Why didn't I think of this?

As a mom, I keep seeing things that I think, "Why didn't I think of this?". Normally something simple, but such a good idea. This is latest in that question..

They are called Sprout Shells and they just cover up the baby carrier. I had the blanket that fit in your carseat which was great, but could get really hot. I don't use it with Dylan because I was afraid of him getting overheated and it was a pain to clean if he spit up. This would be perfect for the Kansas wind. It's so hard to keep him shielded without losing the blanket draped over the seat. Also the hole on the handle makes it easy to peak in if needed. Recommending for a gift idea for everyone's next baby shower. Cute patterns available and they are only $15. (Yes, Mom, I know you can make one...but I can't, so it's for people like me.)
The Hooter Hider is my other favorite. Thanks to my parents I own one! Such a good idea and so much better than a blanket because it stays in place and is large enough to keep hidden. I even nursed Dylan in Chuck E. Cheese one time because I was completely covered.
Note: Picture is not me in Chuck E. Cheese obviously...clearly I'm vacationing at my mountain home. :)
Just went to their website to get this pic and now they have double reversible bibs...so smart. You have to check it out on the Bebe au Lait website to get the whole idea.
Some day, I'll have that clever idea and everyone can say they knew me when...

Borrowed Camera

Brotherly Love - capture it while it lasts!


Okay, so I got to borrow a camera that I can't afford on my own and got to play around with it. I got some cute pics of the boys and thought I'd throw them on here. I wish I could find a reason that I needed a $600 camera other than taking cute pics of my kids, but alas, I can not think of one. The good news is, I think my source will let me borrow it again should the occasion arise. These are just playing around pics and I think it got the goofiness of Zach and the sweetness of Dylan. Perfect for the ages that they are right now. Next month, may be totally different. :)I think this series was hysterical....Zach was just being silly and I just kept taking pics.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

Last weekend, the whole family got to participate in the 1st annual St. Patrick's Do Da Parade. It was really small since it was the first year, but we showed up at 1:00, got in line and got to walk down Broadway with the kids. It was pretty fun, but I'm hoping next year we can get more kids to go with us. I took some fun pics of the event, of course...

I'm Zach and this is my brother Dylan and my other brother Dylan

Old Newhart reference for those of you playing at home...

I came downstairs from putting Dylan down to bed and Zach was talking up a storm to Craig. Zach then introduces me to his "babies" (all imaginary). "I have 5 babies." In his baby voice which is all high-pitched like every self-respecting woman when she talks to a baby...
Zach - Come on babies, you need to come over here.
Craig - Tell Mommy what their names are Zach.
Zach - This ones Dylan and this one is Dylan and that one is Dylan - they ALL Dylan.
Jill - Well, that's going to be confusing.
Craig - Tell Mommy how old they are Zach.
Zach - They 3...no they all 5.....5 months (Dylan's age)

He proceeded to tell them good job and praise them for picking up their toys. He also gave them time outs and told them, "No" for making such a mess with their toys. I believe the quote was (in a very exasperated tone), "What I going to do with all these babies?" Hands in the air appropriate for the situation. They ate dinner on a stool in our kitchen while we had dinner and I have to "kiss and hug" them all good night. Luckily a group hug and kiss was acceptable. Craig just came downstairs and declared that he had them - meaning the babies. They were all in bed, but Zach kicked them out and made Craig bring them downstairs while he went to bed. Again, luckily 5 imaginary babies fit in your hand when cupped appropriately.

Before Dylan was born, we had 1 baby that we had to take everywhere. To the pool for swim lessons, in the grocery cart (he would sit in the back so they could sit in the baby seat in the cart)...he has a very vivid imagination. So the baby is back and brought friends...they are completely imaginary and therefore do not take up space. You can also just pick them out of thin air when the need arises. Like, Zach says, "UH OH! I forgot the babies." Always when you are buckling him in the car seat and late for wherever you are going. You can simply say, "NOPE, I've got them right here." All is right with the world. Thank goodness!

Look out Octomom, I'm close on your tail with 7 babies. Even Zach knows that 5 babies is a lot...maybe he should give her a call.

Can you call the dentist?

Another cute Zach story (3 is a fun age)...

Craig was finishing putting Zach to bed tonight (we each had a turn helping him with something). I think Zach bit his lip or something and has a place that hurts. Tonight he showed it to Craig and said he needed "sumping". Craig tried to say he put something in the water that would help and gave him a drink. Zach didn't buy that for a minute. He told Craig to get Mommy. I came up and looked intently at his lip and gave him Chap stick. This seemed to buy us some time, but soon Craig was called again (do you see how he wears us down?). He asked Craig if he could call the dentist. "My wip hurts, do you fink you could call the dentist to see if he can fix it?" Craig said he'd see about it in the morning. Zach asked Craig if he could call tonight while Zach was "sweeping".
I love his little mind and how it's working out how the world works. When you're sick you call the doctor, when your mouth hurts, I guess, you call the dentist.