The Many Adventures of...A Family With a New Baby! Jan - Dec 2016! New 11/7!

[schmass]

Love the Maya pictures - you must have missed her even though you were having so much fun with Aria!

That is weird that there aren't any low tables other than the ones for wheelchairs. I'm glad that you were able to utilize an empty one!

I was hoping that we'd be able to see the Star Wars fireworks on our upcoming trip because Michael is a big fan, but they are so late! Those desserts looked great!

 

[mousehappync]

After ordering some drinks, Minnie came right over - which was great because many times at Chef Mickey's Minnie seems to be the one we're always waiting on!

What a cute dress and what a cute photo!

And then we headed up for our food. I found cheesy potatoes, a potato mix, and tater tots. LMAO. I told you I like potatoes! And added in some fruit to seem somewhat healthy.

You are speaking my language

And since we were not in a rush (so nice!) we were able to finish up breakfast. I really enjoyed breakfast (especially loved having all the potato options!) although I will say there is nothing overly amazing about it (such as CP's breakfast lasagna or whatever). Still very good and I enjoyed the food more than many others (Ohana, Akershus come to mind)

This is one breakfast that I think has fallen permanantly out of rotation. My kids just don't care enough about those characters, and if I'm paying for the food I want to eat at Cape May. I am worried Crystal Palace is in jeopardy for us, too (waaaaahhhhh!)-- but mostly because we like the food TOO much. We all waaaaay over-indulge there, and then very much regret it afterwards. And yet-- who can stop eating ther French toast?! My kids actually do like those characters, though, but I will have to play big-time tough mom with both of them atvthat meal.

She was still tired, poor thing! (BTW, she has 99% cut out the thumb-sucking, I can't even think of the last time she did it).

She wakes up cheerfully, though! I cannot wake up JH if he falls asleep in the daytime-- he will be a horrible grumpy mess.

Giraffes were abundant (early morning seems to be the worst giraffe time btw)

You know, I think you are onto something there. We have always had such good giraffe luck, except on early safaris. They are my favorite of all the animals.

I attempted to convince Aria to ride Dinosaur, and while she thought about it, she played at the Boneyard.

My favorite, too! I actually love getting thrown around. We tried Boneyard for the first time last trip-- it's so, so cute!

We had one more thing on the agenda before dinner! Our final FP was for Kali River Rapids. This was a favorite back in 2015, but was closed in Jan. On this day, the heat must have moddled people's minds, as there was a 90 minute wait for Kali River Rapids. Folks, this ride lasts all of 30 seconds (ok maybe a little longer). I.can't.imagine! We sped through the FP line and were soon on our raft.

We have never done Kali-- and after trying the DL version (whitewater falls or something? Can't remember the name) I can safely say we won't if it's up to me! I CANNOT do backwards spinning. I get sooooo sick, and even the raft sort of rotating makes me nauseous.

I skipped my favorite part of the meal though, the cream cheese won tons, due to our evening plans. I need to make another trip here just for dessert next time!!

Another Disney blasphemy-- we have never eaten here!

Sooo I multi tasked on the way to DHS

Omg-- want to hear a funny story? When JH was very young-- like a month-- I had to pump because he was not able to latch for a few months (long story, but our best guess is he was so cramped at 43 w, 10 lb 10 oz birthweight that he was sort of frozen-- all his muscles were locked up. Que absolute heart attack he had cerebral palsy until he started crawling at 5 months. Anyway...) I had a battery operated pump, and I was totally exhausted and just out of it. I was pumping, the doorbell rang, and I answered it-- WITH THE PUMP STILL ATTACHED. The poor UPS guy didn't know what to do and I nearly died.....

Then we checked in for the Star Wars Dessert Party - this was a last minute addition when I realized I'd be able to eat everything without the allergy issues! I will admit, we are not into Star Wars, but I enjoy being about to drink lol, so this party definitely appeals to me more than the Wishes Dessert Party.

This is one dessert party I might pay for. My kids LOVE SW. I don't know who most of the characters besides the main ones are, but I loved the fireworks. LOVED them. We had a lot of trouble getting a good viewing spot, too.

However the show was okay. I mean, I love fireworks. But, again, not into Star Wars so the plotline just didn't cut it for me.

When it was over we joined the hoardes, made it to the car, and then sat in traffic. Between getting out of the park, and finding a parking spot in the Shades garage, we didn't make it back to the room until after 11 - I was so tired!

