Disney Dream: Day 2

As I woke up for the second morning, I could see the sun starting to peak out. This was going to be a much better day...I could feel it.

Aubreigh and I got in line early to meet the princesses. They had 3 princess meet and greets set up on the ship. Aubreigh took her story book for them to sign, and I was armed with the camcorder and camera--because I am obsessed with preserving memories. We stood in line for a little bit (20-30 min) but it wasn't too bad. We got to meet Snow White, Belle, Aurora, Cindy (apparently she and Aubs are on a first name basis), and Tiana. We were very excited to see Tiana since we she was the only one that we hadn't met at the Dinner we had in the Castle while at disney a few days prior.

After we left the princesses, we stood in line for Pinocchio and Peter Pan since they were short. We also saw Tinker Belle walking through the hallway (she was being escorted to an appearance or something). When characters are being escorted you are unable to take pics and just say a quick hello. We also saw Aladdin just roaming the halls as we walked back to our stateroom. He stopped to say hello to Aubreigh and asked her to keep a look out for Abu--his pet monkey. She thought this morning was the best. She loved the characters!

Afterwards, I took Aubs to my mothers room and brought us back some things to eat from the buffet.. Michael and Darren had eaten while we went to the princesses. Then we got ready and headed out to Nassau.

A lot of people had said that it was best to just stay on the ship that day. However, if I am somewhere new, I have to check things out-- If only for the fact that I can say I have been there.

We were greeted at the port by tons of Bahamians wanting to give us a taxi ride somewhere. We could see Atlantis in the background and decided to go there-for 4 bucks a person (It was my mom, Deneen, Michael, Aubreigh, and myself). We got to Atlantis, but honestly it was not as nice as I expected it to be (at the reception area). We were not going to do the water parks because the kids were too young, and I didn't feel it would be worth the extra $40 pp to visit the aquarium, so we just walked around the shops and stopped at the candy store, and then headed back.

The cab driver on the way back was very informative. He showed us different landmarks and one of them was the PRIVATE hospital that Anna Nicole Smith had her baby in. Let me just say, I would never want to have a baby in the Bahamas, and I could only shudder at the thought of what the public hospital looked like. My mother and I looked at each other and thought the same thing....Thank GOD that my father did not have his heart attack in the Bahamas!

When we got back we decided to go on a horse and carriage ride. I am a sucker for them. I love to get a tour of the city and hear what the tour guide has to say. I do believe, however, that this tour guide was drunk. I was also a little worried that the carriage was going to fall apart every time we hit a bump--it was super rickety. But, we made it-and Aubreigh said she enjoyed it and Michael's eyes were as big as quarters the whole time. I was also worried that our city mini jogger was going to be sold to the highest bidder by the drivers assistant who promised she would watch it while we went. Fortunately, she was standing there with it as we got back. She asked for a tip and I gladly gave her 5 bucks and she seemed good with that. Something on this trip worked out.

Then we headed back to the ship. Nassau was not a destination that I would long to go back too, but I am definitely glad that I experienced it.

On the way back I saw some pay phones and was going to try and call my father. I couldn't find any info on how to get them to work or how much they would cost, so I just let it be. I was actually having a semi good day, and I was kind of nervous about calling my dad. I knew that if something happened they would contact us immediately on the cruise ship. And I kind of just needed a break from stress. I had not been sleeping for a few nights and had an upset stomach the day before, and as terrible as it sounds, I just wanted to hide from the chaos for one day.

We got back and Darren took Aubreigh to the pool so Michael and I could nap, which of course didn't work out too well. We got ready for dinner and went to the "Enchanted Garden" for dinner. Miguel, our assistant waiter was top notch again. He did magic tricks for the kids and had apple juice and water waiting for them as they were seated. Afterwards we went to see "Villian's Tonite" another broadway-esque disney themed show about the lighter side of the villians. It was pretty good, but Aubreigh and Michael both fell asleep, so we left towards the end.

Day 2 was actually nice. Could it be quite possible that the doom and gloom mood we started the trip with was getting a little lighter?

Disney Vacation: The Disney Dream Day 1

How does that saying go....the best laid plans????

That pretty much sums up our vacation this Feb 9-16th. My father, who was traveling with us ended up having a heart attack during the first leg of our trip. Fortunately, he was well taken care of by both the Florida Hospital and my extended family that lived nearby. He would have to miss the cruise portion, but since it was all paid for and he wanted us to go, we went (with a bunch of worries and guilt of course).

The first day we boarded, we (myself, Darren, Aubreigh, Michael, Mom, 2 sisters, and my Neice) were in a bit of a haze. We were unsure if we should even be on the cruise, worried about how my father was managing back in the hospital, and guilty for actually going on the cruise while he was recovering.

The weather was not pleasant at all. In fact, it was downright cold and windy. It was actually fitting for our mental state. Instead of being excited to enter the ship, I kind of just wanted to get this vacation over with, but I had a very excited little 3 year old, and I was determined to make the best of an unfortunate situation.

