Let’s Talk Strollers, Doubles that is

I’m still in the planning mode of trying to figure out what on earth we should do. I’m so thankful for so many moms with more than one who have already gone before me! Thank you so much for all your advice on the room and bed situation for Elizabeth. After talking through everyone’s feedback I think we are going to keep her in her current room and in the crib. We will reassess the crib thing as we go, so far she’s not trying to climb out. Since we have a pack and play and access to another crib, kicking her out so to speak, won’t be necessary.

It was so valuable to us to hear all different sides and stories. We really hadn’t thought about the fact that she’s probably already attached to her room and booting her may be insensitive. As soon as we mulled that one over we knew she had to stay put. (since she can)

So that brings us to our next dilemma. Right now we are stroller hoarders. We’ve been given two of our three as a gift so you can all breathe a sigh of relief! That being said, we have our Uppababy Vista, a single jogging stroller, and our Chicco umbrella stroller. With baby #2 on the way we will need something that will accommodate two children.

When we picked the Uppababy we didn’t think we would be having more than one and figured if we did we could add the rumbleseat and make it a tandem double. BUT the rumbleseat is only good up to 35 pounds and Elizabeth is 28. Also she is 35 inches and it may be a tight squeeze on height. Plus it attaches to the back of the stroller, so she would not be facing out but at the back of the seat.

We have narrowed our search down to two options but are open to suggestions. Must haves include:

-Tires that would be able to go over a woodchip path. We walk around a very close pond often and this would be necessary. (Uppababy doesn’t but CM GT does)

-Ability to hold 2 kids. (both)

-Don’t need to be able to run with it. Let’s be honest, with a single jogger, I’m always going to opt to just take one kid. That’s hard enough

-Ability to accommodate a car seat adapter for the baby (both)

-MUST fit through a normal doorway. (both)

Option #1. Keep our Uppababy Vista

Pros: Keep our Uppababy and add the rumbleseat ($100), being able to use the bassinet as a sleep space for the baby (not on the stroller), allows us to use the stroller as a single or double, can accommodate a carseat and Elizabeth, tandem ride. Would eventually have to sell once Elizabeth no longer fit in the rumbleseat. If we wait to sell it will depreciate more.

Other option: Baby Jogger City Mini GT ($389-which is $200 off MSRP right now)

-Would need to sell our Uppababy but after selling, this stroller would be free. Would accommodate both kids for a longer period of time. Can fit through a doorway, has some suspension/all terrain tires, accommodates two kids and a carseat if needed (with extra accessory), folds up relatively small and is fairly lightweight.

What would you do? What have you done? What other options have I missed?

ps…we are headed to a local store that has both of these options to test drive…maybe that will help!

Enjoying the summer

In my book, summer is best enjoyed by doing. Whether it be the pool, the park, the zoo, the sprinkler in the backyard, or what have you, spending time outside and within the community screams summer to me.

Most days between 11-2pm you will not find us at home. Or if we are at home we are most likely outside. I know, worst sun hours ever, but what’s a mom to do when that’s prime awake time?

We.must.get.outside.to.wear.her.out. Amen?

Plus Elizabeth yearns to be outside. She seriously is on the verge of throwing tantrums when we are inside. So out we go. I remember when I nannied having to force the boys outside on some days…not so with this one. She’s forcing me outside.

And so I learned that in order to go out and not be frantic, rushing all around trying to remember everything, I came up with a plan.  A way for mom’s to enjoy the summer. Because I know sometimes that getting out of the house seems like more work than its worth some days.

I learned while nannying that being prepared is a great way to set yourself up for success and ultimately means more summer enjoyment all around. So here’s how I’ve tried to set myself up for success…so far it’s working because we’re getting out and momma is not stressed about a thing. I created two main stations that for the most part remain in our car. The “pool” bag (basically my summer diaper bag) and the “car” tote.

Pool Bag:

This bag resides on my passenger seat and gets last minute things thrown in like my wallet, snacks, and lunches. I tend to wear my swimsuit to the pool and just throw in undergarments for afterwards. For E, since she’s not potty trained, I change her at the pool.

Inside: Snack (cheerios/raisins), sunscreen, hat/sunglasses, onesies, swim diaper, E’s towel, my towel, E’s swimsuit, swim toy bag, diaper pouch w/ diapers,wipes, diaper cream and a pacifier, plastic baggies (for wet items), and a toiletry bag.

Toiletry bag contents: bug spray, hand sanitizer, kleenex, tylenol, face and hand wipes, clorox wipes, and alcohol wipes.

