Orlando and The Cold

Last weekend we had yet another travel conference/trade show in Florida but this time it was in Orlando, the home of you know who...Mickey Mouse!

Grandmama, Isabelle and I flew out Friday morning (leaving at the crack of dawn so we wouldn't get stuck in the nasty LA traffic and miss our flight). Thinking that we had a little time, with pre-boarding and everything, we stopped at the Crown Room to feed Isabelle and ourselves and although it was there, Mom and I resisted the temptation of a mimosa or two before the flight-LOL! However when we go to the gate we found out that Delta does not pre-board any more! What kind of "you know what" is that, we thought!?!? So that posed a bit of a problem since we did not check in any luggage and had 2 small roller suitcases, the stroller plus the infant carrier, a computer bag, Grandmama's carry on and a diaper bag...a strategy had to immediately be put in the making. With the diaper bag on (its a backpack, thank goodness), my computer bag slung over one shoulder while pushing Isabelle in the stroller/infant seat and Grandmama pulling both suitcases along with her carry on, we got to the bottom of the jet way. As quick as a wink, Grandmama grabbed the infant seat, her carry on and Isabelle while I collapsed the stroller (which is haphazardly thrown in the belly of the plane-GRRR) and with my other two bags in tow, grabbed the two suitcases and as carefully as we could, headed down the aisle of the plane to our seats. Now Grandmama was smart, she bought a row of three seats in coach and we plopped Isabelle down in her carrier right between the two of us. After we finally got all settled in, the flight was a breeze! At least when we go to Michigan for Christmas, we will have to check in our luggage!!

The conference was at Disney's Contemporary Hotel which was VERY contmeporary. Lots of clean lines and bold colors and completly unuseful bathroom sinks. You may wonder why I would say this well, if you try bathing a 15lb little one in a huge, flat, square sink that has a 3" lip all around so it cannot be filled, you would agree that it was completely unuseful...as well as what your spit does or doesnt do after brushing your teeth, YUCK! I am sure you get my point. While Grandpa Ilich/Dad/the Boss :) and I were schmoozing, Grandmama and Isabelle spent most of their late mornings/early afternoons out by the pool chasing down ducks until we called. On Saturday night we had no plans with the conference so we decided to visit one of the parks (since we did have free hopper passes). We chose Epcot Center and thought we should save Walt Disney World to share with Papa since he LOVES Mickey. We had a great time strolling through China and Norway, eating dinner at a cafe in St. Marc's Square and ending the evening with buying Isabelle an ornament at the gift shop. My camera was on the fritz so we didn't get any pics at Epcot :( But it has been decided that for Isabelle's fifth birthday, Walt Disney World is where we are heading. Now for the cold...our little one caught her first cold and is still somewhat fighting it off. She was a little congested in Florida but on the plane ride home (which we mastered the boarding and unboarding like pros) she was sniffling and then came a nasty cough. With the recalls of the children's cold medicines, we did not want to take our chances on giving her anything so Michael got an appt on Tuesday, the day we returned, with Isabelle's pediatrician. And let me tell you, he wasn't that helpful. He told us again, that she is underweight for her size and age and needs to "fatten up" and that her cold just has to run its course and go away on its own. That night we got a humidifier (thanks Grandmama and Grandpa Ilich) and some Baby Vicks and let it "run its course" however, for the past 4 mornings, I have woken up to our little one coughing up a storm ! It usually subsides and is gone midway through her day but it is so annoying for her to still have it. If this cough of hers is not gone by this weekend, back to the doctor's we go. Do you hear that, GERMS!!! We are coming to get you if you don't leave on your own. Lets see if that works :)