traveling with multiples!!

[dmillerdmd]

It's been a very eventful week but I finally made it back to my home here on the multiples thread (I know that just sounds WEIRD but it's who we are!) Anyway, we have been through Strep, Influenza(the real one) and bronchitis since I was last here- and that's just me!! So anyway, love seeing the new names and all we have in common, because unless you've done it, you don't realize that it is a different experience. My Mother, who raised 6 kids, insisted how this would be just like having kids 16 months apart as she did. 3 days after the twins were born, she looked at me and said, "There is nothing like this!" God love her! B est wishes to all!
Also here is my info:
Screen name: dmilerdmd
Real name: Donna
Married to: Terry (almost 18 yrs)
Twins: Anna Marie & Joel (age 9)
Living in: Southern Ohio
Occupation: Dentist (3 1/2 days per week)
Next trip: Believe it or not, a CE couse by MYSELF in March, staying at the CR. Yes, the kids can't handle it.

 

[dmillerdmd]

It's been a very eventful week but I finally made it back to my home here on the multiples thread (I know that just sounds WEIRD but it's who we are!) Anyway, we have been through Strep, Influenza(the real one) and bronchitis since I was last here- and that's just me!! So anyway, love seeing the new names and all we have in common, because unless you've done it, you don't realize that it is a different experience. My Mother, who raised 6 kids, insisted how this would be just like having kids 16 months apart as she did. 3 days after the twins were born, she looked at me and said, "There is nothing like this!" God love her! B est wishes to all!
Also here is my info:
Screen name: dmillerdmd
Real name: Donna
Married to: Terry (almost 18 yrs)
Twins: Anna Marie & Joel (age 9)
Living in: Southern Ohio
Occupation: Dentist (3 1/2 days per week)
Next trip: Believe it or not, a CE couse by MYSELF in March, staying at the CR. Yes, the kids can't handle it.

 

[KarlaG4Kids]

dmillerdmd, glad to see you are feeling better. You are so right....there is NOTHING like having twins. And it continues through their whole lives (even after they are grown). There are some real pluses, but there are some real challenges also. It is sure worth it though! : ) : )

 

[AshAlytwins]

Karla...when you were at Pop where did you stay...what building do you suggest??

 

[kritter]

It's been a very eventful week but I finally made it back to my home here on the multiples thread (I know that just sounds WEIRD but it's who we are!) Anyway, we have been through Strep, Influenza(the real one) and bronchitis since I was last here- and that's just me!! So anyway, love seeing the new names and all we have in common, because unless you've done it, you don't realize that it is a different experience. My Mother, who raised 6 kids, insisted how this would be just like having kids 16 months apart as she did. 3 days after the twins were born, she looked at me and said, "There is nothing like this!" God love her! B est wishes to all!
Also here is my info:
Screen name: dmillerdmd
Real name: Donna
Married to: Terry (almost 18 yrs)
Twins: Anna Marie & Joel (age 9)
Living in: Southern Ohio
Occupation: Dentist (3 1/2 days per week)
Next trip: Believe it or not, a CE couse by MYSELF in March, staying at the CR. Yes, the kids can't handle it.

oh my gosh and welcome back...I posted your information on our first page....

We have been through pneumonia and bronchitis...I had the bronchitis. One twin had the pneunomia and the other one had a sinus infection..I have not been out of this house in one whole week..>I am going stir crazy.......

I agree there is nothing like it...I just think how sick my daughter was this past week and the look on her face and I was the only person she wanted...How good is that feeling that you are their whole world...No one can understand the feeling of being a mom to mulitples.....

 

[triplefigs]

Thanks to AshAlytwins for letting me know y'all were here!

I am Denise, the proud mom to bbg triplets who turn 6 in June! Yikes! How did that happen? They will start Kindergarten in the fall, and they are so excited.

