Hi all,

Just a quick update and a question:

Bought the Honda Odyssey, picking it up next week.
Bought a used Twin RunAbout. Not sure if we are going to use it yet.
Bought a used TripleDecker with the baby seats - we will use this for sure.
We are in week 30 now and I have a quick question:

I saw a "Prince Lionheart" 2-stage seatsaver at Babies R Us and was hoping you guys can tell me if it's worth the money. The Honda we got comes with leather seat, so I was wondering if we actually need the seatsavers. Also, I am sure the carseats will leave an imprint on the leather seats. Would the seatsavers prevent that?

Cheers.

Sorry man, I am going to be of no help on this one...

Todd

Todd

Proud father to BBG triplets, born 33 weeks, 2 days on 7/9/09.
Claire
Matt
Drew
http://themesserletrio.blogspot.com

That is great y'all made it to 30 weeks. I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

I think the seat savers are a must. I have a work friend who wrecked his leather by not using them. They didn't just get an imprint; they got all scuffed up too. We got the Eddie Bauer seat savers from BRU for my wife's Expedition and they seem to be working well. I would think anything thick and sturdy would work well.

Gary, Father to Piper, Henry and Rosemary, June 25, 2008 (30 weeks, 0 days)

http://baldguyinplaidpants.blogspot.com

Thanks for the replies.

It's 31 weeks tomorrow. The doc has scheduled C-section for 38 weeks, which seems a little late to me. Will have to ask him about that next week.

Will be getting the seat savers.

Currently looking at the 3M invisible tape hood protector for our new Honda Odyssey, which hasn't arrived yet.

Cheers.

Best of luck! We are 18 weeks tomorrow! Its amazing that your wife has made it or is going to make it to 38 weeks! I almost never hear of women making it that long. Bedrest? Whats the secret?

I saw those seat savers you mentioned in your post at Babies R Us this weekend and I think you made a great call on getting those. The dude that was helping us also said they were a must have...

Make sure to post pics of the new ride and your babyseat setup when you get it up and running!

Todd

Todd

Proud father to BBG triplets, born 33 weeks, 2 days on 7/9/09.
Claire
Matt
Drew
http://themesserletrio.blogspot.com

Congrats on 18 weeks. That seems so long ago now....hahahaha.
Wife just had another dr appointment that dr changed the scheduled c-section to early May. That's still 37 weeks. We will have to wait and see what happens.

Still waiting for my mini van to arrive. They told me it's supposed to arrive this week. I think they are built in Alabama, and we live in Toronto. So it takes a while to get here.

Will post pics when we have everything set up.

Thanks! 37 weeks is still amazing! Good luck!

Built in Alabama? Double check everything when it gets there! LOL

Looking forward to seeing the pics!

Todd

Todd

Proud father to BBG triplets, born 33 weeks, 2 days on 7/9/09.
Claire
Matt
Drew
http://themesserletrio.blogspot.com

we skipped the "seatsavers" and used a section of cabinet liner. We just had our seats out of the Tahoe this weekend and the leather seats still look good. The cabinet liner is nice because it is somewhat "tacky" so the seats wont have that little bit of wiggle that seems to always be there with leather seats.

T.L. (SAHD)

Our little hoodlums:
Jacob - 2lb 15oz "Pastafarian"
Noah - 1lb 8 oz "Ut-Oh-ologist"
Samuel - 1lb 15 oz "Meatatarian" It's a commitment
DOB: 8/9/06 at 28+1


www.caringbridge.org/visit/ralstontriplets

We were advised by multiple firemen/other certified car seat installers that the seat savers are a big no-no and can cause serious issues in an accident. Just something to consider...

Brinlee, Sawyer and Kimball

www.growingthefamily.com/adamblog

Yes, do not use a seat saver! They can harm your children in a MVA. Any way, with trips yor seats are done anyway.

Huh? Shoretrips, I don't get your post...

Please explain...

Todd

Todd

Proud father to BBG triplets, born 33 weeks, 2 days on 7/9/09.
Claire
Matt
Drew
http://themesserletrio.blogspot.com

I'm wondering the same thing, Todd.

Why would someone not use seat-savers, and what damage could they possibly do?

(For the meantime, we're using cushions from the lawn-chairs because they fit perfectly.... but are a bit of a nuiscance.)

Rick (& Carole)
Jonah, Noah, Erin
"We're 31 days old and lovin' it!"

Good. I saw the post and thought I was the only blockhead who didn't know why I shouldn't use them.

Gary, Father to Piper, Henry and Rosemary, June 25, 2008 (30 weeks, 0 days)

http://baldguyinplaidpants.blogspot.com

No, actually the previous poster is right. I was warned explicitly by the local police department sargeant who installed my seats the first time that car seats are tested with no accessories, the LATCH system is tested with no accessories. He was trained that no accessory should be used.

