Orlando- Its Time

Orlando by Grace

 We left Seattle on a Tuesday. Tuesday is the day that Sophie goes to Seattle for her therapy. She had a terrible time at therapy the day that we left town. I am certain that she was ticked I was leaving for a fun filled week with other Moms who have kids with "similar" issues as she does. I think she knew that we were going to be talking about all the "stuff" in our lives that burdens us and she knew darn well that I was going to have a fun, fabulous time with Grace and Izzy. (Her two arch nemeses.) Instead of saying "I am angry that your going on vacation with Grace and Izzy and without me. And I am going to miss you!" It came out in an ugly, demented sort of hysterics and giddy freaky happiness that threw us all for a loop. (Therapist too.) We actually had to get another dad to drive Sophie home (2 hours) because we didn't want to take her to the airport for the big goodbye and we weren't sure what she was going to do next.
I left here feeling like... "Thank God that's over."
I had talked with the therapist about my extreme amount of resentment towards Sophie and how I don't really know if I am ever going to be able to let it go fully. I might have to just figure out how to compartmentalize it, because it doesn't seem to get better even when the relationship with her is getting better. I think that it allows me to feel more resentment and be more "real" with my own feelings instead of feeling calculated like we are walking on eggshells around her. I know that in this process we are going to have ups and downs- this was just a DOWN sort of time and it sucked that it had to happen when I was leaving town. But isn't that life?

We got to the airport at about 3pm and worked our way through the process to get on the plane. We had a three hour layover in Los Angeles where we ate a pretty gross meal and a busy restaurant. We took the red eye to Orlando and we arrived the next morning at 6am. (Which would feel like 3am to us West Coasters.)
I had bought a bunch of candy at the airport in LA. I was going to indulge. While Izzy stayed awake for hours on the flight it was all I could do to keep popping chocolates and Swedish fish in my mouth. Finally Izzy fell asleep and I started to fall asleep... and then I felt a rumble and a hot flash and I knew... I was going to puke. I did the next logical thing... I woke up Kim! Kim gave me a puke bag and I laid Izzy down next to me on the empty seat. The nausea lasted the rest of the flight. I never did puke but I definitely learned my lesson about the candy!

We got off the plane, got our luggage and headed outside to the warm steamy weather (at 6am) and waited for the shuttle for the car rental place. We rented a mini van (from Sixt rental- highly recommended European company). The mini van happened to have all the bells and whistles and whilst it was a mini van, it was fun to drive around Orlando for the week!

Grace and Lego Woody

 I was thankful the GPS on my phone. We used it all the time and for the most part it was reliable. It was Leap Day and the Magic Kingdom was open for 24 hours from 6am-6pm. We headed to the villa and all took a nap for a few hours. At noon we loaded the van, grabbed a bite to eat and went to the Magic Kingdom. It was busy but not horrible and with the fast past we were able to ride several rides and see some shows without waiting too long for anything. It was magical just like Disney always is. At the end of the day we decided that we wanted to have a nice sit down dinner. We went to the concierge at Disney and they helped to find us a table. We were told to just "walk" over to the hotel where we were eating dinner at because it was easier than taking the monorail and just a "2 minute" walk. It was definitely closer to a 2 MILE walk. And nothing felt worse than no sleep, a day of walking in the heat, and then a 2 mile trek across Disney resort to eat dinner. Once we arrived we lounged in the a/c while we waited for our table. We had a delicious meal and Izzy was snoozing most of the time. Grace had fabulous vegan curry. Once we were done with dinner we were spent. We wanted to make it the full 24 hours but it was about 11pm and I needed to get the heck out of there. We went back to the car, headed for the villa and crashed out. At 3am I heard someone awake and they proceeded to get louder and louder until I got up. It was Hilary- she wanted to go back to Disney to finish out the last few hours of the 24 hour Leap Day. I woke up Grace, handed over the car keys and Grace and Hilary went back to Magic Kingdom for the last two hours. (Crazy girls.)

My Lelo Sisters- Hilary, Cindy, Heather and Ericka

 On Thursday more of the women were arriving. Cindy drove and Heather and Ericka arrived at the airport. Finally on Thursday evening we were all at the same house. Cindy made a fabulous dinner and we all got to know one another better and felt so spoiled having someone else cook such a beautiful meal. (I should mention- plan, shop, AND cook the meal. Pasta and grilled chicken.)
Thursday was also the day that we discovered you can buy "Adult Capri Suns" at the grocery store. The girls loaded up the freezer with the slushy drinks and they were so good. Friday morning we were outside in the pool early and lounged around on pool floats and talked, and talked, and talked, and cried and laughed and laughed some more and acted silly, and embarrassed Grace and the pool boys at the neighbor houses. Izzy and Grace loved getting to swim and took a few walks around the resort.
Friday Kim left us for her "house" and housemates. Cindy and Hilary were supposed to leave but decided that they wanted to stay. Each time that anyone made any kind of decision they were always wondering if someone would be upset. "Would the other women or Corey be upset if they decided to stay at this house and not go to the other house?" Etc. (My house was deemed the "baby house" because it was where the babies stayed. Or should I say BABY. Yes, I was the ONLY lame Mom who brought kids along!)

