So we are in need of a second car. We both work in the same city, but when you have kids, you have to be easily accessible at all times and have the ability to get to your kids in a second’s notice without worrying about how you’re going to get there. At least that’s our reasoning behind it. (we don’t live in SF so public transportation is not much of an option).

Anyways our dilemma now is what kind of car should we get? Should we:

A. Get a cheap, but new commuter car that will get us to point A and point B. It’ll be cheaper, but tight for the kids and won’t be useful at all when we have baby number three. (no, were not preggers… Just looking into the future).

B. Get a cheap, janky car for a couple thousand (hubby’s idea) and HOPE it gets us to point A and B without breaking down. Okay, I’m exagerating a little, but I’ve had an old car and maintenance and repair is such a pain!

Or
C. Suck it up and get a minivan.

Yes, a minivan. I’ve thoroughly convinced myself that you can still be cool in a minivan. 6 months ago, I could give you a long list of reasons why a minivan is so uncool…soccer mom-looking, two-lane taking, window decal posting (okay a have decals on our car now) minivan.

But attention all cool moms out there, the days of the big bulky mini-bus on wheels are long gone and the new minivans have all the bells and whistles any kid could ask for! I’m talking plush leather seats, cup holders galore, DVD systems and a navigation system for your big kid (aka Dad).

So I guess I answered my own question. Door number 3 (c) it is! I’ll just have to keep telling myself that I am still cool and I am still young! A car doesn’t change that!

If you see us cruising by in our new minivan, give us a wave and a holler… That is if you can see me behind the tinted driver’s side window.

Who remembers your birthday? Your parents, of course, siblings (if they like you) and your best friends, right? Then of course there’s the other folks you count on… Grandma and Grandpa, Godparents, and your teachers (they cheat… They have it on a calendar.)

Can you believe out of the dozens and dozens of people that surround my little Aaron on a regular basis, only two people remembered to greet him on his special day? I mean I know he’s not going to remember, but come on people!

My best friend remembered (it’s okay that she forgets my birthday) and my sister remembered, but I think she was reminded from the banners at daycare that read, “Happy Birthday, Aaron!”

With the thoughtless people aside (yeah I’m feeling harsh right now), Aaron had a fantastic day! His first taste of birthday cake, then ice cream cake and of course the blowing out of his first candle.

He may officially no longer be a baby, but he will always be one in my eyes. Love you, boo!

Happy 1st birthday, little man!

I cannot believe my baby is a year old today. This time last year, I was laying in a hospital bed in excrutiating pain flipping through a baby book looking for a name for the little guy. Then before you know it, out comes this little angel full of innocence and beauty who completely changed our lives. He taught us that big things really do come in small packages and that every child is different but you can love them just the same.

We love you, Aaron… From the tip of your pudgy toes to the top of your still slightly-dented head…you’re absolutely perfect in our eyes and we are so blessed to have you and your brother.

As I said in my previous post, Vancouver was gorgeous… We had great weather the entire time. We headed to Seattle next and could you believe it… We were blessed with fantastic weather there too! Who would have ever thought I could get sunburned in Seattle!

This was our first visit to Seattle and we fell in love. For those who haven’t been, think San Francisco meets Vancouver… Or untouched beauty and clean streets meets urbanized area. Cuz really that’s what it was. You have great shopping, friendly people, the best coffee in the world and the biggest lobster tails we’ve ever seen!

Our favorite spot? Pike Place Market for sure. The seafood was super fresh, flower bouquets were absolutely stunning and the street musicians were probably the most talented we’ve seen. We did a ton of walking, but were quickly re-energized by coffee shops at almost every street corner (Seattle’s Best was my fave).

So if you heed my advice and head up to Vancouver, make sure you stop in Seattle. It’s only 2 1/2 hours away and well worth the trip.

San Francisco is fabulous (that’s where Rattle Me is based), but the Rattle Me family is currently visiting Vancouver (to see other family) and we can’t begin to tell you how gorgeous it is up here!

By far San Francisco wins in shopping and things to see and do, but if you’re looking for a beautiful place to relax, get away and be surrounded by clean, green streets, then Vancouver is the place to go.

