Toddler Tuesday- stroller review!

Ok so Eric is 4. That's a tricky age, kinda big for a stroller, yet their little legs get so tired after a while. We had been using a Cosco umbrella stroller, but it was really too small. His legs just hung down and it was awkward. So to Amazon I went! I search strollers with a higher weight limit, 45-50 lbs. I don't use a stroller that often, so I didn't want to spend a fortune. He was already used to an umbrella stroller, so I wasn't too concerned about padding and whatnot- he's four. I really need it for upcoming Disney trip and random mall trips; so pretty limited stroller time. We have no sidewalks in BFE, so it's not like we actually stroll. So I found this:

Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller, Slate https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHKAMG4/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_-y1wvb1XKVF8R

It is beyond amazing. It's a good height for pushing, not to low so the hubs is uncomfortable, yet not too high for me. (I'm 5' 2" on a good day). It has a basket underneath for purses and a kid tray.  Now, to get the child in and out you have to completely remove the tray. I loved this because it is an escape deterrent.  The parent tray cup holder is just big enough for a bottle of water. Perfect! It's rated fr 50lbs so Eric can use it for a while, and it fits him nicely; no leg overhang.  I like the sun canopy.

And look how it folds!!!! Squee, no laying it down on the dirty ground. 

And I just saw it is on sale at amazon for $59.  Perfecto! No sense in breaking the bank for something that he'll outgrow in a year.  Also, the back reclines a bit. Eric loved it, and so do I. I'll follow up and let you know how it preformed at DisneyLand when we go in July.  Now- I am reviewing this as an older toddler stroller. I would not put a baby that cannot sit up in this. Yes, it has a 5 point harness, but I feel it was designed for older children in mind- not babies. 

2 be two or not 2 be that is the question.

In my family, on my mother's side there are twins. They're are 8 sets confirmed, and 1 rumored. Our beloved grandmother, Maman Arnaud had 3 sets, my mother being on of the twins. Out of each twin set that lived, one of those had a set of twins, and one of those had a set of twins. Another cousin had a set, and  allegedly a cousin ate her twin in the womb, but that has yet to be confirmed. Anyway, when any one of the cousins, particularly of my generation are expecting, we all secretly watch Facebook to see if the twin magic will land on them. I am happy to report that the twin magic did not land on me, and I only have 1 bun. Whew! Dodged that one! Singleton power!

Now, can I hope for a girl?

Toddler tues!

So, the hubs told the 4 year old we were pregnant. It went something like this:

TH- Eric, you're going to be a big brother! Mama's going to have a baby!

E- Whyyyyyy?

I sense jealousy in the future. 

Later I'll post my review of my new stroller!

Tbt- kids tales

I was induced for Dade. The labor only lasted about two hours, he was a very easy birth. When he was presented to us, we looked at him. His dad looked at him, and looked at me. He said, "is he cute?" And I looked down and replied, "no".

Moral of the story: Not all babies are born cute. Some have to grow into it. 

Caveat: he's very handsome now! See, proud parents!  Also pictured- THE EX. It's ok, we're cool. 

Toddler Tuesday- chillax

Sometimes it's just time to throw caution to the winds and say the hell with it. Currently Eric is playing in the muddy puddles and throwing dirt and rocks. He's having a grand time. I'm not too concerned about the clothes or future mud; he's having fun and making memories. Plus, all that dirt is good for the immune systems. So, uptight mamas, it's ok to let your hair down and let your kids play in the dirt. They'll live and you can drink ice tea on the porch while they explore their world.

Throw Back Thursday- Kids Tales

Once upon a time, Dade and I were arguing about something. He was about twelve at the time. All of a sudden, he turned and looked at me. He said, "you just feel that way because you haven't found Jesus."  To which I casually replied, "yes I did, he was hiding behind the sofa."  Dade's mouth dropped open, he looked at me and walked off. I hear his voice drift back to me from the hall, "I don't even know what to say to that...."

Moral of the story: Don't sass your mama. She has a comeback bank with 30+ years of sassy deposits

Toddler Tuesday! Dentist time!

