The all-terrain Trekko stroller is definitely a top pick for both its stylish modern look and convenient features! The three wheel design makes for impressive maneuverability over any terrain. Take it to the park, on a trail, or just on a stroll through your local neighborhood. With a single front-wheel, and larger wheels than your everyday stroller, you’ll find your walks with baby are even more enjoyable and carefree! Not to mention, the stroller accepts Graco’s top-rated infant car seats – the SnugRide family.

Keeping your baby comfortable and at ease is top priority for parents, and the enhanced maneuverability of the Trekko promises a smooth ride. No more minor bumps in the road (or trail) disturbing your time outside with baby! Did I mention the stroller ALSO has a reclining seat that lies flat for added baby comfort? It doesn’t get much better than that.

Need to pack up for the entire day? No problem. Trekko has an extra-large basket to hold all your essentials that also drops-down for easy access. When your day out with baby comes to an end, Mom and Dad can have it easier thanks to the stroller’s one-hand fold and automatic storage latch. The storage latch keeps your stroller from unfolding as you pack up, and makes for easy transport. Stress free!

Comfort for the grown ups is also important. Trekko’s handle is height adjustable so mom, dad, and grandparents can all find a handle height that fits them.

Love it? Find it in store here and here. Want to know more? Check out the demo.

One of Graco’s best-selling travel systems, Stylus, is now at a NEW LOWER PRICE!  Check out local retailers to get the deal!

The Graco Stylus Travel System is definitely a top pick for both its stylish modern look and convenient features!  Not to mention, the travel system comes with one of Graco’s top-rated infant car seats – the SnugRide.

Keeping your baby comfortable is top priority for parents and the Stylus delivers with a multi-position reclining seat that lies flat.  The seat also has deluxe padding to keep baby cozy while strolling.  Now if only they could make these for adults

Leaving for the entire day?  Stylus has an extra-large basket that can hold all of your essentials!  You won’t have to leave anything behind.  Then, when your day out with baby comes to an end, Mom and Dad can have it easier thanks to the stroller’s one-hand fold and automatic storage latch.  The storage latch keeps your stroller from unfolding as you pack up, and for easy transport. Stress free!

The stroller handle is height adjustable so mom, dad, and grandparents can all have a handle height that fits them. And the parent’s tray and cup-holder is another little extra that makes your busy life a tad simpler.

Want to know more? Check out the demo.

The Stylus travel system makes getting around with baby enjoyable and stress-free.  Now, with a NEW LOWER PRICE, it is everything a parent could want!  Check it out and tell us what you think!

I’m engaged!!  Well, I have been engaged for a month – but it is my first time sharing it here…so… I’M ENGAGED!!  I met my fiance, Danny, a few years back in NYC while we were both living in the WONDERFUL city.  We made a quick trip back to “our home” in December to visit some close friends.  After much scheming, he got down on one knee, on the Brooklyn bridge, and asked me to be his wife.

After a few minutes of no-words, and utter surprise, I said “YES!!”  He was down there forever, but I was speechless.

Thanks to my fiance’s planning and our dear friend, Lee, we captured it all on film.  Lee followed us over the bridge without my knowledge.  It was romantic, and meaningful, and the scenery of “our home” was especially beautiful that night.

After a week of non-stop dinners, celebration, and champagne, things started to settle down and we got to planning. Now, for me, planning was heavily focused on the obvious next step -  a wonderful wedding.  I was overwhelmed and almost immediately ready to elope.  After-all, who has time to plan the ceremony, the reception, the mood, the music, the favors, the wedding party…(you get the point).  Danny, on the other hand, started to prepare for our life together… post-wedding.  Yes, he is the very logical & practical one.

He began by talking finances & budgeting.   Which lead to discussing the pros and cons of one or two bank accounts.  But this simple conversation began to drift in to MUCH larger ones…  Where we will live?  What side of the family we will see for each holiday?  When we will get a dog?  What type of dog? (This is a hot topic).  How many dogs?  How many kids?????????????????  PHEW.

Although I am so excited to start my life with Danny and am certain it will be full of so much joy, we have officially started our very own family of two.

Decisions no longer belong to me – they belong to US. This is a new perspective, but so far, these conversations have gone over smoothly.  Before getting engaged, we discussed these “hot topics”  in passing and we’re usually on the same page — it’s just finally sinking in how much we have ahead of us!  We have a full year to prepare for our family of two, before it is official.  And we will take that year to figure out the important stuff.  In my experience, your “plan” only works out about 30% of the time anyways.

