Category: Reviews

1) Does anyone recommend a great baby car seat you’ve had?

We do not have a car seat for this baby. The one we used for Chase & Charlotte was from a yard sale (unsafe idea, I know), and fell apart by the time Charlotte was done with it. I think we just threw it out. I have no idea what to get for our baby. Are convertible car seats the way to go? I like the ones that sit a little higher because they seem comfortable and they can better see out the windows.

2) Has anyone had an outstandingly wonderful stroller, particularly one with a Rider attachment?

I would also like to get a stroller. I’m going to be picky about my stroller this time, and not just get one off Craigslist. We like easy steering & adjustable handlebar(s) so Pace & I can both feel comfortable pushing it along.  I don’t think I really need a double stroller because Charlotte will be turning 3 right after the baby is born (same age difference as Chase & Charlotte). But I’ve seen some amazing (aka expensive) strollers in magazines, like the Micralite with Rider. (I know, I know, Pace. Too pricey. But I like the idea of the stroller.) It seems just perfect for a slightly older child that doesn’t really need to sit in a stroller, but might need a break from constant walking. With the Rider feature, the child can just hop on the riding boards for a few minutes and easily get down.

OK, let’s hear it!!!

I’ve felt inspired by my friend Jamie’s blog post about how she’s read lots of great books lately, many of which she’s listened to on MP3 while she does chores around the house or whatever. What a great idea! Doing something that you want to do (get some reading in), while you’re doing something mindless (yet necessary)!

I’m not a big reader, but I do enjoy a good book every once in a while, if I can stay focused on it. But often it’s a challenge for me to focus on a book!! On the other hand, my mom is probably the most well-read person in the world (you name it, she’s probably read it).  Unfortunately, I don’t think I got those genes, but I do like to think about things and have topics on my mind beyond the cares of the household. I’d like to “read” a book every once in a while, even if it’s just via MP3. I think that still counts!

Our tiny, outdated city library is severely limited… But when I was there last, I managed to grab a copy of David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, on cd. Dickens is a great author, I thought, and I really LOVED reading Great Expectations in high school. The cd cover also said it was the most autobiographical of Dickens’ works, & his personal favorite. Score!

Well… I’m in chapter 7 and I’m thinking of moving on to another book… I love the detail and gorgeous descriptions characteristic of Dickens, but it is VERY sad & depressing. Eight-year-old David is sent away from a very abusive home to an even more abusive boarding school. I remember feeling this same way when I read the A Boy Called It series and Five People You Meet in Heaven. When it comes to severe punishments and child abuse, I’m aware that it exists all over the place, but it just saddens me almost to the point of despair. I can’t imagine living in complete and utter fear of one’s caretakers and what they might do next. I don’t want to be naïve or in denial of reality, but at the same time, I don’t want these things on my mind more than they need to be.

So, any comments or suggestions for some easy, uplifting reads (especially if they come in audio form) are welcomed here!