I'm back. I have a few bits of randomness to share.
First, confession time. A few months ago I stopped reading celebrity news. Okay, we'll call it what it is - celebrity gossip. The Lord had been talking to me about it for quite a while but one day He was so clear with me that I had to stop right away and not look back. Have you ever had one of those moments? It's like you know The Arm of Judgment is about to come down if you try Him one more time. I was visiting People.com a little too much and the Lord told me no more! And no more E! either. I've had a few times when I've nearly fallen off the wagon. Like, my head almost popped off just now when on Curt's ESPN show they said that Tom Brady and Giselle Bundchen had gotten married. I really wanted to read all about it and see pictures. Why do I care about this c-r-a-p? I don't know. I love stories and always have, which is a quality that can get me in trouble. Also, I noticed that since I stopped reading celebrity news, I've been much less tempted to gossip in general. It's always great when you finally get to stop confessing something that's been on the conscience for a while, right? The sins vary, but I think we've all been there.
Second, Annabeth is getting noticeably bigger. Her little thighs are finally getting a little meat on them, her cheeks are filling out, and she's been able to wear some of her 0-3 month clothes. Of course, they're still big but they work. I need the Lord to send us a couple more cold weather weeks because I have some darling things for her to wear that require temperatures below 80. Houston is already there, people! Today I had her in that sweet little outfit that was the first thing I ever dressed her in. It's almost too small now. The shirt is a little too short. I could hardly believe it. You know, baby clothes only actually fit for a week. The rest of the time they're either slightly too big or slightly too small.
Third, we are seriously thinking about going to Disney World in early May before all the schools let out. We're hoping one or both of the grandmas will be able to go with us. Have any of you ever taken a three-month-old? How was it? Curtis is a huge Disney World fan. You should see how happy he's been since we started talking about this. Have any of you ever been on the Disney Cruise?
Enjoy your Friday night. I'll just be here on the couch, not watching E! or reading People.com.
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My 2 cents on the Disney thing....go with just Jackson and let it be all about him. But...you might still be nursing. Hmmmmm....We took our bigger boys the first time without the youngest and it was sooooo nice. We went several years later with everyone. Just a thought.
And...I'm with ya on the whole People thing. I'm still addicted to Bravo tv and all that juicy stuff. How am I with that? ;)
Praying for your weekend.
Hugs,
Fran
Glad to hear someone else has tuned out the Hollywood crowd! I'm like you, I love people and firmly believe that every living, breathing person has a story! But some of theirs is so "out there" that I get tired of hearing all the gossip. (The story has been told, then the gossip starts!) I'm a softy for the "happily ever after" story tho!!
My SIL and family took their little one to DisneyWorld at 4 months and they did fine. She slept most of the time. If you have a Grandma with you, you should be assured some rides with Little Boy!! As long as it's not too warm I would think Annabeth would never know she wasn't in Houston. We haven't done the Disney Cruise but would love to hear about it. We're thinking about doing that by summer ('10)with both of our kids and their families.
You get your randomness from your Mom and that's one reason we love you guys so much!!
Have a great weekend-we're going to the Aggie Basketball game tomorrow! Only a couple more games and that season is behind us. We went to our first baseball game last Saturday and loved it. It was almost as much fun watching the fans as watching the game!
Blessings,
I've never taken a child that small to Disney, but lots of people do. And if it makes hubby happy, I say go for it!
May I suggest you check out www.disboards.com to get all the information you'll ever need about Disney. It's a message board that thousands of people are a part of and you can ask questions and/or just read and find out anything you may need to know. I've been participating there for the past 6 years or so for our last 3 trips to Disney. Information has been invaluable. Hope this helps you.
Fran, I did think of that but since I'll still be nursing, we'd have to do it next summer. And I'm lobbying for a mommy daddy only vacay for then!
We need to have the Disney talk.
:-)
i'm also sitting on my couch (husband working), watching my 2 y/o play with a ball...wish you were closer and we actually KNEW each other so we could eat some mexican food..(haha - i'm pregnant and lovin it right now, and have no one to go with!). i've never taken a 3 mon old to disney, but i'm thinking the granny option is the best option.
how is jackson adjusting to annabeth?
I took my youngest to Disneyland when he was 2 weeks old or so, and then again when he was 5 or so months. We had a grandma with us (and an auntie) and he did fantastic both times. I rode the rides with my oldest with the exception of grandma's favorites...those she took my oldest on. My mom is a easy-only rider, so I was able to take our youngest on those myself.
Seriously, I need someone to talk some sense into my man! It's insane how bad I want to go to Disney! My husband has never been, I told him he was deprived as a child! LOL! Hopefully one day soon we can take the kids, but I am like you, I want my mom to go with us for the extra help! I say it would be better to take a newborn than say an 18 month old? Because she would just nurse and sleep.
Right with you on the moments when God comes through loud and clear. Like when he hit me with needing to stop watching reality tv...and I LOVE reality tv. It has been better to know that I am being obedient though!!!
As for Disney...we went this past Sept. with our three. Our youngest was 17 mos. - older than Annabeth will be! I would highly suggest taking g'parents along. We went with both sets of our parents (and lots of prayers covering us for people to get along) and it was a wonderful trip! We all want to go back ASAP. :) I would suggest the dining package, too. We got it free with our package, but maybe they will run the special deal again. If we ever go again and the meal plan isn't a free add-on, we'll definitely be paying the $ to add it. Meals can be traded in for the character dining which my kids loved!
Just a word of advice...In 2007, my husband & I took our 2 children who were 4 yrs old & 18-months to Disney World in April. We thought April would be ok weather...um, no! it was soooo hot! We live in the Southeast & know that April is definitely warm, but walking around on that blacktop pushing strollers - it was a little much. I saw a couple "newborn" babies - I can't say how it would be personally, but I did notice that the moms always had their hands FULL! And the babies' were mostly crying or eating...but I guess that's not Disney's fault :)
We are planning to take the kids again this year - probably in November or December in hopes of beating the heat. Plus I hear the parades are wonderful that time of the year! I highly recommend staying in or near the parks. And I know they have Value Season dates when you can get the rooms at a good rate. We are considering Disney's Contemporary Resort (the monorail runs right through it!) or the WDW Swan & Dolpin Resort which has shuttles to the parks. Makes things a heck of a lot easier! And the ones in the park qualify for extra "Magic Hours" :) I'm getting excited just thinking about it!!
I am so with you on the whole gossip thing. I do the bulletin for our small church and last week I just felt so burdend to write on gossip. It is a subject that I surely have to work on.
On Diseny--we have never been, but are hoping to go this summer. I think it wouldn't be easy (but then again, when is any trip easy), but if you have help I bet you'll still have fun!
We've never been to Disney World but just recently talked about going in December when it's not so hot! I don't know about taking a three-month-old, though. That might be a little stressful. And like Fran said, you might still be nursing, too.
We haven't done a disney cruise but we have done Disney many times! My hubby's parents live in FL and have season passes. He has gone all his life and they have passed this on to my children. The first time we went My oldest was almost 2 and the baby was 4 months old. It was GREAT! We took our stroller and the baby bjorn and the baby was the easy part. The toddler on the other hand was the hard part. We went in a high season as well so it was wall to wall people all.the.time.
