So I'll back up a little and tell you about Maddox.
Maddox was born with Hypo-plastic Left Heart syndrome (HLHS). We did not know before he was born, but we were blessed to find out within 24 hours of his birth. HLHS basically means the left side of his heart did not develop and does not function.
After meeting with Dr's and learning more about his condition, we decided to proceed with the first of 3 planned surgeries to help his heart function as best it can, until it wears out. At that point, he will need a heart transplant. His first OHS was the day he turned 1 week. We took him home just 3 days shy of his 1 month birthday. Unfortunately, the day he turned 1 month, we rushed him back to the hospital in respiratory failure. He had a massive infection in his incision and had to have another, this time emergency, OHS to have the infection removed. We spent another 2 weeks in the hospital. Thanks to AMAZING doctors, he is still with us today.
Maddox's next surgery was at 4 1/2 months old. He was out of the hospital in 6 days. It was amazing. The first year was rough, but after getting tubes placed in his ears just before his 1st birthday he stayed really healthy. We have enjoyed the last 2 1/2 years so much and at times have almost forgotten how sick Maddox really is.
In February we, with his doctors, decided that this summer is the time for his next surgery. Even though we knew it was coming, it has been a major reality check for us. We had discussed whether or not to approach Make-a-Wish at this time, but after talking with Maddox's doctors, the social worker, some other Wish families and between ourselves, we felt that now is the time.
One of our concerns is how young he is. Will he remember this trip? Will he wish later in life that he could have a "do-over"? We don't know the answer to those questions, but we feel that it's important to have this time before his surgery. And one thing we do know, Maddox will love it right now.
Maddox LOVES all things Disney. He asks to watch Mickey first thing every morning and hates that I make him eat breakfast first. He calls himself Pluto Puppy, his sister Daisy, Dad Mickey and Mom Minnie. At some point in almost every day since Christmas he has asked me if he could "Eat noodles with Mickey". I have no idea where he came up with this idea, but hey it combines 2 of his most favorite things. Noodles and Mickey. We weren't sure if traveling to Florida would even be possible, so I told him he could ask his Dr. It was so cute. After we had talked everything over, I said "Maddox, wasn't there something you wanted to ask Dr.?" He got this big smile on his face and said "I eat noodles with Mickey?" She told him yes and I think he thought he was going right then. (Instead we had to take him to the lab for a blood draw
)
So at this point we are waiting to hear from his Wish Granters early next week and get the ball rolling. Because his surgery is coming up in early June we are kind of rushing the process. I am grateful they are willing to do so. Our first choice of dates is within the first 2 weeks of May. If those don't work, our back up plan is the 3rd week of April. It's coming up fast! So even though it's not "officially official", we are planning as much as we can right now. It's been so cool to read other's PTR and TR's and learn so much about how magical these trips are. Thanks everyone for taking the time to share!!
We waited until Lisa was old enough to pick the wish, but there were scary moments when we wondered if that day would come. Maddox might not remember the trip, except in pictures, that is true. BUT, he will ALWAYS be able to go back to GKTW and have day visits, whenever you go to Florida. And I KNOW at 2.5 he will enjoy his trip! I hope you don't mind my saying all of this, I just wanted you to know as another heart Mom I get it! 
You, Maddox and your family will have a blast no matter what. Pictures will definetly bring it alive for him when he is older. 
Here is the invitation castle.
