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.
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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 tweeted about this amazing contest. Twitter name @amyschlott
I follow you on facebook. My favorite post…hmm…how am I suppossed to pick only one?! I guess I will go with the post about how the big girl bed was kicking your a**
I am still fairly new to the blog, but my favorite post is the What People Say to A Pregnant Woman and the Husband Shaming. This first time mom is grateful to have found your blog! 🙂
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/09/what-you-say-to-a-pregnant-woman-vs-what-a-pregnant-woman-hears.html
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/11/husband-shaming-blogger-edition.html
I’d say this is my favorite https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/10/lies-i-tell-my-kid.html
I follow you on Pinterest and I pinned the giveaway! http://pinterest.com/pin/244390717251129270/
Just tweeted (TrialandErin is my twitter handle)
I also liked you on FB
Followed you on PINTEREST too 🙂
Sorry, also pinned it http://pinterest.com/pin/118501033917213715/
I’m new to your site but I looked through your blog and I really like this post: Fatherhood 101 – https://www.mommyshorts.com/2011/02/fatherhood-101-1.html
Thank you
Ive been having trouble posting, since it only allows me to post once a day I guess. My fave post is the Husband Shaming! Been there and I should do that!!!
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/11/husband-shaming-blogger-edition.html
Sorry, I thought that this was the one that I didnt do. I had previously pinned! Whoops!
My fave post and most memorable is “Elf Shaming: A New Hanukkah Tradition”
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/elf-shaming-a-hanukah-tradition.html#more
Which also goes along with “Those Elves Get More Inappropriate Every Year.”
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/those-elves-get-more-inappropriate-every-year.html#more
Loved Abraham… Oh wait, I forgot about the “Evil Baby Glare Off Contest.”
Sorry, it’s hard to choose just ONE!
Definitely the poop post – https://www.mommyshorts.com/2011/06/diaper-blowouts-its-a-competitive-sport.html
And I cant TOTALLY identify with the post birth commentary!
I tweeted too! https://twitter.com/channynn/status/296721717496258560
and my FB name is Shannon Michelle
ALL OF THEM!!! My recent favorite has got to be Lies I Tell My Toddler 🙂
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/10/lies-i-tell-my-kid.html
I love Interview with Honest Toddler
10 Differences between 1st and 2nd time moms.
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/10-differences-between-first-and-second-time-moms.html
I now have a 2nd beautiful baby boy who is 3 months old and could relate to this!
I pinned this!!!!
12 THINGS I WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD ME ABOUT POTTY TRAINING- my fav post- so helpful!
The 10 Differences Between 1st and 2nd Time Mom had me cracking up!!! It’s so true, I’m about to have my 4th child and I can say from experience that all 10 points were so true!!
Tweeted https://twitter.com/jesilodge/status/297009531106504704
following on pintrest and pinned it http://pinterest.com/pin/394627986068280339/
Lies I tell my kids is also my favorite. https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/10/lies-i-tell-my-kid.html It made me love so much that even my 5mths old giggled along.
Why I’m cooler now than before I had kids. https://www.mommyshorts.com/2013/01/why-i-am-cooler-now-than-before-i-had-kids.html
Tweeted loudly! 🙂
Pinned!!!
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#more
Why I am cooler now than before I had kids:
https://www.facebook.com/mommyshorts/posts/104614109719991
I tweeted!!
https://twitter.com/rebmcallister/status/297057094010556416
I give like
What if a toddler attacks you in the parking lot https://www.facebook.com/mommyshorts/posts/476389312420940
Tweet https://mobile.twitter.com/SujaDeJesus/status/297061152091951104
Since I am anxiously awaiting for my 20 month old son to potty train before #2 child comes:
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2011/05/potty-training-when-to-start.html
I follow you on pinterest
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mommyshorts.com%2F2013%2F01%2Fwhat-if-a-toddler-attacks-you-in-a-parking-garage.html&h=kAQEgelqgAQHIWs1WxH8lJLP7t7HXGrHGUP57YR8esVXuyA&enc=AZNtKZI2z0g1T3DuChmPXy2_pRQNllrCa4i1VpAy5osYPMLA72TCfTCpV0yaQ4Z2VwIRmlXGDrEfN9HD-ZH8c2DN&s=1
Lol poor little girl!
New to the blog but love https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/02/ryan-gosling-porn-for-moms-of-toddlers.html!!! Almost peed!
Would LOVE this amazing stroller and immediately buy the second seat to expand!
Second entry for Pinterest link!
Thanks!
About to be a 2nd time mom myself, I loved: 10 Differneces between 1st and 2nd time Moms.
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/10-differences-between-first-and-second-time-moms.html
I can already see some of these things happening. I was cracking up!
10 differences between 1st and 2nd time moms.
Tweeted:
Danielle Siegman @mulderbabe77
I entered to win a $500 @Britax B-Ready Stroller from @MommyShorts http://bit.ly/TpEXH9 #giveaway
Followed and pinned on Pinterest!
Fan on FB.
Its hard to choose a favourite but lies I tell my toddler and the one on pirtt training. I can not post like but I do follow you on fb. Gud luc;-)k every1.
https://twitter.com/JLinMei/status/297080023943352321
Following on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/jlinmei/
Liked Mommy Shorts Facebook.
liked on facebook.
I’m a fairly new follower, (I had come across your blog before, but wasn’t following it on Facebook yet), but I love the https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/10/lies-i-tell-my-kid.html. 🙂
I’m new your blog but I love: SOPHIE: WHY DOES EVERY MOM YOU KNOW SHELL OUT $20 FOR THIS RUBBER GIRAFFE?
