Know what would be cool? If we could live at Disney! - PTR - !PHOTO HEAVY! COMPLETE!

[Singledad]

So, I figure I was overdue for a photo share.

This photo is my fav. She was so excited over getting Rapunzel in her Easter Basket she 'fainted' (well acted like she did.)

Is that not the BEST?!

At great grandma's:

The eggs in Great Grandma's Yard:

Each kid got to find 51 eggs. (Including Skye we are down to only three kids to hunt eggs!)

Within moments DD had 48 of her 51 eggs! I had to yell at her to wait and let me count them. This is her coming over so I could count them. The other adults are like, let her go.. I was like, she is pretty close to done already! and I was right!
She is QUICK! I guess those glasses sure do help!

And lets leave you with a photo that shows just how much she loves her Uncle James (12 years old).

Snuggling with him. come on everyone lets say it together... "AWwwwWWwW"


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[Singledad]

Okay, so I had another Dis'er send me their packing list and I saw a few things I was totally forgetting and shouldn't have... like say Deodorant!

so this is my current packing list. Gah, this is starting to look HUGE. well, we can take two checked bags each, nevertheless the one carry one + one personal item. plus the medical supplies. So bag wise in airport we will have laptop bag, pap-machine, DD's bag and the stroller (which will be gate checked.)

Much better than last year. I had pap, laptop bag, backpack, DD's backpack and small bag/purselikebag for DD with snacks etc. Last year I checked a bag each for us, and we had room for suvvies in my suitcase on the way back.. why? because last year on the way down I packed her car seat IN my suitcase. Yup, it just barely fit, and I rolled all my clothing and such around it, but it fit. since I checked it seperately on the way home, I had all that room to fit extra's in on the way home. I think I may bring an empty duffel bag just in case.

anyway, back to the updated packing list:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Packing List:

• 4 shorts
• 5 shirts
• 5 socks
• 5 underwear
• 1 dress
• 1 Disney Dress
• pj's and/or snuggie
• Goggles
• swimshoes
• Swimsuit
• beach towel
• Ib profin
• Benadryl
• herbal cold stuffs
• Autograph books with pens

• 4 shorts,
• 4 shirts,
• 5 socks,
• 5 underwear,
• white muslce binder
• double front binder
• tripletop binder
• Pj's
• swimgear
• goggles
• ballcap

• hairbrush
• Hairties
• sunblock
• toothbrushes (already in bag)
• Toothpaste
• deodorant
• Razor
• shave gel
• Nail clippers
• bar of soap
• shampoo/condisiner
• Bubbles! (for in line)
• All in one laundry soap/thinggy
• Cellphone charger
• tums/pepto
• chapstick
• aloe
• waterproof CC& money necklace.
• ponchos

~~

Carryon bag(s):
Auto-pap

Small bag for DD with:

• Leapster 2 with both games
• dry erase carayon travel set
• snacks (possible baby binky, for during take off and landing.)

Laptop backpack with:

• laptop,
• charging cord,
• camera,
• charging cord,
• Meds,
• snacks,
• paperwork, and
• small travel size baby wipes for cleaning up DD.
• First aid kit.

Wallet! don't forget to bring some cash for you, and DD's money!

Stroller

See anything that I am majorly missing?

need to buy: DD meds and sunblock (Binder if I I can swing it.)


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[blessedmom4]

These photos are amazing and I DO love this one!!! Lisa would have done the same thing. How precious she is, Thank you for sharing!!!

 

[Lidian]

I will bring this one up directly with her Ped. at her appt on may 2ed. It would be such a relief if she wasn't dealing with this issue. She misses SO much school simply because she is too miserable to go.

I hope your pediatrician is able to help! Keep us posted on what they say. As parents, its rough to see kids suffer and be told "there's nothing that can be done".

If the pediatrician is not able to assist, I recommend a referall to an allergy specialist. They'll have more experience with the issues, and more resources.

I think DD was around 5 when they did her first round of allergy testing, so I know they can even test as young as 5 - at least at the office I went to.

