Stalking DISers.... continue here

[mandy200587]

I thought I would check in with ya'll. Things are insane, just started a job at Kohls, going to concerts, have a ton coming up thank god I'm only part time. I'm also starting school in a week or two. I'm not here on as much but we're looking at planning our next trip except going in May this time.

 

[Scillalee]

That's SOOOOOOOOO my favorite show too!
Can't wait to see pics!

I would so adopt all those kids. I'd babysit!

 

[MAGGIED]

Everyone- thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I do love my job and all it's sad moments. I have had babies on ECMO and being so new in the field I still am nervous for the babies and the parents. I had a mom cry on myshoulder the other day because her daughter kept having spells (heart rate less than 100 bpm, oxygenation less than 90%) and I started crying with her. We do get attached to our patients....babies and parents...

Scilla....my Maggie was on ECMO... she was on it when it was still considered experimental.... she is almost 19 now... she was on at Childrens Hospital in Boston... they had a team flown in for her from Ann Arbor, MI.... she had meconium aspiration and developed into aspiration pneumonia. At that time they were performing the ECMO thru the carotid artery. As a result of the bypass her artery collapsed and was not able to be saved. We were very fortunate that we lived in the Boston area.... she was mercy flighted to Mass General from the hospital in Concord and then transferred the following day to Childrens... those people were wonderful... she was there about 3 weeks... they couldn't have been more supportive....her medical records about about 3 feet high ... everytime she is hospitalized the interns come in and want to poke around at her... she does just great now.... she gets a little kick out of the gym teachers at school... when they try to teach the kids how to take a pulse in the neck.... Maggie tells them she doesn't have one... and they insist she does... then they try to find it and get all freaked out... she always gets a chuckle out of it....

Keep up what you do... I for one can't tell you how much the nurses mean to us during Maggies stays....

Have fun in Disney!!!!!

Wendy

 

[MAGGIED]

Great photos Renee... sounds like you all had a wonderful time....

 

[Scillalee]

Scilla....my Maggie was on ECMO... she was on it when it was still considered experimental.... she is almost 19 now... she was on at Childrens Hospital in Boston... they had a team flown in for her from Ann Arbor, MI.... she had meconium aspiration and developed into aspiration pneumonia. At that time they were performing the ECMO thru the carotid artery. As a result of the bypass her artery collapsed and was not able to be saved. We were very fortunate that we lived in the Boston area.... she was mercy flighted to Mass General from the hospital in Concord and then transferred the following day to Childrens... those people were wonderful... she was there about 3 weeks... they couldn't have been more supportive....her medical records about about 3 feet high ... everytime she is hospitalized the interns come in and want to poke around at her... she does just great now.... she gets a little kick out of the gym teachers at school... when they try to teach the kids how to take a pulse in the neck.... Maggie tells them she doesn't have one... and they insist she does... then they try to find it and get all freaked out... she always gets a chuckle out of it....

Keep up what you do... I for one can't tell you how much the nurses mean to us during Maggies stays....

Have fun in Disney!!!!!

Wendy

We actually have an infant on ecmo right now for the same exact reason Maggie was on it.......20 years later and it still happens.....it kind of freaks me out that somehow no healthy babies are ever born. Granted I only see 10% of all births at the hospital I am at, due to the fact, I am strictly a NICU nurse. But it takes make you appreciate healthy births and healthy babies more. What fascinates me and keeps me going is the babies I helped out last summer when I was orienting have been "popping" in now and then. It's amazing. Considering one was only 1.5 pounds, and now he is a little chunky cherub!

Scilla

 

[SingingMom]

Scilla! Good to hear from you! Glad you liked the pictures - Congress Hall was terrific. We have been going a lot of places the past few years, I think it's really hit me that Dana won't be young forever and we want to experience things WITH her. I guess we should be saving more for our retirement, but you know what? This is more fun and we are doing it TOGETHER - the three of us. We're making some great memories.