Disclaimer- is ma in no way a medical, dental, or psychological professional. The sight of blood makes me pass smooth out. What I'd do have is lots of experience with kids. So let's talk about first time dental visits! It really helps if you've been brushing you kid's teeth. When they are infants, you can wipe their gums clean with a clean wash cloth. This gets them used to the sensation. We took Eric when he turned 4. Our dentist said that it is better to wait till they are a little older for their first visit; so I waited until he was 4. A couple of days before we talked about what the dentist was and what they were going to do. We repeated every night till the day of the visit, and discussed it on the way there. I let him bring a toy to hold in the dentists office.

To;dr

Get them used to brushing

Communicate and explain fully what to expect. 

Repeat. 

Cinderella- the review.

Ok so- saw Cinderella and can I just say I loved it. Since everyone knows the story there is no way there can be any spoilers.  I found that the CGI was amazing. I couldn't tell. One of my friends called it "Lord of the Rings level"

Now if you are looking for some Bippity boppity tunes and talking mice- well then go watch the cartoon because this has a distinct lack of catchy tunes. It's a movie not a musical so no songs for you. I liked it without the typical Disney Song repertoire. 

To me the movie was very well executed and I was movies to tears a couple of times. The movie just flew by and it felt like it was only a 30 min show. Loved it and I can't wait to watch it again. 

TBT- Kid's Tales

Once upon a time: S was home from college for winter break, and E was watching The Little Mermaid. Prince Eric was on screen and E said,"look, Stefan, that's me, Eric!" S looked at me and sneered. "Really, mom? You named your kid from a Disney movie?"  I looked at my oldest child and smiled, "what's wrong with that, King Stefan from Sleeping Beauty?"

Moral of the story: Don't knock your mom's name game.

Animators on drugs- Kate and mim mim

I just want to say what the hell is this? So apparently this girl twirls around and sings a song with this stuffed rabbit and manages to teleport to another dimension? Works? Who the hell knows. Anyway- there are creatures there who have a collective IQ of 4. Somehow they solve the problem and return to the real world- and her parents never notice she is missing!  I just can't with this show. The purple bunny is disturbing and he sounds like he has rocks for brains. Well, technically I guess it's stuffing, but whatever. You know, some kids shows aren't bad (I'm talking about you Sophia the First!) but this one is just stupid. I can't even.

Toddler Tuesday!

We are all moms here at The Care C. Jamie and I have been moms for almost 20 years. We've been moms longer than not being moms. (I'm going to silently weep for my youth now) anyway, if you have any questions about children, you should probably read a book written by professionals. If you want sarcasm and terrible advice that could possibly lead to your arrest, then email us at thecarec@gmail.com. Meanwhile I will impart this bit of advice that I read somewhere and totally works. I read that this one mom was so worried about her kid crying during the birthday song that she would randomly start singing it so her kid wouldn't be scared. The result- fabulous pictures instead of crying kid. Try it- totally works.

Book Review: Forget Me Knot (Royal Reaper 2)

In the continuation of the series, we find Wynter struggling to learn how to be a Dark Angel. Leila continues to find ways to see Mara.

This book flowed nicely. It was fast paced and light. Appropriate for young adults. 4 stars.  Not my usual fare- still entertaining. Again- I'd love it if I were younger.

Book review- Dead Girl Walking (Royal Reaper Book 1)

Ok- so this book was a light read. I'd say appropriate for junior high levels. Quick and easy read. Anyway, Ophelia was a princess till she was murdered and now she is a grim reaper.  This book tells of her journey as a reaper and her growth as she lets go of her old life and begins a new one.

I did not realize it was an easier reading level, but I still enjoyed it. So I'll give it 3 stars as an adult, and 4.5 stars as a Jr. hi kid. I'd really like this if I was in the 7th grade. 

