Car seat trials

Ok so I went down to the police station today (referred by a friend that's a fire fighter) and had an officer help show me how to properly put in a car seat. 

So, before I get started, I just want you all to know how resourceful I can be. I have bought used or been given most everything for baby (hand me downs). Most everyone I have talked to that has had their first child has told me, if you can, get stuff used, because it will be a sec before the kid grows out of it or doesn't need it anymore. So as someone who has never even bought a new car, followed this useful advice...

Back to the cars seat. I have been given not one but 2 high quality car seats that had awesome safety ratings. 

However, car seats have an expectation date on them. Most states it's a 7 year expiration date. In the great state of Texas, that would be a 5 year expiration date. Which is exactly how old BOTH of my car seats are....lovely right? 

So after the officer gave me a low down of what the stickers mean, what I need to look for, etc...I felt more informed, however I know have 2 perfectly good car seats that are not up to code. 

So I asked him if he could just show me how to install it properly since I am already here, but I would go ahead and start exploring my options for something more up to date....

He obliged willingly expressing his concern to make sure to come back after I got a new one....

So off to babies r us I go....now I have many gift cards that I had been saving for diapers and stuff when the baby was here, but nothing is more important than your babies safety, so here we go! 

And boy was I happy with what I found! First of all we have been given 2 brand new jogging strollers, an umbrella stroller, and a travel system that goes with the expired car seat. The only one that fits in a car? The umbrella stroller....so while I'm here...maybe I should look into a system that works for all? 

And boy did I find one! I couldn't be happier! I found a car seat (that is top safety rating) that locks into a base (that we already have) so the extra base can go into daddy's car, AND the stroller folds down small enough that it can fit in my trunk!!! Wooooo hooooo!!! 

I know most of you are prob rolling your eyes, but this is kind if a big deal, so humor me ;) 

The last piece of amazing info? Between the gift cards and coupons, I only had to pay 1/3 of the cost!!! 

Now to someone as thrifty as I am, this made my whole day! 

Now all I need is my handy husband to come home and get this monstrous box out of my car so I can put it in my car...

Now what do to with an expired travel system and 2 expired car seats? Hmmmm....maybe donate them? But I don't want an uninformed person getting in trouble because I'm trying to be generous...I guess I'll figure it out :) 

Peace and Love