Hope you and Rags have a FABULOUS time with your nieces at Disney! Make sure you post lots of pictures when you get back! I am in writing a trip report in another spot, but I will try to post some pictures when I am finally done with it.
I'm still "up in the air" about Paris. But Wendy & Maggie's photos HAVE inspired me. Maybe in a few years......

It's amazing the work you do with the little ones. Must really pull at your heartstrings.

I've told you all about my niece who is 6 now - in an open eyed coma, brain damaged, blind, on a feeding tube... it's so sad to think that when she got sick there wasn't anything they could do. Keep up your wonderful work and know that you give such comfort to those parents going through all of that!

Wendy-Maggie's story is amazing. And just LOOK AT HER NOW!! College Freshman!!! Wish her lots of luck and happiness for us!

Mandy - enjoy your concerts and good luck with your job and school!

Courtney & Scilla - Jon & Kate used to be one of my favorite shows, too. Dana and I always watched it together. I still watch, but Kate is starting to really get on my nerves... I'm very organized and want to be in control and I can't IMAGINE what it is like to have 8 kids that close in age, so I totally know it can't be easy. But, my aunt had 7 kids - six boys and 1 girl, one right after another, and she handled it a little differently.
Kate is a little to shrill for me!

Trying to fit all the dr appts, hair appts, uniform shopping, etc in before my in-laws come out for a visit. School starts with two days 9/3 and 9/5 (dumb schedule lol) and then the first full week is 9/8. boo hoo
I love the summer and love when Dana's home. I was never one of those moms that were thrilled when it was "back to school" time!

 

[MAGGIED]

Hello everyone.... can't believe summer is almost over.... Maggie leaves one week from today.... I have been really busy at work and rearranging furniture in the house to help keep me distracted.... I am sure I will be a puddle that day..... Daniel thinks its cool that he will be the only one home... he says that is one less person to fight the tv for... okay we have 4 tv's in the house... I think he is going to miss her very much... for brother and sister they are very close... she invites him to parties she is going to etc.... it is really nice...

I have also been really busy with doctors appointments. I have decided to have either the gastric bypass surgery or the lapband surgery. I am in the process of all the blood work, EKG's and attending the support group meetings. I have scheduled my physc evaluation - although Tim thinks I will fail... he says that I am already crazy - I am hoping to have the surgery in November but realistically it looks like it will be December or January... not something they just let you jump into.... I am a little nervous as it is such a life altering event and something you have to make such a commitment to.... but I think it will help with not only my weight but with some of the other medical conditions I have....

Daniel is just got his official "first" job - not counting working as an umpire...he will be working parking at the NY State Fair... its only for 10 days but the kids make about $600 for the 10 days... I told him he could buy me a nice birthday present...hehehe.... We still have to do some school shopping for him.... new sneakers.... I wish our school worn uniforms... we did when we lived in PA and it was so much easier..... I have found with him it is easier not to buy a lot of stuff because he grows so much... this past year he grew 6 inches... and 2 shoe sizes...

Well time to make the family breakfast... have a great day everyone!!

 

[SingingMom]

Hello everyone.... can't believe summer is almost over.... Maggie leaves one week from today.... I have been really busy at work and rearranging furniture in the house to help keep me distracted.... I am sure I will be a puddle that day..... Daniel thinks its cool that he will be the only one home... he says that is one less person to fight the tv for... okay we have 4 tv's in the house... I think he is going to miss her very much... for brother and sister they are very close... she invites him to parties she is going to etc.... it is really nice...

I have also been really busy with doctors appointments. I have decided to have either the gastric bypass surgery or the lapband surgery. I am in the process of all the blood work, EKG's and attending the support group meetings. I have scheduled my physc evaluation - although Tim thinks I will fail... he says that I am already crazy - I am hoping to have the surgery in November but realistically it looks like it will be December or January... not something they just let you jump into.... I am a little nervous as it is such a life altering event and something you have to make such a commitment to.... but I think it will help with not only my weight but with some of the other medical conditions I have....