Reading this makes me remember why I really love staying at BC/YC. That is the WORST park to get out of at night.

 

[Imagineer5]

That is the most adorable picture!


I've never seen them before and I love them!


Always a good idea


I remember these explosions happening! We had to leave a place or two for the same reason...........always fun lol


Right? Chris loves KRR. I don't mind it but like you said, it's just so short and unlike most other Disney rides, there's just nothing to it. We went to Great Adventure last summer for the first time in years and they have a similar ride, Roaring Rapids. I hate to say this but..........it's so much longer and......better


Good pick! Loved it in Nov.


Ha ha this would be us! DH and the boys have tried watching the first SW movie a few times but none of them can get through it, and I have zero interest. I know who the main characters are of course like Darth Vader, Chewbacca, etc. but that's it. Back in Aug. Steve and I saw the higher SW fireworks while in Epcot's WS and they looked very pretty, but we have yet to make the time to see the show in HS simply because it's mostly projections. I dessert party with alcohol though is certainly a good excuse to watch it!

The Disneyland version of KRR (Grizzly River Run) I feel like is longer. I only rode KRR once before having Aria, and it was wayyyy back in like 2007 and I waited 30 minutes. I was so mad I refused to ride it again lol! BUT when it was one of two new rides Aria could do (at 38") we rode it and she loved it.

We have tried watching Star Wars. I have 6 of the movies on DVD. But we've only somewhat made it through the first, and even with that it didn't keep my interest enough in attempting to watch it. I guess this is how non-Harry Potter lovers feel, although I can't imagine! LOL. Yeah I know the main characters, but that's about it, and don't really care to meet them or anything haha.

Love the Maya pictures - you must have missed her even though you were having so much fun with Aria!

That is weird that there aren't any low tables other than the ones for wheelchairs. I'm glad that you were able to utilize an empty one!

I was hoping that we'd be able to see the Star Wars fireworks on our upcoming trip because Michael is a big fan, but they are so late! Those desserts looked great!

Yes, I believe the newer parties offer more lower tables - WITH chairs - so that is good. I think it's ridiculous to charge for a child though and then tell the family they shouldn't use the tables the child can reach.

I did miss Maya, but the photos helped, and I focused on the few days I had with Aria knowing it would go by so fast! Andrew enjoyed his time with Maya too.

What a cute dress and what a cute photo!

You are speaking my language


This is one breakfast that I think has fallen permanantly out of rotation. My kids just don't care enough about those characters, and if I'm paying for the food I want to eat at Cape May. I am worried Crystal Palace is in jeopardy for us, too (waaaaahhhhh!)-- but mostly because we like the food TOO much. We all waaaaay over-indulge there, and then very much regret it afterwards. And yet-- who can stop eating ther French toast?! My kids actually do like those characters, though, but I will have to play big-time tough mom with both of them atvthat meal.


She wakes up cheerfully, though! I cannot wake up JH if he falls asleep in the daytime-- he will be a horrible grumpy mess.

You know, I think you are onto something there. We have always had such good giraffe luck, except on early safaris. They are my favorite of all the animals.

My favorite, too! I actually love getting thrown around. We tried Boneyard for the first time last trip-- it's so, so cute!

We have never done Kali-- and after trying the DL version (whitewater falls or something? Can't remember the name) I can safely say we won't if it's up to me! I CANNOT do backwards spinning. I get sooooo sick, and even the raft sort of rotating makes me nauseous.


Another Disney blasphemy-- we have never eaten here!


Omg-- want to hear a funny story? When JH was very young-- like a month-- I had to pump because he was not able to latch for a few months (long story, but our best guess is he was so cramped at 43 w, 10 lb 10 oz birthweight that he was sort of frozen-- all his muscles were locked up. Que absolute heart attack he had cerebral palsy until he started crawling at 5 months. Anyway...) I had a battery operated pump, and I was totally exhausted and just out of it. I was pumping, the doorbell rang, and I answered it-- WITH THE PUMP STILL ATTACHED. The poor UPS guy didn't know what to do and I nearly died.....


This is one dessert party I might pay for. My kids LOVE SW. I don't know who most of the characters besides the main ones are, but I loved the fireworks. LOVED them. We had a lot of trouble getting a good viewing spot, too.



Reading this makes me remember why I really love staying at BC/YC. That is the WORST park to get out of at night.

