WISH Trip, Day 1

Annie was born with Spina Bifida. On top of her SB, she has Hydrocephalus and an arachnoid cyst, (among other things). She has 5 life threatening conditions total, that we know of. She has had 5 brain surgeries since we adopted her, 8 total- all before she turned 3. She has been hospitalized more times than I can remember. There will be many surgeries and hospital stays in her future. 

 We chose to go with a Wish with Wings to grant her Disney wish. We considered going with Make A Wish, but I have heard SB families have trouble qualifying. You must have a life threatening condition to qualify, (it doesn't have to be terminal), but for some reason some SB families didn't qualify (even though SB is a life threatening condition). 

If you life in Texas or are a patient in Texas and would like a WISH granted, I HIGHLY recommend a Wish with Wings.  With Make a Wish, they meet with you and interview your child, and your child must make their wish. A Wish with Wings was very laid back, but did so much for us. I just can't say enough good about them! (I am not downing MAW, but a Wish with Wings is fantastic.)

On December 6, we left for the airport, in a limo...

 Annie's first limo ride. :)

 Daddy's first limo ride too. :)

 Movie star Annie, and of course, she had to bring her beloved Dumbo along. :) 

 We don't drink, but Daddy thought he would be funny. :) Daddy and Dumbo celebrating. ;)

On our way...

When we got to the airport, Annie was in for quite a surprise! The pilot asked if she would like to fly the airplane! 

 During take off, the captain came over the loud speaker to announce that we had a very special guest on board- ANNIE! He informed everyone that she was on her way to Disney for her WISH trip and that it was almost her birthday. Needless to say, I had to fight back tears!

Half way through the flight, I stood take Annie to the bathroom. As I was about to get her up, another announcement was made. A sweet attendant, Vickie, had everyone close the windows. Then she had everyone press the attendant call button. Everyone sang Annie "Happy Birthday!" Afterwards, she was told to "blow out her candles," and as she blew everyone turned off their call lights and opened the windows! I was a mess! I then returned to my original plan of taking her to the bathroom. We were in the front of the plane, but that bathroom was occupied. We had to trek to the very back. As we walked, Annie waved to everyone and they all wished her happy birthday. I had to fight back tears so hard, y'all. I didn't want to look like a crazy, blubbering fool, but having the whole plane show your child love, well it was just too much!

Another flight attendant handed Annie a gift from a woman on the plane. It was $25 for her birthday. She was a blind woman traveling alone. Needless to say, we were very touched! We weren't even off the plane and we had been blessed multiple times. This trip was going to be good!

No matter what WISH organization you go with, everyone who makes a Disney World wish gets to stay at Give Kids the World. I was told that many families choose to stay home from the parks and spend all day at GKTW, it is THAT awesome. No way! Well, I started looking at pics prior to the trip and they seemed to be right. Once we got there, I knew they were right! You can only stay there as a WISH family, but you can return as a volunteer or an alumnus. We will return as both in the future. :)

 Our villa. It was huge! Instead of a small hotel room, it was the size of a 2 bedroom apartment. The kid's bathroom was huge because it was wheelchair accessible! 

 Because it was December, we had a Christmas tree in our villa. Annie was so excited. Sadly, our volunteer took a blurry pic. I so wish this was clear!! 

 We came in to gifts on our kitchen table, and everyday the "gift fairy" left a gift for Annie. :)

Our first day was already such a blast. We decided to hang out at GKTW. We ate dinner then headed to the La Ti Da Spa. :)

Annie got to get a pillow from the pillow tree:

On top of the La Ti Da Spa, they also had a carousel! Two of Annie's favorite things that she could visit everyday!

We had such an amazing day, and it was only day one! Fellow special needs families, you MUST take a WISH trip! The whole day I reflected on what we had been through and was so thankful to have this time as a family to just have fun! It was such a blessing, and it was only the first day...

Ann Marie Models- the pictures

At one of Annie's appointments, she was noticed for her cuteness and we were asked if we would be willing to take some pictures at the hospital's new playground. We were ecstatic! Annie had a blast! She took direction so well, and didn't want to stop! They wanted a few more shots a few months later, and of course we obliged! They thanked us profusely for our time, but I don't think they understand what a genuine pleasure it was for us! I told her if they need anyone in the future, to give us a call! :)

Annie picture was featured on their website, and to our surprise and joy they made her Miss April in the TSRHC calendar. :)

I have been looking for an agency to represent Annie, but most people see her wheelchair and run the other way. If you know of anyone reputable, send them our way. :) Annie would love to do more modeling. 

This pose was done all on her own. :)

We told her what to do here and she did a great job following direction. :)

Not her best smile, but her pose was worth posting. :)

Not her best face, but once again this pose was all her idea and worth posting. :)

Not the best pose, but she posed herself. Just showing how she has a real knack for posing. :)

They gave her a shirt and a bear and she posed with her gift. :)

A few months later her beautiful pom poms are missing, but she is still as beautiful as ever. :)

The lighting was perfect in the first shoot, but in the next shoot we got a little too much glare...

Seriously, we are looking for an agency. Give us a ring! :) You can contact us at annmariepaulie@gmail.com

I am finally finishing up our WISH trip pics- check back here soon to see them. :)