There are a lot of things I would have done differently had I planned for my second child when I had my first.
For instance, I might have made Mazzy's room more gender neutral instead of the girliest room alive (I lucked out with that one). I wouldn't have given my mother piles of baby clothes to store without sorting and labeling them by size. And I wouldn't have bought a huge single dresser instead of leaving room for two.
But the biggest mistake I made was buying a ridiculously expensive single stroller (I'll leave the price up to your imagination) that couldn't eventually accomodate my second.
Thankfully, I have this blog, and nice people sometimes give me stuff for free. After Harlow was born, Britax kindly sent me their basic B-Ready stroller complete with all the components to turn it into a double. (Before you get jealous, know that I am up at 1am writing this post while you are fast asleep.)
The Britax B-Ready is a modular single stroller that can also accommodate an infant carseat (or two if you have twins), a bassinet and a second seat in over 14 different configurations— the mind boggles, doesn't it?
For the urban dweller, like myself, it has large foam wheels for navigating snowy sidewalks or dirt paths in Central Park, a large amount of storage underneath the seat, perfect for shoplifting diapers at Whole Foods, and most importantly, an easily collapsible frame so you can quickly break it down and stick it in the trunk of a taxi without making a harried mom spectacle of yourself while stopping traffic.
I've been using it for a few weeks now and it handles way better than my single stroller— I barely have to use any arm strength to push both kids. And the components are super easy to interchange, and this is coming from someone who usually asks her husband to do this sort of thing for her.
Look, here's me, traveling all the way to the Upper East Side by myself to meet a friend at the Met. With my old stroller, I never ventured outside of walking distance.
And here's Mazzy looking pleased as punch in the second seat:
To commemorate the Mommy Shorts Facebook Fanpage reaching 10,000 fans, Britax has agreed to give a B-Ready Stroller ($500), in the color of your choice, to one lucky reader. Just to be clear— that's the basic single stroller— the additional components come separately and you can purchase to add-on when necessary. For instance, the second seat costs $150.
I wish I could give you all strollers to thank you for reading my stories and sharing your own over the past two plus years, but alas, I am not Oprah.
Only 7,990,016 fans to go.
——————————————–
GIVEAWAY RULES
1) You must be a Mommy Shorts Facebook Fan to enter. If you are not one already, you can become one by clicking here. Then answer the following self-serving/ego-inflating question in the comment section below:
What is your favorite Mommy Shorts post of all time? Leave the title and link.
2) For a second entry, tweet about the giveaway. Then leave a second comment that you did so. Example tweet:
I entered to win a $500 @Britax B-Ready Stroller from @MommyShorts http://bit.ly/TpEXH9 #giveaway
3) For a third entry, follow Mommy Shorts on Pinterest and pin this post using the top graphic. Then leave a third comment saying you did so.
Winner will be announced Friday, February 8th.
GOOD LUCK!!!
I like your post 10 Differences between 1st and 2nd time Moms.
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/10-differences-between-first-and-second-time-moms.html
rachelmarietravis at gmail dot com
Pinned here: http://pinterest.com/pin/15692298673642532/
Thanks for the chance to win this AMAZING product!
I’m new here but I’m enjoying cake wrecks – hahhaaaaa
I Tweeted!
https://twitter.com/katie0stewart/status/296035842256936960
I tweeted 1/28
https://twitter.com/RMTSweeps/status/296036486367825920
rachelmarietravis at gmail dot com
I’m following you on Pinterest and pinned this post!
http://pinterest.com/pin/275282595945071548/
Favorite Post — “Potty Training: When To Start” https://www.mommyshorts.com/2011/05/potty-training-when-to-start.html#more
I barely have time to keep up with Facebook a d Pinterest…..no twitter account to post there as well, but I definitely would if I had one 🙂
I think my all time favorite mommy shorts post is – Who Needs Oprah – https://www.mommyshorts.com/2011/05/mazzy-is-the-new-oprah.html
tweeted – https://twitter.com/stephcoupnsxx/status/296038074671063040
following on pinterest- stefaniegladden
and pinned giveaway – http://pinterest.com/pin/85638830386314968/
i like the 10 THINGS THAT SUCK ABOUT YOUR KID BEING SICK (BESIDES YOUR KID BEING SICK)
https://twitter.com/brookelynmu/status/296038960763920384
http://pinterest.com/pin/288089707385485175/
I love poen for moms of toddlers. It was a perfect after a long day with the kids!!
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/02/ryan-gosling-porn-for-moms-of-toddlers.html
10 differences between 1st and 2nd time moms.
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/10-differences-between-first-and-second-time-moms.html
I really enjoying the post on potty training. My son is 16 months old and I have already started stressing about it (:
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2013/01/10-things-i-didnt-know-about-potty-training.html
Sorry I do not have a tweeter Acct but if I did I would of diff would have tweeted it 😉
Tweeted…
https://twitter.com/NickyBethKB/status/296041006225297408
Pinned and following on Pinterest!!!! https://m.pinterest.com/mommyshorts/
Pinned it! Nicky K-B.
