We've been busy checking off our "to do list" these past few weeks, making sure everything is ready for our little one's arrival in just 4 1/2 weeks! At first we thought that we had everything we would need having had one baby already...however, after we got thinking about it, we realized that there was one big item we were still missing....a double stroller!!
I am the type of person who researches baby gear, like strollers, a lot! I want to make sure that whatever it is we get will suit our needs. The question I kept coming back to when it came to a double stroller was whether we'd want a side by side stroller, or a front to back one. I think there are benefits to both...but in the long run figured we'd probably get more use out of a back to front one as I think they are easier to maneuver...especially in stores or tight spaces!
Since I kept coming back to the front to back strollers, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review a Kolcraft stroller. Kolcraft sent us their Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem Stroller for our kids. Having looked at many other double strollers over the past few months, I can tell you that the moment we took it out of the box...I was very impressed. The quality of this stroller is amazing. It's heavy duty and well made...something I feel is important in a stroller that will be used a lot.
The thing that impressed me most about the Contours Options Tandem Stroller was all of the options! There are 6 options to this stroller...so everyone's needs are sure to be met. The seats can be set so they're both facing forward....an option I foresee us using when the baby is a little older and out of the carrier. Kaelyn just loves the front seat!
You can set the seats so they are back to back. This is where my favorite option comes in...because not every double stroller allows you to use a carrier on it. Using the easy infant car seat attachment that comes with the stroller, one can place most carriers so they face you while pushing the stroller. I love this feature and know it will be used a lot in those first few months! Our carrier fits perfectly.
Another option is to have the seats face each other. I definitely think this is a unique option and one we would use in many different settings. It's a great way for the kids to interact with one another.
An option I don't know that we'd use very often, but is still nice to have, is to have both seats facing the parents. I think this option would come in handy if you had two children who were napping or younger children that you wanted to keep a better eye on.
The final option, which gives you a LARGE amount of storage is one that would be great for one child if you were shopping in the mall, out for a day at the park, and many other situations! I have found it to be quite handy already.
Now, your first thought might be that having all of these options must be pretty complicated as far as usability goes. I have to admit, at first I was concerned about this too. It wasn't until we had it put together and tried out each of the options that I realized how EASY it really was! They have these easy to use little red buttons on each side which allows for the seat to simply pop out so you can place it in the position you would like. It literally takes second!
So what if you have more than two children? Well...they won't be left out either! This stroller has two handy loops on each side of the push bar so that older children can hold it while you walk. What a fantastic idea!
Not only did I find all of the great options to be fantastic, but I also appreciated all of the storage it has. One could easily take this on a day trip to the Zoo or amusement park with plenty of space for diaper bags, shopping bags, etc.
The stroller folds up easily as well. To fold it up, one or both of the seats must come off. I wish that both could be left on, but it's such an easy thing to do with those little red buttons that I really don't find it to be a nuisance at all. We typically keep our stroller in the car anyways, so it will be no problem to keep the extra seat on top of the folded stroller.
In the times we've been able to use this already with just Kaelyn, I can tell that it handles very well for a double stroller with its two 8" front single swivel & 10" rear never flat wheels. The reclining seats seem very comfortable and I love the infant head rest for additional support and protection of a newborn's head. The canopies are also large and allow for great protection from the sun when necessary.
Overall, I am very impressed with the Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem Stroller and would definitely recommend it to other parents who are looking for a double stroller. After all the research we've done, and all the double strollers we've seen, I feel this one offers a lot! I have not found any other stroller which has all the options that this one does. It is a bit on the larger side, but still handles well and is more narrow than a side by side stroller.
Buy It: The Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem Stroller can be purchased for $249.99. An additional Infant Car Seat Attachment can be purchased for $29.99 if you have twins.
How To Enter To Win: Kolcraft has generously offered to give one of my readers a Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem double stroller of their own!! To enter, visit Kolcraft and leave me a comment letting me know another product they carry that you like.