I don't think liking the food TOO much is a reason to let CP fall out of rotation, lol!! Chef Mickeys I am pretty indifferent about (and I think I actually do NOT have it planned for June or October) but Aria usually asks to go there and I oblige. The food is fine and I like the variety.

Waking up in Disney world is a bit different than waking up at home, thankfully!! She just needed a few minutes to compose herself hahaha.

Eh, Y&Y is a place I try and fit in every few years. Not a must do, IMO, although those cream cheese wontons are very good. Actually, speaking of that, I read & saw a photo for the new pongu pongu bar at Pandora where they'll have something similar, so that is totally awesome!

Oh my goodness, I was thinking about your story yesterday. LOL! I have actually answered the door while nursing, but I did happen to throw on a little blanket over. But pumping, with no cover? YEah that'd be a sight!! (I did use a cover in the car while I was driving FYI hahaha).

Definitely - once my kids are older, I can see staying exclusively at the BC. Right now we focus so much on MK that I do give an edge to BLT, but I can see that changing as they get older and we get a little more freedom to hop to, say, EPCOT for some food & drinks while they hang out.

 

[khertz]

I can't believe how much y'all got done that morning before lunch! And what a lunch it was. Ice cream for a meal is totally acceptable on vacation! We might have to try that next time too. lol

Aria is so adventurous. I still don't think I'll be able to get Paxton on Big Thunder on our upcoming DL trip. I might have to show him these pictures and convince him he needs to at least try it out!!

The pool & splash pad look so great!! And that playground by the pool. So nice to have those options for some relaxing resort time.

Cute pics from Chef Mickey's.

I am still so impressed with Aria's stroller napping. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Delilah will still stroller nap for that long!! Paxton sure didn't. lol

 

[Imagineer5]

I can't believe how much y'all got done that morning before lunch! And what a lunch it was. Ice cream for a meal is totally acceptable on vacation! We might have to try that next time too. lol

Aria is so adventurous. I still don't think I'll be able to get Paxton on Big Thunder on our upcoming DL trip. I might have to show him these pictures and convince him he needs to at least try it out!!

The pool & splash pad look so great!! And that playground by the pool. So nice to have those options for some relaxing resort time.

Cute pics from Chef Mickey's.

I am still so impressed with Aria's stroller napping. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Delilah will still stroller nap for that long!! Paxton sure didn't. lol

It has apparently become a THING we do at WDW, because just as much as Aria loves the rides & characters, she says she can't wait for ice cream for lunch lol! I'm just glad that I now know the Plaza does have safe ice cream for Maya too

Aww I feel that way about EE, but with my "try every ride once" rule, she'll ride it once and hopefully love it enough to ride it again. I hope he'll try it out, it is sure a fun one!!

I think it'll be a lot harder as the little ones grow up to nap, knowing their bigger sister/brother are awake and getting to do stuff. Same with at home - luckily right now Maya is still very much into her napping (she naps 2x per day still) but as she gets older I don't expect her to nap until she's 4.5 like Aria did hahaha.

 

[Imagineer5]

Moving right along, on to the next day!

Once again we were up before the alarm went off. Today we had breakfast reservations at Kona so we were able to head out of the room around 7:15 and be at breakfast earlier than our 7:30 ADR. That's the time it opens, so we were the first family in and to be seated. Aria got right to work on coloring-

And started off with her usual chocolate milk (usual on vacation anyway).

I ordered Tonga Toast (of course!) along with just a regular cup of coffee (I only ever have 1 cup so the Pressed Pot for Two is wasted when DH isn't there), plus some juice. I always ask for a side of potatoes vs. their offered bacon or sausage, along with sriracha. Perfect breakfast!

Aria was pleased with her breakfast choice which was a kids meal with scrambled eggs, bacon and toast. She also ate my pineapple.

Our meal was great - I heard some reports that the bread on the tonga toast had recently changed, but it still tasted perfect to me so if it was true I didn't notice a difference. So excited to return in June!!

MK opened at 9 this day, and having a non-park breakfast I knew we wouldn't make rope drop. Nonetheless - the monorail was *scheduled* to open at 8:30. But, of course, there was a sign saying it was down. I hadn't rushed breakfast knowing the monorail was just steps away and opened at 8:30, but now we were rushing to go to the boat, hoping to take that over instead. (In case you weren't sure, I CAN'T STAND DISNEY TRANSPORTATION).

There was already a line out on the dock. It was a beautiful morning and I had to remind myself that it was totally okay that we were not going to be in the park before 9.

