Meanwhile, all else is okay in the NICU. Everyone is growing and putting on weight. The only big news is that Annaleigh may be able to take a bottle sometime later this week, which would be a huge step forward. She’s got the sucking motion down and is good with a pacifier, so hopefully she’ll be ready to bottle-feed one meal each day.
Now, on to the title of this post….
We need a new car. The car seats that we registered for were the narrowest available because we were hoping they would all fit in Brooke’s Honda CR-V. She loves that car and it’s been as reliable as any car we’ve ever had, but when I tried to install the car seats today (just to test it out), they didn’t fit. I was about six inches from making it work so needless to say I was incredibly frustrated.
The problem is that Brooke’s car is leased, and the lease doesn’t run out until next June. We never envisioned having triplets so the thought that an SUV would be too small never crossed our minds. We went to the Honda dealership a few weeks back to see about getting a used Honda Odyssey, but we couldn’t find one that was even remotely affordable. And we only did that because we wanted to, but now we have to. And that changes everything.
Our finances aren’t exactly stellar, especially since we are concerned with how we will pay for childcare when Brooke goes back to work in January. So adding a car payment right now is just about the last thing we need. With that in mind, we’re putting a call out to all our blog readers: if anyone has connections to a Honda dealership, please let us know! We need help and we haven’t been able to find it on our own. We’ll do whatever we have to do, travel wherever we have to travel; any help at all would be very, very appreciated.
Thank you!
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Charlie was looking good in his new yellow outfit. Grandpa Fred read him his story tonight and both enjoyed it immensely.
Annaleigh and I had a good cuddle tonight and Grandma Anne got to see the Monkey smiling.
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Lily and Annaleigh were wearing matching pretty pink outfits tonight, courtesy of their nurses.
21 comments:
Another great day for the Little D's. I'll keep my fingers crossed on the van situation.
Three cheers for Grandparents visits... Grandpop Fred's story telling has started... Stay tuned for a peach story my little angels - your Grandpop has to carry on the tradition.
All My Love, Auntie :) xoxoo
On the car--we have a 2007 Toyota Sienna 8-seater and really, really like it. All 3 seats--Graco Snugrides and later the Radian 80s--fit across the 2nd seat. I totally understand about the car payment. I do know that the Radian 80s (convertible car seats) supposedly fit across the back of the Toyota Rav-4, which I'd imagine is the same size as the Honda CRV. But that is such a pain to have to take babies in and out of convertible car seats every time, so I'm not sure that's a viable option. I'll keep my fingers crossed. I do know that there are some very good financing deals out there right now, like 2.9%. Could you upgrade to the Honda Passport from the CRV? I'm not sure if that would be more affordable or not.
Yeah for good news on the baby front. One of our twins did the 2 hours on/off the CPAP for a while and it really helped her get rid of it completely. Hope the same is true for Charlie.
I can't help you in regards to your car, but I wanted to make sure your social worker is connecting you with financial resources out there for preemie parents. We are currently receiving Supplemental Social Security and Medical Assistance for our little ones because of their low birth weights, and esp the MA has been the best deal ever as it has paid for ALL of their medical co-pays and the like. Talk to your hospitals financial office, they should be able to help you apply.
Ugh. I wish there was a way for us to trade cars!
We're in the same boat, we've outgrown our minivan! With baby #5 on the way, we're not sure what vehicle we'll all fit in.
As far as the childcare goes, (and perhaps you've thought about this) but the babies will need an in-home sitter. With them just getting out of the NICU, and being so premature, they will be extremely suseptible to RSV this winter and next. Also the respiratory flu is supposed to be awful this year, and you will have to take every precaution for them not to get either the flu or RSV. And daycare or a sitter with other kids is one of the worst places to catch these viruses. Ours were 26 weekers and we spent the last two winters cooped up inside the house. Not fun, but we managed to avoid any major lung infections. Just something to think about.
I'm so glad to hear that your babies continue to thrive and do well. Brings a big smile to my face!!!
Kristi
Mommy to BBG triplets born at 26w2d
Are you familiar with Astrid that has triplets? Her blog is called Surviving Triplets (you can google it). Anyway she has a post from probably a year ago where she fit all three of her car seats in the back of her CRV. Don't know if it is the same year with the car or same car seat but if you ever have a second maybe search for their post on that. Good luck!
I am 31 weeks pregnant and read your blog EVERY morning! Your children are beautiful and oh-so strong (as are you guys)!!!
Great news about the babies. I'm sure Charlie will be getting stronger quickly and be off of the CPAP soon.