Corey had been saying all year long that this time away was for each of us to do what we wanted. To feel that we could really enjoy ourselves. If that meant getting involved in the classes and activities, or if that meant just sleeping the entire time- it was up to us to decide what was best for each of us. And you know what--- that was exactly how the rest of the week went. Everyone just did what was best for them and what would make them happy and most comfortable and no one judged anyone for it. I know that seems far too idealistic to get a group of 90 women together and not have anyone being bitchy and judgemental. But truly, it was the most supportive, loving, amazing, make you feel comfortable, hugging, smiles that warm your heart, stories that make you want to cry, people who had come so far to be there, and it was more than I could ever officially put into any kind of words what so ever.

Grace and Izzy

 It was incredible to meet several women who I had known "online" for years. Most who we shared one thing in common- adoption, kids with "issues" and HAITI. On Friday the "main house" had a purse party for Heartline. I picked up the first purse that caught my eye and looked inside to see who had made it. CHRISTELLA- I knew that purse was meant for me to buy! I just love it. Grace went back the next day with her own money and bought a purse too. I was thankful that they included this fundraiser in the fun. Please take a minute to check out the wonderful handmade items at Haitian Creations that support this awesome org. in Haiti. The pictures do not do the items justice I have to say. I was smitten with the quality and beauty of all the jewelry and bags.

The house pool and hot tub

 Over the weekend they had a 5K race for fun. All of the houses made motivating posters and Izzy, Hilary and I went outside and cheered on all the women. I had planned to join in but got caught up playing with Izzy and relaxing outside so I didn't bother. And no one cared and that was really awesome. :) Heather actually won the "race prize drawing" and got herself a fit bit! Whoohoo- go Heather!!! There were classes and a scavenger hunt, henna tattoos, pedicures and so many women to meet. We mainly hung out at the Baby House and relaxed and had lots of visitors and talked and talked and talked.

Saturday night we went to downtown Disney and walked around, watched a show and had dinner. It was busy and so fun. We lost Grace for a few minutes but she took it all in stride. It was the one time I was glad that my teens have cell phones!

On Sunday a friend who was passing through town stopped by with her two girls and it was so fun to finally meet them in person and to offer some love and support. This Mom should have really been at ETAAM with all the parenting life she has lived and the big time self care that she is due!!

Izzy

 On Sunday evening we all went out to dinner as a group for Tapas. NINETY women went out to dinner. The restaurant did a nice job at handling all 90 women with their specific drink requests. Grace and Izzy hung out back at the resort and went for a walk and took lots of pictures. Ericka offered to be the designated driver so that I could have some drinks. We all got silly. OF COURSE. We came back to the villa and Hilary whipped up some amazing strawberry mojitos that were to die for. We relaxed in the hot tub and talked for hours. I couldn't believe that next day was Monday and that three of the women were going to be leaving us. We talked about next year and committed to making this a yearly event for ourselves and what "next year" would look like. I knew that these women were my friends but I made life long sisters this weekend. It was so good to know that I am not alone. I am really far from alone. I am loved and supported and a good Mom too! (We learned how to Tap!)

Missing those palm trees

 Monday morning Hilary, Kim, Izzy, Grace and I headed for Discovery Cove for the day. Bliss. It was the perfect day of relaxation and fun. Next year we plan on having the whole house do a day at the Cove. It really just isn't to be missed!

I can't wait for next year. Really. I am SO glad that I went. I am SO thankful that I didn't let money, or time, or being away stand in my way. I am SO thankful for my hubby and Leishan that they were able to step in and care for the other kids while I was gone. I didn't even worry and that made the time away even better. And of course the time with Grace and Izzy away was precious too. Grace was such a good big sister caring for Izzy and it was awesome that Izzy didn't have to miss out on her Mama time.

I love my soul sisters... all of them!

The best week ever

I should also mention that we arrived home late on a Tuesday- exactly one week after we left. Tuesday was the day that Sophie had therapy. And it was a LONG day in Seattle for Sophie and her Dad. They had almost 10 hours to kill in between the therapy time and the time that we had to get picked up at the airport. For my husbands safety we had only been doing mainly supervised visits for him and Sophie. (We would have another older child or adult there.) But this time- they were by themselves. I was worried about it. I am not going to lie. Its hard to spend that much time finding things to do with anyone let alone someone who has caused insurmountable hardship and heartache for you over the past year. However, as it would have worked out... they had a great day together. They went out to lunch. Walked around the mall. Napped in the van. Shopped for a birthday present for Dominick. Talked and talked. Went out to dinner. Talked some more. And I do think that there was an immense amount of healing that took place between the two of them. What a perfect ending to a perfect week. Yea!!