Blessing in Disguise

In December, Justin was in a car accident that destroyed our car, but thankfully only left Justin with a headache. We had no idea what we were going to do. We had trouble with both our and the other person's insurances getting a rental car, so we were carless for nearly a week. I felt that everything would work out ok and I tried reassuring Justin.

We got a very large check from our insurance, so the Tuesday after the accident Justin wanted to go look at cars. I hate car shopping. We did it the summer I was pregnant and ended up with what Justin's parents found anyway. But it was good day to go since we had a lot of time and it was rainy so the dealerships wouldn't be busy. We borrowed the car we gave to Adam and Kirsten and went to a Toyota/Scion dealership to look for a Toyota Corolla. I was determined to buy new--I was done with used cars!

Immediately I was impressed with the dealership: they had an indoor pirate ship play area for kids. I was able to keep Caden occupied while Justin test drove cars.

Although I made it clear I wanted new, the lady helping us said she had a used 2010 Corolla in great shape and price. I hesitated, but the more I heard about the car, the more I liked it. It was basically the same as the new version but missing a couple fancy additions that I didn't care for anyway (like a sunroof). The mileage was low, the color was nice, and the price was very tempting. Justin and I both drove it and gave in. It was perfect for us! We weren't expecting to come home with a car that day.

With the insurance check, a small check from the other insurance company, tuition reimbursement after Justin's residency was approved, and savings, we were able to put down a very large down payment on the car that we would not have been able to otherwise. Our credit was approved for very low monthly payments and interest, something that other dealerships wouldn't do for us since our credit was based only on our credit cards and not any other loans or major purchases, even though our scores were excellent. We got a free meal while the paperwork was processed. Everything went down smoothly and the people we worked with were great.

This accident was a huge blessing in disguise. We have wanted to get a new (or better-quality used) car for a long time, but we never had enough money to put down to get affordable monthly payments. The money was always spent on fixing both of our used cars. The timing of the accident was perfect for us financially. It was surreal writing a check that big! I don't think we've ever had that much money in our account at once. We are so happy with the car and grateful to Heavenly Father for blessing us with the opportunity and means to get it.

Boogie No More

Disco is my favorite music. It's Caden's too. In fact, it's the only music he will listen to (besides Primary songs). I am so disco'd out from listening to it everyday on Pandora for at least an hour. But it keeps him quiet and happy so I can get things done. I'm caught in a "boogie" trap and I don't know how to get out!

Post title from "Boogie Oogie Oogie" by A Taste of Honey.

My Etsy Shop Giveaway

Three weeks ago I opened my own Etsy shop, The Shop at Pooh Corner, selling vintage books and toys and some handmade paper products. I've already had four sales! Now I'm doing my first giveaway on my other blog, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, for Valentine's day. Hope you enter!

I HATE Teething!

I forgot to post that about a month ago I realized Caden hadn't sucked on his fingers for a long time. Good thing I didn't. He has a tooth coming in that is making him miserable. He's back to finger sucking and hardly wanting to eat. Our progress with night weaning is down the drain. He has a low grade fever, which he always gets from teething. He is fussy and even more sensitive and demanding than usual. I HATE TEETHING!

p.s. Yes, I feel bad for him too. But he won't even remember this time and he only has to go through it once. I will remember and will have to go through it with each child.

New Challenges

Last night we decided to turn Caden's crib into a toddler bed to see if it would help him sleep better since he loves our bed so much. Caden was super excited:

Justin said it was easier putting him in bed. All was well--until ten o'clock when we heard a very loud thunk and then crying. Caden had rolled off! I tried getting him back in his bed by lying with him, but every time I tried moving away he woke up, so I took him to our bed.

I want Justin to put the crib back together. He doesn't want to and would rather buy side rails. I am a little upset because last month I bought a toddler bed in great condition for $9 at the thrift store and it had sides. Justin didn't want to keep it so I gave it away to someone gathering Christmas gifts for kids in need. I really regret not keeping it now. I doubt I will ever find such a deal again!

Caden had climbed in by himself. He hates the carseat!

In other news, Caden has entered the picky eating stage and it is driving me crazy. Most of his favorite foods he won't eat anymore, and the ones he will eat he won't eat all the time. He likes to take a few bites and then spit out the next spoonful (if I'm feeding him) or play with the rest and throw it on the floor (if he's feeding himself). It is so frustrating. And of course he's hungry all the time since he barely eats, which means more opportunities for both of us to get frustrated.

On a positive note, Caden now signs eat consistently and has been saying yes for the past month. He likes to climb in and out of his infant bath tub, walk backwards, make himself dizzy from spinning, listen to me play the flute, and climb onto the chairs by himself and get into trouble. His new favorite book is Five Little Monkeys, which Auntie Kirsten got him for Christmas. He points and shakes his finger in a scolding manner when the doctor says, "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"

p.s. He just took a 2-hour nap in his bed without falling off!