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2010/08/sophie-why-has-every-mom-you-know-shelled-out-20-for-a-rubber-giraffe.html
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/eparker726/status/297086738034200576
And finally, I pinned it here: http://pinterest.com/pin/400046379369928955/
Tweet! https://mobile.twitter.com/DaniJames/status/297086379844845568
10 Differences Between 1st and 2nd Time Moms!
I found this one very informative:
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2013/01/interview-with-honest-toddler.html
I liked the cake fail!
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2011/11/12-birthday-cake-fails.html
Pinned! http://pinterest.com/pin/110408628336826056/
Oh The Places new moms wont go….pretty much how I felt today!!! Ouf!
Truth!!! : https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/10/lies-i-tell-my-kid.html
(“Lies I Tell My Kid”).
I Pinned AND tweeted!!!
@tanya_alytta tweeted this!
I wish I had written this! So great! https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/10/lies-i-tell-my-kid.html
Pinned this! http://pinterest.com/tpimental/
I pinned this post on Pinterest!!! I’m a first time mom due in July and would LOVE this amazing stroller!!! I’ve been waiting for their promotion and saving up to buy one! Thanks so much for offering this, I LOVE your blog 🙂
I loved Porn for moms of toddlers. https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/02/ryan-gosling-porn-for-moms-of-toddlers.html
One of my favorite posts of all time is…
LINK: https://www.mommyshorts.com/2011/05/5-totally-inappropriate-childrens-books.html
My Favorite one of those books was Go the F**K to sleep!!! I looked it up on youtube and couldn’t believe it! I have shared it with every parent I know!
I tweeted https://twitter.com/SecretsofKristi/status/297114783554093057
I pinned http://pinterest.com/pin/128774870567084404/
I already posted here my favorite post earlier and here is my second entry from Pinterest! :
http://pinterest.com/pin/382243087093022030/
I am also a facebook fan- Cassie Hunter-Seda
Thanks for the opportunity to possibly win the best stroller! 🙂
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2013/01/5-reasons-having-twins-is-easier-than-one.html
Being that I found you through the britax fan page and I’m a mom of twins my fav post was this one about the twins. So funny.
Posted once before but I don’t see it so not sure it worked.
Tweeted: https://mobile.twitter.com/Yparkosewich
Pinned here:
http://pinterest.com/yparkosewich/giveaways/
The 10 differences between 1st and 2nd moms! Hilarious! I couldn’t stop laughing seriously!!! 🙂
I repined the article and I’m currently following you on Pinterest and you have some great things!!
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/10-differences-between-first-and-second-time-moms.html
So very true! Differences Between First and Second Time Moms:)
Favorite is Stranger Knows Best!
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2011/06/stranger-knows-best.html
So funny, on New Years Eve I had a similar experience to your friend. Some random guy in the grocery line told me, “Looks like we might have a new year baby!”
(What?!)
“Oh, I actually have two more months.”
“Well, then it must twins!”
(Seriously?!!!)
Tweeted about the giveaway! @Anooze1
Following on pinterest and pinned it here http://pinterest.com/pin/278589926921525089/
ACID REFLUX: NEWBORN ENEMY #1 is my favorite bc I can totally relate.
Had a chuckle reading the kids page :). Liked and posted!!!!
Tweeted about comment and shared on FB.
My fav post!
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2010/11/traveling-the-only-way-my-husband-knows-how-on-schedule.html
My fav post! Traveling The Only Way My Husband Knows How— On Schedule
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2010/11/traveling-the-only-way-my-husband-knows-how-on-schedule.html
I always have a schedule too when bring bb out 🙂
I tweeted about the giveaway (@britni82)
https://twitter.com/britni82/status/297228709230944256
I loved your “intruder in the house” post! Ver sweet!
I pinned the top photo & follow you on Pinterest too!
I liked you on facebook. My favorite post is 10-things-i-didnt-know-about-potty-training.html
The playground DOES close at naptime!!
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/10/lies-i-tell-my-kid.html
Pinned!!
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/10/lies-i-tell-my-kid.html
This is pretty funny and I think I got some new ideas lol
I just have to say a big fat “thank you” to Britax…I came across your blog through their FB page & I’ve been heartily laughing (mostly at the office instead of working) ever since. As a first time mom-to-be I’m really getting a kick out of what an adventure my life is about to be, through reading about your family and the experiences that you guys have. Thank you for brightening and enlightening.
PS The photo of your husband giving the finger in a toddler bed is priceless.
I love them all its my favorite part of my facebook feed lately!!
I’m new here but went and read the differences between 1st and 2nd babies and loved it. So funny.
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/10-differences-between-first-and-second-time-moms.html
Following on twitter @krazykabbage and tweeted
https://twitter.com/krazykabbage/status/297369478143045632
(and forgot to say on last comment that I also liked your facebook page)
LOVE Toddler Speak Translated (and all Fancy Parenting Charts – they help when the no sleeping makes the reading much hard and stuff).
following on pinterest (krazykabbage)and pinned
http://pinterest.com/pin/86342517828155406/
All of them!!!!
Entering with my favorite post being FATHERHOOD 101 (IF TAUGHT BY MY HUSBAND. 🙂
Babies on a Plane
https://www.mommyshorts.com/2011/03/the-baby-on-a-plane-pie-chart.html
The first post that truly confirmed that you were in fact living my life. Only in a much cooler, NYC kind of way.
I really do love everything you post, BUT my favorite was probably “cheap last minute halloween costumes”.
I would have to say the baby naming post…if my last daughter was a boy he still wouldn’t have a name at 5 months old cause we couldn’t agree
My favorite post is THE BABYMOON IS OVER https://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/12/the-babymoon-is-over.html
It had me laughing out loud as I can totally relate to it!
I just started reading your blog this week- It’s what I love to do (instead of the dishes that I should be doing) while my 10 week old is napping, after I squeeze my quick shower in of course:)