They were born at 29.5 weeks after a very scary pg on bedrest with tons of complications. They weighed 2-6, 2-9, and 1-15 and were in the NICU for 12 weeks. 2 are fine, buy my DS has Cerebral Palsy, several medical issues, ADHD, Sensory Integration Disorder, and we are exploring the possibility of an Autism Spectrum Disorder- either PDD-NOS or Aspergers. It has been tough having one so medically fragile and with special needs, but I wouldn't change one second of it. My kids are the loves of my life.

I'm a Pediatric/Postpartum Nurse, and I teach prenatal classes to expectant parents of multiples. I also teach preschool 2 days per week. We took the kids to Disney for their first trip in December. We had a blast and are going back again this year.

Hello to all my fellow MOMS!

 

[AshAlytwins]

Glad you made it here!!!!
Sounds as if you have a good head on your shoulders and your priorities straight!!!
Your children are adorable!!! Are they identicle??? ( I always hated those kinds of questions!!!)

 

[kikakeko]

welcome triplefigs!!!!!!

Hope you enjoy this thread as much as I do.

I am a pediatric/adolescent psychiatric nurse -we are seeing lots more aspergers/pdd nos kids in our practice here recently. I have some information if you are interested but if you are like me you have already researched everything to death. I would suggest if your psychitrist office offers it I would look into case management to help with IEP and school related issues. They sort of work as a patient advocate.

 

[triplefigs]

welcome triplefigs!!!!!!

Hope you enjoy this thread as much as I do.

I am a pediatric/adolescent psychiatric nurse -we are seeing lots more aspergers/pdd nos kids in our practice here recently. I have some information if you are interested but if you are like me you have already researched everything to death. I would suggest if your psychitrist office offers it I would look into case management to help with IEP and school related issues. They sort of work as a patient advocate.

Thanks. I'd love any info you have. You can never be too informed. He sees a Developmental Ped, and she is referring him to a Psychiatrist for a full eval. She is writing a detailed letter with her suggestions (mainstream classroom) for me to take for his first IEP meeting next week. He currently gets private therapy, and they have made suggestions as well. Any other tips or advice on how to approach the IEP would be greatly appreciated. Our thinking is mainstream classroom, have him pulled out for therapies, and have an aide for fine motor delays (tested in the 1-3% for his age) and to keep him on track.

Thanks!

 

[huey duey & luey]

Denise, glad to see you. I hope that you find the info you need. I am a pediatric occupational therapist so please let me know if you need anything

Donna, hope you are feeling better

btw after todays ice storm where is Linda with CC stories

 

[kikakeko]

http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=IDEA



this is a good web site that we refer to often, be very familiar with IDEA - it is the schools form of HIPPA.


http://www.autism.org/naltrex.html

this is the use of naltrexone in children with PDD and other forms of autism... I have personally seen this drug work miracles for some of our kiddos and I am not stretching here. It can also help with some of the ADHD symptoms.

One of my closest friends has twins bg and one (b) has aspergers and is gifted. she has been in a fight for this whole school year with his IEP because the school is very uneducated on his dx ( we live in small town usa but they are getting better I must admit) and they will not advance him in reading he is in K reading on a 2nd grade/3rd grade level. he also has sensory issues, they have a net swing in their living room to help with some of those issues, he has brushing at school, he has a aide to help him when he is on "overload" to take him to a quiet room. She has also used weighted blankets. We just recently started him on Clonidine 0.1mg 1 1/2 po qhs to help with his sleep cycle. She has learned to NOT BACK DOWN from school officials. And she has also had to contact legal aide to help advocate. it has been very hard on her and him. He is also mainstreamed. As of right now if they do decide to advance him he will leave his current school and his twin and go to a different school and that has been a HUGE decision. Our elementary is Kand 1 then next is 2 and 3rd and then middle school ect...

I will see if some of the other publications I have at my office are avalible online if not I can mail them too you.

