Friday Things
1. Dominic is walking EVERYWHERE now, it’s so fun! He barely does any crawling at all, though still walking with arms bent up at the elbows and with a definite wobble and stagger, which is just the cutest. He tries to run after Joseph and Duke and screeches like a banshee when he’s having fun and things get crazy. Our life is loud and wild and wonderful :) He also knows how to kick back and relax during a Friday afternoon grocery shopping trip, ha!
Joseph has been coming up with some of the funniest comments lately; earlier this week he was going outside with my husband to do some fall landscape maintenance and while I was helping him get his jacket on, he said, “Going outside with Daddy, going to use the trimmer. Mommy, you stay inside… get dirty.” Apparently he didn’t want me to go outside and get dirty?! He talks non-stop and it’s so fun to watch his mind work! We made bread together last Saturday morning, and he still loves scooping the flour, and he does a great job; our messes have decreased each time he helps me. I can’t believe how tall he looks at the counter now; he was so tiny when he started standing next to me, he could barely see over it!
2. I am one thousand percent convinced that whoever decided changing the clocks twice a year was a good idea most definitely did not have small children. Dominic woke up at 5am on Sunday, but has *mostly* gotten back to his regular schedule (he’s also cutting molars, so there’s that), however, Joseph is still waking up an hour early and he is DONE by dinnertime. Hopefully in another week or so everyone will be back to their normal schedules.
3. Let’s talk Amazon Pantry… do you make regular orders? What do you get? I’ve never used it, but something that I ordered last week (I think OxiClean) showed up as a pantry purchase, so now I’m wondering if it’s a better deal than the grocery store or Costco/Sam’s Club.
4. Have you tried the Mystery Oreos? I bought a package and my husband and I each tried them… I could only eat half a cookie, and he ate I think two and we ended up throwing the rest of the package away. They were AWFUL. Was it just us??! They almost tasted like a creamsicle (which would normally be good, but no); my husband said someone on TV guessed Tang, which would make sense as well. But, bleh.
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5. While we’re talking about food… my grocery store has a massive display of Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop seasonal holiday flavors as soon as you walk in, and I want to buy ALL OF THEM OMG. Frosted Sugar Cookie… Hot Cocoa Marshmallow… Dark Chocolate Drizzled Sea Salt… White Chocolate & Peppermint. I could eat all of those popcorns all day, every day until January 1st.
6. We are currently evaluating new car options because neither my car nor my husband’s can accommodate three car seats, womp womp. We’re mostly looking at large SUV’s since I’m not really a fan of station wagons and my husband isn’t really a fan of mini vans. SO… do you have a car/SUV/something that fits three car seats that you love? (Keeping in mind that Joseph isn’t in a booster seat yet so they’re NOT narrow… we’re talking wide convertible car seats.) We’re starting to make a list of cars to look at, so throw your recommendations my way!
7. Do you follow Oprah’s favorite things every year? I honestly forget about it most of the time, but saw it mentioned this year, so checked them all out… definitely a good starting point for a few Christmas gifts! Loving the Butter London nail set and Julep lip mousse collection, in particular!
8. Did you make your Thanksgiving menu yet? I got my turkey ordered this week, so I feel all sorts ahead of the game compared to last year. What are your must-have’s?! I’m planning to work on the menu early next week!
9. We haven’t watched anything new on TV lately, but we did catch the Jerry Seinfeld special on Netflix… little snippets of stand-up with a look back at his career. Pretty good! I can’t wait to start living and breathing Christmas movies, though ;-)
10. TGIF! I hope you have a cozy weekend!
So, speaking as a child passenger safety technician (CPST) I hear a lot of people say they don’t want to go the minivan route – which is totally fair! But if that’s the case you really need to put on “car seat goggles” when vehicle shopping. I’m gonna link you to an article that you might find helpful: http://vicarseattechs.com/2013/vehicle-shopping-with-car-seat-goggles/
Also expect that you’re going to need to buy new seats, especially if your seats are rather wide. I highly suggest meeting with a local CPST who can help you out! Some narrow seats include Clek fllo and foonf, Evenflo Sonus, graco dimensions, Cosco scenera next, to name a few….there are tons more and sometimes it’s not a matter of buying 3 narrow seats, but how the seats puzzle together once installed.