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/Christyisttc/status/296042971705511937
Favorite post is 10 things that suck about your kid being sick.
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2013/01/my-coughing-sneezing-three-year-old-tyrant.html
Pinned the giveaway on Pinterest! 🙂
This post was brilliant;
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/03/oh-the-places-new-moms-wont-go.html
Every single thing is true! I only vaguely remember the part of my life when I didn’t have pee on my shoes.
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/10-differences-between-first-and-second-time-moms.html#more
10 Differences between 1st and 2nd time Moms
My favorite post of all time is ’12 THINGS I WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD ME ABOUT POTTY TRAINING’ https://www.mommyshorts.com/2013/01/10-things-i-didnt-know-about-potty-training.html
My daughter is 16 months old, so potty training isn’t yet but in our near future. She also love Minnie, so i’ll have to try the potty training Minnie trick as well! 🙂
Shared on twitter – https://twitter.com/eastman520/status/296044944232173571
Following and Shared on Pinterest! http://pinterest.com/pin/220254237998039412/
My favorite:
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/the-handy-guide-to-lying-to-your-kids.html
I am a new reader and just read 10 THINGS THAT SUCK ABOUT YOUR KID BEING SICK. Love it and will definitely be reading more!
I just joined your blog and I have to say that I like your post on the Britax be ready stroller. Gotta say, you’re one witty lady. Good sense of humor. I have followed you on Pinterest and will be pinning as instructed. Fingers tightly crossed for this stroller. Have heard great things about it. Wish me luck!
A Handy Guide to Lying to your Kids was cute!
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/the-handy-guide-to-lying-to-your-kids.html
The University of Preschool!!!
Those Elves Get More Inapropriate Each Year was so funny!! https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/those-elves-get-more-inappropriate-every-year.html
Pinned!
I love the mommy humor in your blogs! Especially in 10 Differences between first and second time moms. Now that I’m expecting baby number 2 in March I can see how these will happen to me now and how different it was with my first born 🙂
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/10-differences-between-first-and-second-time-moms.html
My favorite post is “Lies I Tell My Kid”. Hilarious!
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/10/lies-i-tell-my-kid.html
I tweeted the giveaway. @waldoncl
I pinned this post. (Christina Waldon Kaufman)
following on pinterest and pinned top image
Parenthood Quantified
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2011/06/parenthood-quantified-parenting-charts.html
favorite post
10 Differences between 1st and 2nd time Moms
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/10-differences-between-first-and-second-time-moms.html#more
you are pinned! I would probably faint if I win this stroller!!!
Favorite! – https://www.mommyshorts.com/2011/06/diaper-blowouts-its-a-competitive-sport.html
Liked and pinned ya too 🙂
I am a new fan, but I love 9 THINGS I ALREADY KNOW ABOUT MY BABY GIRL.
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/things-i-already-know-about-my-baby.html
Hilarious and sweet. 🙂
I’m brand new but by reading some of the favorites in the comments above, I can soooooo relate to the potty training post. i have an almost 5yo, 2 1/2yo, and 8mo old boys. Been there, done that with 1, ready to do it with another, and the only thing you didn’t mention was the penis factor. Now THAT’S fun. :/
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2013/01/10-things-i-didnt-know-about-potty-training.html
I’m following you on Pinterest (Kimberley Evans)
10 Differences between 1st and 2nd Time moms
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/10-differences-between-first-and-second-time-moms.html
So true. Every time the nurse at the ped’s office asked me how often my second baby ate/pooped/slept, I’d be all like, “Oh, how often SHOULD he be doing that? Oh good, he does (whatever) exactly that often/much!” I imagine that by the time this third baby arrives, I’ll just roll my eyes and tell her to write down whatever she wants.
https://twitter.com/katherinevw/status/296060197598810113
Tweeted (@erin_griffin) and my fave post is “Lies I Tell my Toddler”
http://pinterest.com/pin/261068109621253845/
I’m new to the blog, but I look forward to catching up!
https://www.mommyshorts.com
Tweet!
https://twitter.com/phyrglory/status/296062201830207488
I tweeted!
https://mobile.twitter.com/AhrHanna/status/296061315632484352
Site pinned! Thanks!
Tweeted, pinned, and my favorite post is Baby Shaming…because I have a 12 month old and I feel like I’ve now been fairly warned of what’s to come.
https://twitter.com/emensab/status/296062701908656128 I’m not a good tweeter–hopefully this is the right link.
Britax Stroller giveaway is my fav! We need a new stroller for our 3 month old! Spring is coming to Michigan soon!
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2013/01/britax-b-ready-giveaway.html
I’m new but so far have enjoyed” 12 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Potty Training”
I want to get ready training my daughter and it’s nice to have a little humor to go with it
I LOVE this post…maybe because I am a new mom…the sweatpants, ungodly hrs, etc hit home!
Oh the places new moms won’t go!
