Sebastian's Make A Wish Trip to Disney

I love the pictures from Disney on Ice. I wish my kids still liked things like that. Ah, I miss having little bitty ones- well, most of the time I miss it.
 
I loved the pictures.
I'm happy you had such good news at the dr. office

becca
 
Here is my first attempt at "The Karyln" hairstyle on Siennah. She held still pretty well for a 2 year old! Thanks Denise for your awesome tutorial!! :goodvibes

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Cute as a button as always! Very impressive 'do. The boys had their baths tonight...and yup, it's a big night in our house when someone actually uses the hairdryer, otherwise it's just rub it dry with a towel and off you go. Brush? The boys couldn't find theirs if you paid them!

Alison
 

VERY CUTE!! You did a great job.

Traie
 
I posted the following on our family blog. I figured I would share it in our PTR too :goodvibes


On who I am and all that I have to be thankful for...

Up until the day I delivered Sebastian my life’s major moments included earning my BA and landing a coveted job in Corporate Event Planning. Marrying Brian topped the list. I didn’t know until Sebastian entered my life that that list (except for the amazing wedding part, of course) would seem like limp lettuce left at the salad bar too long. While I am still proud of these milestones as part of who I am, I am more amazed by who I have become since starting my journey through motherhood.

This past year especially, has been life changing for me. I’m a little stronger. My faith is deeper. My heart more grateful. My character more gracious. Everyday I wonder at the abundance of love and the richness of life that has come to me by the Grace of God. I think to myself maybe the sorrows of the past year came to stretch spaces in my heart for joy.

My most joyful moments certainly come from my family. They embody my finest hours. They don’t weigh their thoughts or measure their words. Everything just pours out of them just as they are and genuine. Be it whiny, or excited or just plain nonsensical and silly. Their laughter fills me with a sunshine that can’t compare to any other past accomplishment.

Back on my first day as a new Mom when I cradled my baby boy in my arms for the first time I got an inkling of what I was in for. The sensations of elation mixed with apprehension and a love so ferocious, I knew that somehow I would figure it all out.

People ask me these days if Sebastian’s medical issues are behind us. I wish I could honestly give the answer “yes.” Reality is that, another tumor could come along three months from now, three years from now or thirty years from now. For the moment, I’ve made my peace with that. I find myself grateful for each day I have with him, with Brian and with my girls.

The outlook isn’t always sunny. When one of my kids is sick, like they all have been this past week, I’ve held them in my arms and whispered reassuring words, while silently praying to take away their pain and for swift healing. Together we somehow always make it to a brighter day.

I’ve come to understand that the happiness of my life is made up of minute fractions—Brian finishing one my sentences, a kiss from my pig-tailed Siennah, a big bear hug from Sebastian or a dimpled smile of recognition from Savannah. These are the countless infinitesimals that make my life wonderful.

Sure, not all moments are magical. I have mischievous kids. I’ve spent a good bit of time cleaning messes and following through on punishments. Yet even when they are naughty, or worse reckless, I am still strangely in awe of their independence, cleverness or gumption. Their sense of wonder and curiosity truly captivates me. I find myself seeing the world anew through their eyes.

Many of the life changing lessons I’ve learned have come straight from my kids. When Sebastian woke up from his surgery a couple weeks ago he spent some time telling his PACU nurse about his Disney wish that is soon to come true. He was in quite a bit of pain at the time and still with a smile he told her, “I have been a brave boy so I will get to have my wish.” What really struck me in that moment is how he has never once wallowed in self pity. At his young age he’s never had the capacity to wonder “Why Me?” Instead his outlook is positive. He’s focused on the prize…the light at the end of the tunnel.

Last Wednesday morning, after being up with Sebastian all night at the hospital I went in to have an old filling re-done on my tooth. While checking out the receptionist, whom I had called before coming in, said to me, “This must be one of your worst days ever.” TIRED as I was, I said, “No... No, We’ve had worse.” I thanked her for saying that because it put the previous miserable night in perspective for me.

There’s a lot of negative energy out there! With all the trouble that our failing economy is in it’s easy to get depressed. It’s not that long ago that we experienced what it was like to pay two mortgages because we could not sell our house in Florida. This year medical bills have been pretty stressful for us. But I don’t want to let it get in the way of experiencing joy. The principle business of life is to enjoy it! Like Sebastian and his wish I’m focusing on positives. I have so much in each day to be thankful for.