From previous posts about family – I think it is obvious how crazy I am about mine, and how important it is that I carry on the value of family as I plan my future.

It is exciting to be part of something so special (although small – with just the two of us).  I can’t wait to start our own traditions and pass them on to our children.  Hats-off to all you parents out there who have done it so successfully!  I can’t even imagine the conversations that will arise then (I’ll stick to wedding planning for now!).  Danny and I hope to follow in your footsteps.

Do you remember starting your own family of two?  What were the hardest & most exciting conversations you had?  What about when your family of 2 became 3 or more?

About three years ago, my Mom, sister-in-law and myself walked in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Three Day charity event.  The walk is 60 miles over the course of three days.  Quick math – that equals 20 miles of walking each day.  You are probably thinking “20 miles A DAY?!! That’s crazy!”

You are supposed to.  And, as if that weren’t exhausting enough, once you complete the 20 miles of walking each day, you arrive at a camp ground where you sleep in tents and shower in semi-trucks.  This is no joke.  The point of the walk is to emphasize the strength and courage it takes to fight cancer.  When you feel like quiting, you are reminded of the women walking right along side you that are in the middle of treatment.

Yes, the three-day walk causes blisters, physical exhaustion, and mental fatigue, but all of this pales in comparison to facing a cancer diagnosis.

Because my family enjoyed enduring the challenge together three years ago, and felt lifted up by the inspiring women we met along the way, we are walking the 2010 3-day in exactly one week.  We also recruited my other sister-in-law to participate.  Our team, Hakuna MaTatas, has raised more than $15,000 and we still have some more to go to reach our goal or $21,000.  We held family fundraising events to get there and are getting much closer each day.

I encourage all of you to visit the3day.org and check out the details of the walk taking place in your city.  Although it may be too late to walk this year, visitors are able to come to designated cheer stations and cheer on the walkers.  Trust me – these cheer stations get us through our day.

There is nothing like seeing a grateful child holding a sign that reads, “Thanks for walking for my Mommy!”   That will definitely keep you walking!

Cheer station locations are posted about two weeks before the walk takes place in each city.  Cheer stations are a great way to set a positive example for your kids, and show them how fun it is to help others!  Make a picnic out of it and bring a cooler and blanket to sit on while you cheer on the walkers!  Have your children make signs so they feel like they are involved and did their part!

Remember, the fall season is full of different charity events you can get your family involved in.  But, do something.  Start instilling the positive behavior in your children and trust me, if you do it as a family, you will enjoy it even more!

Here are some ideas:

- Walk to fight disease  – push your very little ones in your Graco stroller

- Donate food to a food pantry

- Donate clothes to Salvation Army or other organziations in need

What charities are you involved in with your kids?

Because I come from two parents who proudly graduated from a SEC school, Auburn, we spent the majority of our weekends traveling to AL to watch the Tigers play.  We would wake up early on Saturday morning, pack an extra-large Rubbermaid cooler, grab our hot-cocoa, and head out the door with all of our AU paraphernalia.  I know many people can relate to this tradition of  “Football is FIRST” during the fall and I’m just thankful the entire family was in it together.  My brothers and I looked forward to every Saturday football game, just as much as my parents.

It was a great tradition at the Meadows’ house and guess what…we still partake!  The photo above is of my immediate and extended family, just a few weekends ago at the AU football game.  Thankfully, some things never change, even with grown kids.  Hopefully, the tradition will remain as little additions join our family!

Many families share in fall traditions, like pumpkin patch picking and carving, Halloween costume shopping, and baking delicious fall meals that warm you up from the inside out!  Whatever it is, I encourage you to keep it going.  Your children will look back on the tradition and be appreciative of the memories it created.  Maybe even when your baby is full grown, you can still make a point to get together as a family and continue the tradition when your baby has his/her own little one.

Share with us!  What is your favorite fall tradition with the fam?

The Zaelit’s are extremely grateful for their prize and it was a pleasure celebrating the arrival of baby Kaitlyn (now 9 months), their first grandchild.  Grandpa Zaelit entered the family in the sweepstakes after his first grand-daughter was born, and was shocked and so grateful he won. “Thanks so much for all that we are getting.  It is a great opportunity for all involved and we could not have had this get-together without you.”

