Princess Phoebe's Pre-WISH-Trip Report (arriving in MK 4/17/10)

[yinyanggirls]

We got "the call"! Phoebe's Wish Granter, Liz, called this afternoon to say that the dates we discussed are a GO! No details yet, as far as flight numbers or times, or what arrangements we need to make for the rental car once our WISH week is over, but at least we have DATES! We will leave April 17th spending one week (through the 24th?) at Give Kids The World, continuing the trip on our own and then returning home April 30th.

I've never used so many smilies but this post definitely deserves them! I was doing a happy dance when she called and I had to stop because I was panting on the phone and couldn't ask questions.

So, on to the official Intro...

Princess Phoebe, age 8 -

She is the star of the show, the Wish Child, who is having her wish granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. We were referred to the organization by Phoebe's Geneticist after we were given yet another set of negative test results. Normally, negative test results sounds like it would be a good thing, but for Phoebe it means we don't know what is the root of all her difficulties and delays. We have an arsenal of specialists who handle different aspects of her medical needs and they all seem to feel confident that Phoebe has some sort of "syndrome", probably a randomly occurring chromosomal abnormality. She recently turned 8 years old, but is closer to a one year old cognitively, and is still trying to master quite a few of the basic infant/toddler milestones. She is visually impaired due to optic nerve atrophy, she cannot walk unassisted, she is unable to perform self-care tasks, she decided to be half-potty-trained (the messier half, thank goodness!), and she is non-verbal. Medically, Phoebe has been through a myriad of small, uncomfortable, and worrisome situations, but the biggest concerns now are her seizure activity and her growth. Because we don't know what she has, we don't know what to expect for the future and that is scary. I was a little surprised when the representative called from MAW to say she was approved. I am aware that they have expanded their scope to include children with life-threatening conditions, not restricted to terminally ill, but I was still surprised. I thanked her profusely and chose not to think any deeper than that. If this rare opportunity is being presented to Phoebe, I'll help her take it, and enjoy it, to the fullest of her abilities. There is no point in trying to make life fair, that's not what it's about, but it is somewhat comforting that Phoebe will have this special trip, meant just for her, when there are so many other experiences in life that she will not have.
But I have rambled on as usual, and completely digressed, because while all of this "stuff" is about Phoebe, I haven't told you the best stuff. As you can see, she is astonishingly gorgeous. Grown men stop us to say what beautiful crystal blue eyes she has. She loves people, and being in a crowd. She bonds intensely with anyone she spends significant time with, and ends up being the "teacher's pet" every year. She is sweet, innocent, loving, surprisingly stubborn, and yet easy-going. Her favorite things in life are:
Her family
Gramma Jo (I even get jealous!)
HORSES!!!
lullabies and nursery rhymes
Blue's Clues and Baby Einstein
FOOD!!!
playing in water
Swinging!!!
and being "on the move"

I think I have rambled long enough for one post, so I will save the other intros for later. If you're reading this, thank you for jumping in. I'll be needing plenty of help to make this a trip that Phoebe will love!

[pacrosby]

Oh Melissa.........I get it; I hear ya; so many of us who will read this understand 100%. Sometimes it's best to accept the gifts we receive and try not to overanalyze. I'm glad to hear you've got the ball rolling. Let the games begin!!!!



Pamela

Matty's Wish Trip http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2325607

[Momofwishkid]

Yay Melissa!! Im so happy you have your dates. Phobe is beautiful and just looks like she has so much happiness in her. Cant wait to follow along.

[chrissid7]

wooooohoooooo!!! I LOVE DATES!!!!!!!!! lol Im so glad you got them now you can put all of this newfound knowledge to use!!

I am so happy to be able to put a face with a name and omg what a beautiful lil princess face!!!!

I still dont have a face with yours though soooo wheres your pic huh huh huh? LOL I didnt post mine yet either.

[yinyanggirls]

Thanks for following Pamela, Jennifer and Chrissi! I'm so excited to start organizing what I've learned so far. I had one last fun task to complete before I sign off....I created our ticker! Funny how such a random little thing feels so important. (oh, and can I say I was shocked when I finished it and it read "5 months until...". I knew we were less than 6, but 5 already! I told you Pamela, I'd be a total wreck with your timeline!!!)

Okay, I'm going to try and squeeze in a Table of Contents here, so I can go back and print it out as a journal for myself, and for any last minute readers who feel daunted by reading through 50 pages to catch up.