We never stay on property though. We stay at a GREAT place called World Quest Resort. They have 3 bedroom condos and it takes less than 10 minutes to get to the park. Since they have season passes we didn't have to worry about paying to park. They have a wonderful breakfast that we partake in before hitting the park.
I'd say with a toddler and a baby that 3 days will be enough. Stick with Magic Kingdom, Animal Planet and maybe do a 1/2 day at MGM - Jackson will love seeing Lightening McQueen and Mater! Get a park hopper and do another half day at Magic Kingdom.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Oh Amanda, you sooooo just convicted me, no you seriously didn't it's not you who convicts but man when reading this, I could totally relate and felt convicted as well by the Lord because I'm on people.com all the time, thank you sooooo much for giving me something to think about and challenging me to pray about this area!
I have to chime in on Disney. I grew up near Orlando and my family had annual passes; we went about once a month. From what we saw the families with very small children never seemed to be having much fun.
I would suggest waiting until the kids are a little older, but if you do go, try and go earlier in April; it will be less crowded and probably cooler. Also, stay on property so you can use Disney transportation and enjoy some of the benefits like getting in the parks early. It will also make it easier to go back for naps and a break in the middle of the day.
Just my two cents…
One more thing...I need Bibby to go with y'all. The stories and the memories would be AWESOME! And, Disney is the happiest place on earth so sweet Annabeth would pick up on that and be just fine. ;)
Amanda,
This is a post I can help with. Disney is my love. And doing Disney with grandkids...well it does not get any better then that, WE went twice last year...In Jan with just our 8 year old grandson...it was the 8th time we had taken him..so he is a Disney PRO...Then in October we took our entire family for 8 days...our kids and their kids which included at very active 8 month old...I had always planned all our other Disney trips to a science but this one I got some help on. There were 9 of us and the gal that helped me was invaluable. If I ever stop the Christmas tree decorating business I am going to work with her and plan Disney trips.
It really is the happiest place on earth.
Email me if you are interested in some suggestions...I have been in every season of the year and the summer is NOT the time to go. I think we have eaten at every restaurant at Disney and we have stayed at almost every place inside the park. I have some great suggestions if you decide to go. I would love to help you....could even send you some stuff in the mail...We have a LARGE Disney cabinet..Ha It really is a trip where you HAVE to HAVE a PLAN.
Teresa
annah99@aol.com
Oh honey, please wait a few more years until you go to Disney-anywhere! At this age, the children don't remember a thing, you are nursing a on-demand baby and if your on formula by then you gotta take all that stuff with you and that is a lot! Jackson being so little himself can only ride on a small amount of rides in the park. Small kids don't want to sit through the shows, and it's seriously no fun doing the stroller thing even with help from a relative. The park doesn't let you take the strollers into the attractions anyway, you have to leave it outside and then you have to grab all your bags, purchases, purse, etc. so that no one steals it while your inside.
Save your money, sanity and vacation time for when they aren't quite so high maintenance and they'll be able to participate in more park rides and can sit through more shows, etc. You'll find they will be happier because they can go longer hours before they are tired, cranky and you'll be happier parents too.
I want to take Caroline to Disney world SO BAD! Have I mentioned she isn't even one yet and wouldn't even know what is going on!?! :) Chris says I need to hold onto my dream a little bit longer and let at least ONE child be old enough to enjoy the "magic"! I think going in May would be such a great idea. Not too hot and less crowds! I had a friend go when her son was Jackson's age and her other son was Annabeth's age. They had the grandparents and it worked great. Some of the afternoons or mornings they were able to go off with the older son while grandma watched the itty bitty! I could ask her other questions if you want!
We just returned home from Disney with our 2 year old son about 2 weeks ago! We too took our Gigi and Granddad, and that was wonderful! John Hunter is still talking about it.
I did "WAY TOO MUCH RESEARCH" before we left, things to see, places, to eat, etc. Even went as far as rewarded good behavior in My "Mouse trap" and when I caught JH doing something good I would put a dine, quarter, buck, etc. in the jar(grandparents did as well). Before we left we exchanged that money for a gift card at the local disney store and he could spend his money at the happiest place on earth!!! Even had matching shirts made (which are a must... if you go to my blog check out Smitten & Co. on list to see) for me, John Hunter, and my MOM!
When I came home I updated my list and even added dos and donts.. if you want it... LET ME KNOW!
I'm with you on the celebrity gossip thing. I notice that anytime I read People or US, by the end of the magazine I'm wishing I had a shiny white range rover and wondering if I should start a crash diet.
We are dying to take our 2.5 year old to DW, but I don't think it would be very much fun with Bitsy, our four month old! Especially nursing every two hours or so and her nap schedule. We're going to try DisneyLand (not as cool as DW, but much closer to us here in Seattle), NEXT summer.
I really want to try the cruise, too, but I'm afraid it will feel like a mall afloat. I'm a little crowd phobic.
Keep us posted!!
THANKS AMANDA FOR SHARING SOUNDS LIKE YOUR LITTLE ONE IS GETTING BIGGER THANKS OUR DEAR LORD BUT SOMETIMES THEY JUST GROW SO FAST. I AM WITH YOU ON THE GOSSIP THING I WORK FOR A PLUMBING AND HEATING COMPANY AS AN INVENTORY CONTROL CLERK AND BOY YOU TALK ABOUT OFFICE GOSSIP IT IS THERE AND I NEED ALOT OF PRAYER THAT GOD WOULD HELP ME NOT TO LISTEN AND NOT TO BE A PART OF IT. THANKS SO MUCH AMANDA I NEEDED TO HEAR THAT.
LOVE AND HUGS TO YOU ALL
CAROL
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND
I think you'll be fine at Disney if you have one or two grandmas. :) It really is a magical place. We did 1 day at Magic Kingdom w/Livi and Ava when they were 4 and 3.
Good for you with the celebrity gossip! I had people.com on my toolbar for the longest time and looked at it every day. Now I only look once a month or less. I should just make it NEVER. That would be better, huh?
Hugs and squeezes!
Are you kidding me is what I am thinking after reading the comments...I say go for it! I have four children and we took a 3 month old to the BEACH on Port Aransas...gross but fun. We also had a 20 month old too. That was 13 years ago and we look back on the pictures and remember how much fun it was--sure it was crazy but fun...and I even nursed...so I say have fun!!!
You're so funny Amanda! I hear you on the celebrity gossip thing!! I did not renew my subscription recently to people magazine, for the same reason. I still feel a little sadness every Friday, when my new issue is NOT in my mailbox :) But I knew that needed to go and that I needed to stop loving that more than other things. I also cancelled access hollywood from the dvr schedule. It is amazing how freeing it is to not be tied to the latest gossip about people I do not know who lead lives I do not envy (or believe). However, it's also a hard habit to break! Good luck from one former celebrity follower to another!! Oh and your little Annabeth is just darling! So is Jackson :) I am due with my first baby in 6 weeks, also a girl...I've been eating up your advice and experience on the other side of delivery! Thanks :)
Disney cruise is definitely the way to go- all the characters are on the ship- the kids get used to them and can actually interact with them (dancing, playing, etc.) If you can get the grandma's to go also a big plus- Disney not really a place for infants- just stay in the park- you can monorail back and forth. You can go to the park for a bit, come back and nap, go back, etc.