We got a small boat finally, had to fold the stroller (thankfully remember I brought the City Mini!) and had seats, so all was not lost lol.

And thennnn we saw this.

THIS is why I usually opt for 8am breakfasts vs dealing with the crazy crowds! ugh!

Once inside, my first stop was to grab some same-day FP's. I got the Speedway, Buzz and IASW, along with my pre-booked ones for 7DMT, Anna&Elsa, and Mickey. Plus if you noticed, Aria was wearing her Splash Mountain dress today, because we had that finally-tall-enough-to-ride pass still!

We had over an hour until we needed to be in Tomorrowland, so headed left into Adventureland to start out our day.

First ride? Magic Carpets!

Then we ran over to Pirates

Aria hates the canon part but otherwise enjoys the ride. We circled around to Splash next, although we didn't even need to use the pass!

She LOVES this ride, so we had a blast on it.

We were having great luck this morning with no waits - next up we headed on to BTMRR, since there was no line again! Proof:

We circled back through Fantasyland at this point, and noted the no-wait for Haunted Mansion (BTW, it was 9:58 at this point! we move fast!) so we hopped on that. Afterwards, Aria asked to do some character meets, and I told her we might miss our Speedway fastpass if we do, but she was okay with that. So we skipped the Speedway and instead went over to meet Minnie & Daisy with about a 15-minute wait. I was able to move the Speedway FP to later on, so that worked out fine.

I don't remember much about the meets, but I did convince her to skip Donald and Goofy lol! Instead we rode the Barnstormer. BTW, Andrew was back at work this day, so that is why I had zero Maya photos

Then we took the nice little pathway from FL to TL and hopped on the TTA for a little downtime and snack. The day before while Aria had been napping and I was shopping at AK, I picked up a baggie of dried fruits & nuts, so that worked out to have a mid-morning snack with some juice (I think that was from the EMM event!).

Then we used our Buzz FP's. Aria made it difficult for me to shoot by spinning us around lol

Terrible Ride photo of me lol! But You can see Aria looking around her gun to see where she was spinning us

Afterwards we headed off to use our 7DMT FP! Aria was brave with her hands up! (thanks to all her practice 2 days' before!)

At this point we were ready for lunch but decided to use the IASW FP before that expired. Aria was tired! <3

Thanks to the multitude of MB's I usually have, IASW rarely displays our names. They got us plus John this time so I took a photo lol

Then we were SO ready for lunch! Headed next door to the Pinocchio Village Haus. They have a delicious caprese flatbread. Aria chose a pepperoni pizza which came with a yogurt, apples and chocolate milk. Good to know - they do offer a dairy free pizza alternative, and Maya LOVES our Friday night pizza nights now that we've been getting her her own vegan pizza, so we'll definitely have to do a lunch here in June.

They were sweet to give a Mickey straw (we bring those home and Aria loves using them at home too!). I think her favorite part of lunch was the blue drink haha.

It was all great, and very filling - although I appreciate the flatbread has such a nice thin crust I was able to eat the whole thing without getting crazy full.

Up next, we have a ton of character meets, parade, more rides, and finally dinner at BoG! We didn't waste a second on this day!

 

[Imagineer5]

Life Update - also wanted to give a little update on how things are going here! I'll be 34 weeks along tomorrow! Baby is active and I am counting down the days left of work (22!). I'm stopping work at 38weeks1day (Friday April 14th), hoping she comes over the weekend (that's Easter weekend). Working 1 hour away from home (and 1 hour away from our hospital) I really don't want to go into labor here, so I've always stopped work 1-2 weeks prior to my due date, and so far the girls have come 1-4 days after that point.

Here I am last weekend trying on a new dress I got in a Matilda Jane order (not a maternity dress lol)

I've also started a new "venture" which should just add to my clothing obsession. (Well so far it's resulted in about 10 new dresses for the girls haha). I'm waiting to become a retailer for Dot Dot Smile, will just be a side job but should be fun. Here's Maya in a dress that came yesterday for her.

And Aria twirling

Aria also taught Maya the fine art of twirling which resulted in some super cute videos. Not sure if this will work but here you go-

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=724138144434305

I *finally* got my 2016 review and got the points I was hoping for, including a small bonus, which is going towards a new swingset for the girls. I am hoping that we get some semi-warm weather soon so that Andrew can put it up before the baby comes - once the weather turns nice it'll be so nice to be home for 3 months with the new baby and be able to spend so much time outside while the girls play.

