Aww Man!

Sometimes planning ahead doesn't actually work in your favor.

I decided today to get the boys in their costumes for some fun pictures outside. I got Maddox's costume online a few months ago. He has been into Tom and Jerry for a little while, so I found a Tom suit and searched eBay for a stuffed Jerry to attach (they don't come together in one costume). When Tom arrived, he just fit. My gut said to return it for the next size up, but I figured my little man wasn't going to grow that much within a few months. Ha! We now have to scrunch up the pant legs to his knees to prevent the high-water look, and the poor kid can't wear any clothes under his costume, as the suit already rides up under his crotch! Quite a funny sight, but so sad. Maddox is a trooper though - he smiles and just tells me how much he loves it, and he was highly impressed with my sewing skills in attaching Jerry to his shoulder.

As for Sean ... he loves turtles. Last year, he loved giraffes and made a very cute one for Halloween. About 6 months ago, he became fond of turtles. When we were on our vacation last month, I got him a little stuffed turtle, who Sean affectionately named Turtle Pie. So what better costume for Sean this year than an adorable little turtle. I found his suit at Children's Place and he loves dancing around in it!
So the moral of my story ... buy your costumes in a store where exchanges can be made quickly and easily. And if buying months in advance, thinking you are getting ahead of the game, be sure to buy a size up, so your kiddo doesn't look like a ragamuffin!