The faceless children take a top-secret trip to WDW...

[Dancegrl624]

Let us know how Syd's pre-op goes today! We'll be thinking of you!

 

[BabyEeyore]

It really makes me feel so much better to hear you say that. It's hard losing someone and being reminded that people don't always live to be old and gray. Some days I'm doing fine and I'm normal and not crazy worried about everyone dying for no reason, but the last few weeks I've been overly worried. Even though there's nothing to worry about. I think Syd's surgery has pushed me a little over the edge lately. I'm sure I'm being a good mama just keeping half an eye on him and making sure nothing looks suspicious...just having a rough day where I feel like it's a lot of pressure being the one who has to make sure that I catch anything before it turns serious. They aren't born with freckles though, so they just keep popping up now that he's getting bigger! And my kids are REALLY pale, so they're just bound to get spots here and there. Frustrating for me! Please don't think I'm crazy! It's just been a long year and a half and some days I just get stressed! I think I'm starting to NEED this vacation. Good thing it's next month!

Can you tell me which sewing machine you got? I don't need anything fancy, there are just so many options, and it's hard to know what to pick based on reviews since it seems like more people will go out of their way to comment on something because it's bad than if it's good!

Thanks for all the pixie dust!

Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry it took me so long to get back to you!!! I totally don't think you're crazy! I completely understand where you are coming from. I have freckles all over my body. Aaron has some and so does Ashlyn. I have new ones pop up every now and then but it runs in my family. Doesn't mean I like it, though! I always keep an eye out for anything suspicious so you are definitely not alone.

Our sewing machine is a Toyota model # STF39. I think it was around $100-$120 at Sears.com. It was perfect for us because I'm just learning to sew and it's very easy to use. I love it.

 

[lexmas]

First of all, thank you to all of you for the thoughts and prayers! My grandmother died this morning...last night it was very obvious that it might be soon, her lungs were giving out and you could hear it when she breathed. The same thing happened with my dad, so we knew what we were dealing with. We are actually really relieved that she died so quickly, my dad lived for a few weeks once he was this bad and it was SO difficult. We are glad that she didn't suffer very much. She was a very wonderful woman and her quality of life just has not been great the last few years. We feel so lucky to have had so much time with her! My mom is taking it well that it's her birthday, which is better than I would be taking it!

J.J. is taking it alright...he's pretty in denial when you try and talk to him about it...he'll tell you that she's not dead, but she's dying soon. Once he told me that she died because her bones didn't have enough air, and I know that he's processing it even though he's denying it when you talk to him because I caught him telling a picture of my dad, "I love you Papa" today and kissing his fingers and then touching them to the picture of my dad. He has NEVER seen anyone do that, and I think it's so sweet that he came up with that on his own. We will have to get him a picture of "Nana" to hang on the wall too.

On the positive side, my mother has been my grandma's full time caregiver for 6 years now, and now she can travel and see our family and everything. She more than deserves the break. (At one point she was taking care of my grandmother AND my father, which is just insane to think about...I can't completely explain the condition that they were both in before they died, but you will have to believe me that it was awful and no one should have to live through that, muchless be the caregiver. It was so important to my mom that they die at home, surrounded by family, so I am very happy that she was able to do that for them. I'm not sure that I would be able to do the same, but I think it is very kind of her. I'm sure it is a much nicer way to die than in the hospital surrounded by strangers.) So she is considering coming on our trip in October for part of it, and we are all talking about taking a trip to disney (my mom, my sister and family, my brother, and us) next year...hopefully for the dates we already have booked at the end of January/beginning of February, but we might move it if everyone can't do those dates. My mom will be so very happy seeing the babies at disney...she's been very sad that she (and my dad) couldn't travel with us on our past trips.

It's been such a long day! We are sad, but mostly relieved that the hardest parts are over and now my grandmother is at peace.



Now to respond...