It's like modifying electronics, you can do it but you void the warranty.

I suppose it's your call, but protected seats has go to be pretty low on the priority list when safety is the main concern.

Geoff
husband to Aimee and father to:
Drew 12/13/03
Carter 8/18/07
Brenna 8/18/07
and Emily 8/18/07 who has taught us so much about unconditional love
www.wecouldnotaskformore.blogspot.com

I guess what is a bit confusing is the problem overall. For example, I've just added a small protective cushion under each car-seat. It won't effect the seatbelt's operation at all.... because there is no way for the car to know if it is a baby seat there, or a small child, or a 300 pound adult. The seat covers are only 1 inch in diameter.... it cannot effect the seatbelt's operation.

Rick (& Carole)
Jonah, Noah, Erin
"We're 31 days old and lovin' it!"

I think you pretty much nailed it, Geoff.

I can see where a pad under certain types of carseats could work its way out and the seat is no longer as tight as it was...that sort of thing.

But the bottom line is that the carseats, etc., were designed and tested without any accessories and adding any could (not would) cause the carseats to perform differently than designed and tested. Sort of like the warning on bicycle helmets not to put any stickers and/or paint on them.

In the case of a serious accident, the use of accessories could be of danger -- and certainly void any possible law suits against the seat manufacturer...and with insurance companies so tight with their money, might even cause some problems getting medical bills for injured kid(s) covered...even if the seats did not "fail".

Use at one's own risk.

I have a boy who has been asking why we did not get leather seats (he has expensive tastes for a 12 year old!) -- I just tell him that no way would I expect leather seats to stand up to 3 growing boys...they are not in car seats for all that long!

Vaughn and the ABC Boys
Alex, Bryce, & Calder
3-31-97 @ 28.5 weeks
http://s515.photobucket.com/albums/t356/vaughn3abc/

OK, I get it now and it makes sense. I guess I look at the risk vs. the reward on stuff like this and the reward seems pretty low in the grand scheme of things. If the seats are going to be trashed anyway, I guess the covers aren't going to make that big of a difference.

Thanks to all for decoding the post!

Todd

Todd

Proud father to BBG triplets, born 33 weeks, 2 days on 7/9/09.
Claire
Matt
Drew
http://themesserletrio.blogspot.com

I had no idea. The guys at our local fire station have squares of thick looking shelf liner stuff to use as a seat protector for people with leather who don't bring a seat protector. They put in our seat protectors and the seats in my wife's SUV and never even mentioned that there was an issue.

Gary, Father to Piper, Henry and Rosemary, June 25, 2008 (30 weeks, 0 days)

http://baldguyinplaidpants.blogspot.com

OK. I was all worried that I was a potential baby killer. I just read the manual for our Graco Safeseat. In the warnings, it says: "CONTINUOUS USE OF INFANT RESTRAINT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO VEHICLE SEAT. Use an infant restraint mat, towel or thin blanket to protect upholstery." I guess it depends on the seat.

Gary, Father to Piper, Henry and Rosemary, June 25, 2008 (30 weeks, 0 days)

http://baldguyinplaidpants.blogspot.com

Yeah, it does sound like there is some variation in advise and recommendations. Go with what you feel safe doing.

We bought a used mini-van and it died by the time the boys were out of the carseats...so damaging the seats did not matter much. Alas...our "new" 03 Honda minivan no longer had that new-car look, and has not had that look for quite awhile!

Vaughn and the ABC Boys
Alex, Bryce, & Calder
3-31-97 @ 28.5 weeks
http://s515.photobucket.com/albums/t356/vaughn3abc/

Congratulation on 30 weeks. We are at the exact same time you are. In fact, for us it just became 31 weeks, I believe a day or two ago.

I hadn't even thought about seat-savers for the leather seats. That's an important thing to think about.

We were so fortunate a couple weeks ago to find a brand new luxury car that has been kept in a garage for the past three years and not driven. The owner died shortly after buying it, and when we bought it a couple weeks ago it didn't even have 100 miles on the odometer yet. The owner paid 35,000 euros for it (45,000 dollars)..... and we were able to buy it for only 7500.

I guess protecting the seats is definitely important, although my wife has already told me that what kids can do to cars..... (don't want to hear about it!).

And congrats on finding the TripleDecker. That's impossible here, in fact it's almost impossible to find a reliable triple stroller for less than a thousand bucks. We're going to do the two and one.... or double plus a carry on if one of us is out alone with the triplets. Am sure hoping that works.

Hopefully you'll get to 36 weeks or more.... our doctor has planned for 34 to 35, but we're naturally hoping for the latest possible date.