They may also put her on a nose spray. I had forgotten about that ... DD was on a nose spray - she's not been on it in years, but is now on eye drops. If its not one thing, its another.

Your packing lists look fine! Then again, I always forget something ... and I overpack. I am not one to give advice on packing.

Hope she feels better and can get some relief soon!!!

 

[lovethattink]

Let me say, I just love her Tink Easter basket!! Too cute about the Rapunzel. I sure hope she gets to dance with Rapuzel and Flynn at Disney! I bet the Easter Egg hunt was fun. That's alot of eggs. Were they all filled or empty?

I've had similar experiences with both kids and allergies and like Lidian said, they gave us allergy meds. For both my kids it was Claritin liquid, and the dose was based on both their age and weight. My oldest boy had horrible allergies and asthma as a child. He was on claritin and a steroid nose spray. Thankfully he never had seasonal allergies. Anakin has season ones. Oak pollen is his enemy. Claritin has seen him through our pollen season. But the biggest help for us was rain. When the rain was heavy enough to take care of the pollen he did great!

I can't think of anything to add to the packing list. Unless you would want to add more underware, but you can always wash it out in the tub or sink. I usually pack double underware than what we'd need.

 

[Corrine 1973]

Your packing lists look great (can I still them), the only thing I can see that was left out is a bathing suit for your DD. Can't forget that.

Your easter pics are just too cute. My kids are the oppisite, they take there time collecting eggs and then complain that other kids got more than them. My oldes DS was so busy helping a little girl find eggs that she walked away with 6 and he only had 3, but since they were real eggs I don't think he was so disappointed.

I love your list on how much money you will need on your trip. I think I will really need to do this just to make sure. I am thinking about $400 extra but I better make sure. "I'm so sorry miss, but I can't give you a tip. We are all out of money." Followed by a spit ball in my food.

It is so funny that you forgot deoderant on your first list (wouldn't have been as funny on the trip.) but don't worry you are not the first (and probably not the last) I saw a packing list on another thread and guess what she forgot...deoderant.

 

[lovethattink]

Speaking of deodarant, that is what I tend to forget to bring to the water parks. So when you go to TL or BB, be sure to throw a deodarant in the bag!

 

[sl_underwood]

Wow, you are on the ball. Packing list done already and I am still in the throes of planning what I am doing and when! Love the easter pics!

 

[Singledad]

These photos are amazing and I DO love this one!!! Lisa would have done the same thing. How precious she is, Thank you for sharing!!!

I love her too! Thank you for the feedback!

I hope your pediatrician is able to help! Keep us posted on what they say. As parents, its rough to see kids suffer and be told "there's nothing that can be done".

If the pediatrician is not able to assist, I recommend a referall to an allergy specialist. They'll have more experience with the issues, and more resources.

I think DD was around 5 when they did her first round of allergy testing, so I know they can even test as young as 5 - at least at the office I went to.

They may also put her on a nose spray. I had forgotten about that ... DD was on a nose spray - she's not been on it in years, but is now on eye drops. If its not one thing, its another.

Your packing lists look fine! Then again, I always forget something ... and I overpack. I am not one to give advice on packing.

Hope she feels better and can get some relief soon!!!

How did they do the allergy testing? was it a blood test or scratch? and do they ask you what you *think* she might be allergic to, or just test for basics? I know I'd like to know for sure if she is allergic to carrots or not. She has said they hurt her mouth, but not sure if it is a texture thing or an allergy thing. She can eat soup that had it in there, just not them themselves. Will def. be bringing this up along with the other things may 2ed.

Let me say, I just love her Tink Easter basket!! Too cute about the Rapunzel. I sure hope she gets to dance with Rapuzel and Flynn at Disney! I bet the Easter Egg hunt was fun. That's alot of eggs. Were they all filled or empty?
Filled. Each egg had a candy (flavored tootsie or gummy slice) and 25 cents. (using all coin types)


I've had similar experiences with both kids and allergies and like Lidian said, they gave us allergy meds. For both my kids it was Claritin liquid, and the dose was based on both their age and weight. My oldest boy had horrible allergies and asthma as a child. He was on claritin and a steroid nose spray. Thankfully he never had seasonal allergies. Anakin has season ones. Oak pollen is his enemy. Claritin has seen him through our pollen season. But the biggest help for us was rain. When the rain was heavy enough to take care of the pollen he did great!