And, lastly, we are really looking forward to the weekend as we have our tickets for Beauty and the Beast! (Well, Aria and I do). Andrew is taking Maya (SURPRISE!) to the Cape Saturday lol. But it sounds like it is mainly to go to Chatham Jewelers to talk to them about a new charm for my necklace which currently has a white gold starfish with Aria's birthstone, and a sand dollar with Maya's birthstone.

That's about it for now. We are on week #2 of no washing machine, so it's a good thing the girl's closets are stocked hahaha! Andrew might need to go shopping soon if they don't come back to fix it soon (had to order a part).

OH I almost forgot, I spied a STEAL on OfferUp over the weekend - a City Mini Double for $50 and we picked it up. I listed my single for $60 and someone is buying it tonight lol! I am thinking we'll still take the City Select to Disney in June, mainly because I can't find the car seat attachment for sale that @TheMaxRebo used to make his City Mini Double a triple back when his Emma was 1 month old (I might have found it, but it was $90 on ebay which seemed crazy). But might change my mind on that. We'll see. Either way we have a glider board for Aria now, which works on both strollers.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Good luck with everything (the baby, the new venture, the strollers, etc. .... we rented the stroller down in Orlando and just rented the attachment so not sure how easy/hard it is to find the attachment to buy)

 

[schmass]

How are you 34 weeks already!?! You look great!! And what a great deal on the double stroller!

Tonga toast with a side of potatoes sounds like the perfect breakfast - yum! Too bad about the monorail...

You guys had another fun, busy morning! Good to know about Pinocchio Village Haus dairy-free pizza. I wonder if it's any good! I feel like my kids will be eating the allergy-friendly chicken nuggets a lot, so another alternative would be welcome.

 

[Tygerlilly]

Loving the updates! Can't believe it's getting so close to baby time already. I have about 2 weeks left of work before I decide if I'm done or going to try for one more (I'm 35.3 today).

You'll have to share pics of the swing set all set up! I've been debating on getting one for our girls too, but ultimately decided to wait until next summer.

 

[Dugette]

Our meal was great - I heard some reports that the bread on the tonga toast had recently changed, but it still tasted perfect to me so if it was true I didn't notice a difference. So excited to return in June!!

Good to know - I haven't been there since the bread change reports.

(In case you weren't sure, I CAN'T STAND DISNEY TRANSPORTATION).

You don't say? I get it, obviously - seeing how long it took us to take Disney transportation to our PPO breakfasts vs. you driving in December was....frustrating. Though, I will say I was missing Disney transportation in February. But I know why that was - we were driving in from across town (like 45 minutes away ) after dropping Dug at his conference each day, which of course had us coming in with the mid-morning masses. Took FOREVER to park, but I'm sure PPO you just zoom right on in. I also found leaving to take much longer than I expected. But, again, probably leaving at the more popular times, I guess (after Illuminations and RoL). I'm on the fence about getting a car next time - might depend on ADRs. But enough rambling...

And thennnn we saw this.

Hate that view.

We were having great luck this morning with no waits

Glad this worked out well, despite that big crowd when you came in.

Afterwards we headed off to use our 7DMT FP! Aria was brave with her hands up! (thanks to all her practice 2 days' before!)

Haha, can't remember if I told you - I am not normally a hands-up person, but she made me do it when I rode with her. Brave kid!

Thanks to the multitude of MB's I usually have, IASW rarely displays our names. They got us plus John this time so I took a photo lol

I don't think I've ever seen any names on there - maybe I just don't pay enough attention? (entirely possible )

Aria also taught Maya the fine art of twirling which resulted in some super cute videos. Not sure if this will work but here you go-

Video not showing up for me, but cute pictures!

I *finally* got my 2016 review and got the points I was hoping for, including a small bonus, which is going towards a new swingset for the girls.

I'm still awaiting my review/merit meeting in the next few weeks. Glad yours went well and you even got a bonus! Great idea about spending time outside once the baby comes. Are the other girls staying in daycare during your leave or does she allow them to stay with you and come back?

That's about it for now. We are on week #2 of no washing machine, so it's a good thing the girl's closets are stocked hahaha! Andrew might need to go shopping soon if they don't come back to fix it soon (had to order a part).

Well, if you ever needed an excuse to buy lots of clothes...

OH I almost forgot, I spied a STEAL on OfferUp over the weekend - a City Mini Double for $50 and we picked it up.

Sounds like a great deal - hope it works out well!

