More on car seats...

Yep, though we generally are a relaxed couple I tend to have my waves of worry and anxiety. Currently I'm in a tizzy (stomach ache and all) about these darn car seat laws, recalls, and expirations... (Sigh) As of 2010, Texas requires any child (8 and under) shorter than 4'9" to use a restraint system. Previous law required a child restraint system only for children (5 and under) and less than 36 inches tall. Don't get me wrong I want both my kiddos to be as safe as possible. We seem to be in the car a lot and I want them protected. I just get overwhelmed with all the changing laws, the never ending recalls, and learning that most of these products are made of plastic yet all expire. Most car seats have an expiration date on one of the manufacturer labels. If there's no expiration date listed then use the date of manufacture and consult the car seat owners' manual. Here's a good one: manufacturers don't recommend storing them in garages or attics because the extreme heat or cold can shorten the seat's lifespan. That's interesting because when my car sits in the Texas summer sun it's far hotter than my garage gets. I've been told; the rule of thumb is that car seats expire five to six years from the date of manufacture. Though, when/if the vehicle is ever in an accident (even minor), the child safety seat should be replaced immediately. Wow, this can get really expensive to keep up with! I’m in the wrong business I should be making/selling car seats – with the laws requiring use and constant supply of kiddos talk about job security.

Info for Texas parents, grandparents, and ‘taxis’

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/public_information/carseat.htm

Past half way

We began our 21^st week! At this time the baby swallows lots of amniotic fluid daily. From what I understand the taste of the fluid differs from day to day depending on what I eat. The smorgasbord of tastes won't be lost on little Eggert either, because the taste buds are already very developed. Though I seem to eat more basic foods and toned down flavors while pregnant (compared to my usual all over the place taste), I get big kudos from the doctor regarding my nutrition and food verity. I think there is something to eating well and introducing food flavors while pregnant and breastfeeding. Though Guin has typical kid likes of desserts and fruits, she is a well rounded eater with a love of veggies plus a tolerance for strong flavors and spice. She eats her meat and proteins too, though she’s not too crazy about nuts in standard form (crunchy) she does enjoy an occasional creamy nut spread. I am a bit of a foodie as most people know and am excited to have such an adventurous eater to share food experiences with. I hope with the next one, they also don’t put up a fight when it comes to eating and eating well.

It has begun – Cankles!

My ankles and feet have begun swelling by the end of the day. I realize, drinking water (proper hydration) is key, but it continues to be a little tricky for me. I am back to water giving me heartburn or causing nausea. I drink as much as I can stomach because I know it’s so important. Also, I try to rest in the evenings with my feet elevated. So far so good, no broken blood vessels in my legs and I can fit into my fat feet shoes (sizes and styles I had to use at the end of my previous pregnancy due to swelling) comfortably.