I can't think of anything to add to the packing list. Unless you would want to add more underware, but you can always wash it out in the tub or sink. I usually pack double underware than what we'd need.

I plan on doing a wash midweek. So, we will wear clothes on monday, that will end up coming with us dirty in the bag on tuesday... tuesday will be day 1 of the 4 packed CLEAN outfits... wed 2/4 thrusday 3... and we will do wash most likely on thrusday (between our lunch and 8pm dinner!)... so yeah, we got spares.

Your packing lists look great (can I still them), the only thing I can see that was left out is a bathing suit for your DD. Can't forget that. D'oh, *add's DD's swimsuit to list* And yes you can steal them!

Your easter pics are just too cute. My kids are the oppisite, they take there time collecting eggs and then complain that other kids got more than them. My oldes DS was so busy helping a little girl find eggs that she walked away with 6 and he only had 3, but since they were real eggs I don't think he was so disappointed.

Aww that is cute about him helping a little girl!

I love your list on how much money you will need on your trip. I think I will really need to do this just to make sure. I am thinking about $400 extra but I better make sure. "I'm so sorry miss, but I can't give you a tip. We are all out of money." Followed by a spit ball in my food.

That is my worst worry. I'll run low on money and feel like I need to skim on tips. I already tip low compared to the 'norm' because I live in a small area that prices are just lower in general. (12% is avg tip, 15% is what is added to large parties. ) So even thinking about 18 being a baseline makes me pale. But, I am guessing my dad may still give me birthday money on top of what he already gave me. Even if he doesn't, what I have in savings right now will cover us, and I plan to add more than that to it. How sad I am so 'old' and still hoping for birthday money from my dad!?

It is so funny that you forgot deoderant on your first list (wouldn't have been as funny on the trip.) but don't worry you are not the first (and probably not the last) I saw a packing list on another thread and guess what she forgot...deoderant.

Glad I am not alone! at least we could have had brat's DH swing by and run me by walmart, but I am trying to avoid that!

Speaking of deodarant, that is what I tend to forget to bring to the water parks. So when you go to TL or BB, be sure to throw a deodarant in the bag!

oh man, oh man, I totally didn't think about brining a bag at all to the water parks. just hand carry towels and have cards in one of these:

But I just thought about the fact we should have sunscreen with us to reapply... I was itching up a storm on easter from being outside all of 20 min... I don't know how I will stand a water park! Just keep telling yourself, this is for DD this is for DD this is for DD.... I should survive. *whimper*

 

[Lidian]

How did they do the allergy testing? was it a blood test or scratch? and do they ask you what you *think* she might be allergic to, or just test for basics? I know I'd like to know for sure if she is allergic to carrots or not. She has said they hurt her mouth, but not sure if it is a texture thing or an allergy thing. She can eat soup that had it in there, just not them themselves. Will def. be bringing this up along with the other things may 2ed.

I don't recall them asking me if I thought she was allergic to anything ... They did the scratch test - and I could tell just by watching that it was plum miserable! They tested for basics, and I want to say she had about 50 scratches. I do not recall them testing any foods - they may have done some core foods - like peanuts and such, but I honestly don't remember. They didn't tell me all the things they tested for, and I didn't ask. I was too busy comforting DD to watch, and really just wanted them to do everything possible to make her better.

If she can tolerate carrots in soup, she's probably fine and it could be a texture thing - but it would be better to be safe than sorry. I'd be upfront with any intolerances she may have - regardless of possible reasons (texture, taste, etc). I know clinics can all be different, so I can only speak from my experience at my clinic.

The good thing with the scratch test is that the results are immediate.

They wrote letters/numbers on DD's back and arms and under each letter/number, they did a scratch. They had control ones, too. Most of the spots were just red looking, but some flared up pretty bad (like mosquito bites). After they waited a few minutes, they checked each letter/number and assessed the mark on a scale. It was an indicator of how allergic she was (mild, moderate, severe), so we could try to watch her exposure to those things.

