Dang Carseats

My kids have outgrown their carseats - AGAIN!

We bought Evenflo carseats for them when they outgrew their Graco infant seats. And now I need to purchase another set of carseats. However, there is a problem. My kids are both around 38 " tall and over 30 pounds (Holland is pushing 36 pounds). I have been researching booster/carseats that include the 5 point harness - this is where the problem lies. I have only found about 5 or 6 to choose from. Most of them say you can only put them in the harness until 40 pounds. After they reach 40 pounds they need to use the regular seat belt. But my kids are only 2 and they should not use a regular carseat until 4 years old.

Here are a few of my options:

Graco Platinum CarGo (99.99) will only hold them in the harness until 40 pounds. Graco is a trusted brand and it is reasonably priced. But it would be a stupid purchase because I would most likely need to buy something else in 6 months.

This one by Safety 1st ($109) fits my weight requirements. I can use the harness up to 65 pounds and then as a booster. It just looks so dang uncomfortable.
This one by Safeguard ($139) can be used with the harness up to 60 pounds. It look uncomfy and I have never heard of the brand.

This is the BIG Motha' from Britax - The Regent ($269). They can be in the harness until they are 16 years old...actually about 10o pounds. It is safe, big, and expensive. It really is humongous!

I should have bought this one about 1 1/2 years ago and I would not be in this mess. The Britax Marathon ($269) holds them until they are 65 pounds.

I have not heard of some of these brands. Does anyone have a better suggestion? HELP!

p.s. I hate Evenflo carseats.

His First Tinkle

After months of flushing the toilet, handing mommy toilet paper, and watching us go pee (sorry for the visual)....Ethan went pee-pee in the toilet for the 1st time. Ethan is officially a big boy! I am so, so proud of him. Now the hard work begins.

I would love some advice because this is my first kid to train. Hopefully Holland will follow in his footsteps. Way to go Little Brother!

Is this bad?

I bought this yesterday. It is a cute little monkey backpack (and harness). Can I really put a leash on my kid? Isn't that against some sort of law?

I think I may have to return it....

You are a great mom

Twins at Homestead - Midway, Ut

I flew home yesterday with Holland and Ethan. Holland was armed with her binkie and blankie and slept half the trip. Ethan was a little busier than normal. I do think he is making his way into the "terrible twos". It was not really that terrible, but I think the guy behind us was tired of all the cars being thrown his way. I don't blame my little boy... it is hard for an almost 2 year old to sit still for 3 hours. All in all, he did great!

And then....All "H E double L" broke loose once we landed. The landing was pretty scary and bumpy (thanks to the Chicago winds).The kids were freaking out and grabbing at me. I was trying to gather all of our "stuff". The kids were crying and screaming. And that is when I began to sweat. Once I gathered all of Ethan's cars and Holland's horses we headed out. We successfully departed the plane (last ones out) and waited for our luggage.

During those five minutes of waiting Ethan butchered his finger and Holland knocked her head on the floor. Those feelings of being the great mom on the plane quickly vanished. I was now the "out of control" mother doing anything to keep the kids quiet. I waited for everyone in the baggage claim area to leave before we ventured out. Before leaving, a guy came up to me and said, "You are a great mother. I watched you on the plane and even now. You are a great mother."

I felt like crying as I thanked him for his nice sentiment. I have not forgotten his words. He has no idea what those words meant to me. I know it is a "no no"to worry about what others think of you. But I often do. And it was so nice for someone to remind me. If I ever saw him again I might have to give him a big HUG.

I am glad yesterday is over. We were all tired. It is good to be home. I came home to a clean house (thanks honey) and to the best time of the year when the weather is cool and crisp.

Crib Jumping

(Ethan at 10 months)

My worst nightmare came true last night. Holland jumped out of her crib. We were downstairs when we heard a loud thump. Ryan ran upstairs and she was on the floor crying. After the incident, we were watching her put her leg over the crib to get out. She got quite a scolding from me. I told her ,"no more getting out of your crib". It was pretty scary too. She could really hurt herself. Ryan reminded me that he knew she was "trouble" from day one. He is totally right. When she was just days old she would give us these "looks". It is only a matter of time until Ethan follows suit.

I had all sorts of weird dreams last night because of it(twins roaming the house while we slept, etc). I also had a dream that this sister pulled a "Britney Spears" and shaved her long beautiful hair off. Enough of my crazy dreams.

I am not ready for toddler beds. How am I going to keep them in their room , not to mention their beds??? I need advice because this is all happening too fast and I am just not prepared.

(Holland at 5 months)

Cheap, Ugly Diaper Bag

I have a little obsession with diaper bags. I own 5 official diaper bags, and these do not include the purses I have transformed into diaper bags. I can't seem to find one that is cute and practical and in my budget.

I went through a cheap, practical stage and bought this bag:



It is small, has all the great compartments which one requires with 2 small kids. I can carry it over my shoulder, as a messenger bag or over my stroller. Did I mention the strap is adjustable? It has gender, neutral colors and it retails for $15.
Catch: It not a cool, hip brand name...and maybe not even cute.

I went through a cheap, Target phase and bought this:

The red one is cute, but does not match with everything I wear. If you did not know this about me already but, I am a matchy, matchy girl---and PROUD of it! Anyway, I like this bag, but I do not LOVE it. Here is another cute bag from Target.
Catch: Because it is from Target you may see alot of people using them.

I went through a cheap, babystyle phase and bought this one...

I bought this bag while I was on bedrest in the hospital. I saw it online and loved the $20 price tag. But had I saw it in person I may not have purchased it. It is pink, and guys don't like to carry pink bags (I know pink is in style for men's clothing, but not bags). The bag is shaped weird and did not work for me for as everyday diaper bag. However, it is from Babystyle and I loved buying something from a cool, hip online store.

I would love to buy this and this and this diaper bag. I am just too financially responsible (just a nice name for cheap). I guess if I decided to stop buying lots of cheap bags and spent the same money for 1 nice bag I would not be writing this post.

Who am I kidding? I know myself too well...I like to change my handbag every season. I better not purchase the expensive ones or I may need to get a 2nd job. So, if anyone else it having the same dilemma as me, check out this website with tons of diaper bags to choose from.
Catch: They are pricey!

p.s. Found another cute diaper bag ...may just have to change my mind thanks to Mandee's website.

loves her binkie

I need to get rid of Holland's binkie. She is so attached to that thing. It may only get worse if I keep it around. Part of me wants to take it away and the other part of me doesn't. She loves her binkie....she will be so sad. It will be like she is losing her best friend. On the other hand, she may have a major overbite if we don't take it away soon.

Any suggestions?