And since you asked, here’s some recommendations that aren’t minivans that can accommodate 3 kids that we usually recommend: Nissan altima, Honda pilot, vw atlas, Ford expedition, Acura Mdx, chevy tahoe, to get you started.
Good luck!
Hooray for Clek! We have three across in the second row of our Odyssey for three kids of different ages. We could put someone in the third row, but they love being together. Clek has great support and customer service. And, like you said, they are narrow and will even fit three across in a car as narrow at the Subaru Forester.
Great tip to meet with a CPST. The consideration of the combination of car + car seats is often overlooked. Not every car seat will fit right in every car.
I know you aren’t keen on the idea of a minivan but I️ urge you to reconsider. I learned the hard way and finally accepted the fact that for busy moms a minivan is the way to go. My boys are in their early 20’s now and I drive a Highlander because I am not hauling kids but I honestly miss my van. I never thought I would say that!! I drove Toyota Sienna’s and never had an issue with them and they are very safe. I hope you at least test drive a van. Good luck!
By the way, that is one HUGE mixer! 😮
So cute (kids and the dog)! We had a Chrysler Town & Country when our kids were little. I loved it. So much more room than any SUV, better on gas, and the sliding back doors are so convenient.
It is so sweet to see Joseph cal help you . God bless this child.
I have driven a Suburban for years, I can’t say I ever want anything else. I always order one with second row captain seats, that way you have a “walkway” to the third row, they’re awesome! I always leave it in AWD and never have problems in any kind of weather.
Speaking of TV…You have to try Good Behavior (TNT) Michelle Dockery is fantastic (and so is the rest of the cast). It was created by the same guys that did Wayward Pines, although this is very different The first season is on Netflix and season two started October 15 but all of this season is on TNT on demand. It really is funny and sad and tragic and dark and light and funny again. I also love Animal Kingdom, also on TNT it’s all kinds of wrong, but really good (and sick) too.
Your kids are so cute. Selfishly, I hope you still blog after your daughter is born; I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned to your blog of great recipes and new ideas, you never disappoint, so thanks.
I drove my car for 20 years before it died on the car dealer’s lot. I would recommend a Hyundai Santa Fe. They seem to be just the right size. For some reason, I bought a way-too-big Sonata, but it is reliable. Love all the pictures you share and the recipes. Take care of yourself.
Ditto on the comments about a minivan. When my kids were that age (20 yrs ago), we spent a lot of time on the road traveling to our parents’ homes. So we had 3 kids, a dog and a lot of kids gear (e.g port a play, etc). With all of the SUV’s at that time, you could either use the 3rd row for (uncomfortable) seating or you could have space for cargo, but not both. If you take overnight trips, look carefully and critically at the SUV’s space. If your trips are mostly around the ‘burgh, an SUV may be ok. And yes, I hated the time change when the kids were small. With kids (and dogs!), springing forward is more beneficial than falling back
Congratulations on your growing family! We have two young kids, a dog we take everywhere and drive a Nissan Armada and LOVE it!! All our friends wondered why we needed something so big, but when we go camping we use every inch of it. Our middle seat folds down so you can easily get to the third row, the third row goes flat with a push of a button, and there is still plenty of space for storage when you put the third row up. We couldn’t fit everyone and a double stroller in our Pathfinder. Many mid-size SUV’s have a third row, but very little storage in the back once the third row is up. You’ll find what works best for your lifestyle! :)
I also was a minivan hater…until we test drive. Can’t go wrong with the Toyota or Honda. We also have a small SUV because we still need something smaller sometimes.