I’ve been making little notes of the upbeat things in my days that have been like little rays of sunshine. I submit my partial hodgepodge of the many things this week I am thankful for:

* I’m 13 pounds lighter since starting Weight Watchers last month.

*Skinny cow ice cream bars.

*Putting on a pair of non-maternity shorts and actually getting the zipper closed.

* I haven’t mixed up my kids once today.

* The World’s Best Stroller…BOB Revolution. I squirreled money away in my underwear drawer for months to buy the double version.

* I’m proud of myself for saving for a big item.

* The For Every Season Consignment Sale. I used the money I made from selling my old stuff to buy the single version.

* I’m proud for finding a creative way to find money for a big item.

* Long enjoyable walks as a family with said strollers.

*Gorgeous Autumn weather!!!

* For the past few weeks Savannah has been waking up only once a night around 5:30 a.m. to nurse. It’s much easier to be positive when well rested.

*The Infantino sling.

*Swaddle blankets.

*I was able to host an event for the first time in over eight months.

*World's best in-laws.

*Having so many amazing, talented, caring women in my life.

*My legs are shaved.

*Most days I can get all three kids to nap at the same time!

*Sebastian has mastered clipping himself into his car seat.

*Someone invented DVR.

*The Office is back on the air. Jim and Pam are engaged!!!!!!

*Saturday Night Live was actually pretty funny last week. Love Tina Fey as Sarah Palin!

*Savannah will take a pacifier. They really do have magical powers.

*There is not one cheerio on my floor (well that I know of)

*Not sweating the small stuff nearly as much these days.

*Catching Sebastian singing Rock-a-bye baby to Savannah

*Siennah asking me to do her hair.

*Antibiotics

I should really sit down and do this every week! :)
 
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Hi Amber......love all of the pics from my fav ice cream place! Looks like everyone had a great time. Sebastian and the girls are sooo cute! :goodvibes Thanks so much for sharing your story and Sebastian's Wish! Did I mention I am from the Disboutique thread? I am hoping to create something for your trip! First I am going back to reread and catch up on your report! :cool1:

Oh Yay! I'm glad to have you subbing :) I love your signature BTW!! I see from you siggie that you're one of those crazy matching outfits Moms....so am I LOL :rotfl: I wonder if some day my kids will give me a hard time for it. Oh well they gave me stretch marks so I get to make them wear matching clothes. I figure that's fair! ;)
 
Sebastian's Wish Granter, Erin just e-mailed me our travel itinerary! I am so excited! Sebastian will LOVE getting to ride on an airplane.

I am thrilled with the flight times too! Departing Charlotte at 9:25 a.m. and arriving at 10:53 a.m. in Orlando on the 6th of December and returning home on the 14th we don't fly out until 3:30 p.m. and get home at 5:06

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Amber: That was beautifully written, and so true to what I have felt myself. I know that our experiences with infertility, the birth of our boys over 3 months early, and Mark's cerebral palsy and medical issues have taught us so much about love for our children, facing adversity, accepting God's will, and just learning how to appreciate all that life brings. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us, and know that I feel that I can relate to all that you have been feeling.

Alison
 
We have something really wonderful to share! Sebastian has received a special song from The Songs of Love Foundation. Click on the link below to listen to it!

http://ambergreenawalt.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-10-25T11_21_07-07_00

The Songs of Love Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that creates personalized songs free of charge for children who have faced tough medical challenges. Each CD is professionally produced containing references to all of his or her favorite activities and people.

As each child is unique, so is every "song of love" composition. In 12 years, the Songs of Love Foundation has reached out to over 15,000 children in over 500 hospitals and health care facilities in all 50 states.

I found out about Songs of Love on the Give Kids the World website. Awhile back I filled out a profile sheet about our Sebastian. The words, music and vocals for Sebastian’s song were created by Thomas Jones. I am amazed by how he was able to take the information that we filled out about Sebastian’s hobbies, interests and people that he loves and incorporate it into a song. His song captures his spirit and personailty so prefectly!