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/03/oh-the-places-new-moms-wont-go.html
I tweeted…
https://twitter.com/maddysmomma09/status/296066173664108545
@maddysmomma09
This one is my favorite post because I have been looking at buying this stroller so it pertains to me. And would love to win it!
well, since this is my first time to your blog, I’d have to say my favorite post is the: The Big Ticket Stroller Giveaway (https://www.mommyshorts.com/2013/01/britax-b-ready-giveaway.html)! LOL.
I tweeted!
I pinned….
http://pinterest.com/pin/233131718182656169/
My fav post is The 10 Differences between 1st and 2nd time Moms.
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/10-differences-between-first-and-second-time-moms.html
I have a toddler and an eight month old! So funny and can relate 100%!
I follow you on Pinterest and I pinned your awesome giveaway!
http://m.pinterest.com/pin/371195194257167512/
I’ve tried multiple times to pin it but the “pin” button only shows up in grey and doesn’t allow me to go through with the pin 🙁
I LOVE the picture of a baby all tangled up in her blanket with the following comment on the Mommy Shorts fb page: “Don’t ever let my husband swaddle a baby. Seriously. Sometimes, I think he does these things just so I’ll never ask again.”
5 worst books. https://www.mommyshorts.com/2011/05/5-totally-inappropriate-childrens-books.html
THE NEW YEAR’S EVE NEWBORN PARENT DRINKING GAME
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2010/12/the-new-years-eve-newborn-parent-drinking-game.html
You should’ve got a baby mop for Christmas! Dec 27th
Lies I Tell My Toddler is my favorite! Definitely made me laugh out loud, the park being closed for naptime is pure gold.
I posted on twitter! http://www.twitter.com/megctully Crossing fingers I entered to my dream stroller @Britax B-Ready from @MommyShorts http://bit.ly/TpEXH9 #giveaway
Pinned! http://pinterest.com/secondmorning/toddler-fun/
im a new follower but this one was pretty funny and coulnt help but read it lol!!
Lies I tell my Toddler
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/10/lies-i-tell-my-kid.html
mommie3monsters@yahoo.com
My favorite is A Handy Guide to Lying To Your Kids 🙂 it gave me great ideas and made me laugh! Keep them coming!! https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/the-handy-guide-to-lying-to-your-kids.html
tweeted
https://twitter.com/diemyd0llie/status/296085415801278464
followed and pinned
http://pinterest.com/pin/410953534717476485/
FB fan and fav post
The Eight Stages of Sibling Acceptance
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/11/the-seven-stages-of-sibling-acceptance.html#more
Today is my first time reading your blog, and I have to say that I love it!
Tweeted
I entered to win a $500 @Britax B-Ready Stroller from @MommyShorts http://bit.ly/TpEXH9 #giveaway
following on pinterest and pinned this post 🙂
Following on Pinterest
Favorite post so far: Lies I tell my toddler- Oh when will they figure out I am actually telling LIES?!?!?
Love the 10 differences between 1st and 2nd time moms
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/10-differences-between-first-and-second-time-moms.html#more
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/snokaprains/status/296085460504158209
Favorite post? Do I really have to choose just one?
We laughed until we cried to the point that our daughter became concerned (“Mommy sad?”) when we read, “The Undoing of an Adult Evening Out.”
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/01/how-to-destroy-an-adult-evening-out.html
And I love ” 21 Words Totally Butchered by Toddlers” and “22 Butchered Words by Toddlers (Part 2) so much that I’ve made everyone I know who has a child, knows a child, or ever was a child, read them.
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/03/18-adorably-or-embarrassingly-mispronounced-words.html
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/03/butchered-words-by-toddlers-part-2.html
The Big ticket giveaway
Facebook….
My recent favorite is
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2013/01/10-things-i-didnt-know-about-potty-training.html because I’m in the potty trenches now 🙁
I tweeted about your amazing giveaway!!
https://twitter.com/jeansteel1212/status/296092942240735232
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2011/05/5-totally-inappropriate-childrens-books.html
5 totally inappropriate children’s books
As the title suggests, how did people think that these were good books for children?
Pinned here: http://pinterest.com/pin/113715959313353698/
Follow on Pinterest and pinned Payton1212
10 dif between 1st and 2nd time moms
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/10-differences-between-first-and-second-time-moms.html#more
My favorite post of all time has to be “Is The Beach Worth It”. I can totally understand the feeling from my childhood. This summer we may attempt it with a 4 montj old. Terrified and excited at the same time. https://www.mommyshorts.com/2011/06/is-the-beach-worth-it.html
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2013/01/10-things-i-didnt-know-about-potty-training.html
Following on Pinterest and I pinned it.
Tweet….https://twitter.com/OrigamiOwlLisa/status/296098172122587137
Pinned…http://pinterest.com/pin/254312710180125537/
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/10-differences-between-first-and-second-time-moms.html
The difference between a first and second time mom.
It’ helped me laugh after I had my second!