Oh me, oh my! Are we really going to WDW in.....JULY!?! UPDATES TODAY 07/19 pg 30!!

[MegansMom]

Sorry to keep you hanging....I hope the popcorn was good!

I'm hijacking your thread to say that I just booked my trip!!!!! I used the room only code and saved $173!!!

Ya ya ya yayayaya yeah! AWESOME!!! So excited for you guys...what fun it is going to be!!!

Yay!

Looking forward to another update

Coming right up!

Joining your ptr! I'm a fellow teacher and mom, heading to POR in June!

Welcome fellow teacher and fellow Mommy!!! So glad you came to join in....sounds like you have some celebrating to do too!!! POR in June...YAHOO!!! Feel free to comment and share away!!

Sending you a pm.

Thanks chica!!

 

[MegansMom]

On a PTR note, I have quite the list of things I want to update about in my head, but unfortunately, my brain has quickly become like the consistency of gooey swiss cheese since going back to work so things are bound to come out in a rather jumbly way nowadays. Bear with me!!! If there is a topic or details that you would like to hear about, ask away! It may have been an update topic at some point that I may just have forgotten in the interim! The updates may become random and all over the place, but I am sure they will all add up to paint a "clear" picture of what this trip will be.......I hope!
On with the update!!! Today's topic--the big reveal to Megan.....sort of!

Tom and I had no intentions from the get-go of keeping this trip a secret from her because we know how much she enjoys planning and counting down to the trip---I honestly do think it is half the fun for her! BUT, we didn't want to say anything about it until we knew it was very likely to happen. We were hoping to have concrete details by Christmas so that we could do a BIG REVEAL to her on Christmas morning. Yes, I am ashamed to admit that instead of sugarplums, I had visions of a commercial-worthy reaction and squealing and dancing DANCING in my head. Megan is quite the animated child, so we were excited about the prospect of having a priceless memory caught forever on video as a memento of an unforgettable Christmas morning.
Well, let's just say that DID NOT happen! Nicole and Allen traveled over the holidays, and therefore we did not have anything finalized by the time "Santa" came down the chimney! Now, we still had an AMAZING Christmas that was filled with MANY unforgettable memories, but no announcement. I am not complaining though, because our Christmas was amazing enough on its' own!
But then I became determined! I now had another entire week off....and I did NOT want to let it go wasted without making some plans. And yes, I was VERY successful at finally confirming everything with Nicole....the trip was officially ON! Now we just had to tell Megs!
We wanted to find a perfect time to surprise her with the news, without just coming right out and spilling the beans. The perfect scenario did not avail itself until New Year's Eve though. We went out to eat together at a favorite Chinese restaurant before heading over to the annual kids and parents NYE party we attend every year. While waiting for our entrees, we started into a conversation about the new year and what we hoped to achieve. It hit both Tom and I at the same moment that THAT would be the moment. We just gave each other a look, then a nod, and a knowing grin broke over our faces. This would be the moment. We were gearing ourselves up for the reaction.....I WAS SO EXCITED!!!!
I jumped into the conversation to take it over and steer it into the right direction. Megan had been saying that she was going to "miss 2010" because "it was such a GREAT year!" (Sidenote: I don't know what the little chica is talking about---2010 has been a crazy/crappy year! She broke her arm, has been sicker than ever before, struggled as her Mommy returned to work---I guess that just shows you the little optimist I raised her to be, eh?!?!?!)
To which I responded:
"I am SO excited about 2011...I think it going to be a GREAT year!"
Of course, she wanted to know why, so I decided to rattle off my list of things that I was looking forward to Megan achieving this year....
"In 2011, I am SO looking forward to watching you learn to tie your shoes on your own, ride your big bike without training wheels, jump into the pool on your own, and take you back to Mickey's HOUSE!!!!" (I then paused, ready to enjoy the jubilant cheers and dancing as she realized what I said.)