How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)
1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.
2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Kolcraft) and leave me FIVE separate comments with the URL to that post.
3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)
4. Post my Holiday Extravaganza blog button to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)
5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: Enter for a chance to win a Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem double stroller @MomBalancingAct http://bit.ly/5Qi3E Ends 11/19 (It appears Twitter is no longer letting you do duplicate tweets, so you may have to change slightly if tweeting every day)
6. Follow Kolcraft on Twitter
7. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook
8. Become a Fan of Kolcraft on Facebook
9. For TWO extra entries, Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect
10. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!
This giveaway will end November 19th and is open to the US Only!
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I entered the inexpensive watch giveaway
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I like the perfect fit high chair.-Sharon
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I entered your ValueRays giveaway.
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Tweet! http://twitter.com/thxmailcarrier/status/5467917387
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I like the Contours® Classique™ 3-in-1 Bassinet. Thanks!
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I like the Perfect Fit High Chair
follow publicly on Google Connect
Entered your thinkbaby giveaway
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11/6 tweet
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I like their bassinet! So cute.
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I subscribe
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I subscribe
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fan of yours on facebook
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Daily tweet!
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I would love the booster seat!
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I follow Kolcraft on twitter
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I subscribe via email
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I subscribe via email
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I have your button!
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Have your holiday button!
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Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/5490651209
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Follower on Twitter and tweeted!
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I am a FB fan of yours- Emily Cotton
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I am a fan of Kolcraft on FB- Emily Cotton
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I follow your blog
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I follow your blog
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Entered Pearl Paradise giveaway!
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Entered Sproutbaby giveaway!
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Blogged!
http://littlemissemmylou.blogspot.com/2009/11/kolcraft-double-stroller-giveaway.html
es1237@gmail.com
Blogged!
http://littlemissemmylou.blogspot.com/2009/11/kolcraft-double-stroller-giveaway.html
es1237@gmail.com
Blogged!
http://littlemissemmylou.blogspot.com/2009/11/kolcraft-double-stroller-giveaway.html
es1237@gmail.com
Blogged!
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tweet: http://twitter.com/bekki1820cb/status/5493543448
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Tweet! http://twitter.com/thxmailcarrier/status/5496340485
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I entered your Pearl Paradise giveaway.
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I would love to have the Contours® Classique™
3-in-1 Bassinet
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email subscriber #1
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email subscriber #2
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Holiday Extravaganza blog button
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twitter follower and tweeted 1
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twitter follower and tweeted 2
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following Kolcraft on Twitter as luv_to_save
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blog follower #1
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I blogged #1
http://luvtojoingiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/11/kolcraft-contours-options-tandem-double.html
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I blogged #2
http://luvtojoingiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/11/kolcraft-contours-options-tandem-double.html
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I blogged #3
http://luvtojoingiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/11/kolcraft-contours-options-tandem-double.html
luvtosave at gmail.com
I blogged #4
http://luvtojoingiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/11/kolcraft-contours-options-tandem-double.html
luvtosave at gmail.com
I blogged #5
http://luvtojoingiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/11/kolcraft-contours-options-tandem-double.html
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tweet
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I also entered the Pearl Paradise giveaway
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I like the Universal 2
Infant Car Seat Carrier.
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Email subscriber. 1
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Email subscriber. 2
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I grabbed your button!
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I grabbed the Holiday Extravaganza button.
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follow and tweet
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follow and tweet 2
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I follow Kolcraft on Twitter
@mommietj
entered sprout baby giveaway!
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I like the Tandem Stroller! It is perfect for my son and daughter both!
Jeanette Huston
chewysmum79@yahoo.com
subscribed to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail!
Jeanette Huston
chewysmum79@yahoo.com
2subscribed to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail!