We have a 6yr old and a 1yr old in 1 week. Yikes, time flies! We are going to have another by the end of next year and had to purchase a bigger more accommodating car in July. We bought a Dodge Durango. It has 3 rows with the third one folding down if you need additional trunk space. We, too, did not want a van or a huge SUV car. This was perfect and totally worth it. You have gotten good recommendations, good luck on the car hunt!
When we added number 3 to our family, we also needed a vehicle that would accommodate three car seats. We bought a Honda Odyssey. I never wanted a van, but now that I have one, I LOVE it. I love being able to crawl around in the van to do diaper changes, get everyone in quickly on a rainy, snowy day, hold extra family members or cargo. Road trips with the extra space are so much easier. I can’t say enough good things about my van.
I felt the same way about vans, but I love my Honda Oydessy. The remote doors are a game changer, and all of our back windows came with sun shades which I love for the little ones in car seats.
Thank you so much for including Duke in your Friday Things post….I look forward to seeing him every week. We live in Nashville and lost our sweet Leo to cancer in June, he was almost 11. We miss him so much as I’m sure you do Einstein, so seeing Duke each week makes me smile. Thank you…and congrats on your new arrival!
I am so, so sorry for your loss Jennifer :( It is so difficult losing a pet that was part of the family. Hugs to you, xo
Joseph you are sinful…..
Dominic you are Mommy’s carbon copy…
Be blessed!
Ditto to everyone’s input about vans! We have the 2017 Pacifica and LOVE being able to stow the extra seat in the floor to have all that extra floor space! So handy for diaper/clothes changes, and it makes reaching the back seat so easy! You really should drive one before you make up your mind about vans!!!
Hi Michelle,
I highly recommend the Toyota Sequoia!
I absolute love mine and can’t say enough about it.
Good luck
Christine
Check out the GMC Acadia with captain seats in 2nd row.. Easy to walk to 3rd row and still has decent cargo space… 3rd seat splits. I have had 3 car seats in place for over 3 years and am very happySUV is mid size . My daughter drives a Toyita Sequoia… Obviously much larger and more cargo capacity… You can weigh the size. Vs cost to drive etc. I have also driven the Honda Odyssey and it is a dream, but a minivan! Good luck!
If anyone is interested in a car seat that has a smaller profile I would recommend the Combi brand. We fit 3 car seats across the back seat of our small Toyota Yaris sedan. We also had the double stroller they make. It was compact and easily fit in the truck with a single stroller.
We have an Audi Q7 and it is a wonderful car. Ours is the TDI which of course they no longer make because of the emissions scandal. It’s too bad cuz it’s awesome and gets great fuel mileage for such a beast. In my opinion it would be worth seeking out a used one.
Good Luck!
Your kids are beautiful, enjoy your blog very much. Congratulations on baby number three! I have a toyota highlander and love it. Three seats, check them out. Very roomy and nice. Have a great day! Karren
I have 6 year old twins and an 8 year old and said I would NEVER drive a mini van. We just purchased a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica van and absolutely love it!! Otherwise, I would look at a Suburban is you don’t want a van and also look at Diano Radian car seats. They are the narrowest car seat on the market. They are the only ones that would fit when I was driving my old vehicle – Dodge Journey.
My Thanksgiving menu is planned. We have a non-traditional item on our menu – egg rolls. My Mom is from the Philippines and I make them for Thanksgiving and Christmas now that my Mom is no longer with us. The wrappers are different than grocery store egg roll wrappers. They are paper thin and get super crispy!
I a]have to agree with the other ladies, a mini van is the best, most practical and you’ll end up using it for years as the kids grow. My husband was hesitant bc he didn’t want to be driving around a “big ol’ mama van” but it turned out to be the best vehicle ever. We got a Honda Odyssey and it was perfect. We were able to lug all the kids, and their junk, lol. My second suggestion for you is the Honda Pilot. It’s an pretty large SUV but the back row is not as easily accessible as the van. Good luck on your search and let us know what you end up with.