They also recommended allergy shots, but we opted to try medication first. I'm terrified of needles, so I couldn't bear to put my child through injections over the course of nearly a year.

Oh, and after they assess the results, they rub some really good lotion all over the spots and DD said that they felt better immediately. If you see an allergy specialist, don't forget to ask how they handle severe reactions in case of "worst case scenario" so you'll feel more at ease.

Looking forward to hearing about her doctor visit! Please keep us posted!

And because my brain is in a tizzy, I forgot to mention that the pictures of your DD are just precious! I loved her "fainting" picture! Sooo sweet!

 

[lovethattink]

Another note about the water parks. Make sure your get a locker for anything valuable that you won't be able to keep on yourself. I have been there a many times with people searching for their belongings. Usually it's a matter of not remembering where their "spot" is. But a few times it had been that their stuff was stolen.

We had this at Hershey Park too, a couple years ago. My friends back pack was stolen. Her car keys, wallet, everything was in there. Security at Hershey said they had really been having problems with people getting their stuff stolen. We spent a large chunk of the day waiting for a locksmith to come and change out the locks on the car and get her a key to use. Thankfully she didn't have any credit cards in her bag!

I think lockers are $12 for a small one, get $5 back or a souvenier mug when turn in key. If you get a locker after 3pm it is $6 and you get $5 back when you return the key, making it only $1 to rent a locker after 3pm!!

 

[lovethattink]

Grumpy had the scratch test too. He was allegic to 80 out of the 120 things they tested him for. As Lidian said, it was a miserable test! He ended up with hives all over his back, and the pricking to scratch hurt. My cousin had a blood test done on her child that tested for basic things, but our allergist said the skin tests are much more accurate and throrough.

 

[Singledad]

Wow, you are on the ball. Packing list done already and I am still in the throes of planning what I am doing and when! Love the easter pics!

Well, I gave up on the planning. I am not going to be completely satisfied with it, so why stress?

 

[Singledad]

as much as I want to know what she is allergic to, so I can avoid it, I don't know if it is 'worth' it at this point to put her through that. Blood test is fine. (and I would be fine with shots too) But that scratching thing sounds like hell to me.

 

[Lidian]

...but our allergist said the skin tests are much more accurate and throrough.

I agree!

as much as I want to know what she is allergic to, so I can avoid it, I don't know if it is 'worth' it at this point to put her through that. Blood test is fine. (and I would be fine with shots too) But that scratching thing sounds like hell to me.

It's one of those things that you really need to weigh it out to decide if its worth it. Yes, it is miserable, but once its done, its done. And if she has any severe reactions, they'll give her an injection of "benedryl" (prescrip strength), otherwise, that really nice lotion.

My DD was a good sport (and she's not a good sport at all). I was proud of her. She really didn't whimper much, but she did complain about the bad spots a bit - which was absolutely understandable.

I wanted to have it done so I could help avoid triggers (as her allergies and asthma are so closely linked - her allergies trigger asthma attacks). So in my situation, it was pretty important to learn triggers to avoid.

But I have been thinking ... if your DD is not currently on any prescriptions, you could try the Zyrtec yourself without having to wait to see your pediatrician. It's only available OTC anyway and does come liquid, chewable, tablet. I think it starts at 5mg - which is what DS5 is on. If she's currently taking anything, I'd verify that it won't cause a reaction with current meds first. (And if not Zyrtec, possibly another OTC allergy med to give her some relief until you can get with your doctor for a full treatment plan.) I do know Zyrtec is safe to take for long periods of time, as DD has been on it for very long periods (Benedryl is not safe for long periods of time). She was on it for over a three years before we started using it just seasonally. She went back on it in Feb or March and will not come off until after May (and maybe later - depends on how she does).

I'm sorry, I don't mean to be on my soapbox or anything. I swear I threw it away. I just really do feel bad for your DD (and for you having to watch her suffer through it). I've been there before myself (and still am since DD's asthma is a struggle to keep under control). Please don't mind me. I just want to be sure you have information that may be beneficial.