Jackson is the perfect age- we took our son when he was 3- he's 12 now and remembers every bit of it (we did the cruise for 3 days and 3 days of disney) Hope it works out!
We moved to Houston from Orlando 2 years ago. For 8 years we dragged our daughter to the parks ... you must go! But, stay on site ... that way in the afternoon you can go back to the hotel and take naps/rest/swim and then head back in the evening when it is cooler and not as many people.
We also took the cruise ... funnest trip EVER! Torrey turned 5 on the boat and they made a HUGE deal of it. One problem, when we got home, dinnertime was rather boring (ha!) because they put on quite the show while you eat and after. The shows were great and the play areas fantastic ... she didn't want to come out!
I have to tell you that along the Hollywood thought, I used to be a big fan of Grey's Anatomy and last season they had 3 episodes that had same sex kissing involved...I can't believe how far network tv has gone. I felt convicted about what garbage my mind was taking in by watching it so I quit and I have to say I haven't missed it. Praise the Lord!
I have only been to Disney land a few times when I was in my teens so I don't have any input on that note, but I'm sure you will all have fun.
I have gone with an infant and as long as grandparents are along so you can have quality time with Jackson, it should be a great time. We LOVE Disney, but only get to go every 3 years or so. I pray it works out for you to go.
We live in Florida and have been to Disney several times over the years with various children in our family. My brother-in-law works for Disney so we always get GREAT rates and free tickets...yeah! I think Jackson is at a perfect age for Disney and with help from grandparents Annabeth should be fine. My recommendation would be to stay at a hotel on the Disney property. They offer transportation to and from all the parks (monorail or bus). The hotels on the monorail track are pricey but would be so convenient...just a quick ride away from a nap in your hotel room. (:
We are going to be at Disney the last week in April/beginning of May. It's a good time because spring break is over and schools aren't out for summer yet. My brother-in-law says there should be some good deals at that time.
If you need any other information or advice, you can email me at mandimoseley@hotmail.com
Hey Amanda! Okay the celebrity thing. I totally hear you and I had the same convictions. Have you read People Stylewatch magazine? It's all of the fashion and NONE of the gossip. It's so fun and I don't feel like I need to take a shower after I read it...
Also, although May is the month before school gets out, it's also the month where almost every school within a 150 mile radius takes their 5th and 8th grade promoting classes. I live in So Cal and even though we have season passes to DisneyLand, we try not to go in May because, well, we learned that lesson the hard way. I think you can look up the busiest seasons on google. We like January, February, and September through mid December. Either way, it's DisneyWorld!! You'll have a blast.
Disney will be HOT HOT HOT and school lets out in May around here. So come early May.
Disney and Sea World have wonderful baby spots for nursing and feeding and diapering. If you get a map of each park you can decide your day based on the baby care places. Wear a sling or something so you aren't constantly taking her out of the stroller everytime you want to do something. SW is awesome about the sleeping baby thing. If they are asleep you can take the stroller in! Not sure about DW policy on that.
We have passes so if we see you around, I'll wave and not try to go crazy that I saw an actual blogger that I don't know personally. :-)
Oh, PRIVATE nursing areas at DW. very nice and comfy. Quiet and lighting is dim (at least the one at MGM is)
We did Disney World when Audrey was just three months old--it was totally fine. We spent lots of time just walking around--not so many rides--but it was so fun.
And take your favorite stroller--even if it means leaving another suitcase at home. You'll be glad you did!
Oh, I just wanted to say our two year old and 8 month old Love EPCOT and ANIMAL KINGDOM In fact we haven't even taken them to Magic Kingdom yet. Epcot has some really cool new things that my two year old LOVED! They aren't rides everyone can enjoy them together. MGM has some neat things, like the Honey Shrunk the kids playground and Playhouse Disney show. Half day with the kids in that park, come back for the Fantasmic show. Animal Kingdom is a whole day, if Jackson likes animals he will LOVE this. And Magic Kingdom has some fun playgrounds for the little guys now.
Don't forget Downtown Disney, LEGO store, T-REX, Rain Forest Cafe, lots of fun shopping and even more good food.
We live in Florida. Disney is about an hour and a half from us. So we do Disney a LOT. We started taking our little boy every November for 2 days. His first trip was when he was THREE months old! He was a very easy baby, so it was a breeze. Of course the only thing we could do with him as far as rides was the Mickey Express train ride, but it was still fun...May is a good time, as long as you come EARLY-MID May-- it will be hot, and crowded (its ALWAYS crowded), but not as bad as late May-August. You couldnt pay me to go during those months!!! Also, if Jackson is into any of the PlayHouse Disney shows (Little Einsteins, Handy Manny, JoJo's Circus etc.) then you need to Dine with the Characters-- it is worth EVERY penny! Cooper loved Little Einsteins and it was so worth the money to get to dine with them! Makes for the BEST pictures, too! Disney is one of my favorite places--- as I have such fond memories of Cooper there!
There's so much I could say about Disney...I read daily here at BB but comment less, I just know sometimes your comments are numerous and I don't wanna overwhelm you...
Sad, I guess that Disney would thwart me to do so...
My suggestion is wait until late summer as in last of Sept. Early Oct. when they usually (the last like 5 years) offer free dining. It's a GREAT bonus...AND includes the character dining...it's not NEAR as hot b/c GIRL we've been in late Sept. early Oct. and there are days when it's HOT HOT HOT...but it's for maybe one day of a 7 day trip...i can't imagine handling that heat EVERY day in May..
Also, the crowds are thin...PLUS, Annabeth will be a little bigger and honey, there are kids of every age known to man down there in slings, strollers, and anything else! So, don't stress about taking her. Especially if Bibby or someone goes..I'm sure she'll graciously give you guys some time with Jackson in the parks alone. Plus, you can hold Annabeth and ride LOTS of things like Dumbo, the Carousel and she'll have a feast for her eyes!
So, if you have any more questions just let me know! We had an AMAZING week for an AMAZING price b/c we went during free dining! OH, I would also suggest park hoppers too...but I don't wanna go on and on...but there's lots of good reasons! ;)
Happy Planning!
We went to Disneyland with a 3 month old, a 3 year old and almost 5 year old. We had a blast. There is something called a parent pass. I am sure they have it at Disney World too. I would hang out at the end of the ride with the baby and 2 year old. My husband would take the 5 year old and when they would come off the ride, our parent pass would allow me to walk back up the exit ramp and get right back on the ride with her. We went in Dec. during the week, so we walked on almost everyride. The longest wait was about 15 min. The lack of crowds was what made it possible. I highly recommend it! You can do it! Just bring a stroller and sling. I always covered up completely when breastfeeding but would never go hide away to nurse. So in Disneyland it was no problem to nurse the baby and watch my family have fun!