Throw Back Thursday: Kid Tales

Once upon a time, D had a Jr. Hi Band concert.  The whole family attended this musical wonder. After the concert, my parents and I were all walking back to the car when my mom said the magical words, "Do you want to go to Dairy Queen?" Hell yeah! We all took separate cars, so we all decided to meet there.  In our town, DQ is right around the corner from the school; it's within walking distance. S was in the front seat, I loaded E into his car seat, and we were off!  We pull into the parking spot and I turn around. The seat next to E's was empty! I asked S, "Uhhhh where's Dade?" His response? "God, mom, you were so excited about ice cream, you forgot about your own child. What kind of parent are you?" (Did I mention he's 19? and cynical?) So back to the school we went. Turns out while I was loading Eric in his car seat D went and put his horn up in the band hall with the other students. We pull to the school and I don't see him. I call him.

Me - Where are you?
D- I'm looking, but I can't find you anywhere!
Me- We're over here by these dumpsters.

He shows up and gets in the car.  S looks at him and says, "God, Dade, we've been waiting for you forever. "

Moral of the story, raise your kids right and they'll cover for you.

This bothers me- should it?

Children's toys- why is it that little girls get toy vacuum cleaners, mops, brooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms? They're all pink and cute! Chores are fun! Boys get grills, chain saws, tools and general implements of mass destruction all boyish and what not. Why don't they make vacuums that cater to boys? Are they afraid they will turn into self sufficent men? And girls- are they afraid they will be able to fend for themselves? It just seems to me that it is past time for traditional gender roles to be over. They're soooo passé. I really don't think that playing with a vacuum sounds like fun. It sounds like chores. And if they were really smart they'd make an actual working mini vacumm. If they wanna "play" might as well get some work done too! My vacuum isn't pink. It's red and black. Maybe they should make sparkly pink vacuums for adults or some MANLY vacuums with huge motors and tricked out wheels. Then maybe it wouldn't be regulated to "woman's work".

Crack Head Happy

So, Shelly has asked me to contribute to this blog. I think this is a lapse of judgement on her part, since I am guaranteed to offend everyone, but it's too late now. :D

So, while at the laundromat (which I am at because of girl scout cookies and rain...take that for what you will), I over hear these women talking about kids, presumably theirs, when I hear one say, 

"Oh I don't really care what he wants to be when he is an adult, I just want him to be happy. That is all that really matters." 

I have heard this sentiment before, but what popped in my head was - What if being a crack head makes him most happy. What if that's the thing that brings him all the joy? Or worse like being a creepy stalker or murder or a member of the Westboro Baptist Church? 

I admit that I was suffering from heat stroke, because it was like 75 degrees and I was melting, but I don't think parents are honest at all when they say they want happiness for their kids, it's a top tier lie, up there with "I don't have a favorite" and "I don't care what gender as long as they're healthy." 

I prefer honesty...I wanted all boys and I had 2 and decided to have one more. Gambling isn't my thing because the last one was a girl, who is now my favorite so the "I like you best" balances out the "I really wish you had been a boy!" 

As for "just being happy?" 

No. 

Sure I hope they have happiness in their lives, but I also want them to be educated and employed. I guess what I took a long blog post to say is I'd like my kids to be a lot of things and happy is one of them, just not crack head happy. 😁

Anyone who doesn't have a favorite is lying.

Do you have a favorite child?  What? I'm a horrible person for asking such a thing? Yeah, I don't care.  My middle son (yes I have 3, yes they are all boys- joy) asked me the other day who my favorite was.  It went something like this:

Son: Mom, I need to ask you something very important.
Me: What?
Son: Mom, I just really want to know, can you please answer me honestly?
Me: Get on with it..
Son: Who is your favorite?
Me: Snort and laughter
Son: Please mom, tell me.  Between me and S. (older brother) who do you like best?
Me: Well... I don't like either of you equally.
Son: Waaa?
Me: You see, the littlest is always the favorite. That's the way it works.  And if for some ungodly reason I have another, E will be shoved to the side like y'all are and the new baby will be the favorite.
Son: I'm ok with that as long as it's not S.
Me: Well that's a relief.

The baby is always the favorite. I feel sorry for the other kids, who for a brilliant shining moment were the favorites until siblings came along- only to be shoved to the side while the new baby rolls over and other miraculous wonders.  Don't worry children! You will all redeem yourselves as adults!