 

[triplefigs]

Thanks for the links. I'm going to really study up before the IEP. He is currently on Strattera for ADHD and BuSpar for the anxiety attacks. Will Naltrexone help with the repetitive question type behavior and needing to know exactly what's happening next? That's our biggest problem at the moment. He has good eye contact and is social (has some very minor issues). The Dev Ped is suggesting to add Prozac if the BuSpar doesn't fully help.

Thanks.

 

[kikakeko]

those are good choices in meds we use them often. the rigid thinking process of aspergers often facinates me. the teacher at my friends son's school told him that "tommrrow never comes" she was days trying to explain that one.

no naltrexone wouldn't help in that dept I don't believe but you might ask your psych. I think it is used more with the PDD diagnosis but I can do some checking out tomorrow.

now I have a question that you might know.... tell me about ambylopia in preemies and multiples? My youngest dd twin was just dx with this but we ahven't seen the pediatric opthmologist yet... her eye looks normal so eye dr was thinking it is refractive ambyopia ..is this common I don't believe that she recieved O2 at birth and neither were in the NICU

 

[AshAlytwins]

Denise, glad to see you. I hope that you find the info you need. I am a pediatric occupational therapist so please let me know if you need anything

Donna, hope you are feeling better

btw after todays ice storm where is Linda with CC stories

Yes....where is Linda???

I am going to bed, my back aches from scraping the ice off my car this morning!!!

 

[KarlaG4Kids]

Ashalytwins: We stayed in the 60's b building. We enjoyed it a lot. It was very quiet and a nice view of the hourglass lake. The only drawback is that it is a very long walk to the bus stop, although not as far as some of the other buildings.....but I was having a severe foot problem at the time so it seemed to be an endless walk, especially at the end of the day. I don't know much about the other buildings, but because of the proximity to the bus stop I would choose the 80's or 90's buildings if I were choosing. At least the bus rides were not terribly long from the resorts because the Pop was the only stop....also it was the first stop on the magical express route from the airport. We loved it!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Here I am!! Sorry, another nurse here (cardiac) - been working 12 hr shifts. LOL, I also dug out my car on the way to work tonight, it bums me out to think that just a few days ago I was basking in the warm sunshine and complaining about my sunburn.

BTW, I also have a nephew with Asperger's. It's been a long road, but at age 16 he is finally doing very well. There were some very difficult years when he was younger, though. Blessings to you, triplefigs.

Let's see, where should I start about our day at Castaway Cay? Well, we got up early that morning, grabbed some coffee, and watched from Deck 10 Forward as Magic came down the home stretch toward Castaway Cay. What a beautiful place to be: the wind is blowing, engine humming, workers scurrying, and you know you are about to have a really great day. I love it when the Mickey Mouse flag is raised on the front of the ship. There were probably about 50 other people up there with us, presumably enjoying the experience as much as we were.

CC looked as beautiful as ever. Last time we were there was Sept 1, 2004 - a few days before Hurricane Frances hit. Our CC day had been the day before, but our purpose on this day was to evacuate all workers off the island, and we could not get off the ship (we watched from Palo). All the pretty boats were put away, the island was pretty bare. So to see it again in all its glory made us happy.

I got in line early to get off the ship while DH and the kids continued to explore for a while, which gave me time to look over the day's Navigator without my name being called 20 times. After deboarding, DH and DS made a beeline for our favorite spot with hammock, while DD and I took our time walking and stopping for a few photo-ops. I also like to stop in She Sells Seashells before the crowds arrive to see the latest selection of CC souveniers (only bought a postcard for my photo album this time, LOL).

As soon as we arrived on the beach we noticed one big dark rain cloud right over our heads. I went down to test the water and as I did it started to pour, the first rainfall we'd seen all week. Our friends had just arrived to our location also and for about 10 minutes we all huddled under the umbrellas to let the rain pass. After that, we had a sunny, warm day. We had all gotten pretty fried in St Martin, so we had tons of sun lotion on us and DH and I tried to stay under the umbrellas as much as we could, but the kids were another story.