My family and I will be at Disney from April 25- May 2......look us up if that is the week you are there. I love meeting other pastor's families. =) My baby boy will be 8 months old when we go.
My cousins LOVE the Disney cruise and go nearly every year!
I took Noah to Disneyland (Chris was in a class for work most of the time), when I was 6 mos. pregnant with Kylie and Noah was about 17 mos. old. So my experience was slightly different.
Like I told Janelle, there are the coolest light up spinning toys that they sell. It helped us out tremendously!
Also, It's a Small World was nearly the only ride I could take with being pregnant and having a toddler. :(
love the way you described how baby clothes fit...that is so true!
my two cents...on disney...we just got back...went in december....i'd wait until sept/october...that is the new preschool time...the weather will be better than in may...not so hot and humid and the baby will be so much easier to travel with.
we took our girls...4 yrs and 18 months at the time. the grandparents stayed with the 18 month old every afternoon while she napped and we went strong all day with our 4 yr old.
i've heard the cruises are geared towards 3-10 yr olds....
disney is always magical though...you'll have a blast whenever you decide to go!
Some dear friends of mine just came back from their third Disney Cruise--they won't do anything else. They have a 7 year old and their little one was 6 months when they went. From all their reports it was easy-peasy and tons of fun!
Thousands of people take their infants to Disney and they are geared to handle you. Come as early as possible in May.
We have been on a Disney cruise and they are wonderful! Unless you are planning on going again in the future I would wait until Annabeth is older. The have wonderful show and the princesses will all be there and if you go now you will most surely want to go again when she is older to enjoy all that. I'll bet you can get a good deal though now because of the economy. Check on a package to cruise and do DW.
The writer who referred you to disboards.com is right on, but I will warn you to watch out it is addictive. You could spend all the time you used to spend on celebrity sites and much,much more.
You can learn from others experiences and ask questions from veterans on how to do the park efficiently with kids your kids ages.
We just did disney for our son's year old birthday...if I knew how great it was for babies, we would've gone much sooner. They have AMAZING family care centers (breastfeeding privacy rooms, huge changing tables, kitchen and high chairs)at Magic Kingdom..fabulous. We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge because our son has heart disease and we were told the boat transport is less germy than the buses/monorail. I don't know if open air makes a difference but he didn't get sick. The hotel is beautiful, boat was great fun. The dining packages thing was confusing. We had just a regular room and this was a mistake. After 7:00pm bedtime, my husband was watching closed caption ESPN and I was reading Philip Yancey by the bathroom light. If you can, check out the suites or villas. Prices are great right now and having a little kitchen is well worth it! Also if you google "disney mom forum" you will find some great advice from other Moms. Go for it and have FUN!
I actually took our 3 WEEK old and 3 year old. Stroller and feedings, but there are enough comfy spots to relax. I mainly just enjoyed watching the hubs, grandparents and 3 year old enjoy themselves. That was MY fun...
Amanda!! Been following the blog for a while. I just gave birth on Jan 5-our third little boy. We're taking the whole crew to Disney on May 10th with grandparent help of course. You guys should totally do it! They are offering a buy 4 nights, get 3 free deal. It's great. We took our oldest last January when he was 2 1/2. That was great. He loved it. We didn't ride a ton, but we saw all the shows which thrilled Cooper. He also loved the character meals and meet and greets. If you go I have tons of tips and if our trips overlap, let's meet to say "Hi."
Didn't Peter and Melissa Murrell go on a Disney cruise once? I think it may have even been their honeymoon.
PS...Reserve a table for late lunch on the outdoor patio at Tony's (Magic Kingdom) in time to catch the parade. You'll be able to see it up close without being smothered. Good to make the reservation half hour or 15 minutes before the start of the parade...you can eat and by the time you're wrapping up..the parade will go by. Iced coffee while watching the parade! maybe decaf
We did the Disney cruise when ours were 5 and 9--it was awesome. I very highly recommend it. I have no clue how it would work with an infant, though.
Amanda, two things:
1) The celebrity gossip thing has been something the LORD has been on me about as well. I have just given them all up until Easter, but I know He wants me to let them go permanently. Thank you for your obedience and for confessing it publicly. It helped me. :)
2) Married to a pro golfer and living in Orlando in the early years, I had the opportunity to do Disney for free with a very young toddler. Free makes it a lot easier. Turned out our son wanted to play with stuffed animals in the stores. That's all. If you have to work your budget hard to do this, just go in with low expectations. Very low. It's a great place, but small children don't understand about the sacrifice you're making, they're just about themselves. Think public tantrums in the heat. As long as you're prepared, all will be well. It can be wonderful. :)
thank you for speaking out on the celebrity magazines! the Lord led me to cut all magazines out a year or so ago--celebrity/fashion, decorating, ALL of them! it was hard, but the benefits have been wonderful! they only make me feel inferior. even a decorating magazine can make me feel like my house isn't nice enough, and at this point in my life that's what my identity is wrapped up in since it's my office of sorts as a homemaker.
crazy! we JUST had the disney discussion the other night. we decided we'd wait till all the children are old enough to enjoy it--right now we have a 3 year-old, a 1-year-old and one on the way in May.
I had to completely stop reading home decorating blogs. Oh my!! It got ridiculous the pedestal I was putting my house on. As I was fretting over fabric swatches one night the Lord 2 x 4'd me with, "You weren't dissatisfied with your house BEFORE you started reading all those blogs." OUCH!! I literally threw everything I was fretting over in the garbage. I've been tempted once in a while to go back, but I can't. Other women can and not struggle with idolizing perfect accessories. But it can turn into a terrible stronghold for me.
We took our son to Disneyworld when he was six months old and we had a great, great time (with two grandparents, two great-aunts and a great-uncle). I nursed on Main Street, USA!!! However, he was an only child at the time. If Annabeth ends up being a rather complacent child, I would do it in a heartbeat. BUT I'm majorly sangiune . . . . .
I love Disney but have never been with a baby. It might be quite hot in April (course you live where its hot so maybe not so much an issue for you). We have made all of our trips in October/November when school is in session-it isn't crowded and the temps are nice.
We took my mom with us once (my youngest was 3) and that was great. I think you can manage it, particularly if your mom comes along.
Also, while the little ones may not remember alot about the trip you will have wonderful memories of Jackson's face when he sees the characters and experiences all the wonderfulness of the parks. I still smile when I remember my 3 year old literally flinging herself into Minnie's arms. Totally precious!
I have totally been on a Disney CRUISE!!! GO, look back on my blog, I blogged and put pictures up twice. It is so awesome we are going again in September/October for two cruises back to back (we are flying in from Hawaii). It is awesome!! Go while they are young and do the park when theya re older. Sept/Oct is a super cheap time to cruise. GO!!!
Oh I could say so much about Disney. We've been a few times and I did way too much research, but well worth it in the end. One of our first trips was when my first daughter was only 3 months old. It worked out perfectly. There are plenty of places to nurse and feed/change baby and she will be nice and comfy and safe in her stroller. You can hold her on some of the rides. I actually think it is a much easier age to manange at Disney than a 12-18 month old because they are so contained.