You’re surrounded by beautiful greenery and landscapes and when you’re in the midst of the crowds, you’re surrounded by clean streets and oh so friendly people. Who knew complete strangers could be so nice!

Based on this trip I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not that San Franciscans are not friendly… It’s just based on our fast-paced lifestyle. The more people that live in your city, the faster the pace is, therefore people don’t have time to be nice and friendly. So take a second to smile at the person walking towards you or sitting on the train next to you… Or maybe do something even crazier and say, “Hi”… You may be surprised by a friendly response back!

We love you, beautiful Vancouver (and all our family, of course)! We can’t wait to come back for another visit!

Come join us this Saturday at the SF Birth & Baby Fair!

It’s going to be a rockin’ good time… A great day out for expecting and new parents. Find the latest goodies for you and your little one and get educated at the same time!

Refreshments will be available (’cuz we all know pregnant women get the munchies!), raffles (with fabulous prizes) will be held and the first 250 families will get a goody bag!

For more information, please visit www.birthandbabyfair.com or contact us at info@rattleme.com. See you all there!

San Francisco Birth and Baby Fair
Saturday, September 6, 2008
10 - 3PM
For Mason Conference Center
99 Marina Drive
San Francisco, CA 94123

I gotta blab a little about our trip to Vegas.

First off, can you say scandalous? I mean, when you come to Vegas, you kinda know what to expect… the alcohol, the promiscuous clothing, etc. But then again, there’s supposed to be a family element to it too… M&M World, kiddie pools, Circus Circus, etc. We were frequent visitors of Vegas pre-kids, but it has chaaa-anged since those days and more so within last year (our last visit). The guys (and gals) who pass out the flyers on the street are now wearing huge billboards on their backs of naked women!

Okay, maybe not completely naked but I barely consider a g-string and a finger to cover up a nipple as clothing. Luckily my kids are still too young to get it or care, but it really leaves you wondering… Where do you draw the line?

We’re back from Vegas and well rested. .. Kinda. The Kidshow went okay… Turnout was less than expected, but we had a FABULOUS time regardless! We met some fantastic new friends and got closer to a few old ones so overall the trip was well worth it. Quick shout out to New Skool and our new homegirl, Eden! Much love to our new Uncle/Cousin Art from You Gotta Have Heart and our new friends and our kid’s new buddies, Laughing Out Loud. The kids had a blast with you guys… Especially at your pool!

We picked up a few accounts at the show so you’ll be seeing us in good ‘ol Mississippi and Missouri soon… Woo hoo!

If you’re a store owner and would like to wholesale with us, please contact us at info@rattleme.com. Have a great day!

Aaron’s crawling!

My baby… The one with low muscle tone and who is slightly behind in motor skill development is on the move and we couldn’t be more ecstatic! He’s a couple months behind when his brother crawled and a couple months behind other kid’s his age, but every kid is different, right? Everyone who’s seen him (doctors, physical therapists, etc.) say he’ll be able to do everything a normal kid can do… Crawl, walk, talk, etc. He just won’t be that athletic.

I see a Disney special in the making… Expectations are low and now we have the next Olympic gold medalist in our hands! Okay maybe not, but there’s hope and we aren’t going to let others tell us otherwise.

So go on with your mobile self, Aaron! We’re rooting you on!

Kids are so adorable. Yes I’m a bit biased towards mine (’cuz they really are totally adorable), but I mean kids in general. The best part is their innocence and the funny things they say or how they comprehend certain situations.

For example, my oldest Aiden (3) passed a little gas the other day and it just so happened the baby started crying immediately after. Aiden’s response? “Oops, I think I scared him.”

Another time Aiden was on the phone with Grandma. Apparently he lost interest in the conversation so he said, “Here, mama… Your mother’s on the phone.” After I didn’t respond he said, “Hurry up, Mama… Your mom wants to talk to you!”

They pick up things quick and they hear EVERYTHING… My husband says they get it from me… So watch what you do and listen to what you say… You’ll quickly realize how bad of an influence you really are.