Ciao and keep us posted on how it's going.

Rick (& Carole)
BBG in 3-5 weeks

I was trying to get the grey colour seat savers to match the leather, but no luck at BRU. Will try local store next week.

We are coming 33 weeks on Tuesday and the doctor has given us a scheduled C-section date in May that takes us to 37 weeks.

Wife has been doing great, except for a bit of swelling on her feet and gestation diabetes.

Wow! That's quite a deal - 7,500 for a 45,000 vehicle! Wish I could find something like that.

Good luck and I will keep everyone posted.

That's amazing, 37 weeks is nearly the normal delivery date with one baby. Hope everything continues so well as it has, what a great hope to get that far before the C-section.

You made me smile about the car. Actually, the man's wife never drove it after he died for two reasons...... it's an automatic transmission (which isn't real common here in France)..... and because she drives one of those electric cars that you don't need a drivers license to operate here.

With the economic crisis the way it is, we really were fortunate to find a new luxury car that we could by at one-fifth the price.

Hopefully you can find the right color of seat protectors. We might have to improvise and use a canapé cover or something, as it will be impossible to find covers designed for it around here.

Best of luck for a continuation until 37 weeks.

Rick

Hey CanadianTriplet and Rick!

We're all right about the same place.. do either of you have any news? (edit: nevermind Rick I read that yours arrive next week.. good luck!! How about you CT?) My wife is 34 weeks 5 days and scheduled C-section is at 35 weeks, which is in 2 days on Friday!

I posted here once or twice about van stuff when we found out about our BBB. It took me a while to find a good deal, but I ended up with a Toyota Sienna 8-passenger.. we were swayed by the 3 full seats with LATCH in the second row.



Car seats ready to go.. for seat savers I bought the cheapest at BRU and they work well.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3331855

They aren't rigid but I don't have leather.



Peg Perego Triplette frame in the back.



Our plan is to have all three in the second row while in infant seats, then probably 2 and 1 when we move up to these (thank you woot.com)...



I'll post here on Friday when Andrew, Nicholas & Parker are born!

-- Code (DH of Lease, Father of identical BBB born April 09 @ 35 weeks)

My wife's blog: http://threeatonce.blogspot.com

Hi there Code! Looks like you are ready for Friday! Or at least as ready as you can be!

That is quite the triplet mobile you have set up! I see you have at least two swings ready, too! Those swings were great for us-- hope your boys like the motion, because ours sure did and would fall asleep quickly in them.

I'll be think good thoughts for you all on Friday!!!

Vaughn and the ABC Boys
Alex, Bryce, & Calder
3-31-97 @ 28.5 weeks

>That is quite the triplet mobile you have set up! I see you
>have at least two swings ready, too! Those swings were great
>for us-- hope your boys like the motion, because ours sure did
>and would fall asleep quickly in them.

Yup I hope they like them too.. I only have 2 so far and am undecided on whether to get a third now or wait to see if they like them.

I've been trying to get as much stuff as possible used to save money, and have been pretty successful. Got a decent deal on the van (it's a 2006, 55k miles), triple RA $180, Peg + infant seats < $800, used swings $40 each, used Bumbos $20 each.. and the list goes on.

-- Code (DH of Lease, Father of identical BBB born April 09 @ 35 weeks)

My wife's blog: http://threeatonce.blogspot.com

55,000 miles? That is barely broken in!

My poor dw does not like, nor is use to earthquakes, being from a more stable Australia and not from our rock-and-rolling California where we live.

All three boys were in the swings and a mild earthquake hit. Dw shot up and I could see the look on her face as she tried to decide which baby to "save". It was over before she could make any decision and I don't think any of the boys actually woke up.

The RA was my favorite sanity-saving kid-transportation machine! I easily logged 4000 miles pushing it. On my wall in my office here, I have photos of one of the first times and one of the last times I pushed the boys in it...and one inbetween.

As a SAHD, being able to walk for two to four hours a day, with the boys asleep was wonderful. (Dw was working 3 to 4 12-hr dayshifts a week as a maternity nurse at the hospital.) The four hour walks required that I take bottles and diapers for a halfway fill-and-empty...usually in a park. I had the sun shade for the occassional sunshine, and the rain cover for walking in the rain.

Vaughn

That's a great-looking vehicle, Code! And you can't go wrong with a Toyota.... you'll probably let one of the boys drive it off to college one day, those things last forever!

Am assuming that your boys are fraternal? It's so rare to see identicle triplet boys, although there are a couple that post here who have them.

Can't wait to hear the great news on Friday! That's tomorrow!