Daniel is just got his official "first" job - not counting working as an umpire...he will be working parking at the NY State Fair... its only for 10 days but the kids make about $600 for the 10 days... I told him he could buy me a nice birthday present...hehehe.... We still have to do some school shopping for him.... new sneakers.... I wish our school worn uniforms... we did when we lived in PA and it was so much easier..... I have found with him it is easier not to buy a lot of stuff because he grows so much... this past year he grew 6 inches... and 2 shoe sizes...

Well time to make the family breakfast... have a great day everyone!!

Oooo Wendy, that is some drastic surgery! I know two people - one had the bypass and one had the lapband. The one with the lapband made up much better. Her recovery time sounded easier. I did not know her before or while she was having it done. I did see the other person go through the bypass, and it was a massive undertaking. Good luck and God guide you to the best decision for you.

Wish Maggie well for us... So hard to watch them go....
Good luck to Daniel on his job - rake in that money!!!

Uniforms are VERY nice... we are off right now to the tailor to have skinny mini's pants taken in before the beginning of school. lol

My inlaws come for a four night visit starting Thursday... PRAY FOR ME..

 

[luvmylittleboy2003]

subscribing

 

[MAGGIED]

Renee.... I just had a four day visit with my inlaws so I can sympathize with you mine went pretty well... or as well as can be expected....they live 13 hours away so we don't see them much.... although they will be with us for Christmas this year....

When does Dana start school..... Daniel is the first Wednesday after labor day.... he started his job at the Fair today... up at 5:30 am... his shift is 7 am to 3:30pm.... the boy likes to sleep until 10 am so this will be a good start to the school year...

Renee,.,, thanks for the concern about the surgery... not sure what I am going to do yet... I start going to support group next week... then there is another doctors appointment, then the physc evaluation... so many appointments.... I know people that have had both surgery's done as well.... a friend of mine has lost 165 pounds... she looks great... but more importantly her health is better... will keep you posted..

Time to do some work.... hope everyone enjoys these last few weeks of summer

 

[SingingMom]

Renee.... I just had a four day visit with my inlaws so I can sympathize with you mine went pretty well... or as well as can be expected....they live 13 hours away so we don't see them much.... although they will be with us for Christmas this year....

When does Dana start school..... Daniel is the first Wednesday after labor day.... he started his job at the Fair today... up at 5:30 am... his shift is 7 am to 3:30pm.... the boy likes to sleep until 10 am so this will be a good start to the school year...

Renee,.,, thanks for the concern about the surgery... not sure what I am going to do yet... I start going to support group next week... then there is another doctors appointment, then the physc evaluation... so many appointments.... I know people that have had both surgery's done as well.... a friend of mine has lost 165 pounds... she looks great... but more importantly her health is better... will keep you posted..

Time to do some work.... hope everyone enjoys these last few weeks of summer

Well good luck with all those appointments and decisions! I will pray that you make the best one for your health and well-being.

Dana starts the Wed after Labor Day, then has Thursday off, the goes back on Friday. Dumb. lol

Inlaws should be arriving between 5 - 7 this evening. Patience, patience!

Bob's niece in Florida had her larynx removed yesterday due to complications from ALS. We are so sad for her. Please keep her in your prayers...

Good luck to Daniel - Dana is not a "morning person" either!

 

[LizAgna]

Hey friends!! It sounds like you are busy getting your kids ready for school. by the time yours start my kids will have been in school for 4 weeks already. It is going well at the new school for both girls. Amanda LOVES French! She was supposed to have her first volleyball game today but it was cancelled due to the weather. We had tornado warnings most of the day thanks to the remnants of Hurricane Fay. Alyssa did get to have her first ballet & tap class at the studio tonight. She has taken ballet for 3 years but this is the first year for tap and ballet.