Sebastian can not stop smiling each time we play his special song. Neither can I. We must have played it thirty times the first day! We are so grateful to this amazing Foundation for being a source of genuine joy, encouragement and healing.

Lyrics

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He plays outdoors, He swings and slides
On our neighborhood trails, he goes for hikes
He likes Buzz Lightyear and Lightning McQueen
Superman Darth Vadar, Know what I mean

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He goes to Monkey Joes to bounce around
He likes the yellow roller coaster and cars and trains
He likes to eat pizza and ice cream
He's a cool little kid if you know what I mean

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His Mom is Amber, His Dad is Brian
Siennah and Savannah are sisters
He loves his Grandma and Pap Pap and if that's not enough
with Daddy and Pap Pap he likes fixin' stuff

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For Sebastian Patrick Greenawalt
Every Night we make up a song and sing
Sebastian Patrick Greenawalt for him we'd do most anything

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He helps in the Garden and walks in the shade
His best friends are Mason and R.J.
He's got red hair and freckles and pretends to be a fireman
and Disney and Make A Wish here we come!

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His Mom is Amber, His Dad is Brian
Siennah and Savannah are sisters
He loves Grandma and Pap Pap and if that's not enough
with Daddy and Pap Pap he likes fixin' stuff

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For Sebastian Patrick Greenawalt
Every night we make up a song and sing
For Sebastian Patrick Greenawalt
We would do most anything

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For Sebastian Patrick Greenawalt
Every night we make up a song and sing
For Sebastian Patrick Greenawalt
We would do most anything

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If you would like information about making a donation or sponsoring a song for another child you can check out their website at www.songsoflove.org
 
That song is SO cute, Amber!!!! :thumbsup2 I'm sure he loves it!! Who wouldn't love a song about themselves??? ;) I'm so happy that worked out for you. :) I was thinking of getting one done but I'm not sure I will. I think kids that might have some bigger hurdles ahead, like Sebastian (but I hope and pray not!!!), deserve them. :)
 
I love the song! But the pictures of Sebastian always get me. That kid is so photogenic and has the happiest face. Pictures of him always make me smile. :)
 
what you wrote about appreciating the small stuff brought tears to my eyes. the way you look at the world is truly amazing.i have been having such a cranky week (yes at 32 cranky is the word i use to describe myself) and you gave me such a pick me up. its true life can be tough , but i am going to write a list like you as soon as i sign off the disboards. so thank you. and sebastians song is so cute. are you going to mvmcp?
 
Awesome song! What a great organization! And I agree, Sabastian's pictures make me smile!
 
what you wrote about appreciating the small stuff brought tears to my eyes. the way you look at the world is truly amazing.i have been having such a cranky week (yes at 32 cranky is the word i use to describe myself) and you gave me such a pick me up. its true life can be tough , but i am going to write a list like you as soon as i sign off the disboards. so thank you. and sebastians song is so cute. are you going to mvmcp?

Yes, we are going to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on Tuesday the 9th :)

I'm glad I was able to give you a "pick me up." I need to go back and read what I wrote because I am having a pretty rough week. Feeling vert overwhelemed by my "to do" list....should have thought things through a little more before deciding to go to Disney during the busiest season of the holidays. :)
 
Yes, we are going to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on Tuesday the 9th :)

I'm glad I was able to give you a "pick me up." I need to go back and read what I wrote because I am having a pretty rough week. Feeling vert overwhelemed by my "to do" list....should have thought things through a little more before deciding to go to Disney during the busiest season of the holidays. :)

Oh, I so know what you mean about going during the busy season, I'm starting to realize that myself. :scared1: I think I'm going to try to have everything ready before we go (easier said that done!!!), presents bought and wrapped, cards mailed, tree put up (though we're just doing a small artificial tree this year curtesy of Bulldozer Tobias ;) ), some food prepped and ready to go in the freezer. I know the last few days before we go will be CRAZY as I'm so picky about coming home to a clean house... I guess we'll both have to try to go with the flow and loosen our expectations and ideals this year. :) I don't want to get to Disney and be all exhausted! :rolleyes: I'm sorry you're feeling overwhelmed. :hug: How is Savannah sleeping these days? That must take a lot out of you too, the nursing and nightwaking.
 

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