AND......................................
Nothing! Seriously, NOTHING! You could have heard crickets chirping she was so quiet. Her face was so blank, you couldn't tell if she was even listening!
And then she finally opened her mouth to speak,
AND she said, "MOMMY, I DON'T WANT TO JUMP INTO THE POOL BY MYSELF!" (Loud sound of dragging the needle across the record........SAY WHAT!?!?!? Did my child just completely ignore the announcement to go back to Mickey's House---her favorite place on Earth---because she doesn't want to JUMP in by HERSELF?!?!?!?!?!?) Why yes, yes she did!!!!
I looked at Tom...he was just as perplexed as I was. Okay I thought....I will just try again. I asked her if she heard me correctly---and then repeated the list---got psyched for her reaction----AND THEN.....................................
NOTHING AGAIN!!!!! (Record screech a second time!) And again, "BUT Mommy, I don't WANT to jump in by myself!" (Now, for those of you who don't know us that well, I should probably explain that Megan was born 2 and a half months early, and has struggled with her developing gross motor skills since she was born. These items are MUCH bigger deals here at our house because these "simple" tasks are monumental obstacles for her to overcome. Okay, back to the story!)
Utter disbelief flooded over Tom and I. He even leaned closer to her and asked her to repeat what I said.....and yes, she did NOT even include the big announcement on her list! We couldn't believe it!!! We actually sat there and giggled (I think out of disbelief) because we could not believe it went soaring over her head every time we mentioned it. If we ran through the list once, we ran through it at least 5-6 times....with the same result each time.
So then, I finally told her to forget about jumping in---we would focus on something else....like GETTING READY TO GO BACK TO MICKEY'S HOUSE!!!!!!
And then....it finally happened!!! She FINALLY heard it, and the giggles continued....only this time, they were from Megan! And she giggled, and cupped her hand in disbelief over her mouth, and giggled with joy some more, and then the tears of happiness started to flow, and Tom and I FINALLY got the BIG REVEAL---with all its' glorious reactions and squealing and dancing---and NOT just from Megan!
I can assure you, we will never forget this story. It is one that we have often laughed about with each other in the few short weeks since. A great memory nonetheless!!!!
And just to update the 2011 "list" even more......we are VERY happy to report that Miss Megan has already crossed off another item from my list....the very next day she FINALLY was able to control those little hands of hers long enough to TIE HER SHOES!!!!! SEVERAL TIMES!!!!! Yes, we are VERY proud parents indeed! How proud you say?!??? Well, if I can boast for just a minute.....
We had her parent/teacher conference tonight, and she is doing just about PERFECTLY well in EVERYTHING!!!! Now THAT is something her neurologists NEVER thought could happen!!! You can't squelch my pride right now! To give you an example of what I mean, her teacher said her goal for the each kid this year was to be able to read aloud 35 words per minute by the end of the year. In Megan's August assessment, she was able to read 55 wpm, and in her latest assessment, she is now reading 80 WORDS PER MINUTE!!!!! You can't imagine how miraculous this is to us!!! Thanks for letting me share!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Isn't that just like a child to fixate on the one thing in a list that worries her and not even hear the part about Mickey's house? Glad Megan was finally able to get past the jumping in the pool part and realize 2011 is bringing a trip to her favorite place!

Priceless!

 

[KristEn87]

Oh my goodness what a funny reaction! It's funny how kids will just fixate on one thing and ignore everything else that's coming out of your mouth, especially when you're telling them they are going to Disney!

I too hope to someday get a "Disney Commercial Worthy" reaction from Evan when I tell him we are going to see Mickey, but right now I just get a smile and then he runs away from me . I'll take it for now! I see those commercials and cry sometimes, they are just so cute! I always hoped when I was little that one year my parents would pick me up from school and surprise me with a trip to Disney World, or that I'd wake up on my Birthday or Christmas and we'd go...Oh who am I KIDDING! I'm 23 and I STILL wish I'd be surprised with a trip to Disney, but I do most of the planning for my family so it's kind of hard to keep a secret from myself!

I will surprise Evan with a trip though, I'm making sure of that!

Tell Megan congrats on the tying her shoes and FABULOUS reading!