Shortly after we got to the beach, my DH and two kids, and one of our friends were off for parasailing. DH had gone parasailing on CC before but for the others, it was their first time. I'd been assured it was safe for the kids, but I have to say I was pretty nervous thinking of them being up there when I saw the first group of parasailers in the air. My friend - whose husband was up there too - and I tried to watch with binoculars but we couldn't see too well. That was when we decided to order the first round of pina coladas. DH and our friend took the video cameras with them so later on we watched the parasailing experience up close. Not for me but they all enjoyed it. My DD8 went up with our (adult) friend, and even he was a bit nervous being up there. While in the air, he felt some movement, and said to DD (the budding gymnast who is constantly flipping, handstanding, etc) "are you swinging"???. She said "yes" and he was like, "please stop"!!!

We found a nice shady spot for lunch away from the crowds. We'd never been to this area before but it's next to the main eating area, "out back" sort of. Plenty of tables with umbrellas, eqidistant between the food and the bathrooms. I stuck with the hamburger, corn, cole slaw and chips, but the other adults in our party all enjoyed the ribs (I was kind of ribbed out after I ordered them at Parrot Cay on a previous night). They also had some fish sandwiches (salmon, I think) and barbequed chicken. Our server from Palo told us to come by the ice cream machine which he'd be working that day, but I think only one of our party of 10 made it over there, we were so full from the whole week!!

For the rest of the day we lounged and relaxed. I dragged around a large book all week and didn't read one word of it! I was content to people watch, doze, chat with someone I met from back home, browse the stores a bit, watch the kids play, take some pictures and walk around a bit. Some in our group rented bikes and snorkeled. We had originally booked the Stingray excursion but decided earlier in the week that after our last two times on CC were spent running around all day, we decided we'd all just rather hang out and not prebook too much, so that is what we did and it was a good choice. While they were biking I decided it was a good time to head back to the ship so I could have a shower in peace and organize our clothes for dinner without all the chaos for once. I also knew I had to print up our Southwest passes for our flight the next day which is the worst part about CC day being at the end of the week. We also had to have our bags packed and out in the hallway between 9-11pm so we knew that was going to take some time.

As it is, we realized when we got home we'd forgotten all of DDs clothes in one of the drawers. In retrospect, we are sure it had to be because of what we now refer to as the "Flubber Incident". After dinner, we'd decided that I would deal with the kids and DH would pack the suitcases. Fair deal to me. So I took the kids to the kids club for a while while I returned the beeper and finalized our Shutters selections. When I went back to get the kids DD had made some Flubber and some other craft type things. Knowing I'd have to carry them on the plane if they didn't get in the luggage that night, we went back to the room to drop off the crafts and Flubber there. Well, DH in his packing frenzy had a bird when the Flubber arrived (if you know my DD, you have to understand we live with her arts and crafts in every nook and cranny of our house, LOL ). So DH tossed tossed the Flubber in the trash, saying he didn't want it to get all over everything in the suitcase, etc. DD became hysterical, she did not want to part with any of her beloved crafts. After some tense moments, we finally decided we could squeeze the Flubber in safely somewhere. DH, however, had had his packing momentum disrupted, and must have missed the last few drawers altogether which contained all of DDs Disney shirts, shorts and underwear. Good news is that DCL is sending the clothes back to us, gotta love Disney. And our room steward who also saved the day our last morning after DDs bear was nowhere to be found and he found it stuffed under the sofa bed.

Hope everyone with upcoming trips enjoys the planning and yes, even the packing.

FWIW, we've stayed at Pop Century 3 times now, and our favorite area has been the 80s, overlooking the computer pool. It is a long hike everywhere, but the area is nice and quiet, yet active during the day and fun to look around. (Have also stayed in the 50's and 60's - 60's too much smoke all around).

 

[kritter]

oh thanks so much for the report on CC...Can you tell me where you think the best spot to be is on the beach...Since we are newcomers to the whole DCL thing.. thanks...