I'm sure it won't be a problem to skip the vaccines! I wouldn't want to risk it either. A couple of weeks before his surgery, I took my son in wondering if he had some sort of infection (ear, maybe?). The dr. was going to hold off on prescribing anything, which I usually agree completely with, until I reminded him of the upcoming surgery. He put DS on antibiotics as a precaution so he wouldn't get sick and knocked off the surgery schedule.

Tomorrow will be a long day for your daughter, though! Hang in there -- one more day is almost done!

It was long...luckily the pre-surgery stuff was mostly blood work, and while she didn't like that, it was fast. Delaying the vaccines wasn't a problem at all, she'll just get caught up at her next visit. Her doctor was so shocked when I told her everything that was going on, she was like, "And you still CAME here today?"

Hope you are hanging in there! Wishing your mother a happy birthday and hoping your Grandma gets some peace with Hospice coming. The pics of the kids are adorable!

Thanks Karen! I think my mom will manage to have a happy birthday despite everything that happened. Honestly, my grandmother was doing so badly that it is good that she is not suffering anymore. Now to hope that hospice will pay for the things that they brought her (hospital bed, commode) in anticipating of her "signing up" with them today, since obviously that never happened. And thank you, the kids are crazy, but it's cute!

I am so sorry about your grandmother. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you! It means a lot to know that people all over are thinking of us!

Let us know how Syd's pre-op goes today! We'll be thinking of you!

Thanks for thinking of us! Long day here, but we are all hanging in there. Sydney has been pointing to her band-aid from the bloodwork and looking at us with a sad look all day.

Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry it took me so long to get back to you!!! I totally don't think you're crazy! I completely understand where you are coming from. I have freckles all over my body. Aaron has some and so does Ashlyn. I have new ones pop up every now and then but it runs in my family. Doesn't mean I like it, though! I always keep an eye out for anything suspicious so you are definitely not alone.

Our sewing machine is a Toyota model # STF39. I think it was around $100-$120 at Sears.com. It was perfect for us because I'm just learning to sew and it's very easy to use. I love it.

Thanks for responding! I know you've been busy with Aaron coming back home, so I totally understand. I will have to look up that sewing machine, I definitely need something just basic that's easy to use.

 

[Dancegrl624]

I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother's passing. I'm sure it's been a rough day. Like you said, at least she isn't suffering anymore. That is so sweet about J.J. and the picture of your dad. Kids do the sweetest little things sometimes that have never been taught to them.

I'm sure your mom would love to join you guys at Disney next month and I hope she can go with you. Seeing J.J. and Syd enjoy themselves would definately lift any sadness she is having.

Wow...would that possibly be a Grand Gathering in Jan/Feb? If so, I'm happy to help out!

 

[BabyEeyore]

I am so sorry about your loss. I know nothing anyone can say will help the pain, but like you said, at least she is no longer suffering. God bless your mom, she sounds like she has such a big heart.

 

[lexmas]

I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother's passing. I'm sure it's been a rough day. Like you said, at least she isn't suffering anymore. That is so sweet about J.J. and the picture of your dad. Kids do the sweetest little things sometimes that have never been taught to them.

I'm sure your mom would love to join you guys at Disney next month and I hope she can go with you. Seeing J.J. and Syd enjoy themselves would definately lift any sadness she is having.

Wow...would that possibly be a Grand Gathering in Jan/Feb? If so, I'm happy to help out!

Thanks

I think we're still one short of a grand gathering, since we'll still have two babies under three. I'm hoping to get them to book with you though...I know my brother and mom definitely will, my sister is weird though so who knows about her. I'll certainly be in touch with you about it once we figure out more!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Thanks

I think we're still one short of a grand gathering, since we'll still have two babies under three. I'm hoping to get them to book with you though...I know my brother and mom definitely will, my sister is weird though so who knows about her. I'll certainly be in touch with you about it once we figure out more!

Ah yes, forgot about the little babies that don't count towards a GG. I'd be more than happy to help all of your family members book their trips. You have my info!

 

[lexmas]

I am so sorry about your loss. I know nothing anyone can say will help the pain, but like you said, at least she is no longer suffering. God bless your mom, she sounds like she has such a big heart.