 

[lmillercrew]

YAY MEGAN!!!! THAT is AWESOME!!!!!!! I'm so happy for her and you as her parents!!

 

[MeMom]

Very cute!

The kids don't get quite as excited as the parents do about the reveals sometimes. I've watched a bunch of them on youtube. Some make my cry, and some make me laugh. In some of them, the kids are still half asleep and aren't even capable of responding. I think if they would have let them get a little more coherent and then revealed, they might have gotten a more fun video. Everyone is different, though.

As for me, I'll take anybody surprising me with a Disney trip any time of the day or night.

Congratulations to Megan on her awesome reading and shoe-tying skills. 2011 certainly will be a big year for her.

 

[jenjolt]

First of all I want to start by saying WTG Megan!!! Tying her shoes, her wpm, she is doing AMAZING Jen!!! Hope 2011 is great for her!!! WOOT WOOT!!

YAY for going to Mickey's House and finally getting a reaction!! Glad you were able to have that moment and story to enjoy!!!

 

[Trentmom]

That is too funny

Glad u finally the reaction out of her

WTG on the shoe tying and reading..that is awesome

 

[kschafer]

Oh Megs!!!

If 2010 was a great year and 2011 is off to an awesome start, Mickey's House is gonna be FABULOUS!!!!!! Maybe even great enough to make her want to jump in a pool! (Patrick actually went under the water for the first time on our 2008 trip so maybe it's the magic!)

 

[MegansMom]

Isn't that just like a child to fixate on the one thing in a list that worries her and not even hear the part about Mickey's house? Glad Megan was finally able to get past the jumping in the pool part and realize 2011 is bringing a trip to her favorite place!

Priceless!

I knew you would appreciate the story. I so wish we had at least a clip of it on tape though....just to capture that look of FEAR on her face when we thought for sure we would see a look of utter joy! Too funny!

Oh my goodness what a funny reaction! It's funny how kids will just fixate on one thing and ignore everything else that's coming out of your mouth, especially when you're telling them they are going to Disney!

I too hope to someday get a "Disney Commercial Worthy" reaction from Evan when I tell him we are going to see Mickey, but right now I just get a smile and then he runs away from me . I'll take it for now! I see those commercials and cry sometimes, they are just so cute! I always hoped when I was little that one year my parents would pick me up from school and surprise me with a trip to Disney World, or that I'd wake up on my Birthday or Christmas and we'd go...Oh who am I KIDDING! I'm 23 and I STILL wish I'd be surprised with a trip to Disney, but I do most of the planning for my family so it's kind of hard to keep a secret from myself!

I will surprise Evan with a trip though, I'm making sure of that!

Tell Megan congrats on the tying her shoes and FABULOUS reading!

I will definitely pass on your congratulations...I hope there are plenty more as the year goes on!

I love your commitment to surprising Evan.....I might just have to add that to my list of 'To-Do's!' Thanks for the inspiration!

YAY MEGAN!!!! THAT is AWESOME!!!!!!! I'm so happy for her and you as her parents!!

Thanks hon! We are so very, very proud. I can still remember when the doctors first told us that she may not walk or ever be able to read or add 1+3.....so you can imagine how the joy is overwhelming right now!

Very cute!

The kids don't get quite as excited as the parents do about the reveals sometimes. I've watched a bunch of them on youtube. Some make my cry, and some make me laugh. In some of them, the kids are still half asleep and aren't even capable of responding. I think if they would have let them get a little more coherent and then revealed, they might have gotten a more fun video. Everyone is different, though.

As for me, I'll take anybody surprising me with a Disney trip any time of the day or night.

Congratulations to Megan on her awesome reading and shoe-tying skills. 2011 certainly will be a big year for her.

Thanks MeMom!!!! I hope our "little engine that could" keeps on chugging away at all the things we were told she just wouldn't ever do! Makes this Mommy's heart swell with pride!

I'm with you too---I want to wake up to a surprise trip....I PROMISE my reaction would be commercial-worthy!!!

First of all I want to start by saying WTG Megan!!! Tying her shoes, her wpm, she is doing AMAZING Jen!!! Hope 2011 is great for her!!! WOOT WOOT!!

