Swimming in formula... (and baby gear!)

Because I need another reminder that I should be 37 weeks pregnant, the formula companies are inundating me with boxes of baby formula.  I realize this is a huge industry and getting people on your brand early is key for them, but I'm not loving that I'm still on all their lists.  And we'll probably be getting more in five months.  I guess I'll hang onto it all for now, but it all expires next year so we'll see if we'll need it or we'll just donate it to someone who really does, since my plan is to breastfeed. 

This heat wave has also been crazy, and I catch myself thinking thank goodness I'm not more pregnant than I am now, but then of course I wish I was.  These babies are such a huge blessing in our lives, and I can't imagine going through the coming weeks and months mourning and still longing to be pregnant as so many do, but I can't help but wish that our now angel baby was getting ready to make her big appearance.

My mother tried to explain to me that if she hadn't had the one m/c she did, then there never would have been me, but of course she forgets that we would have ended up with the exact same babies we have cooking now regardless of whether our little lentil made it or not (they just would have come later).  It's just impossible for people who haven't been through IVF and loss to understand, I guess.  These little ones have so many angels watching over them, they are two lucky little buggers.

Now for some twin baby gear fun...

I've been looking at stollers and car seats for years and since we are now in the much more limited twin stroller market (no UB Vista for us), our options are more limited, but still pretty good.  I looked seriously at the BJ City Select and iCandy Pear, but don't care for the stacking of babies style (where one ends up in a less desirable position), even though they are slightly more narrow in their footprint.  And instead of the new Bugaboo Donkey twin, I decided I'd rather have four strollers for differing needs than one that costs even more and I'm afraid to check at the airport (I've had several friends who've had theirs broken that way).

Given the great deal on Albeebaby.com, we have just bought the BJ City Mini double stroller in black.  It is supposed to arrive today.  It could have more storage (which could be said about almost every stroller), but I really like it (and love the way it folds!).  I think it'll be a good all-purpose stroller, not too big and not too small, and it's top rated for safety.  And those huge sunshades!

They are selling out fast, so if you are in the market for a double stroller...  The 2010 is basically the same as the 2011 (minus $130), but if you want the extra added back support of the 2011, you can buy it for $30.

I finally sold my CBEFM yesterday.  Not sure why I was still holding onto that.  I can use that $ to buy our BT double snap and go that we will use when they are small.

I'm also planning to buy the Bumbleride Indie Twin 2011 in Ocean (Natural edition), but we don't really need it for awhile, so no need to buy now when I could potentially get it for less than $600 later.  I'm not sure if I will actually be jogging with this, but jogging with baby is not recommended until at least six months, and many pediatricians think it is better to wait until even later.

I also plan to get the Maclaren Twin Techo 2011 in Crown Blue, but don't really need that until we actually travel with the babies, since that is the main benefit of this stroller.

N.B. All of these strollers are suitable from birth.

One of the car seats I'm looking at is also on its way for me now since it's not sold in stores, so I can try it out in my car.  I had wanted Britax Chaperone's for the awesome head support (and more importantly side impact protection) and huge sunshade, since so many infant car seats seem to be ridiculously paltry in these areas.  It's also great for safety (though most seats are roughly the same), but they apparently and sadly don't fit into anything smaller than a Suburban.  Their new B safe seat is not nearly as nice, but are designed to fit in normal cars.

So we are hoping that these will work out and I then I will order another one.  They are the new Baby Trend Flex Loc 30's in Grand Prix.  I also like the boot, the light interior and that it will lock into the DSNG.  They can also be used without a base, which is unusual.

If that doesn't work and I need to return it, I'll probably get the Chicco Keyfit 30 in Graphica, even though there are several things I don't care for about it and would change if I could (see above).

Looking to seeing the babies again on Tuesday and hopefully finding out what we are having! :)