I went to my first Twin Sale last night. What a scene! The shopping on Friday night is for twin moms only - no kids, husbands, grandmas, etc - and it was crazy. I cannot even imagine what it is like when the public comes in to shop on Saturday morning. I was pretty much overwhelmed with just how much stuff there was. We only had 2 hours to shop so I didn't even get to see everything. I had a list of the things I wanted to look for and did my best to stick to those areas. I pretty much skipped books, stuffed animals, shoes, furniture, equipment (like car seats and swings), outdoor toys / ride-on stuff and strollers. From that list, you're probably wondering what's left?? I stuck to the small toys and clothes and managed to get a few things I was looking for. Unfortunately I didn't find any Halloween costumes and that was #1 on my list. :( They had a few cute costumes in the right size, but nothing that really "went together" like I want. Of course, by the time I found where the costumes were at, I have a feeling they were a little picked over. Oh well... I did find some absolutely adorable red velvet dresses for Christmas that will be great for going to Church on Christmas Eve. They are awfully "dressy" and not very practical for our family gatherings but at only $6 each, I couldn't resist. I also found a few small toys and the travel highchairs I was looking for (all for $5 or less). The rest of my money was spent on size 12-18 month clothes for this winter. I got about 20 or so items and didn't pay more than $5 for a single thing. (20 sure sounds like a lot but when you consider there are 2 babies to dress, that's really only about 10 outfits. :D) Oh, I also found two super cute lightweight jackets in a 2T and I'm really hoping we'll be able to get those out next fall. They were brand new for $10 each. A few of the things I found even still had tags on them! Actually, I'm pretty proud of how much I did get but am still thinking about a few of the items I passed over and wish I hadn't....Like the more casual holiday outfits, the 4in1 gymboree winter coats, the activity center toys... Guess that's just a lesson for the next sale in the spring - take everything in consideration with you to the line and review everything as you wait to pay. I got in line at 9:15 and didn't get out the door until after 10! I was exhausted by the time I got home. The other lesson learned - use something better than an old gym bag to carry around my finds, preferably something with wheels! Now, I must give BIG props to Paul for doing the sale by himself last year. It's a wonder he didn't turn around and come right back home when he saw 3 gymnasiums packed full of stuff! I didn't make him shop for clothes though and that has got to be the hardest part. They hang a few things but most of it is just stacked on tables (by size and tops or bottoms) at least a couple feet high. Like I said, it's a little overwhelming... :)
So I guess I'm on to Plan B for the Halloween costumes. Tomorrow I will check out the local Once Upon a Child stores and hope for the best. The 2 stores I called said they had a good number of costumes so keep your fingers crossed for me. If I strike out there, then it's time search the internet and Ebay. My last resort is buying new from a discount store like Target, Walmart or Old Navy - or maybe waiting for the last minute sale at Babies R Us. Of course, doing that is risky since I have to find 2 of something that goes together and in the same size. Seriously though, considering that they are going to wear these for a max of 2 hours, I HATE the idea of paying full price. It just seems like a waste of money.
Today is the Amelia and Penelope's 11 month birthday. In honor of that and the MSU victory on the football field, I've attached a picture from today's morning playtime. Check out those shirts! Our girls may live in Ohio, but they will come to love Michigan State just like Mommy. :D
The two toys they are playing with are from the sale. You can't really see the one next to Penelope, but I think it's their favorite of what I brought home. It only cost $2 so of course it's bound to be the best one. :) Amelia is already showing signs of claiming it and not wanting to share. Too bad there wasn't 2 of them! The bigger toy looks like it could be fun for them (playing music and animal sounds), but when Paul went to put new batteries in it, he found the old ones corroded in there. Boo.... He thinks he can clean it up and get it working though.
Oh, before I completely forget - Amelia officially WALKED last night! And not just a couple steps, but really walking with her arms out for balance. I was on my way out the door for the sale and Paul called for me to come back quick. He said Amelia walked from her jumperoo across the room to the couch. I didn't really see it that time, but she repeated the performance a few more times this afternoon. So while the first steps for both girls were about a month ago, we marked yesterday as THE DAY for our little miss Amelia. It's so neat to see her put it all together and actually walk. Of course, my heart skipped a beat or two when she ventured on to the hard, slippery kitchen floor and that's when I realized that walking is great for them, but SCARY for Mom and Dad. LOL! I'm sure Penelope's big moment will be soon and we can't wait. What a great way to remember their 11 month birthday!
Happy Eleven Months A and P!! We love you lots!
No comments:
Post a Comment