Thank you! There comes a point where you just don't want to see them suffer anymore. My mom is an amazing wife and daughter...I don't think many people would do what she has done.

 

[-Hope-]

I'm so sorry about your grandmother. I think it is a very positive thing to focus on how you and the rest of your family can heal and move forward and I hope that the upcoming trips work out for you. My mom was the caregiver for both of my granparents and I know what you mean about how taxing it can be for that person. She gave a large part of herself to care for them and it really is an amazing thing. I hope your mom finds comfort in knowing she did all she could and is able to now give herself some of the same care and kindness she's given to others.

 

[wlake]

I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother! I understand how it's not an entirely bad thing, though.

Glad your daughter made it through the day! What a difficult day for your entire family. Each day will get better, though.

 

[Nettaboo]

I was stopping by to check on you and then I read your news. Even though you knew the day was coming I am sure you are still sad, I have been in your shoes and I know the pain that comes with that. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. JJ is such a sweet boy..my eyes got misty when you were talking about the picture of your dad.

 

[Disneychix]

I'm so very sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother. Please give your mom and those babies a hug from me too.

That's great that your mom has some positives coming her way. I know my mom LOVES going to WDW with us.

 

[lexmas]

I'm so sorry about your grandmother. I think it is a very positive thing to focus on how you and the rest of your family can heal and move forward and I hope that the upcoming trips work out for you. My mom was the caregiver for both of my granparents and I know what you mean about how taxing it can be for that person. She gave a large part of herself to care for them and it really is an amazing thing. I hope your mom finds comfort in knowing she did all she could and is able to now give herself some of the same care and kindness she's given to others.

My mom is doing pretty well...she is TIRED though and napping every day! She should be, she has been running on adrenaline for years now! She's still busy getting my grandmother's affairs in order, but she's excited about going to disney with us in October, so hopefully she'll find time to relax between now and then! Thank you for your sweet sentiments!

I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother! I understand how it's not an entirely bad thing, though.

Glad your daughter made it through the day! What a difficult day for your entire family. Each day will get better, though.

That's how it goes, right? One day at a time. We still have relatives in town, so we can't get back to normal yet. Soon things will settle down. One week from tomorrow is Syd's surgery, so after that is over, hopefully we can all kick back and relax.

I was stopping by to check on you and then I read your news. Even though you knew the day was coming I am sure you are still sad, I have been in your shoes and I know the pain that comes with that. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. JJ is such a sweet boy..my eyes got misty when you were talking about the picture of your dad.

Thank you so much, it means a lot to know all you wonderful mama's are out there thinking of us!

I'm actually surprised at how much I miss my grandmother, considering how expected this way, and how she was the last few years...I mean, she was a sweet woman but it was difficult taking care of her the way that she was. But I find myself thinking about her good moments and how happy I am that she got to spend so much time with my children. I'm just so used to her being here that I miss her not being here. Yes, she had alzheimers and dementia, and needed physical assistance with everything, but she had a great summer, and was able to play with the babies and enjoy spending time with all of us, and I'm so happy for that. After watching my dad linger once he got really bad, I am so happy that my grandmother didn't suffer like that. Honestly, she was only REALLY bad (like, couldn't sit up, you heard her gurgling when she breathed because her lungs were failing, couldn't bear her weight at all) for one day, and that's not too bad at all. She died quickly and peacefully and that's all we could really ask for. Honestly, things worked out so well that it was amazing...if Syd didn't need this surgery my siblings would have been coming up in two weeks while we would have been in WDW...since she needed the surgery my siblings came up for my mom's birthday instead and were able to help us (it took four people to hold my grandmother up in the bathroom so my mother could clean her up) and so she didn't have to stay in the hospital. And knowing how quickly my grandmother died (she was fine on Monday, in the hospital on Tuesday, and died on the following Tuesday) I am so glad we didn't have to leave my mom alone with her because given that time span she could have died while we were away and my mom wouldn't have had any help.