I tend to be in and out of this bag all throughout the day no matter our activities. Because it stays on my seat or the floor in front of the seat I normally just throw in our last minute items when I hop in. The diaper pouch has been my most loved item…on Sundays we just grab it out for nursery and if I’m running in somewhere I just toss it in the stroller or my purse. I also always keep a swimsuit in this bag. That way if we happen to be somewhere and a suit is needed we have one. I also keep cheerio/raisin snacks in here. Obviously if your kids were older, granola bars, etc. would work. But raisins and cheerios, while not so exciting, fill the need when hunger grows rampant and do not melt in the sun.

When I nannied we had a similar system at their house. But as soon as they got a bit older they were all in charge of their own sling bag. They were in charge of their undergarments for after the pool, goggles, swimsuit, and towel. It worked great and helped them learn to take some responsibility for their own things.

Car tote:

This bag has been a lifesaver this summer. In my absentmindedness we’ve been places and realized we have no diapers, we needed a blanket, or we forgot a sippy. Thank goodness this was in our trunk. My mom gave me the super cute 31 Tote as a fun gift and it has worked perfectly. This bag shares trunk space with our stroller, fits perfectly above the wheels and always stays in the car. Always.

Inside: Diapers, swim diapers, wipes, first aid kit, snacks (cheerios/raisins), bib, extra sippy cup, pool float, sand toys, and a blanket.

This is so handy for last minute trips and for remembering where things are. Going to the park and need a toy, great…sand toys in the trunk. Heading to someone’s pool and need a float…great in the trunk. Going to a concert in the park and need a blanket, check…got it. We’ve used everything in here this summer so far while we were out exploring the city and it worked perfectly. Especially the extra diapers/wipes and the blanket. Who knew how many times you might need a large blanket to spread out?

Keeping things organized and in the same place has really allowed us to enjoy the summer more fully with less stress. We get out more, we’re not trying to remember a hundred things at the last minute, and we’re covered when we forget.

Obviously the contents will look differently for everyone but it’s helped us so much this summer that I thought I ought to share. I’m sure I’m forgetting some important things we should have in our bags…

So tell me, how do you keep organized in the summer?

Musings from the week

This past week was nothing short of intense, joy-filled, sleep deprived, & worth every second. From starting it off with a house full of 21 people to ending it in the company of good friends it was a busy one to say the least.

Elizabeth turns 4 months old today and this past week was evidence that our little girl is growing up.

Last Sunday all of our immediate families joined us in dedicating Elizabeth at our church. It was a joyous yet sobering event as we “surrendered all worldly claims upon our daughter in the hope that she will one day belong wholly to Jesus.” Elizabeth didn’t make a peep during the dedication but instead waited until we were home and everyone wanted to see her to make her dismay known. It was her party and she wanted to cry! The picture of her with Alex in the collage is a perfect depiction of how she felt once everyone left. Note how she’s hanging on to his arm for dear life:)

And then the week happened. Elizabeth is in a major sleep regression. I’m not entirely surprised given that this week she mastered rolling over, she may have a tooth coming in, and she is in a growth spurt. I’m so glad caffeine doesn’t bother her because I have needed a lot to function. We’ve been really lucky that this hasn’t been her status quo because I’m fairly certain I would not have survived:) Needless to say we’ve all been a little tired over here!

But despite the sleepiness, life goes on. Highlights of the week included:

1. Decorating our walls. They’ve been bare for far too long and with the help of our friend Anne they are looking so much better!

2. Buying a new car seat. We went with this one knowing that we will eventually upgrade to this one. She isn’t using it yet but she had fun testing it out!

3. Playing with friends. The boys I nannied for are entirely smitten with Elizabeth. It might be the most precious thing I have ever witnessed!

4. Raking leaves. I can’t wait to cut down some of our trees. We bagged 14 bags and our lawn looks like we never raked. UGH!

5. Elizabeth does not like the leaves:) Again evidence of her personality this past week. oh my!

6. Sleeping while mamma enjoyed some girl time at my homemaking group. After 5 years we don’t learn homemaking anymore we just socialize! Note how she loves to sleep with blankie over the head…help me!

7. Picking pumpkins in the parking lot patch. Saturday night “get us out of the house” featured takeout, red box, and a trip to the mall.

8. Mercy Triumphs. Bible study for the fall and the only way I’ve been able to make it through October. I look forward to waking up early every morning just to do this study.

9. In an attempt to beautify our house, I broke out the sewing machine on Sunday and whipped up this little valence for our kitchen window. So proud of myself and my novice sewing skills!

So there you have it a glimpse into our home. This week can only be described as intense. But hearing the giggles, embracing new mercies, capturing smiles, and having a husband who keeps me laughing make the days worth enduring.

How eventful or eventless was your week? Intense?