I had a chance to talk with Grandpa Zaelit and he offered up some great comments about being a grandparent.  Check it out:

1. Tell us a quick story of how you found out about the sweepstakes and why you entered.

We love Disney and I do a lot of online stuff (blogs, forums, web sites, pod casts…).  We have visited the theme parks many times.  I enter a lot of online contests for Disney items and my wife and kid tease me about this.  My daughter was doing research on baby products on-line and came across your contest on your web site.  She told me about it and I add it to my daily entries.

2. What do your grandchildren call you?

“Grandpa & Grandma”

3. What is the best part about being a dad/grandfather?

Our small family has always been very close.  It is great being involved in their lives and spending time with them.  We love spending time with Kaitie and watching her grow.

4. What has surprised you most about being a grandfather?

How fast she changes.

5. What is the biggest difference between playing “dad” vs. playing “grandfather”?

I can enjoy her more and not worry as much about needs and care.

6. What has been your most special moment as a parent (or grandparent)?

Watching her birth.

7. What prize are you most excited about?

There are several answers to this question.  Her dad’s  family is flying in for the party, which is always a treat.  Also one set of grandparents have not met Kaitie yet and they will be at the party.  They are also excited about sharing some of the Graco products with family members.  We are always excited to have any kind of family get together.  The savings bond will also be a great help to Kaitie in her future.

8. How many people do you have flying in to celebrate?  What’s the farthest distance someone is coming from?

We are flying in 10 people from Boise ID, Sacramento CA, and Dallas TX.

Congratulations to the Zaelits! The Graco family is thrilled to share this experience with you and we hope you enjoy celebrating the newest addition to your family.

1.  Accessorize – Handbags, necklaces and belts can be just the “oomph” your outfit needs to make you feel great.  Try a cute headband or new hair style to give you extra pep in your step! 

 2. Long tees – These days, long tees and tanks are part of every girl’s closet.  When you’re pregnant, these tees will still fit long and lean on your baby bump and can be dressed up with a cute belt and necklace.  Perfection!

 3.  Jersey Dresses – Who doesn’t love a great jersey dress?  During the summer months, this is a must-have for all women.  Dresses are extremely flattering on a pregnant mom and are also very comfortable and easy (BONUS!).

Check out the “Style Me, I’m pregnant” episode from Graco’s My First Baby Webisode series for more great tips from expert Liz Lange, maternity designer.  While your there, share your maternity style tips with other moms-to-be. 

Don’t give up feeling good about yourself while pregnant!  Play with some of these easy tips and keep looking and feeling confident and beautiful – you deserve it!

Brittany with her newest baby mat for TR!

Over Mermorial Day Weekend, I drove to Charleston for a baby shower at the beach!  Brittany and Andrew Nicholson, close friends of mine, will be welcoming their first baby, “TR,” in July.  

Brittany and Andrew chose not to find out whether they are having a boy or girl, so “TR” is how family and friends are referencing baby Nicholson until the arrival. While we might not know the gender, we do know the names chosen.  “Tucker” for a boy and “Riley” for a baby girl – hence “TR”. 

After opening many presents and saying “awe” at least 40 times that morning, I learned a lot of great ideas and fun games for baby showers.  I definitely plan to stow them away for future showers. 

One game in particular, however, needs to be shared.

We called it “Diaper Dash.”  Diaper Dash consisted of two teams – competing for the title of “Diaper Dash Champions.”  It was a mommy obstacle course — and, it was a race.  This made for a pretty hilarious and fun time. 

1. Diaper the baby – Each team starts with a baby doll and the first step is to get the baby doll dressed.  Diapers, as we know, come first!

2. Put onesie on baby – After the baby has been diapered, pass her to your next team member to dress the baby in a onesie. We encourged the competition with a “blue” and “pink” team.  One of the baby dolls was in a blue onesie and the other a pink one. (I was on the pink team and we won – so maybe it’s a GIRL!)

3. Stroll baby – Have two lightweight strollers available for the game.  We borrowed two Graco Mosaic strollers from other moms attending the shower.  Once the baby doll is dressed, put him/her in the stroller and have one team member race the doll to the rest of your team.  Try to make it a long enough distance to make the players work for it!

4. Drink water out of a baby bottle – Have one team member drink water from an actual baby bottle.  This is pretty funny to watch!

5. Bathe baby – Once the water is out of the bottle, give the doll a baby bath!  We had little baby baths available that we borrowed from other moms at the shower. That also means off with the onesie and diaper.