Well, I am exhausted...I went WDW this weekend! We flew out Friday at 5:15 and flew home at 4:25 yesterday. Our flight down was very BUMPY...thanks again to Fay. We landed at 7:50pm were walking around EMH at Epcot by 10:20. It was raining but no too much. We did Maelstrom, 3 Caballeros and Soarin. Maelstrom and 3 Caballeros were both walk ons and Soarin had about a 30 minute wait. Then it was rope drop at MK Saturday mroning. We won Dream Fast Passes so our day was set!! The weather was pretty until about 2pm then the bottom fell out. Luckily we were in Carousel of Progress and missed that rain. The next storm that came through came just as we were getting on the monorail to the TTC. We rode 2 times and then the storm was over. We spent the evening at Hollywood Studios where we went to our meeting and then rode some rides. We got to ride the new Toy Story Mania ride...it is really fun!! Sunday morning came and we packed our stuff up dropped our luggage off at luggage service, ate breakfast and then headed to AK. You're not going to believe this but we won Dream Fast Passes on Sunday too!! We enjoyed several rides and then I hopped over to Epcot to pick up some park maps in French for Amanda to take to her teacher. Then it was back to the hotel to catch Magical Express and then before you knew it we were home. We had a great time but I was exhausted all day today.

Saturday wasn't crowded at all but yesterday was so crowded!! You could really tell that it was the first day of free dining.

Wendy - good luck with the surgery prep...keep us posted on what is going on. I'm sure you will do great no matter which one you have done.

Renee - I hope the family visit went good. That is so sad about your niece!

 

[SingingMom]

Sounds like you had an awesome quick Disney trip! Great about the fast passes! I would have LOVED THAT!

Inlaws are gone. House is back to normal. It really is true about that old joke:
What do houseguests and fish have in common?
Answer: Both stink after three days! ​

 

[karibritt01]

Hi all. Just stalking you a bit. I read the other day and caught up, but didn't get time to post. Sounds like everyone is very busy! My kids have been back to school for 4 weeks, too. This is the beginning of week 5, and progress reports come out tomorrow! Avery is in 1st grade, and Tucker in 5th.

5 weeks from now we will be heading to Orlando. I am SO not ready to go. My work has been down lately. Had 2 kids leave, one moved and the other started kindergarten. 2 more are leaving after this week, brother and sister, and mom decided to quit work and stay home. Needless to say, I am stressed over money, and trying to plan a vacation to boot. But I have 2 new ones (twins) starting in 2 weeks, so that will help.

Kids are getting very excited about the cruise. I just hope we all take to the water easily! Wynn gets queasy on spinning things, and Avery gets carsick... so I worry about seasick issues.

Wendy (Liz)... that is funny that you won FP both days. I know that was a wonderful bit of pixie dust in the August crowds! Glad to hear your trip was good, even if rushed. I don't know how you managed to get away from home without your girls. My kids would have packed themselves in my suitcase!

Wendy (MaggieD)... how exciting about your surgery. I wish I had the nerve (and money!) to do something like that. My stress levels have been through the roof the last couple of years, and it has really taken a toll on my backside! I keep thinking I can get things under control, but then life kicks me again. I wouldn't be a good candidate for surgery right now, anyway... I'd get upset and blow a staple! OK... pity party is over. Pick up your goody bag on the way out!

Renee... I think a trip to Paris sounds fun. Not my destination of choice, but certainly enough to do and see there. Why not plan to visit several countries a few days each? I would love to see Italy and Germany. I have considered the Fairytale Tour from Adventures by Disney... at least until I saw the cost. Over $10K for my family before expenses and spending money. Nut if I ever win the lottery... But it tours Germany, hitting several castles, and relating it to the German fairy tales and Brothers Grimm, and the Steiff Bear factory. It just sounds so interesting!

Courtney... if you are lurking... haven't seen any recent pics of Princess Emerson. I'm sure she is growing like a weed. Is she sitting up yet?

Jackie... if you are lurking... I want to hear how your cruise went. If I remember correctly, you should be home by now!

 

[SingingMom]

Kari - good to hear from you! Hope the kids are enjoying school and I hope you gain more kiddies for your day care so you aren't as concerned about $.

