Not a happy camper...

Jean-Paul and I just finished installing Alexandria's new car seat. Normally Alex would be happy with anything new. Not this time. This is a step back for her. We had her in a booster for a while because we read literature that stated once she reached 40" she could go into a booster. Nope. Not the case. She needs to be 40 pounds no matter what to be in a booster. She is no where near 40lbs yet. She's still only around 34lbs.

She loved being in a booster. She had much more freedom to reach books, toys and such in the back seat. And - big bonus - she could reach things for her brother. Which Daddy and I LOVED! Now she'll be restricted again with the 5-point harness.

I did have some concerns about the safety of the booster anyway, so this makes me feel better. I didn't like how the shoulder strap threaded through. I really didn't trust it to tighten adequately in case of an accident or sudden stop.

We my parents got her a Graco Nautilus 3-in-1. It's a 3-in-1 because it goes from front-facing harness to high-back booster to backless booster. It does come in pink, too, but don't tell Monkey... She wanted pink, but we told we had to get grey. (We want Zach to be able to use it, too. I know, I know. It shouldn't matter... gender smender... but I just can't picture him in a pink seat.)

I like this seat so far. It has two 'hidey holes' in the side for little toys and such. Alex loves this feature, too. The cup holder is positioned at the right front and not the side. It will be easier for Alex to reach - and doesn't interfere with the door, as the Eddie Bauer did, by sticking out to the side too much.

It was the easier car seat I've ever installed - and we had to use the lap/shoulder belt and a locking clip. Alex can also get herself out, which is nice for us. That might be a downside to some other people. She will also be sitting a bit higher in this seat, I think. She should like that. And it has better side support for her head. It remains to be seen whether this will help when she falls asleep in the car. I hope it does. Don't their necks look like little chicken-necks when they sleep?!

The big downside to this seat - and any seat that has to accommodate "tall" children - is the price. Holy crapcakes! The seat was $259! Oh, and by "tall", I mean not fat. Alex is by no means tall. In fact, she is still the shortest girl in her SK class. She's just tall for her weight. She may never make it out of the harness seat. She might just be in it until she's 8 and out of the car seats completely at this rate!