Flying Toddler Questions (The Paying Edition)

E and I (and occasionally Hub) are going to be flying a lot this year. I asked a lot of these questions last year, but some circumstances have changed, so you're on the hook again.


1. Pros and Cons of having E actually ride in the car seat on the plane? I know he'd be safer in a seat in the event of turbulence etc, but I also know he is going to flip his lid about sitting by himself during take-off and landing (and maybe during the flight itself) car seat or no.


2. Let's say he doesn't sit in the seat. Should I check it with some sort of fancy carrier/cover? I don't want them to ruin it. Anyone know of a good option for that? Or should I check it at the gate like last time? Are they still good about that? On one leg last time, they were kind of jerky about it.


3. Should I use the seat as a "stroller?" I'd need that stroller car seat conversion thingy right? We're flying lovely Southwest, so I won't be dragging much baggage with me. (So no strapping it to the suitcase.) 


4. Renting a car: No subcompacts right? I don't think our giant conversion seat is going to fit in them. :( More money. bleh.


I think that's all for now. When I get more, I'll be sure to let you know! Next up, let's talk reward credit cards. It took me years to find the ones we have, but I sure do love them.

Homey Stuff Update aka Since When do I Love this Shit? (And I really do now!)

I started with the trim and edges when painting the kitchen. Note to all: There are LOTS OF THOSE in kitchens. I'm not hating it, but it is taking a long time to complete. The next step for me is to pull out the fridge and stove and clean under and behind them for painting. Then I think I'll get one of those mini rollers and pans to fill in the blanks. I really believe painting with a brush or pad saves so much more paint than using a big roller. I've used only our little sample can for almost all of the edging so far!

As for my plants, they are doing well. I took some photos with the iPod that I will post as son as I figure some bloggy things out. My tomato plant has some flowers, and the strawberries (grown conventionally) are already poking out of the soil. I plan to cover that pot with a mesh screen and put mothballs around the outside to keep bugs out. I stole that idea from a cousin. However, she lives up north, not here in bug paradise, so we'll see. 

As for how to plant a hanging tomato, I know there are lots of planters being sold online and in home improvement stores for that. It seemed pricey to me for such a simple concept, so I stole an idea another person had online for hanging them with a reusable shopping bag. 

You cut an inch hole in bottom of the bag, then put the tomato plant through. (This idea doesn't seem to work with seeds.) Follow the instructions on the plant for how far the dirt has to cover it. Hold the plant up enough as you fill the bag with dirt so that you can accomplish this. Note that you should buy tomatoes that aren't overly large for hanging and that do well in containers. Fill the bag maybe 1/3 with dirt? (I used a heavier duty more "waterproof" reusable bag so that when I watered it would be less likely to all drain out, but still have breathing room.)  Then... the big problem with this method seems to be that the dirt doesn't hold water well.. so instead of buying the special system they sell, I just got a regular sponge without any sort of chemicals added, soaked it, and placed it on top of the dirt I already put in. Then I filled the bag to maybe 2/3 full of dirt and stopped because it gets damn heavy! I wet down the dirt well and then hung the bag over my hose hanger. I have yet to really get down to the problem of how to hang it higher. I need to go to the store and find some sort of heavy duty clamp to put around my porch rails, because this thing is just too darn heavy to hang any other way. As it is now, animals and bugs will have NO problem reaching it. I have to get on that before tomatoes start. So far the plant is doing well. I don't know if the sponge will harbor anything nasty or not. I shall check back with you on that. If anyone has any tips/advice, feel free to fire away! My thumb is as far from green as it can get. 

Our Fourth

Our fourth was my favorite ever. We didn't go any farther than our community pool, but we grilled outside while the baby ran naked from his pool to his sandbox and back again, and various Pixar tunes blared from the iPod doc. We dragged out our beach chairs, and all the drinks and condiments and in general just had an awesome time. I think it was E's idea of heaven. 

Cute Baby Stories

Today in church, E was looking at "the baby" in my iPod photo album during the sermon. He was sitting on my lap facing me. I leaned over and whispered, "I love you." He was quiet for a moment and then began whispering something. I couldn't hear it well, so I leaned over again and just caught the ending of... "I wove you too." Then he peppered my face with kisses. 




When I tried on the dress I just found at Target for $7, E said, "Come sit by me Pwincess Mommy!" He continues to call me "Princess Mommy" when I wear dresses and often asks me to wear my "Princess shoes," (my heels.) 




E has decided that when Hub is scruffy, he's "dirty." He fusses about it often since Hub's scruff is quite uncomfortable to the face during kisses. Yesterday he'd decided he'd had enough and ordered Daddy to "Go to the bafroom and shave!" I paid him handsomely. 




Life is good.

Bullets are "In"

• We're getting another nephew!
• I'm still getting stymied by my stupid email posting thing. Grrr
• Tomato and strawberry plants going well so far! The tomato is the only one upside down. I will describe the process more thoroughly in another post.
• I have decided after further research that painting counters is not "easy" for someone like me. No way I'm doing it. I'll hire someone to put new in when I have the money. 
• I've started painting the kitchen walls though and plan to do the cabinets as well. Fun!
• PMS is lasting over a week for me now. Is it the old age or what? I am approaching that magical "35."
• Lots and lots of visits and visitation coming up. I think bullets are going to be very common right now.

Things I've wanted to say while I've been not blogging.

• I got E's book done! I like it, but Hub could have done better.
• I planted strawberries and a suspended (upside down) tomato thingy. I made my own with a reusable shopping bag. Anyone else plant tomatoes this way? Thoughts?
• Still family health issues (not in our house) and a few animal ones. Sad day. 
• E is finally adjusting to the no nap, going to bed early thing. In bed by 7:15 tonight, asleep by 8:10! And sleeping in until 8:30!
• Family coming soon!
• E loves water parks.
• I forgot the email to email posts in from my iPod, thus it's taken me weeks to get back into it.
• In related news, I rarely use the big computer anymore.
• I'm finally catching up on fixing the house up! We have a little extra to spend on it at the moment, and E is loving to "help" now, so I can do things like paint and buy new toilet seats. It's fun.
• In other related news, that might be partly why I haven't been blogging as well. 
• Has anyone on here painted their kitchen counters? What did you think?
• It's been beautiful and dry the last few days. VERY weird for June, but I'll take it.
• I still haven't given in and read 50 Shades of Gray (Grey?)
• Doesn't that Gauthier singer sound like Sting on the higher notes?
• Another new food pleasure? (this one a bit guilty) Vitamin Water Zero. Mmmmmmm!
• I'm forgetting a lot of stuff.

I am Still Alive

Happy Memorial Day! I am still alive, but am frantically trying to finish E's first year book. I have a Groupon for it, but it expires May 30th. I'm on page 6 of 40. Way to procrastinate Barb! I'm also battling cramps, but that's a good thing as it's been almost three months.

I think I may be redesigning this blog with a new focus soon. I need it. I have a lot on my mind, but I need a space that fits me a little more closely now. I'm sorry if I'm behind on your news. Please poke me if need be. 

I still have an incriminating (not really) photo that I want to post from Jen's visit.

Loves and all,

FCiF