We usually stay on Disney property and use their transportation. With kids that young, if you can swing it, one of the resorts on the Monorail line would be great. Very easy from Magic Kingdom to get back for a quick rest, etc. We took our stroller on all of the buses to the different parks with no problems. I'd be glad to help with more info---I love Disney!
Total conviction! I have felt the Lord telling me several times no more glancing at those magazines in the store and at Barnes. I also look at people.com just to see what they are wearing and what sizes everyone is now! So pathetic! Thanks for being honest and real and it really encouraged me to go all the way and stop them too. I sadly get glued watching the Housewives of Orange County but trash in = trash out right? I want to be filling myself with godliness! Thanks again for the encouragement!
And your family is just so sweet and adorable! Both my babies were tiny just like Annabeth and in preemie clothes! It's fun but I know you will love the next clothing stage too :)
Hear you on the gossip thing, been there done that.
Disney - haven't taken a three month old. But we took our three-year-old for his birthday and it was FANTASTIC! He loved every second. I would go over and over and over again. Do take a grandma, so that Annabeth has someone to hold her and you don't miss the rides. I think if I couldn't have gone on the rides with our son, I would have been really disappointed and probably a little resentful (but I doNOT do newborns well, really wish I did, but I don't).
We have done both Disney World and the Disney Cruise. They are totally different experiences but I will say that we LOVED the cruise. It is much a much more relaxing trip than the parks. Instead of hoofing it all over the place to get to the shows, you just walk upstairs and there you are. They have wonderful kids programs (even a nursery for Annabeth)that will allow you and Curtis to have some alone time.
If Jackson loves the beach then he will love the stop at Disney's Castaway Key.
If you go there is a great book called Passporter's Disney Cruise Guide. It will help you plan everything from the cruise to transportation to any shore excursions you might want to do. They also give great tips on how to get the most for your money.
We used Small World Vacations to book the cruise and were very happy with it.
If Curtis and Jackson are all about the rides then of course you don't get those on the cruise. But our girls didn't miss it at all and loved the shows and movies and FREE ICE CREAM ALL DAY LONG!!
Have fun:)
I know nothing about taking a 3 year old but I do know early May is a great time to go. We go every year around the 2nd week in May and it's great. No lines.
We also stay at the Nickelodeon Hotel. Last year my kids didn't even want to hit Disney World, they wanted to stay at the hotel and do waterslides all day.
Have fun!
Paula G. <><
We took our kids to Disney when they were 4 and 4 months. Honestly, it was great. I had a front carrier for the baby and I took advantage of the baby care stations at all of the Disney parks for changing diapers and nursing. We had an awesome time!
I just got back last month from Disney with my 7and 9 year old, and it was the perfect trip.
They rode everything from Tower of Terror to Dumbo.
We are well rounded folks.
Anyway, if you are going to Disney and are okay with just seeing the stuff for little kids, taking long breaks, and NOT being in a hurry... Go for it!
There were people with babies there when I went, and honestly, they looked miserable. The crowds, strollers, buses, loudness, etc. made it a little miserable for them, I think. How you would nurse through all that I have no idea.
BUT Disney is magic. We had the best time ever. My hubs had never been and was a skeptic, and I am telling you, even he LOVED it! We took our best friends and their son, so it was fun in that way too! We went for a week and did all the parks.
Okay, enough.. Sorry. I over shared. I have no doubt whatsoever that if you took Bibby you would have a BLAST!
Hi, first time commenter here. Love your blog! Thanks for being so open and honest with everyone about the up and downs of this life.
I'm excited that you all may be going to Disney! My family and I are passholders and go all the time. I started to take my now 8 month old for the first time when she was 6 weeks old. They have a great baby center in each of the parks. The baby center has changing tables and places for you to feed a toddler with the use of highchairs. There is a nursing room where just mommies and babies are allowed. They is also a TV in the baby center that is great for setting down and cooling off and relaxing in front of when you need to rest.
My two little one love going to Disney. It is great to watch them see everything for the first time and to see from there view point!
Thanks for letting me leave such a long comment. I hope that the info helps in your planning,
Elyse Shirley
I can totally relate about people.com I read it way too much and it's just junk. Why do I even care about such things?
Disney sounds like fun! We went to Disney Paris this past summer, Cerys was 3 and Bailey 2 and thought we could not everything it was still lots of fun. We are planning another trip later in the year when we are home on furlough.
We're going to Disney Land in May. Come there instead!! :)
I took my 4 month old baby to Disney and wound up loving it because they let you take the baby with you on all the slower rides, and it was easy to just swap with hubby for the others.
I was doubting it before we got there, but it wound up being great.
Few things to think of: Lots of walking. Lots of standing in lines with NOTHING to do. Lots of stimulus overload. Heat. Crowds. Strollers.
Been to the Disney Parks several times. Went with just the hubs and me. Went when oldest was 7 (no 2nd child yet). Went when oldest was 18and second child was 8 (She turned 9 while we were there). Honestly, I felt sorry for all the families with really little kids.
Melana
Well I live here in Florida, but I am not a fan of disney. My kids just did not enjoy it, (maybe I waited too long and they were too old). I just felt like there were not enough rides and stuff. We are seaworld and universial people. I can tell you all the parks have amazing nursing stations where the family can chill out of the heat and even toys in there for Jackson to keep having fun. If you need me to I can get great florida discounts for ya. (even some free universal tickets)
Final advice Go for it
Hi Amanda,
I am new to your blog. I have to admit I have only been to Disneyland because I am on the west coast , but I have taken infants twice. The first time I took my 4 week old(second child). Seriously it was stupid. It was so rough. We weren't in a schedule yet, I was still tired and pretty much had not a lot of fun.
The second time (and this is my 5th child) I took my 3 month old , and we had a great time. It was a little work but I wouldn't mind doing it again! Disney has great nursing stations for mom. It is quiet and private( at least they did then). Taking a Grandma or two is the best idea ever. I hope you guys enjoy your vacation. Jackson is at that age where everything is still so magical! Fun!
I, too, gave up the People thing about a year ago and I am so much better for it! I don't even miss it now. I agree that it does help with the gossiping in general! ;)
To tell you the truth, I have given up most of the TV stuff all together. There isn't much on that doesn't include some sort of swearing. I never thought I would be one to give it up, but it really hasn't been too bad.
As far as Disney goes, we waited until our youngest was 3 and we took my parents along with us. We had a BLAST!! I say if the grandparents go, go for it! It will be a wonderful memory.
Hi Amanda,
Our family did Disney when I was nursing my youngest and we had a great time. There are Baby Care set up for nursing moms, but I was able to find other disceet areas also.
We have had seasonal passes for about a year and a half now and we love it. We think staying on Disney property is worth it because of the transportation. Also, it makes it fairly easy to go back to the room for a while and then return to the park. They also have something called Extra Magic Hours if you stay on property, and each day one park will open about an hour early for people staying at one of the Disney resorts and there is usually much less of a crowd for that one hour. Also, many of the toddler friendly rides that Jackson will probably want to ride like Peter Pan, It's A Small World, Nemo and others are slow and Annabeth can go along--so your whole family can ride together.