Sounds like the whole trip was a balst...One thing to ask..I am trying to book my flights for our cruise...The only return flight home I can find leaves MCO at 11:15..Do you think we would make it off the ship and to the airport in time...?? We are having a limo pick us up so I do not have to worry about the DCL transporation thing?? Ever heard of southern Elegance that is who I booked through...
Thanks for all, the info ..
Kristin

 

[llp479]

Triplefigs - I have twin girls that were born at 31 weeks. One of my dd's has sensory integration and dyspraxia, as well as an LD. It can be very challenging. Some mornings I want to scream as she can be so unreasonable when it comes to clothing. They will be turning 12 on the 27th on the Wonder.

Regarding the IEP, don't assume the district will be informed about your child's disorder. We live in a district of 7500 students in a suburb of Chicago known for it's work in Special Ed with Autistc children. They know the "mainstream" disorders/LD, but the obscure are out of their area of expertise.

In our case, I fought the district for over 3 years to get the IEP, then fought another 2 over what was in it. They kept insisting she had ADD and wanted me to get the PED to medicate her. PED said, no way. The social worker called me to say she disagreed with the LD supervisor and thought it might be sensory integration. I told her I had suspected that for YEARS, but the district refused to even consider it. I found an OT in our area that specializes in SID/Autism and had her tested. She is HIGHLY sensory avoiding, and shuts down when overwhelmed. Took the OT with us to the IEP meeting and she presented her report. That was last May, and this year in 6th grade we have a child who is now on the high honor roll! Quite a switch from a girls who barely passed 5th grade. Amazing what having the correct accomodations listed in the IEP can do for your child.

You are your child's only advocate in the school. Don't be afraid to call a meeting any time your not happy, it's your right under the law. Make sure the IEP is being followed. Feel free to bring your own "experts" into the meetings. This also is allowed, you just need to notify them prior to the meeting who will be attending.

Good luck!

 

[AshAlytwins]

Thank you, thanl you for the CC report... so nice to read upon my return form my daily 3 mile walk ( today it was a balmy 17 out)...sounds like we missed some of the island whan we were there...this year we will have to explore more.....are there more than one store on the island???? I love the ribs at CC, so I am looking forward to them again!!!!

 

[kritter]

Triplefigs - I have twin girls that were born at 31 weeks. One of my dd's has sensory integration and dyspraxia, as well as an LD. It can be very challenging. Some mornings I want to scream as she can be so unreasonable when it comes to clothing. They will be turning 12 on the 27th on the Wonder.

Regarding the IEP, don't assume the district will be informed about your child's disorder. We live in a district of 7500 students in a suburb of Chicago known for it's work in Special Ed with Autistc children. They know the "mainstream" disorders/LD, but the obscure are out of their area of expertise.

In our case, I fought the district for over 3 years to get the IEP, then fought another 2 over what was in it. They kept insisting she had ADD and wanted me to get the PED to medicate her. PED said, no way. The social worker called me to say she disagreed with the LD supervisor and thought it might be sensory integration. I told her I had suspected that for YEARS, but the district refused to even consider it. I found an OT in our area that specializes in SID/Autism and had her tested. She is HIGHLY sensory avoiding, and shuts down when overwhelmed. Took the OT with us to the IEP meeting and she presented her report. That was last May, and this year in 6th grade we have a child who is now on the high honor roll! Quite a switch from a girls who barely passed 5th grade. Amazing what having the correct accomodations listed in the IEP can do for your child.

You are your child's only advocate in the school. Don't be afraid to call a meeting any time your not happy, it's your right under the law. Make sure the IEP is being followed. Feel free to bring your own "experts" into the meetings. This also is allowed, you just need to notify them prior to the meeting who will be attending.

Good luck!

In response to this...I just wanted to let you know that I was teacher before having my twins...So if you need any information on PPT's etc...Let me know...I would be more thatn happy to help you and tell you what your rights, etc.. are...Let me know if I can help out in anyway shape or form...thanks,,,