Only In Mexico

For those who haven't had the oppurtunity to go (or had the opportunity and just didn't want to go) down south and visit Mexico... I can attest that there are remarkably stark contrasts between it and its neighbor to the north! As with most

everything, there are of course the good and the bad and the pros and cons. Take for instance Mexico's seat belt/child restraint laws... or lack thereof. Depending on how you look at it, I suppose it could be either or. In my humble opinion however, I happen to think that is it one of the good things about Mexico. I don't necessarily believe in (common sense) laws that protect yourself. Mexico seems to think that if you feel the need to buckle up, then good on you. And if you don't, then good luck! I don't know, it just makes sense to me... but I digress! So with that being said... how else would you be able to fit five adults, four kids, and one baby all into a Ford Minivan!?!

Irresponsible? Perhaps. Bad parenting? Possibly.

But lots of fun? You betcha!

With all the driving around town, in and out of the city, and to go visit cool places like the pyramids and the mountains, there just wasn't any room for a car seat... so strapping down Allen Jess just wasn't feasable!   

Actually, to be honest, there probably was room and it probably was feasible... I mean we could've made it work I guess, which kind of makes me feel even worse about my/our parenting skills... but it was just too darn fun passing Allen around so that everyone got a chance to hold and play with him! 

"This thing has airbags, right?"

With Jorge driving the other car to and from the restaurant each day, the rest of us were left with just the Minivan to use for transportation. So as bad as it sounds... we ended up sacrificing safety for comfort and accessibility. 

It certainly made it a lot easier

when it came time to feed the little guy! 

It was pretty much a constant argument over who got to hold Allen and for how long... but luckily no fights broke out and everyone got their turn.

"She sounds like my Momma... she looks like my Momma...

but I don't think this is my Momma!"

We figured since we were already throwing caution to the wind... we might as well go all the way and teach that boy how to drive already!

After Allen thought he could steer while sucking & slobbering all over the wheel, Jorge had a better idea and let him try to steer with his feet instead!

Even though we were stuck in gridlocked traffic, Allen proved to be just like his Daddy... a darn good driver and hardly ever keeping his eyes and attention on the road in front of him!

"Hey... you mind adjusting that side mirror for me?

I can't see a thing!"

No car seat? No problem! There were plenty of eager, happy, and smiling faces willing to keep Allen safe during our travels!

And when it came to entertainment... well, let's put it this way, he certainly didn't need any of his favorite toys while he was in the car with this crazy crew!  

In the end... we all had a much better time with Allen Jess out of his car seat than we would've had if he was strapped down in it! I don't remember him fussing or throwing a fit once during our travels... so I'm sure he was all in favor of being out of that uncomfortable seat. Of course he wasn't the only one who benefited... for his smiling face and cuteness made our drives so much more fun and bearable, and definitely made getting in the van to go somewhere something to look forward to! 

(No babies were harmed or injured during the making of this post. Oh, and please don't call Child Protective Services or the Police and make us give Allen up to Moe-Joe & Dad-Oh!)