6.  Diaper baby (again) - Of course, now baby needs to be diapered again after the bath.  Make sure to get the diaper on tight!

7.  Race the baby doll back to the other end!  First one to cross the finish wins!

Give it a shot at your next baby shower.   We played with about 14 people so everyone participated at least once.  Of course, mom-to-be sat out!

I know we all had a great time and it helped us get to know each other better! 

Also, keep your fingers crossed for TR’s arrival over July 4th weekend!  I will be visiting Brittany and Andrew in Quantico, VA and would be THRILLED to finally meet him/her! 

What games have you played at your baby showers, and what is the most creative thing a host has done?

1.  Good food
2. Laughing hysterically at my older brothers
3. Our designated seating arrangements. 

Of course, in it’s entirety, it was a great time to for me and my brothers to talk about our lives and the (hottest) school gossip with our parents, ultimately leading to some serious family bonding and communication.  In fact, I believe my parents’ insistence on “family dinners” is a big reason for how my family openly communicates and how close we are today.

1.  Good food:  I’m a born and bred Georgia Peach (Go Dawgs!) and my mom, her mom and my dad’s mom are all practically “Paula Deens” in the kitchen.  The food is what got the family to the table in the first place. 

My mom knew how to please each of her kids and we all looked forward to our dinners.  I remember when we would play outside and my mom would ring a bell from our porch signaling it was time to eat. 

By then, we were worn out and hungry and the aromas couldn’t keep any of us away.  Thanks, Mom, for feeding me such YUMMY food.  I think the boys would say the same!

2.  Laughing Hysterically:  I almost always mention in my posts that I am one of three children, but, the only girl.  My brothers are hysterical and it is not difficult to make me laugh out loud.  Once the food would get the family to the table, the laughing would eventually ensue. 

Honestly, my brothers would have me laughing so hard it got to the point of my mom annoyed with the (laughing) tears streaming down my face and my giggle interrupting her lovely dinner. 

Sometimes she would finally ask me to sit in the other room by myself, and I would continue laughing.  In the other room. By myself. 

I’m sure it was obnoxious, but it is one of my family’s favorite memories to this day.  AND… It didn’t dilute the bonding because my brothers would pretend to be excused from the table, but come entertain me while I ate by myself.  My mom recently admitted that she thought it was hysterical, but she was trying to teach me important dinner table manners.

3.  Designated Seating:  We all had our seats.  The tricky thing was figuring out where guests would sit when we would have friends join our family dinners.  It always felt strange when a brother had a late baseball practice or dad was out of town for work and a seat was empty. But those of us who were not busy in other things, still went to the table for dinner. 

As the youngest child, dinner felt particularly different once I was the last one at home.  I still looked forward to my mom’s food, good laughs, and seeing my parents in their “assigned” seats, but I didn’t prefer having two empty seats at the table each night.

So, those were the Meadows’ family dinners.  Of course, we still had our pizza nights and frozen meals when we were in the middle of a little league baseball season or things just got too hectic.  But, for the most part, we did dinner together. 

How do you do dinner with your family?  What family dinner stories do you have?

Whether you are installing with LATCH or using the seatbelt, we can provide you with step-by-step directions.  The best part is the advatage of actually seeing someone else do it - giving you an additional level of comfort when installing. Graco currently has six installation videos available. Video # 7, featuring the Snugride Infant car seat, was filmed last week and will be availble online by the end of April.

Heidi Parker (member of the Graco family) and her daughter Reese (just two months old and a natural on camera!) joined us to film the installation video.  Heidi is a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, so working with her on set was a breeze, and Reese was such a trooper!

For those of you that have never been on a video set – let me educate you.  For a two minute video,  we filmed for about six hours!  It is a FULL day of “lights, camera, action”.  Not only is there a 10-person crew on set to manage the lights, the sound, the camera , the makeup, the talent, and a producer, but we also have several members of the Graco team there to ensure we get exactly what we need to create a resource for new moms.

It is in fact, a production.  We even get to see how it is looking on camera, by watching the film on a real-time, on-set television.

Lastly, once the video portion is complete, it is time to record the voiceover.  Usually by this point, we are all pretty tired.  Especially the talent!

Although it is a long day, it’s a good one.  Most important,  it is a day committed to providing comfort for new parents and giving them the tools they need to ensure their car seats are installed properly and securely.

We hope the videos serve as a constant resource for parents (check them out again when installing a “big kid” seat) as we have installation videos for all types of seats.