As for the car, I'm sorry I've got nothing of add or offer. Maybe check the newspapers and see if someone is selling one used.
You don't know me but I follow your blog through a link that Three Cheers For Triplets had on her site about supporting you for the walk. I gave birth to 28 week twins on April 2 and had our NICU journey in Peoria. I wanted to let you know that we bought our vehicle from a contact in Indiana that goes to auctions and buys used vehicles. We bought a Mazda CX-9 that is one year old for 1/2 the price of new. I can get the contact info from my husband if you would like to consider that option. The car is in great condition - you tell him what you are looking for and the specs and pay him a $250 fee for his time.
Also keep in mind that they may not go home in actual car seats. If they are under the weight limit of the seat (usually 5lbs) then they need to be transported in a "car bed" so they can lay down.
I enjoy seeing all your updates. The babies are doing fabulous.
I wish I could remember the name but I have seen someone with 3 car seats in the back of a Hyundai sedan. I wish I could give more info...but maybe trying another search will lead you to 3 car seats that would fit in you CRV.
Daves wife..I dont think they were asking you for money. I think they were asking for anyone that might have a good word of mouth deal. I think its rude to presume to tell anybody to "think about your situation" before doing fertility drugs. Im sure them and all the other infertilies like myself thought about all the possibilites..and quite frankly didnt care as long as we got a baby...Since you dont feed or finance this family, keep your opinions to yourself. To Brooke and Joe, things always work themselves out. All that matters is getting the babies from point A to point B..and truth be told, you will not go much the first year. It wont be the end of the world if you hold out til the lease is up. We had just bought a brand new Envoy and boom...triplets...so alot of times, we end up taking two cars. Yes it sucks...but with the economy, etc., we cannot take a gigantic loss on our car. Like a PP said, I know Astrid blogged about fitting her seats in her Honda...Good luck!
Hey there! Erin from What's Cooking here. Have you seen these carseats?
http://www.combi-intl.com/Products/Item.aspx?Item=12
They say three can fit in a Toyota Corolla. Surely those would fit?
Someone used my name in a previous post, and said some ugly things. I would NEVER say such things, and I am sorry my name was used. I apologize for any hurt feelings. I am very very sorry.
To the person who felt the need to drag my name thru the mud, this was not the place. Shame.
You may want to contact the HOnda dealer with whom you have your current lease. They may allow you to early end your current lease and begin a new one with a car that fits - all for the same payment...and it might be good PR for them. Try everything, right? Good luck! I am thrilled to see your beautiful children growing and gaining day to day. God Bless.
What about a lease trade?
www.leasetrade.com
www.leasetrader.com
www.swapalease.com
Unless you want to remain with Honda don't feel like you are stuck with Honda b/c of your lease. Most dealerships are owned by the same person or group so you can trade leases within the same group. I did this with my Volkswagon to a Volvo. Goodluck!!!
I don't know if it helps or not, but I did get 3 baby trend car seats in the back of my 4-Runner. I agree with Ashley on all accounts. Rude people and not really worrying about the size of your car till later. I would try and find seats that will fit and worry about upgrading to a van a little later. It is not till now that my 4-Runner is really too small because we go out a lot more now. I have been following your blog for awhile and I'm so glad the babies are doing so well. I remember how exciting it was when the nurses started talking to us about the babies coming home, too. You guys are doing a great job and don't let rude comments get to you, some people just never learned manners.
I have been following your story for a while and you guys are always in my thoughts. Have you called Honda Financing to inquire about your lease term. I have had several leases with Acura who is owned by Honda and at least with Acura, there are no penalties if you decide to buy your car outright prior to the lease ending. In your case, you wouldn't want to buy this car, but you could try and sell the CRV to another party while the babies are still in the NICU, pay off the lease to get out of the contract and then purchase a new vehicle. Also, try calling Honda Finance and explaining your situation and see if they can do anything on their end to help with the logistics. You'd be surprised how much they can work with you. I don't think I will ever switch from the Honda name. They are a great company and they really hold their value. Best wishes! I hope this helps!
Check out www.blueknobauto.com It's a dealership in PA, which isn't the farthest place (but also not the closest). They have GREAT deals on used cars. We got our minivan for a steal and it's a great van. You can look at the cars/vans they have online and see what they're loaded with, without having to go to the lot. That place does insane business. We were there on Black Friday and they sold 104 cars that day alone. Crazy. Good luck!!!
It would be cheaper to buy new carseats rather than look for a new car. I have a pilot that seats 8. just go to honda and swap out your lease. good luck.
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