World the same time you are!! We'll be at AKL (renting points) the 20-26. I was going to say that we'll be at Kona at the same time (we have a 5:00 ressie on the 23rd) but yall have switched now... And we'll be at Fantasmic the same time your family is! Good luck with figuring out the CSR/CBR issue. And picking a bag. I've decided on a Mini Hipster and a regular Hipster...b/c my DH is carrying a backpack for the bigger things. The VB backpacks look like they'd be really easy on your back... I'm anxious to read more!

 

[MegansMom]

Happy Monday Everyone!!!!! We are officially down to 70 days......the days are flying past us....it will be here before we know it....I just hope I'm packed!!!

Today has been productive for me in the way of Disney planning............much has been done.......all good!!!

FIRST UP: Boutiques!!!

I realized yesterday while I was speaking to my brother about his upcoming trip with his kiddos in October (a mere two weeks after us) that I had not booked a BBB reservation for Miss Megan yet!!!! There was a slight bit of panic, but all that was relieved this morning when I dialed up their ressie number, asked for the date and time I wanted, and it immediately popped up available for the CM!!!!!! PHEW!!!!! So per special request of our birthday girl, Miss Megan will be pampered and Princessfied on Sunday, September 27th at 11:30am---right before our lunch with Cindy at the castle at 1:00pm. SHEER PERFECTION!!!! This will give us a great opportunity to hit our favorites in Fantasyland in the morning, then hit the boutique, and follow it up with a much anticipated lunch with the ladies at 1pm!!!! By that point, we will be MUCH rested, cooled off, and READY to take the Kingdom for the rest of the night until 11pm since it is open late for EMH!!!! Those of you who I might see on this day, just think, you will get to see the honorable and beautiful Princess Megan Olivia!!!! I'm so excited!!! This will be our last day at the parks, and our last chance to celebrate the heck out of the wonderful birthday that this trip is honor of. This day, moreso than any of the others, is truly MEGAN'S DAY!!!! (Ok, I know the others are truly centered around her, but this is the pinnacle of the celebration!) The BBB and the lunch with Cindy were her only requests for the entire vacation, and I am so happy to be able to oblige her those wishes!!!!

***Possible tissue alert upcoming!!!***
Even though her birthday isn't until the 29th, the 27th is also significant in our story........it was on that fateful day in 2003, that all heck broke loose, my body gave up, and we were rushed to the hospital to make sure we would both make it. It was the day I knew that there was no more holding off her delivery weeks at a time.....we did our best to hold it off by every passing hour. It was the beginning of two very intense, very scary days that culminated in her emergent delivery during the day on the 29th. So, on that day six years later, I will be thinking of all that we have survived, and I will be so elated to be at WDW celebrating that accomplishment with the prettiest princess out there....(IMO ) It will be nice to have so much happiness and fun to look forward to on that day!!!!

***Okay, kleenex away now!!!!****

Okay, Moving on to PEACOCKS!!!!!

Okay, I'm not talking about the feathered kind or the NBC kind, I'm talking about the PARK BAG KIND!!!!! What's that you say???? Could it be possible that the quest for the illusive park bag could be over?????? WHY, indeed it is my friends!!!! Here are my lovely Peacock Ladies that will be accompanying me to Mickey's House:

This is an older pattern, but one that I have always loved....it doesn't photo well, but it is a beautiful teal green with lime green and aqua accents.....I used to have some other pieces in this pattern, and always LOVED them!!!!

Now, I'm sure you are wondering why I went with the backsack??!?!?!?!?!?! There are many reasons:

1. I did some thinking, and realized all summer long I have been using a backsack type bag at Kings Island, and have had NO complaints carrying that type of bag at all. They are light and don't cause strain on my back or shoulders. This bag is even better than the one I have because it has a zippered outer section, and then three interior pockets as well as the large backsack area.

2. I did a reconsolidation of what I will be carrying, and it will all fit nicely.......
---camera (will put in outer zippered pocket
---cell phone (Interior pocket #1)
---ID case with the following in it: KTTW, Dis Visa Rewards card, Dis Visa card, Driver's license, Meg's ID, Health Insurance card, ADR card. (This is pictured above...it will also go in Interior pocket #1)
---Small First Aid Kit in small blue pouch: Bandaids, Cut up Moleskin, Small Med pack with Excedrin, Children's Chewable, Immodium AD, Dramamine, Small tube of Neosporin, Chapstick, Travel size sunscreen, and travel size deodorant.
---Small tissue packet (Interior pocket #2)
---Tip envelope (Interior pocket #2)
---Gum (Interior pocket #3)
---Fruit snacks for Megs (Interior pocket #3)
---Ziploc with Megs extra outfit and brush (Main section)
---Small pack of travel Wet Wipes (Main section)
---Meg's Autograph book and pen (Main section)
---Small pack of disposable ponchos for us (Main section)
---Hand sanitizer dispenser clipped to outer zipper

3. Last but NOT least: IT WAS ONLY $15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Seriously, how does it get any better than that!!!!!! The matching ID case was only $5.....maybe that is how, but WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am a happy traveler right now!!!!

Perfect Park Bag----CHECK!
Perfect shoes----my lovely NB and Teva Terra-Fi's CHECK CHECK!!!!
Perfect shirts----------CHECK, CHECK, CHECK!!!!!!

(Insert record needle scratching over record noise here!)

HUH?!?!? What's that you say??? Did you add in PERFECT SHIRTS JEN?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Why YES, yes I DID!!!!! Wanna hear about it????? I thought so!!!

Two weeks ago, Old Navy was having this sale---$5 shirts, shorts, and swimwear. I needed a shirt to tye dye for my women's group at church, so I quickly ran in there one day, picked up a $5 V-neck tshirt to dye, and was on my way...... I didn't think much about it, just needed it to fill that need, and lo and behold, I put the finished product on Saturday to wear to our Church's festival (the purpose of the shirt), and this was something like Tom's reaction:

Let's just sum up that emoticon fest with this....it was GOOD!!! And I don't usually say this about myself, but I looked pretty darn good!!!!! SO, I think, as long as I can find a good sale or good online coupon, I will be purchasing some more of those lovely shirts for Disney. Now, I know they won't be "Disneyfied," but I think some of you might be able to help me solve that problem.....love some suggestions!!!!

SO I AM A HAPPY TRAVELER!!!!

The only other quest I'm on is for some cute bottoms to go with my now other perfect accessories, the perfect way to fix my hair for WDW, and maybe some fun Disney jewelry. (The only thing I need to bear in mind with the jewlery is that I either need clip earrings--my pierced whole ripped out years ago---or I need to go somehow repierce it!)

OH.......and I need to finally find some peace with our ressie...whether we move or not!!!! BUT, that will all come with a little more time!!!!

Let me know what you all think!!!! UP next on our UPdate schedule: The beginning of our lists of MUST DO's....with pics!!!!!