We have learned quite a bit since we've had the seasonal passes, so please let me know if you want any more tips-I would love to help--but sometimes it is just as much fun to go and explore and discover everything on your own.
Amy
Amanda:
Hear this comning from a mother of two boys now 18 and 20....don't do Disney with Annabeth. I promise she won't remember a thing. But that little fellow of yours will and it may be the perfect trip with just him. What a blast. I live in Florida and we have made several trips with the boys and different ages. Biggest suggestion would be to stay on the grounds and plan one day at a park, the next day at the resort with the pool, naps, bicycling etc...then next day at a park. None of you will go into overload and you will really enjoy each and every day. We loved doing Disney this way and we actually came back rested!
Blessings,
Theresa
In 2004, my new year's verse was Rom. 12:2 and God used it to change my watching and reading habits. Canceled people subscription and gave up E!. It was so worth it!
About Disney, I think you'll be fine, like Joann suggested take your macdaddy stroller.
We're hoping to go to DW in 2010 when the SBC is there. Of course we joke that we'll be there with every other Southern baptist pastor but oh well!
Our family was blessed to go to Disney for Christmas in 2007. We went the week before all the big crowds got there, and we had a blast. My husband and children had never been, so it was fun watching them. My kids at the time were 9, 8, 6 and our youngest turned 4 while we were there. They all were really at the perfect ages. I recommend going only with Jackson if a grandma can't go. You really can't do a lot with an infant, so both of you won't get to experience it all with Jackson. Also, if you do go, I would recommend that you check all the parks on height requirements. He'll be able to do almost everything at the Magic Kingdom, but there isn't a lot to do at any of the other parks except for the parades for little kids. Animal kingdom is okay, but it is the smallest park which means it is incredibly crowded. You wouldn't want to face those crowds with a stroller and an infant. We gave up on our one umbrella stroller and just carried Nate, because it was so frustrating. If you want to go for the safari ride, get there right when the park opens, because the ride fills up fast, and they close the line very early.
Hi Amanda,
Sherry's friend Kim again! We love, love, love the Disney Cruise. We have been twice (the last time with Sherry) and we are planning our third trip. If my third baby girl wasn't coming March 30th, we would be back on the boat with Sherry in June.
The service is amazing! It is all inclusive, so you can spend almost nothing once you get there. The food is great and it is relaxing and beautiful. I worry that the park would be too much for my kids at such a young age, but the cruise gets them all the characters and Disney fun, without running around the park. And, finally Anabeth is free!
If Jackson likes Toy Story, that is one of thier live shows right now and it is so great!
Good luck!
Hi Amanda,
Sherry's friend Kim again! We love, love, love the Disney Cruise. We have been twice (the last time with Sherry) and we are planning our third trip. If my third baby girl wasn't coming March 30th, we would be back on the boat with Sherry in June.
The service is amazing! It is all inclusive, so you can spend almost nothing once you get there. The food is great and it is relaxing and beautiful. I worry that the park would be too much for my kids at such a young age, but the cruise gets them all the characters and Disney fun, without running around the park. And, finally Anabeth is free!
If Jackson likes Toy Story, that is one of thier live shows right now and it is so great!
Good luck!
Okay, along with the 60 or so comments on Disney, I live 45 minutes away and am a Floridian...here is the truth...May is hot! Nursing+90 degrees= miserable. There is always crowds...big crowds....we had passes last year and loved it, but my girls are 5 and 7, we did not feel the crunch of seeing it all because of the passes. Pump it up, go with Jackson on a mid-week 3 day jaunt, do only Magic Kingdom so both your boys will be happy...maybe even shoot for the end of April. Character breakfast at the comtempory is the best for his age and the Wilderness Lodge is our favorite.
I had one of those Moments from God a few years back when I was watching "Days of our Lives" regularly. Wow. The remote felt holy when I clicked off the TV that day.
I can't say I've never fallen off the bandwagon -- the Soap Network has made it much easier to "just watch a few minutes for laughs before I go to bed" -- but I can palpably feel the difference it's made in my life.
Amanda - I tend to love hearing about celebrity stuff too. Luckily for me, I'm too busy to keep track of most of it anymore although I do get caught up in certain news stories here and there.
As for Disneyworld - we went when my youngest was 1 1/2. My parents flew and met us there. I just couldn't bare to leave my daughter behind but now she really wants to go back because she doesn't remember anything! I just remember her being this ball of sweat (humidity) and I had to hold her a lot so I was a ball of sweat. But I'm so thankful my parents were there to help out and hold the girls when they were tired or help push the strollers.
Ultimately, it's your decision. If you want to take a vacation - do it and don't let anyone make you feel bad for not wanting to part with your lil one. :) Just know that it might be a little bit extra work while you're there.
1. The Lord made me give up facebook because I was becoming addicted and trying to find out about people that He had cut off relationships with for a reason.
2. Disney cruise is amazing. we took Jacob when he was about 3 months old and had a blast. you get all of the disney stuff without all of the crowds and stress. and, it is CLEAN. i was so worried about that, but it was exceptionally clean. and, we went to animal kingdom for one day and did the downtown disney thing and had a blast.
I can totally relate to the celeb thing... It was a huge stronghold in my life, and I definitely felt the seriousness of the issue, even though I tried to make it not such a big deal. Although I can fall off the wagon as you have said, I am so surprised now how I really am out of the loop... It's crazy, but a good crazy.
I used to live in Florida and have been to Disney a lot... Funny, I just watched a show about Disney Vacations yesterday, and I called my hubby to say let's go back. He doesn't have to take me to another country, just to Orlando.
I did take a baby to Disney. My youngest wasn't 3 months, but he was under a year. I had my double stroller with my almost 3 year old on the other side. We put my 5 year old in a single stroller. It was fun, hot but fun. The baby slept for most of the time, but I could hold him for most of the rides... It can work, especially if you have one or two Grandmas that would come :)
BLessings Amanda...
We LOVE vacationing at Disney but to be honest, I wouldn't take a 3 month old. It just doesn't sound fun to me. We waiting until our youngest was two 1/2 and almost totally potty trained. It will be hot and crowded..yes crowded even in early May. If you aren't nursing, leave the baby. If you are, I'd wait until everybody is potty trained...then go. Now, if Grandma goes and can stay with AnnaBeth in the room some while you and dh go to the parks with Jackson, that might work! You won't want to miss a single thing that Jackson sees and does! It's priceless...their faces.
Disney is our all time favorite vacation, but I have never taken a 3 month old. My sister took her 2 oldest kids when they were around 18 months and 2 1/2 yrs and they did fine.
My concern with a tiny baby is that you will have to carry everything but the kitchen sink with you to take care of her. The good thing would be having a grandma to watch her while you guys ride rides and see shows with Jackson. So, I think its definitely do-able with the help of a grandparent (or 2). Jackson will love, love, love it of course. We spent 11 days at Disney in August last year and my kids (then 4 & 7) never even offered to complain - it was a whine-free 10 days and it was wonderful!!! (And we took advantage of the extra magic hours every night - much to my mother's horror, we had our kids out after 1 am several nights, but they loved it and we really felt like we got "our money's worth")
As for the Disney cruise, I can testify that it will be the most fun cruise you have ever taken and the best time you will ever have. Disney has its own private island (Castaway Cay - I am sure you have seen it if you have researched the cruise) and it is wonderful!!! So much fun, but very expensive in my opinion which is why we wont be taking our kids on the Disney Cruise until they are about 10 and 12 or maybe even 12 and 14 --- when you pay that much money, you want them to remember every detail (or maybe I'm just way cheap).