 

[Singledad]

Hay, I COMPLETELY understand and I totally like having more information!

Right now the weather changed again, so she isn't miserable anymore.

but in a week? who knows! Since we have had some strange reactions to medications, her and a lot of family too. (myself included) I NEVER try over the counter without running it by a doc first. (and doing my own research.... what do you call the guy who graduated last in med school? Doctor! they are humans and do not know everything!)

 

[kmedina]

Hay, I COMPLETELY understand and I totally like having more information!

Right now the weather changed again, so she isn't miserable anymore.

but in a week? who knows! Since we have had some strange reactions to medications, her and a lot of family too. (myself included) I NEVER try over the counter without running it by a doc first. (and doing my own research.... what do you call the guy who graduated last in med school? Doctor! they are humans and do not know everything!)

My DH was hit pretty hard by allergies here in Vegas last week too. He told me last night that he is feeling better, since the weather is changing here too. I am glad your DD is feeling better. Hopefully, the weather stays nice for all of us. My DS and I have been sick, so we have barely left the house (to notice any allergies).

 

[Lidian]

Hay, I COMPLETELY understand and I totally like having more information!

Right now the weather changed again, so she isn't miserable anymore.

but in a week? who knows! Since we have had some strange reactions to medications, her and a lot of family too. (myself included) I NEVER try over the counter without running it by a doc first. (and doing my own research.... what do you call the guy who graduated last in med school? Doctor! they are humans and do not know everything!)

Hope she continues to feel better!

And I totally understand having adverse reactions to medications. Two of my sisters are the same way.

And yes, there's no telling what kind of passing grade a doctor had ... all you know is that they graduated... whether it be top of the class or last.

I actually saw a CNP with DS when he was a baby ... she made me nervous. I actually asked her if she thought she needed to go back to school for more training! Everything she wanted to do was followed by, "Let me go ask Dr. X what she thinks." And she was constantly thumbing through this medical guide. We ask at the front desk to see anyone but her now. I mean, we all have to start somewhere, but don't tell the parents that you don't know! It makes us worry more.

 

[kmedina]

as much as I want to know what she is allergic to, so I can avoid it, I don't know if it is 'worth' it at this point to put her through that. Blood test is fine. (and I would be fine with shots too) But that scratching thing sounds like hell to me.

My peditrician's office scheduled my DS4 for this after his blood tests came back with such a high reading. On the blood test, they test for a bunch of individual things and then give an overall allergen score. His overall score was really high. When we got to the immunologist, he said my son was a little young and did not need the scratch testing.

I knew most of his allergens already and was shocked to find out some of the ones I did not know (from the blood test). The scale for an individual item runs from 0 (no allergy) to 6 (deathly allergic). He is a level 2 out of 6 on milk, which he drinks every single day. I told the Dr. I will not stop giving him milk, since I have never noticed a single reaction. He only drinks milk and water (literally nothing else). He agreed.

However, he is a 2 out of 6 on peanuts and the Dr. advised me to stop giving him peanuts immediately! I guess certain allergens have higher potential reactions than others regardless of the number. His favorite candy was peanut butter cups, so it was hard to tell him he cannot have them anymore. He cried and just cried again seeing the peanut butter cups in the Easter candy section.

He is highly allergic to bananas, so I have an epi-pen for that. I use benadryl (per the Dr's recommendation) for his lesser allergies (like egg whites). Egg whites are in so many things that they sometimes sneak into his food. For airborne allergies, I do not use anything. We just try to limit outdoor time when he is not doing well.

 

[Singledad]

So, arrival day has changed! We finally got an opening for Garden Grill!

So HAPPY! I pretty much gave up on it, and on a whim decided to check just now and got it for 4:30pm. Since we arrive at 11:30am, We should have enough time to take ME, check in, and take a bus to Epcot. This makes me slightly worried we will not make DTD at all this day, but we never went at all last year... and we can always try to go another day. (maybe during that 6 or so hour break between lunch and dinner at DHS? )

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