Rick
BBG next week

>Am assuming that your boys are fraternal? It's so rare to see
>identicle triplet boys, although there are a couple that post
>here who have them.

Di-chorionic tri-amnionic, so 2 identical... though my wife says she has beaten so many odds so far (and not just in this pregnancy) that she wouldn't be surprised if C was also monozygotic (I've read several different probabilities of this from 7% up to 30%).. not that it matters much, but it will be interesting to see!

-- Code (DH of Lease, Father of identical BBB born April 09 @ 35 weeks)

My wife's blog: http://threeatonce.blogspot.com

Wow! That's quite a set up you;ve got there.

We bought a bunch of used stuff and received bunch of hand me downs (clothes, 3 cribs, 2 Exersaucer, 2 bouncer etc), so thus far we have not spent any big money other than $600 (Canadian $)for TripleDecker with baby carseats included.

Wife and I went for Dr appt on Tuesday and for a bit of filming (hospital is doing a charity concert with Sting, Sheryl Crow and others and want to film a couple of families for clip to play during the concert). Dr came in and took wife's blood pressure. It was through the roof - 160 over 105, I think. Dr took the BP twice more and it was still high. Dr sent her to hospital right away and she has been there since. We were laughing and joking that Dr was just playing drama for the camera, but the wife is no longer laughing after spending 2 nights in hospital on bedrest - I really dont know how some endure weeks and weeks of bedrest.

Anyway, we made 35 weeks on Wednesday and Dr said wife will likely stay in hospital until delivery. We were scheduled for May 6 but Dr said today he will probably deliver next week (making it 36). We are taking it day by day. Wife's blood pressure came down and is around the 135/90 mark. We are not too worried as we are beyond 35 weeks now. Our original goal was 36 weeks, and when Dr first scheduled us at 38 weeks, we thought he was nuts. He changed to 37 and that's what we were working towards.

In any case, babies' estimated weights as of 3 weeks ago were:
5 lb
4'9"
4'13"

I am sure they would be well over 5 lbs now.

Coming back to van and carseats. I bought the Prince Lionheart seat protector and tried to install the carseats over the weekends, but found the bases were very loose and I could easily move them around. I am going to bring the van to the fire department and have them examine and install them Saturday.

Will update everyone soon.

Good luck to all who are expecting around the same time.

Cheers.

Looks like you are both set. I used to have problems with car seats until the local Police Dept showed me how. The trick is to really put all your weight down (put your knee down on it) on the seat or base when you pull on the latch belt. After you do that, it won't budge.

Sometimes for fun, I ask my brothers to install a carseat, take down a pack-n-play, or mix formula. It's fun to watch someone who never has done it before. Don't worry, in time you'll be training for the Triplet Dad Olympics. I'm training for the grocery shopping with 4 event every Sunday afternoon.

Good luck with your upcoming arrivals,

Geoff
www.wecouldnotaskformore.blogspot.com

I had a friend (bachelor) visiting and as he watched me bottle feed all three boys at the same time (one one each side of me on the couch, and one in the bouncer at my feet), I asked him if he would like to feed one boy. He just laughed and said, "Sorry, but I am not checked out on that."

Twelve years later we still laugh about it.

CT...my best to your dw in the hospital!

Vaughn and the ABC Boys
Alex, Bryce, & Calder
3-31-97 @ 28.5 weeks

Guess I shouldn't have talked about buying the "new" car that has been in the garage for a few years, and what a great deal it was.

The new luxury car (with only 400 miles on it).... already has a problem and is kicking on acceleration. Had a complete tune-up done on it (changing the spark plugs, oil, filters, etc) at the official Hyundai garage.... and they can't even figure the problem out.

One thing I really miss about the states.... in America when a car needs repaired, you can get an estimate. Here, you have to pay for the time they spend searching for the problem!

Oh well, as long as it's ready to bring babies home safely.... guess it's not such a big deal.

Rick
BBG very soon!

>The new luxury car (with only 400 miles on it).... already has
>a problem and is kicking on acceleration. Had a complete
>tune-up done on it (changing the spark plugs, oil, filters,
>etc) at the official Hyundai garage.... and they can't even
>figure the problem out.
>
>One thing I really miss about the states.... in America when a
>car needs repaired, you can get an estimate. Here, you have
>to pay for the time they spend searching for the problem!

>Rick
>BBG very soon!

I have to pay for the time it takes to track down the problem here in the States, too. At least at the dealer.

My totally uneducated guess (auto shop in hig hschool 35+ years ago doesn't count) is that it might be a computer problem...cars are so smart these day that they out-think themselves.

Vaughn and the ABC Boys
Alex, Bryce, & Calder
3-31-97 @ 28.5 weeks
http://s515.photobucket.com/albums/t356/vaughn3abc/