 

[Imagineer5]

How are you 34 weeks already!?! You look great!! And what a great deal on the double stroller!

Tonga toast with a side of potatoes sounds like the perfect breakfast - yum! Too bad about the monorail...

You guys had another fun, busy morning! Good to know about Pinocchio Village Haus dairy-free pizza. I wonder if it's any good! I feel like my kids will be eating the allergy-friendly chicken nuggets a lot, so another alternative would be welcome.

Aw thank you!! I started out a little higher weight than I'd have liked (I like to blame Maya for that lol), so as of last week's appointment I only gained 5 lbs so far. In the last week I've indulged in quite a bit of Taco Bell (my current craving, and there is one close to work so it happens to be a very convenient lunch lol) and doughnuts...lol...

They use Daiya cheese from what I read. Sooooo if you think that Daiya is good then you're all set! I personally cannot stand the taste (my Friday night pizza night was shot during those 3 months) BUT Maya doesn't know any different and lovessss her Daiya pizza so I guess it just depends on the audience!

Loving the updates! Can't believe it's getting so close to baby time already. I have about 2 weeks left of work before I decide if I'm done or going to try for one more (I'm 35.3 today).

You'll have to share pics of the swing set all set up! I've been debating on getting one for our girls too, but ultimately decided to wait until next summer.

I was just thinking about that - I plan to work 4 more weeks after this one, when I'll be 38w1d, but honestly I don't feel like the baby has dropped yet and so I am going to play that 5th week by ear. I would hate to spend a week+ home waiting on baby (and I don't have enough leave to do so ). Almost your time!! Eeek. Do you have an inkling when she'll be here??

If my girls were younger then I wouldn't need it as much, but with Aria being 5, she is a great age to play outside (even by herself last summer!). With my leave happening about mid-April through mid-July, I should be home for some great weather and I'm hoping Aria will be able to play with Maya outside without constant supervision. We'll see!

You don't say? I get it, obviously - seeing how long it took us to take Disney transportation to our PPO breakfasts vs. you driving in December was....frustrating. Though, I will say I was missing Disney transportation in February. But I know why that was - we were driving in from across town (like 45 minutes away ) after dropping Dug at his conference each day, which of course had us coming in with the mid-morning masses. Took FOREVER to park, but I'm sure PPO you just zoom right on in. I also found leaving to take much longer than I expected. But, again, probably leaving at the more popular times, I guess (after Illuminations and RoL). I'm on the fence about getting a car next time - might depend on ADRs. But enough rambling...

That is true, the evenings can be crappy. But I'd rather be behind a wheel of a car in charge of where I'm going vs. waiting in a line anticipating a totally full bus, holding a kid and dealing with a stroller lol. Those drop offs would stink!! Yes, PPO and there's no wait - I usually got to the park so early that no one even was manning the parking booths lol. We don't do too many late nights either (in June I think we're planning 1 RoL night and 1 Happily Ever After show).

Haha, can't remember if I told you - I am not normally a hands-up person, but she made me do it when I rode with her. Brave kid!

You did tell me that! LOL! I didn't realize you don't normally put your hands up, hahaha!

I'm still awaiting my review/merit meeting in the next few weeks. Glad yours went well and you even got a bonus! Great idea about spending time outside once the baby comes. Are the other girls staying in daycare during your leave or does she allow them to stay with you and come back?

Aww good luck!! Yes, it's not much but it is something!

Mid-April through next January I'm dropping down to 4 days per week on daycare (Fridays off). But when I'm home on maternity leave I'll be keeping Aria & Maya home with me, but have to pay for daycare. I will drop them off if need be - but when Maya was born there'd be weeks gone by that I'd just drop off a check and that was it. I'm looking forward to the extra time spent with them!! But I can see possibly using the daycare more now, with Maya's young age and how she might be with the baby haha.

Sounds like a great deal - hope it works out well!

Well I sold our single for $60 lol! So I'd call that a good deal! I can see taking the City Mini Double to the zoo or something when I'm home with the 3, vs putting together the City Select. Some place where a double-wide won't be too cumbersome lol!

 

[lilluv117]

I'm still here although I usually read the trip reports from my phone when I have a minute of downtime at work so I don't get to comment as much.

I must say, You look amazing! I can't believe you're so close to the end of the pregnancy.

And that's a great deal on the City Mini double. Awesome!

Breakfast looked fun and so did the pool!