We live in Orlando and go to Disney all the time. I've been taking my kids there since they were infants. A lot of times by myself too (during the week when hubby is at work). It is easier than you think it is. Each park has a baby care center with a quiet room with rocking chairs just for nursing moms. Also a great place for changing diapers. I don't care what anyone else says: Jackson would love it! My youngest is two and he loves going to Disney. So much fun stuff for them to see and do. Seeing his face light up when he sees Mickey in the parade is priceless.
Also, I have struggled with the celebrity gossip stuff too and have felt the Holy Spirit convicting me of it. So I try to avoid it now, but it's hard. It can be so addicting.
Ok, so I'm not kidding when I say that my mom is addicted to Disney World. She goes and takes my sister and her kids, and whoever else that wants to go at least 3x a year, for the past 10 years...ha! She is an incredible travel agent for it! So if you are serious and want some pointers, feel free to contact me via blog and I will send you her number. No lie! :) In fact, I am going with them over Spring Break. And to answer your question, I'm not a mommy, but my sister has taken all 3 of her kids when they were tiny babies and all was well. What works best is if someone every day, 1x a day will vote to take the wee one back to the hotel for nap time while the others play. Otherwise, no problems. Hope that helped you out! :) And thanks for my shout out the other day...and for your honesty on here! I feel ya! :)
Amanda - you don't know me but I LOVE your blog! A friend in Houston sent me your link about Kristi Walker as I moved from Houston to Holly Springs, NC 6 months ago and had the privilege of knowing the Walkers.
Anyway, regarding Disney, we went Christmas of 2006 as we were moving from ME to TX at that time and decided to take a holiday vacation. Although they were a bit young, I had a 2 1/2 year old and 3 1/2 month old, it was great. We just had Cooper in the baby bijorn the whole time and he just watched everything and loved it. You can do it, especially if one of the Grandma's go. They won't want to miss it!!!
You inspire me every time I read your blog!
Sheri
please check whatever web site you have to. there is one week, maybe in May that, lets say couples who are not seeking Gods blessings, are at Disney. One year a cousin of mine went, not knowing that they had chosen this week. They got a refund for the park tickets and left. Otherwise, I think you would have a wonderful time. And if the two grandmas are not available I am certain any one of us bloggers would be glad to be your nanny.
Amanda,
God convicted me about the whole celebrity gossip thing too about 2 months ago. I had been watching Entertainment Tonight since I was 11 years old! But suddenly, I was checking into the People, TMZ, and US Weekly website a lot more than I realized. Even though it is still tempting to read this trash, I find that my mind is not so obsessed about Brad and Angelina!
Disneyworld with Jackson right now would be AWESOME! Not sure how Annabeth would do with the heat and humidity in FL during that time of year. Just got back from our 2nd Disney Cruise. I prefer the parks to the Cruise.
Jill
Back in the day (like in High School) I was addicted to MTV, Baywatch and 90210...all that crap. I actually remember your Mom challenging us to give up watching T.V. (or something like that, it was too long ago to remember exactly what the deal was!) or at least things we know shouldn't be willing placing in our mind. Well, I did the challange thinking I would have huge withdrawls and 6 years later, I am such a better person and NEVER watch those things anymore. It is great! (Then again, it could have been somebody else that challenged us to do that. I really don't remember now!)
As for Disney, We have gone with our extended family several times, and the last time we went we had my 6 month old cousin with us. It was just fine! I say do it...and for sure take some help so you can have some fun, too!
Funny you should post about celeb gossip. It is one of the things that I have been working on for a while now. I have fallen off the wagon several times though! I find that when I am at the grocery store, the magazines practically jump off the shelves at me. I try to avoid making eye contact so as not to get any ideas to what is going on so that I don't go home and search the web. I gave up the tv celeb gossip programs but find it hard to stay off a couple on the net! I can so relate to this! I am glad you posted b/c I was struggling again and needed some encouragement! Thanks!
We are Disney fanatics! Seriously, we live in Texas and have annual passes to DisneyLand. We did DL when our son was just 4 months old and WDW & a Disney cruise when our daughter was 3 months old. It is totally doable. Both times, the babies were in the sling 98% of the time, which made it so easy (that, and a backpack diaper bag which dad carried).
My advice is to do DisneyLand instead of Disney World though. WDW is very large and spread out. It can take an hour to get from the hotel to the park. That makes it very difficult to go back for naps and afternoon rest times. DL is much more compact; its a 5 minute walk from the DL Hotel to the parks (there are 2 parks at DL). Plus the climate in California is so much nicer than Florida.
The Disney Cruise was fun for us, but the kids didn't get much out of it. Our kids enjoyed the pool and the beach - things they can do anywhere. We did it because MIL wanted to, but I wouldn't spend my money on it. In my opinion, its geared more toward teens/tweens and adults than little kids.
I have people.com as my homepage. I dont know what it is but I love to read about celebrities and their babies. I really should stop reading about them as well. But then what would I do with all that free time? Clean my house?!
Amanda, just want to throw in that kids go free on most 3-day disney cruises if you book before the end of May. Check it out on their website!!!
Sorry -- this comment is going to be about an earlier post. :o)
My husband has also been to Mumbai twice on mission trips, and recognized some of the scenes in the film Slumdog Millionaire. There's another group, Bombay Teen Challenge, that operates a daycare center for children of prostitutes -- that's one of the places he was.
Now, a few years later, we have a daughter adopted from India, and just started our second adoption so she will have a sister (a must in our two boys+Daddy household).
Thanks for sharing about the impact Slumdog had on you!
-- Nancy
We went to Disney with our 3-month old (exactly 3 months). Mom and Dad took the whole family... my fam (me, hubby and 3mo Julia, my sis' fam and my bro'... single at the time). We had a delightful time, BUT she was our 1st (didn't have a preschooler along also, well we did, my niece, but not OUR preschooler) AND she was a GREAT sleeper! If you have one or both Grandmas going... I say GO FOR IT!! There are LOTS of places to nurse at Disney and Jackson will be entertained with Daddy and/or Grandma(s). We had a super time, and I hope you will too!!
Oh God got on to me good about 2 yrs ago for watching Grey's Anatomy - He said STOP and I tried to watch the show one more time and just got SICK
Totally repentence came - I felt awful - it was almost as if I tried to rationalize my actions by saying - well maybe He didn't really say I had to stop - uh huh
We have been to Disney 3 times and taking an infant would be really easy
I would recommend buying the unofficial guide to Disney book or if you want you can borrow mine - it is a bit expensive
It has great tips on where to stay, whether to get the dining plan, what rooms to choose at each resort (this is a totally cool feature - it will tell you which room numbers to request if you want a view of Cinderellas castle etc)
Anyway, we have loved EACH trip and Jackson is at a GREAT AGE to go
Blessings
Kim
The Lord convicted me in the exact same way recently. In fact, it happened when I was reading Believing God! Not sure why something so silly is a struggle for me, but there is so much freedom in clearing my mind of the JUNK!