You've met the star, here's the supporting cast
More pics of the circus, I mean, family
Video of the girls being silly
This post pretty much sums up my husband's participation in the trip planning
Coming up with a plan for the "after-Disney" week of our trip
Tessa's bday update
Shopping for the trip and medical updates
Busy weekend update/Phoebe gets an owie
Mickey Head Mania, it was Jordan's Fault
Christmas Festival of Lights with Make-a-Wish
Christmas Day at the Movies
BIG news and still no shoes
Our first, last and only Disney Movie Night
Shopping...
Message from Tessa to Big Give Fairies
Gifts from fairy Margaret (autograph books, etc)
A (sort of) final itinerary
Fairy Godmother goofs
Adrenaline rush for me and the girls
Additional cast member for week two
couple more pics
Flight info...through Chicago???
Hairy situations
Count to 12?
Updates
Grandma Great
Mini-Funeral-Trip-Report
Pixie dust and jammies from Dawn and Caitlin
Mini-Minnie dress from Jessica
Pixie dust from Lynn
Pics of jammies
I'm getting a new camera!!!
Tiana outfits from Crystal
Couple more pics
Movie list
Sleeping Beauty dress from Heather
From Tessa to Tessa
WISH shirts from Kristine
Animal Kingdom ensembles from Anita
Packing update
Pixie dust from Andrea
Fun for the Queen and King from Andrea
Give a Day, Get a Snafu?
Tinkerbelle dress from Nini and Brianna
Sleeping Beauty dresses from Tricia
Hula time from Melinda
Sea World dresses and cute bows from Fairygoodmother and Poohnpiglet
Lady and the Tramp and Blue's Clues outfits from Heather
101 Dalmations dress from Daniel family, Coke hat for Daddy, and Tessa's crayon roll-ups and books from Mary
So, I get TWO new cameras? and counting down
Sarah's gorgeous quilts, fun Ts and mouse ear barrettes, plus fun mail
Bows and headbands from Krysta
Welcome packet from GKTW
Flashback - a day at Disneyland 03/09
Flashback part 2

[thatkid]

hi!
I was so excited when i got my dates so i could make my ticker too
I found out i was getting a wish in may, and there's only 15 days left.
the time goes by so fast, yet so slow haha.
i'm excited to hear more!

[motherof4greatkids]

You have a beautiful family i hope all your wishes come true.

[pipersmom]

Hooray!! For dates..and starting a PTR! I can't wait to see all your pics 'cause I know what a great photographer you are from reading your blog! Can't wait for the next installment!

[pipersmom]

Tina..just click to edit your post, then delete all the words and maybe comment on Melissa's post to replace them When you get ready to post it again..go back to the pre-trip forum, click on "new thread" and there you go!

[maroo]

Tina - I sent you some instructions in a Private Message about how to start a pre-trip report and how to edit the post above. A Moderator may come by and delete it for you, though.


Princess Phoebe is so cute!

Lauren is going to be tickled pink that you have started a pre-trip report - Lauren is convinced that Phoebe looks just like she did when she was little and "loves her already."

I will link this to the Wish Trippers Unite first page, too...so people can find ya! (Although it looks like they already have!

[motherof4greatkids]

Hi im new to all this my name is Tina i just wanted to say hi and i cant wait to hear all about your trip

[chrissid7]

I felt like such an official Dis'er when I made my ticker! That really got the ball rollin for me! ok ive gotta get back to work!! its hard with so much excitement!!!

[StefaniLyn]

What a great start to your trip report! Phoebe is absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to read more about the rest of your family as well as your plans!! There were several parts of Phoebe's story where I literally could replace her name with Bella's. I understand the 'negatives' from genetics. We go through it once each year with the same frustration. Our doctors continue to tell us our daughter is literally one of a kind! Sounds like the same is true for Phoebe! I hope that you eventually find some answers so you know what the future may hold! Congrats again on your wish and your dates!

[MomTo4+more]

She is so precious. I am excited to follow along as you plan. I just thought today that now that our wish trip is over, I need something fun to plan. Your five month wait will go so quickly!

[yinyanggirls]

Thanks for reading guys! I think it would really stink to make a PTR/TR and have no one reading. I know some of us are learning together, and others have BTDT or have been researching for months already, so it will be great to have you as a resource.