YAY for going to Mickey's House and finally getting a reaction!! Glad you were able to have that moment and story to enjoy!!!

Thanks Jen!!! We are so proud and are looking forward to MANY more WOOT WOOTs this year!!! You should have seen her face when we told her what her teacher's goals were FOR THE YEAR and how far she had already surpassed them AT THE HALF WAY POINT......so glad to see HER just as excited and proud of her progress!

That is too funny

Glad u finally the reaction out of her

WTG on the shoe tying and reading..that is awesome

Thank you!!! I will pass on your congrats to her!

So glad that it FINALLY registered with her!!!

Oh Megs!!!

If 2010 was a great year and 2011 is off to an awesome start, Mickey's House is gonna be FABULOUS!!!!!! Maybe even great enough to make her want to jump in a pool! (Patrick actually went under the water for the first time on our 2008 trip so maybe it's the magic!)

I love that!!! I think I will read that to her first thing tomorrow morning!!! I am sure Mickey's Magic can ensure her 'survival' of the big jump!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oh Megan! What an adorable story!!

 

[redsox721]

How funny that she never heard you mention to to Mickey's house. Guess she was concentrating to much on jumping in the pool. I can only imagine the look on her face when she realized what you were telling her.

Way to go Megan on your accomplishments. You are a very special girl and an inspiration to many including me.

 

[MegansMom]

Oh Megan! What an adorable story!!

Oh thanks LL!!! The facial expression was priceless.....Tom and I have laughed quite a few times about how funny it was since then!

How funny that she never heard you mention to to Mickey's house. Guess she was concentrating to much on jumping in the pool. I can only imagine the look on her face when she realized what you were telling her.

Way to go Megan on your accomplishments. You are a very special girl and an inspiration to many including me.

The look on her face when she finally realized what we were saying was pure joy and excitement....another face I will never forget! She still puts that same smile on her face everytime we bring up the trip....gotta love that smile!

I will pass on your congratulations! She is SO proud of herself, and she should be!





Sorry to have been MIA this week folks...I found out last Monday that a good family friend passed away very unexpectedly----WAY TOO SOON! It was the kind of news that pushes the pause button on life, and rocks you emotionally to the core. Our friend was a true delight to know and love, and the void that his death has caused in the world will never be refilled. He was the guy that would walk into any situation and light up the room---you never wanted to leave his company for fear that you would miss a great joke, story, or funny incident that would become the next great story. Tom, Megan, and I traveled up to Pittsburgh for the weekend to be with his family---our great friends---for the funeral services. So obviously, we have been quite distracted. We pray for peace and understanding throughout this very difficult time for all his friends and family.



But in reference to the PTR, today has been set aside as a Disney planning day---for both our trip and one that my parents are taking in March to celebrate their 40th anniversary. I hope to post an official update later today with some news about......ADRs!!!! You won't believe when my 180-day is!!!! EEEEEEKKKKKKKK!!!!

Until then, make sure you let all your friends and family know just how much you love them!!! You never know when it will be your last chance!

 

[cherbear]

I'm so sorry for your loss

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Oh Jen, what sad news about your friend....

Looking forward to hearing when your ADR date is!

If you have time for more reading I'd like to invite you over to the new TR, the link is in my siggie!

 

[MegansMom]

I'm so sorry for your loss

Thanks hon! Honestly, I feel sorry for everyone who did not know him.....he was the most amazingly funny man I have ever met in my life.

Oh Jen, what sad news about your friend....

Looking forward to hearing when your ADR date is!

If you have time for more reading I'd like to invite you over to the new TR, the link is in my siggie!

Thanks Anita! You would have loved his sense of humor!

I already made it over to the TR....can't miss out on the fun!

 

[pooh'smate]

Sorry for your loss.
Alexia would respond the same way Megs did with just focusing in the part that she was scared of. I can't wait to hear about your ADR's.

 

[KristEn87]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[lmillercrew]

Sorry for the loss of your friend Jen. My prayers are with his family that they will feel at peace.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, Jen!