There was a photo spot as soon as you were entering the cruise. I didn't know how the rest of my family felt, but I just couldn't bring myself to take a picture of my whole family without my father in it. So I just quickly passed the photographer stating we were not interested. I pretty much had this attitude at any photo opportunities for the 8 of us.

We had the buffet lunch in the Enchanted Garden Dining room. We were all starving. Then we went to our rooms to rest a bit, and went to the sail away party. I took Aubreigh. By the time we got their, we really had a hard time seeing the characters and it was rather cold. So we went back to the cabin to get ready for dinner.

There are 3 main dining rooms on the Disney Dream. You have a rotating schedule and get to visit all of them. Our first night was the Animator's Palate. It was probably the least formal looking of the dining rooms, but was still very cute. There were cute Mickey themed seats and there was a large screen TV at the foot of our table. This is where "Crush" would come and talk to Aubreigh. Our assistant waiter was Top Notch. He had water in a children's cup waiting for the kids as soon as we were seated. He drew pics of Mickey mouse on them and totally catered to the children. He even made a Mickey Mouse with ketchup for Aubreigh to dip her chicken in. Once he learned what their drink choices would be, he would have them ready each night for the kids as we sat down.

I don't remember a ton about the meal, as my head was still in the clouds, but I do remember ordering some blueberry drink that was really good. I am not much of a drinker, but I definitely needed it.

Afterwards, we took Aubreigh to one of the character meet spots. Donald was there and there wasn't much of a line (it was in the bingo room instead of the atrium, which normally gets swamped). We got some pics and then it was time for Mickey to make his debut, so we just stayed and got some more. The Characters usually only did 15 minute greets, and there was always a crew member who would stand at the end of the line designating who would be the last family to have their picture taken. There was a list of where the characters would be, but it is hard to hit them all with all of the other activities going on. I am sure that if you are on a 7 night cruise it would be much better.

We took Aubreigh back to the room to change in her PJs for the show. My family watched Michael so Darren and I could spend some alone time with her. We went to "Golden Mickey's" which is like an awards show for Disney (We also got to see Minnie in the bingo room on the way to the show). Aubreigh enjoyed it very much. She especially loved seeing the princesses on stage. Then we went back and got some much needed sleep. The few nights prior had been rather restless. Was it possible that we were actually starting to relax and enjoy this cruise?

Michael's First Birthday

Aubreigh's 2nd Birthday

Aubreigh's second birthday was a huge success and baby Michael held out! Since I was on bed rest I had time to create a lot of little special touches for her!





The cupcakes I made! It was pretty easy just very time consuming! Also the cookie monster cookie table with 17 dozen cookies! I made them too! So much for bed rest this weekend.

I just wanted to add some pics that I had taken. I did a Mommy and Me theme with custom made outfits. OK.....i am a little over the top:)

Darren's Surprise 40th Casino Night Party

Well, I was able to pull of the party and it was a complete surprise for Darren. Everyone seemed to have a great time and really enjoy themselves (I think the bar bill was $750). There were over 50 people. I am so relieved that it is over and I don't have to hide the surprise anymore!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Can't judge a book by its cover...

Today is the anniversary of our FET (frozen embryo transfer). It was such a special day. I remember calling to say how many embryo's we wanted to defrost and having a stream of tears roll down my face as I told the lab technician to "take good care of my babies". The tech replied that they were sitting there listening to Christmas music and in good hands.

I remember feeling extremely calm and peaceful going into the office that day. I even let a resident watch the procedure. It wasn't like you could really see much of anything going on. You basically viewed a screen and saw a little poof on the screen. I remember thinking that the doctor looked like a coal miner with this bright light on his head. However, he wasn't searching for coal, and he certainly wasn't looking in a mine... lol!

I remember the procedure going extremely smoothly. I had to have a full bladder in order to have the procedure so I drank a lot of tea that morning....because I was getting a really nasty cold. After you have the transfer, you are taken to a hospital bed that you must lay on for an hour. Then you are finally allowed to use the restroom. Everything went surprisingly easily, and the full bladder was not as bad as I had thought it would be. When my time was up, I ran to the bathroom. And it was "that bathroom". There were playboy magazines lying around and a DVD player and TV with headphones.....it was where the guys go to do their business...

As I was reminiscing yesterday, one thought popped onto my head. We had the most screwed up looking sperm. I believe I even called them "retarded" at one time. Fortunately, the appearance on the outside doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the chromosomes on the inside. The chromosomes could be perfectly fine. However, the shorter tails or double heads make it harder for these guys to make the journey and penetrate the egg. With the first round of IVF, we actually had a procedure called ICSI....introcytoplasmic sperm injection. Basically they just inject the egg with a sperm, bypassing any motility or penetration problems.

Then I thought of Aubreigh. She is the most beautiful looking baby. It just goes to show, that you can't judge a book by its cover...........