Don’t forget to enter the GIVEAWAY for $50 to SHUTTERFLY HERE!!

getting away {part 2}

we’re back & we had a great time.

Our little red cabin did not disappoint. The weather was delightfully crisp, fall in the air and our days were spent enjoying time without any restraints. In fact, we unplugged for the entire three day trip…no cell phones, no computers, no work. Have you ever done that? I kept remarking how liberating it was; apparently I need to do that more often!

We loaded up our car early Tuesday morning and headed up north. Upon arriving we were able to check in 3 hours early and while Alex played golf, I got life situated in our little cabin while Elizabeth napped. Last year on our trip to Brainerd we were praying I was pregnant, this year we have Elizabeth. We kept remarking how much can change in a year. And, of course, our time up there looked a little different with a 3 month old in tow, but we were still able to unwind and relax which is why we love going up there. Our swanky cabin was just as the pictures depicted. The gas fireplace, gorgeous view, and cute interior made us want to linger inside.

We spent our days enjoying the view, walking the grounds, doing crosswords, drinking gallons of coffee, playing with Elizabeth, watching the news, & eating delicious food. It was a welcome change from reality…slowing down and enjoying life. Elizabeth seemed to love it; she would stare out the window at the lake and giggle. Her neck strained while we walked to take in the rustling leaves and change in colors…we’re convinced she loves going up north as much as we do. In fact, she’s still sleeping, over 12 hours, recuperating from the fresh air and vacation in general.

Tuesday night we ventured out to Nisswa and enjoyed pizza at Rafferty’s. Elizabeth has a new hidden talent that she’s been working on for the past week or so…she can do stomach crunches. In fact, either in her car seat or stroller, she always starts to do crunches…we’re convinced she just wants to be more grown up than she is!

Wednesday we spent enjoying the view and relaxing in our home away from home. We made chili in our cabin for dinner, headed to the Chocolate Ox for dessert, and went for a walk. Thursday we awoke to a very windy and cold morning so we cranked up the fire, drew up the blankets and snuggled inside. We ventured out for breakfast and then packed up the car. We were all so sad to go. But to make the transition home easier, on our way home we stopped at the apple orchard for some photos and a delicious caramel apple. All in all, operation getting away was a success and we can’t wait for next year. We already have visions of our little red cabin in our heads with a one year old in tow.

This is for you

One would think this day would be me great joy; for I am a mother. But to me it’s another reminder of years of hurt, of friends and family hurting.

I’m not saying it’s not enjoyable to be celebrated or to celebrate. My mother is one of my best friends. I couldn’t imagine life without her. And she deserves to be celebrated; for her sacrifice, love, encouragement, and grace.

I can celebrate her everyday…just as she deserves to be.

But there are others; friends and siblings who have lost their mother, plenty of friends who have been told they can never have children, and those still awaiting motherhood. No matter how much you try to celebrate others and try to avoid your own heart emotions, they creep up. There’s a void on this day. A hurt in your heart. I remember the years we waited for this…and to be honest now that it’s here, being celebrated isn’t on the top of my list.

To me it’s just another day.

To you who are hurting, who are waiting, who are trying to understand, who are grieving, who need hope, who want to hide from reality today…

I’m not offering words of “encouragement” like so many offer: everyone is a mother to someone , at least you had your mother for quite some time, you’ll be a mother soon…I’m offering you the hope from the one who knows.

”For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:15-16

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

He is with you. He will carry you. He will wipe the tears. He will hold your hand. He hears your cries. He knows your pain. He is near. He is enough.

Thinking of all of you, who are waiting, hoping, hurting, grieving on this day.

Sending hugs and love.

She Gives Love

With grace and strength she carried me.  9 months whole, serving her family as the pangs of labor took over.    It was a day of celebration while life within beckoned for release.  She waited for me, rejoiced over me.  I am my mother’s daughter.

She has seen the world.  Days have been filled with love bursting forth intermixed with sorrows increasing.  She’s seen loss time and time again.  She’s witnessed the taking of the soul in her midst, praising her Savior amidst pain.  And she has given herself, empty, to those who took up residence in her womb.  Not only her own, but open arms have embraced so many; step-children, grandchildren, and friends alike.

She has worn strength and dignity daily as she stretches herself, putting her own needs behind.  Love comes openly and honestly.  She doesn’t even know how eyes are fixed upon her, watching, learning, participating alongside.  She taught me submission, by acting in ways that give Him glory.  Trusting in quiet and gentleness.  Without her, where would we be?

She is worthy of praise, especially today, on her birthday.

Happy birthday Mom!  We love you so very, very much.

”We do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in our prayers.”

Ephesians 1:16