Don't worry too much about seasickness. I have the worst stomach in the world, and I was just fine. Get those "SeaBands" - they look like little wristbands and are found in drug stores or some supermarkets in the health and beauty aid aisles... They work GREAT! We started our trip with those (and I did take dramamine just in case) but the SeaBands alone were fine. Dana and Bob wore them in the beginning, but then decided they didn't even need them. One day, later in the trip, (we took the week cruise) I noticed Dana had them on. I whispered to Bob, "uh oh, she doesn't feel well." and he said, "Oh no. She's fine. SHe just said they "matched her outfit" today."

I looked into the Disney Adventures too, but some of those excursions in Italy and France sounded horrible. I am not one to sit on a tour bus for hours. I would have a major anxiety attack. If we do go, it has to be where we call the shots. I actually thought about the Mediterraian Cruise, that way, I could just stay on the ship and send Bob & Dana off. We'll have to see. We will be married 25 years in 2011 and Dana will be graduating high school. We are going to plan a big trip for that year....

 

[Ragnrok23]

Wendy- looks like I missed you- I was at Epcot on Saturday and MK on Sunday.

We did have a great trip, we landed Thursday night at 9:10 and it was a little rough. Friday we were at MK at 8:20 for rope drop, and has luck would have it it was cancelled due to rain It ended up working out as the park was empty and our longest wait was 25 minutes to meet the princesses in toontown at 1:30PM Our only problem was at night it was raining on and off, well we put our ponchos after the 2nd time we walked on to TM away and went to ride #3, well wouldn't you know it that between the time we got in line, and started the ride it started DOWNPOURING. I mean we rode the whole ride with our heads down, we were totally soaked, so we decided to do SM since it was also a walk-on and we were already wet

Well I post pictures and tell you more about it later (I'm sure Scilla will also be on soon to tell some stories)

 

[karibritt01]

I hate that it rained on you Rags. Did the girls have fun? Was this their first trip to WDW?

Renee... I had heard that the sea bands didn't work. I am thinking about calling my Dr for the ear patches. But... I may just go with dramamine or nothing. I have heard the ear patches can cause drowsiness. And, knowing my luck, I would have a reaction to the adhesive!

Disney hasn't announced its 2010 summer schedule yet, but there is talk of it being the Mediterranian again. Maybe you could do Europe then... then hit an ultra all-inclusive somewhere in 2011. I know you would be in heaven... floating in a pool drinking all the fruity drinks you want for free!

BTW... you freaked me out talking about cute little Dana graduating! I always tell my kids they are growing to fast, and then i try to mash them back down! Avery still falls for it!

 

[SingingMom]

Oh yes Rags! Post pictures and tell us some stories! Tell Scilla to get on that right now.

Kari - I have heard mixed reviews on those patches... they are pretty powerful - I have heard some people in a complete "daze & fog" their entire trip from them. Really - I have sent lots of people with the seabands, and they have all been happy. My friend even did wonderfully with them during her chemotherapy. I honestly would stick to that and the dramamine - oh - and a pharmacist told me the "trick" to dramamine is to start at least a day ahead of time - it has to be IN YOUR SYSTEM to work - and just keep taking it if you feel you continue to need it. Ok, Dr. Renee is finished dispensing her words of wisdom.

We might have to look at that European cruise - once Dana goes back to school I will have a little more time to investigate future trips!

And.. Yes... they grow up MUCH TOO FAST...look at my 15 year old!! - who is now almost 5 inches taller than me! ....

 

[Ragnrok23]

The rain wasn't too bad (except for that last ride on TM) but everything was a walk-on, so I will take it. We just used the ponchos and went with the flow

Yes, it was the girls first trip, they had a great time

I used the ear patch the last two trips, it really does work, however, I had blurry vision the whole vacation (I had to ask Scilla to read price tags for me because I couldn't tell if it was a 3,6, or 8 )

 

[Ragnrok23]

Pic of the girls waiting for Phiharmagic on day 1

Lexi with her favorite character (although she screamed the whole time we were on the stitch ride the first time- yet her favorite ride in all of WDW was TOT, go figure)