Good luck on the new venture. I am patiently waiting for your sales to go up.

Can't wait for your next update!

 

[Tygerlilly]

I was just thinking about that - I plan to work 4 more weeks after this one, when I'll be 38w1d, but honestly I don't feel like the baby has dropped yet and so I am going to play that 5th week by ear. I would hate to spend a week+ home waiting on baby (and I don't have enough leave to do so ). Almost your time!! Eeek. Do you have an inkling when she'll be here??

If my girls were younger then I wouldn't need it as much, but with Aria being 5, she is a great age to play outside (even by herself last summer!). With my leave happening about mid-April through mid-July, I should be home for some great weather and I'm hoping Aria will be able to play with Maya outside without constant supervision. We'll see!

At our appointment last week she had dropped down and was head down. I've had a lot of Braxton hicks this week and quite a bit of pressure, so I'm guessing she'll be about 2 or so weeks early like her sister was. I'm betting on the end of this month.

I think they'll be fine out back playing without too much supervision. Especially if your yard is fenced in. I wish ours was, but it's just not something our landlord is really into looking into putting up.

 

[Tygerlilly]

Double posted somehow.

 

[cinderaimee]

I just caught up with your May trip and wow, it looks like such a fun time, especially your EMM day! I love that you got some one on one time with Aria, what a special treat for both of you!

 

[Imagineer5]

I'm still here although I usually read the trip reports from my phone when I have a minute of downtime at work so I don't get to comment as much.

I must say, You look amazing! I can't believe you're so close to the end of the pregnancy.

And that's a great deal on the City Mini double. Awesome!

Breakfast looked fun and so did the pool!

Good luck on the new venture. I am patiently waiting for your sales to go up.

Can't wait for your next update!

Yeah if I ever read an update on my phone I never comment! I wish they'd bring back a decent app. Thanks so much, I am not-so-patiently-waiting :-D glad to know you're still reading along. Since this trip, you'd have like 25 trip reports to do! Lol I love seeing your photos!

At our appointment last week she had dropped down and was head down. I've had a lot of Braxton hicks this week and quite a bit of pressure, so I'm guessing she'll be about 2 or so weeks early like her sister was. I'm betting on the end of this month.

I think they'll be fine out back playing without too much supervision. Especially if your yard is fenced in. I wish ours was, but it's just not something our landlord is really into looking into putting up.

Oh that is good (about dropping down) not so much about the Braxton hicks and pressure lol! I never had Braxton hicks with DD1 or 2, so I have no idea what they feel like. But def still waiting for the pressure. She's still doing a lot of rib-kicking.

Yeah, fencing in our yard was top of the list when we bought the house 10 years ago!! It was a must with dogs, and now nice with kids too. sorry your landlord isn't interested in putting one up

I just caught up with your May trip and wow, it looks like such a fun time, especially your EMM day! I love that you got some one on one time with Aria, what a special treat for both of you!

Aw thanks!! We had a REALLY great trip - it went by quickly (don't they all!) but so nice to reconnect.

 

[mousehappync]

I'm back! We closed on one house Friday, should close on new one in the next couple of days, and we got everything moved into a combination of basement at new house (they are generously letting us store things ahead of closing) storage and to my mom's. I need a good Dis fix but now need to catch up on work I missed the last two weeks, so still no time to update. I will live vicariously through your updates! I can't believe baby is arriving so soon-- it seems like yesterday you announced your pregnancy! Your little bump is so cute-- as are your twirling girls! And I really hope you get your washer fixed soon-- that's a nightmare with kids/babies!

On to WDW-- your morning looks fun. I LOVE Kona, as well, but I get the pineapple pancakes. The Tonga toast is too sweet for me (and I love sugar!). That LINE-- omg. What a mass of people. You still managed to do so much with so little wait. And I need to message you for your mb tips-- I do not know the secret for using old bands. We have SO many-- probably 2 dozen, from changing resorts so much. I should be maximizing them! i love that Aria is so brave about Splash-- I still get a little freaked before the final drop! And HM-- that one was still reaaaaalllly scary to my boys at her age. She's such a great travel companion!

 

[Imagineer5]

I'm back! We closed on one house Friday, should close on new one in the next couple of days, and we got everything moved into a combination of basement at new house (they are generously letting us store things ahead of closing) storage and to my mom's. I need a good Dis fix but now need to catch up on work I missed the last two weeks, so still no time to update. I will live vicariously through your updates! I can't believe baby is arriving so soon-- it seems like yesterday you announced your pregnancy! Your little bump is so cute-- as are your twirling girls! And I really hope you get your washer fixed soon-- that's a nightmare with kids/babies!