We are actually looking into Disney for Dec, so please keep me posted on how it works for you since our baby will be 3 months then, too.
Thank you for sharing your secret addiction! I have struggled with it myself & my soap opera thing that my grandma got me addicted to at the ripe age of 5! So, I have felt God's gentle tugging lately...especially with the people.com thing. I needed to know it's possible!!! Now, the Days of our Lives addiction hasn't been as difficult...I TiVo it because I never have time to sit down at watch it and then I forget that I've recorded it and never get around to watching it...funny how I could care less, huh?! God's taken that desire away! PRAISE HIM!
We LOVE Disney. I've probably been over 30 times and we've already taken our son twice. There will be some limitations with a baby but it shouldn't be bad. Strap her in the carrier and enjoy yourselves! Jackson will LOVE it!
Enjoy your Sunday~ Rebecca
We are going to Disney for spring break and my one bit of advice is for you to get Birnbaum's Disney Guide .
It is a great book you can pick up at Barnes & Noble for about $15. You will get all the facts about the parks, tips for traveling with little ones, short cuts, etc.
PS I have a cute countdown calendar for Disney on my blog.
http://jumpin-in.blogspot.com
Hugs, Jill
I'll put my 2 cents in. We went to Disney World the first time on a four day cruise and three days at Disney World. Went with friends and their 7 yr old daughter and our 18 year old son. Great, had a marvelous time. Then we went on a company convention trip with only adults and the hotel/convention center proved to be much more fun than Disney World. Then lastly we went on a driving trip with the whole family (kids ages: 12,9,6 and ll months) Husband says we will NEVER do that again. We did have a very neat rental house with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and a pool. But Disney World with kids under school age is not really all that much fun. If I were you I would go now that Annabeth is young enough to be in a stroller and I think Jackson is old enough to like most things (maybe not Epcot) Otherwise keep that trip for school age children.
I like randomness like this Little Momma:) I had to stop doing exactly what the Lord directed you to do too. Too much of the world getting into my mind. I understand Sister...I love that AnnaBeth is growing! Of course growing, but the stages should be fun, right? infant, toddler, elem. school, preteen (AHH!), teen (BIG AHH!), and college (LORD HELP US ALL) All stages, and He can get us through them Little Momma:)...Ooo, I went to Disneyworld in Orlando for my honeymoon. Had never been there before the age of 23! I had a blast, Epcott is my fav (all the nations represented,and the food:)
katiegfromtennessee
We lived in South Florida when our boys were young so we had season passes to Disney. It is WONDERFUL.....if you have help, it is very doable. Go now and then when Annabeth is older you'll have an excuse to go again!
By the way, Joy Conaway is going on a Disney cruise in March so I'm sure she can fill you in on all the details about it!
Both of my boys have been when they were itty bitty (6 wks/8 wks) and then again when my oldest was 9 months. I think you'll be fine. If you have a grandparent along you can still enjoy the rides with Jackson (he's at the right age) while AB is being tended to.
PS. I did my internship at WDW. I'd be happy to hook you up with info.
I am totally with you on the gossip thing. I was totally embarrassed by how many celeb gossip websites I visited knew it was wrong but I just couldn't help myself. In August of last year I went to a simulcast of Living Proof Live and saw your Mom. I was totally convicted and have not looked at a site since then - praise the Lord!
I've just recently started following your blog, and I love it! I was drawn out of "lurking/stalking" mode today, though when I read that you'd given up on celebrity gossip. I can't tell you how much it meant to read that God had really spoken to someone else about this, too! I was an addict to People.com and out of the blue I just KNEW that the Lord was asking me to give that up... (it was this summer when I was going through the "Believing God" Bible study). Anyway.. can't tell you how shocked I was when something on the news one day mentioned Jennifer Garner having another baby... huh?Wah? You know something.. Every time I'm tempted to "read up" on the latest drama, I am reminded that God loves me enough to want to sift some of that "stuff" out of my life. Thanks for sharing. It's been an encouragement to me today.
We have been every other year with the boys minus 2001. Not sure on the weather than, we usually go earlier or fall. Jackson will have a great time.
Check on this. They used to have a policy about trade riding with parents (not sure of the offical name)that have other kids unable to ride. Say, first time Jackson rides with you and then Curtis can ride with him again without having to stand in lines. It works great. We did 100's of times.
Amanda,
The Lord told me very clearly to stop watching General Hospital. I was addicted. Soap Net would run the show on Sundays for 5 hours. You could catch up on a whole weeks worth of episodes in one day. I cannot watch it during the week because I am at work, so I would sit there for 5 hours on Sunday afternoon and evening and watch a whole weeks worth of GH. The Lord clearly said stop!!! I did feel like the arm of God's judgement was going to come down on me if I did not obey!!! I feel so much better not watching it but I do miss it sometimes!!
Love and Prayers,
Melissa
We live near Disney so I am somewhat of an expert. The first thing to know is that you will not see evrything in one day- don't even try.
If it's Disney in FL, Magic Kingdom is the best for under 5 year olds. When you first go through the gate under the train station are large lockers, we always take a cooler with snacks and water etc. and put it there. Plus we load out carry around bag with snack and water for in the park. We actually pack a lunch in the cooler to save on money and line waiting and when it's lunch time we jump on the train at the far end of the park and head back for a relaxing "cool down" time. If it's not parade time you can usually find a nice spot above the lockers, near the train entrance/exit, to eat and look out over the Main St area. Most often we're all alone up there. Then we grab snacks for our bags and head back out. I'd suggest making reservation at Cinderella's Castle for dinner, we make the last possible reservation, and can watch the firworks from out the back window. (more expensive to eat there, but if you've packed your own lunch it's worth it)Make your reservation as soon as you know and as soon as they'll take it or it'll fill up. The when you leave you have less of a crowd between the castle and Main St.
As far as a baby, we always took a grandparent they can help with sleeping/eating and stroller pushing, just plan on spending time watching and not participating, but I can't think of a better place to sit and watch than Disney.
Also staying on property is worth it, even the value resorts, you'll save on parking time and after a long day it's nice to get on a bus or boat or monorail and get back to the room.
If you decide on a FL beach day the best beach near Disney is New Smyrna Beach, happens to be where I live, but it's a family beach and a little less known.
Been there done that w/ celeb gossip... only I laid it down for a season, picked it up again, laid it down, (you get the picture). The hardest thing was when a believing sister I respected didn't have the same conviction and happily indulged - so then it's easy to justify. but remember what the Lord has spoken to your heart. And stay strong sister!
I was under conviction for the very same thing. My addiction to celebrity gossip even spread to a need to have ALL the celeb mags (InTouch, People, US Weekly...) It got ridiculously expensive since those all come out weekly. I put it all behind me-mags and all (which can make it pretty hard to check out at any grocery store!)
The cool thing is how sweet it is to obey God. Loves it!
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