Whew, that got long. Sorry!

I'm so very sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother. Please give your mom and those babies a hug from me too.

That's great that your mom has some positives coming her way. I know my mom LOVES going to WDW with us.

Thank you so much for your kind thoughts. They mean a lot!

My mom is so excited about the trip. She has watched us go to disney three times without her, and she's very excited to be involved this time. It's a little sad because we always expected that my mom and dad might be with us on the next trip that we took, and my dad is dead, but it is what it is. I know she will be able to enjoy WDW anyway!

 

[Nettaboo]

Hey! Just stopping by to let you know that I am finally starting my Trip report!!LOL
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2555377

 

[lexmas]

Sydney's surgery day is tomorrow, so I'm just popping in to say that I hope you will all send happy thoughts and pixie dust her way!

Today is bound to be busy, I have lots to do, including shoving her with food in the hopes that she won't be hungry all night. And juice...she's never had juice so I'm hoping she'll drink a lot of it before bed. I can deal with not nursing her all night, I'm just worried that she will be hungry or thirsty and then not giving her food or water seems mean!

So my plan is to spend the time that she's in surgery doing disney planning...so I should be able to post more after! Hopefully that will pass the time!

Thanks in advance for your kind thoughts...you always have them!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Sydney's surgery day is tomorrow, so I'm just popping in to say that I hope you will all send happy thoughts and pixie dust her way!

Today is bound to be busy, I have lots to do, including shoving her with food in the hopes that she won't be hungry all night. And juice...she's never had juice so I'm hoping she'll drink a lot of it before bed. I can deal with not nursing her all night, I'm just worried that she will be hungry or thirsty and then not giving her food or water seems mean!

So my plan is to spend the time that she's in surgery doing disney planning...so I should be able to post more after! Hopefully that will pass the time!

Thanks in advance for your kind thoughts...you always have them!

Many thoughts and prayers will be sent Sydney's way tomorrow.

 

[Disneychix]

Of course I'll send lots of and good thoughts your way!!

It's nice you got the first early morning surgery time. Hopefully she'll be too sleepy to ask for food and liquids. How long is the surgery supposed to last?

 

[lexmas]

Many thoughts and prayers will be sent Sydney's way tomorrow.

Thank you!

Of course I'll send lots of and good thoughts your way!!

It's nice you got the first early morning surgery time. Hopefully she'll be too sleepy to ask for food and liquids. How long is the surgery supposed to last?

Thank you! Surgery is supposed to last an hour and a half. So not too bad, but WAY too long for me! Syd is never too sleepy to ask for food but I nursed her just before midnight last night and she slept until 4:30...so let's hope we can do that two nights in a row!

 

[-Hope-]

A for you and some for Sydney! I know she'll do just fine and when it's all over you'll be able to relax and focus on your much needed trip!

 

[lexmas]

We're home! Surgery went well, aside from the fact that I had to argue with them about being let back in the room until she was out (even though her doctor AND the nurses upstairs had told me it would be no problem) and then the anesthesiologist was complaining about me insisting on coming back to the rest of the staff while I carried her down the hallway toward the ER. That wasn't cool, and I hate to be the one to cause a stink, but I would have held off on the surgery if they had told me that I wouldn't be allowed back...so I was frustrated, since then all I could do was think about how upset that made me while I was waiting for the surgery to be over. On the plus side, the anesthesiologist was the head guy, so while he might not have been nice, he is apparently good at his job, and that's what matters.

The surgery was really fast (just under an hour!) and it went really well, and I do really love the surgeon we had, he was very nice. He said everything went great, and that she should be fine. I guess the cyst wasn't attached to the bone in any way that he could see, but he took a bit of the bone anyway just to be on the safe side. She nursed as soon as I was allowed into the recovery room (she also pulled out her IV...she's a feisty one ), and she's doing fine now. Sleepy, but fine. I am so very relieved!

Thank you all so very much for all your comfort, kind words, prayers, and good thoughts! I appreciate it more than you could ever know!