On to WDW-- your morning looks fun. I LOVE Kona, as well, but I get the pineapple pancakes. The Tonga toast is too sweet for me (and I love sugar!). That LINE-- omg. What a mass of people. You still managed to do so much with so little wait. And I need to message you for your mb tips-- I do not know the secret for using old bands. We have SO many-- probably 2 dozen, from changing resorts so much. I should be maximizing them! i love that Aria is so brave about Splash-- I still get a little freaked before the final drop! And HM-- that one was still reaaaaalllly scary to my boys at her age. She's such a great travel companion!

Well I am so glad that the closing happened for your old house, and should happen soon for the new one! That's nice they are letting you store some things.

I have to admit, the kid's closets haven't suffered from the no-washing-machine. I should take a photo of Aria's closet now that we're at the 2-week mark - it doesn't look like anything is missing. Same with Maya's. Benefits of a clothes-obsessed mom I guess Andrew bought new underwear for himself and has been complaining about not having clean stuff. Luckily about 4 weeks ago, I decided I needed a few new pairs of MJ pants (they have some women's clothes too) and they are the comfiest. So I bought 5 pairs on the MJ BST boards, so I've been rotating between those and my old pairs and doing pretty good. But it is a good thing he's coming to fix it this week!

We also have a lot of baby stuff to wash, so it'll be nice to finally be able to do that.

I usually eat the Tonga Toast sans strawberry sauce, so maybe that helps with the sweetness? IDK. I used to hate anything too sweet in the mornings but can totally do it now haha.

RE the Magic Bands, just an FYI if it's linked to your name, they all act the same - so you can't use those for extra FP. You need MB's linked to other ppl.

Aria seriously is a wonderful traveling companion, I really have enjoyed our trips together, or even just the little bit of time we get together, like this weekend seeing BatB. She is SO much fun, and so full of life - excited, happy, and interested in everything.

 

[Imagineer5]

So after our quick lunch, we went to use our FP for A&E. It wasn't long before it was Aria's turn. She chatted with Elsa about having a baby sister, and then she told her about having an Elsa dress and apologized for not wearing it - haha.

And then covered her with her cape, which Aria got a kick out of.

Next up was Anna, who excitedly told her the story of flying through the mountains on Kristoff's sled

I had purposely kept the afternoon completely open based on how we were doing, but we decided to stay through dinner (which was at Be Our Guest) so we had the afternoon to fill! Next up, a SDFP for Tinkerbelle, and we stopped to check out the Move It Shake It parade.

We got to Tink and grabbed our stuff, bc after meeting her we'd get to meet Mickey too. We didn't have to wait long and Aria was enjoying taking photos while in line.

I'll spare you all the close ups of me.

Tinkerbelle admired Aria's silver shoes

Aria asked her to show her how to fly, but she said she didn't have any pixie dust.

While we were in there, Andrew's sister Melissa had her babies - Sofia & Wyatt, and texted me photos.

Then we went back in for a meet with Mickey! Aria was excited to show him her dress.

Little miss decided no nap was necessary today, so we headed over to use our FP for the Speedway which I'd been able to move from earlier.

I gave her my phone to take pictures, and we have about 20 of our feet.

BTW Sketchers Go Walk shoes are Super comfy

Another gem from the ride:

We had some time afterwards before finding a spot for the Festival of Fantasy parade, so Aria decided she wanted to meet Tiana. I thought we should wait until Naveen joined in (later in the day I believe) so her next choice was Merida. It was about a 15-20 minute wait, but not horrible.

When we got up there, they talked about her brothers

But I think the best part was the coloring table afterwards haha (at least the best thing to Aria)

Here was her colorful rendition

Then we headed over to find a spot for the parade. Since our next destination was the Jungle Cruise, I started walking that way and looked for a spot in Frontierland, which worked out well. We ended up sidling up next to a trash can lol, which was fine!

You can see we also managed to stay shaded, which was wonderful.

After the parade we were able to cut through into Adventureland and hop right on the Jungle Cruise!

It was fun - nothing to write home about then we headed to Splash. We had the "height met!" card plus a FP! So we got to ride twice in a row!

And back around for another ride!

This time I asked for the front row!

Aria was having a blast. And as I write this I am sad - because Splash will be down for our October trip!