My friend has a Buick Enclave which has the third row. So if you think Joseph is old enough to be back there…
We bought a 2017 Ford Explorer so we can accommodate our 4 grandchildren, 2 in the big car seat, one in a booster seat, one on a booster. There is plenty of room for them and all the stuff involved!! Trunk opens and closes without using your hands, a lot of different options for backseat/trunk area folding. Love, love, love it ❤️
You can start living and breathing Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel. They started running them a few weeks ago! Way too soon for me :)
Depending on what car you have, consider new carseats. The Diono Radian’s are really narrow and can fit 3 across in many cars. Cheaper than a new car!
If they don’t work, really consider a minivan. You will find there is a ton more storage in them than there is in all but the largest SUVs, for a fraction of the cost. They aren’t “cool”, but when you need to get a double stroller and groceries in the back, or you are traveling with a pack-n-play and luggage for 5, the space is a winner. Plus, better gas milage and easier handling. I have 4 kids, and at one point had 3 under 5 and then 4 under 8 and the benefits of a minivan are real.
We have a 2012 Sequoia. While I only have one car seat to contend with, I would say three will fit, but you’d have to use the third row seat. We have the Platinum edition, which has two captains chairs in the middle row, separated with a console. It would still be a pain to have to climb over that console to strap a child into a third row. The Limited edition has a bench seat all the way across the middle row. While the seats are huge, I don’t know that three seats would fit across, especially with cup holders now built into seats, etc. Maybe while you have an infant carrier, but not three convertible seats. Also, because the seats are so large, when you have the third row of seats up, you lose much of the cargo space. So strollers and things like that can be a hassle. Ours does have the 2/3 seats in the back, so you can either put just the 1/3 seat up or 2/3 of the rear row and give yourself a little extra room for cargo. We have rented large SUVs many times also, and I’d say they’re all pretty much in the same boat. Some might have smaller seats and give you a little more cargo area, but not much. The only exception might be a Yukon XL version or a Suburban, which have extended cargo areas. I know the Yukon XL also has a bucket seat option for the middle row (no console), which could work. The last thing to keep in mind with these extended and large SUVs is garage room. I don’t know how your garage is set up or how deep it is, but you’ll want to measure that and the width of your actual opening. I have individual garage doors and my Sequoia JUUUUUSSST fits inside and I have to close my side mirrors to get in and out (thankfully, they’re power). It’s a tank, but I love it and have never had any issues with it.
I am 21 and I have grown up riding in Toyota Sequoias. My family of 5 currently owns two, a 2005 model and 2013 model, and we love them both! We are a big, tall family, and my two siblings and I fit comfortably in the back seat. My mom never liked mini vans because the third child would be in the third row seating, and she said they felt so far away. In a Sequoia, all three kids could be in the second row with all their carseats. Toyotas are also just great cars in general. I commute to college with a Camry everyday and love it! Hope this helps a little in your search!
Will you share your list of cars once you get it together?! We are about to start the same search!
Hi Sally, Sure! As of right now (before getting all of this great feedback!), our list is: Toyota 4Runner, Volvo XC90, VW Atlas, and Nissan Armada.
My husband has the 2017 4Runner. There is no way 3 car seats will fit across the bench. My son’s takes up half of the back bench alone.
Well we’re thinking of that because you can get a 3rd row.
I would double check the reliability ratings in the Volvo. We had 2 Volvo sedans back to back and weird things would happen like the gas filler door would suddenly fall off, etc. vowed never to buy another Volvo…
We just got a 2014 GMC acadia. It’s pretty big for a SUV and it has bucket seats in the middle which is awesome cuz my toddler can just walk over to back row by herself instead of us having to fold down the middle seat. anti has a pretty big trunk. They are downsizing the newer (2017 +) Acadia’s though.