Jeanette Huston
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I posted your button to my blog!
http://myentries79.blogspot.com/
Jeanette Huston
chewysmum79@yahoo.com
I Posted your Holiday Extravaganza blog button to My blog
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Jeanette Huston
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I tweeted you here
http://twitter.com/gijeanie/status/5501099533
Jeanette Huston
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2I tweeted you here
http://twitter.com/gijeanie/status/5501099533
Jeanette Huston
chewysmum79@yahoo.com
I am Following Kolcraft on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/gijeanie/
Jeanette Huston
I'm a FB Fan!
Jeanette Huston
chewysmum79@yahoo.com
I Faned of Kolcraft on Facebook!
Jeanette Huston
chewysmum79@yahoo.com
I Follow your blog publicly on Google Friend Connect!
Jeanette Huston
chewysmum79@yahoo.com
2I Follow your blog publicly on Google Friend Connect!
Jeanette Huston
chewysmum79@yahoo.com
I posted this giveaway here!
http://myentries79.blogspot.com/2009/11/moms-balancing-act-is-hosting-kolcraft.html
Jeanette Huston
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2I posted this giveaway here!
http://myentries79.blogspot.com/2009/11/moms-balancing-act-is-hosting-kolcraft.html
Jeanette Huston
chewysmum79@yahoo.com
3I posted this giveaway here!
http://myentries79.blogspot.com/2009/11/moms-balancing-act-is-hosting-kolcraft.html
Jeanette Huston
chewysmum79@yahoo.com
4I posted this giveaway here!
http://myentries79.blogspot.com/2009/11/moms-balancing-act-is-hosting-kolcraft.html
Jeanette Huston
chewysmum79@yahoo.com
5I posted this giveaway here!
http://myentries79.blogspot.com/2009/11/moms-balancing-act-is-hosting-kolcraft.html
Jeanette Huston
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I also like their Baby Sit & Step® 2-in-1 Activity Center
Jeanette Huston
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11.7 tweet
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tweet
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Tweet! http://twitter.com/tobinsmommy08/status/5513905872
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Entered pearl giveaway!
Tweet! http://twitter.com/thxmailcarrier/status/5516042554
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I love their Jeep Overland Limited Edition jogging stroller!
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I follow you on Twitter and I tweeted! http://twitter.com/newwife777/status/5516202223
I'm an e-mail subscriber under corrie_mantell @ hotmail.com
mrandmrsryankolbe @ gmail.com
#1
I'm an e-mail subscriber under corrie_mantell @ hotmail.com
mrandmrsryankolbe @ gmail.com
#2
Oh, I missed this: I follow you on Twitter #2!
id newwife777
mrandmrsryankolbe @ gmail.com
I follow Kolcraft on Twitter!
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I'm a fan of Kolcraft on FB!
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daily tweet
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Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/5522373678
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i follow your blog! #1
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I follow your blog! #2
mrandmrsryankolbe @ gmail.com
I entered your Natural Bath and body shop giveaway!
mrandmrsryankolbe @ gmail.com
Hi
Great site
Kolcraft has a great site I love the Jeep® Travel Anywhere™ Sport 2-in-1 Booster Seat & Everyday Bag too.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Catie
curries1@comcast.net
daily #1 tweeted http://twitter.com/BabeeLove/statuses/5525968958
aechika@hotmail.com
daily #2 tweeted http://twitter.com/BabeeLove/statuses/5525968958
aechika@hotmail.com
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My fav is the Secure Entry™ Alarm Pressure Fit Gate. Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow you on twitter & I tweeted! @bluenude3 Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com http://twitter.com/bluenude3/status/5530751022
#2 I follow you on twitter & I tweeted! @bluenude3 Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com http://twitter.com/bluenude3/status/5530751022
I follow Kolocraft on twitter. @bluenude3 Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm a fan of yours on facebook. Simone T. Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm a fan of Kolocraft on facebook. Simone T. Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow your blog. Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com
#2 I follow your blog. Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/thxmailcarrier/status/5533438378
xpsundell at gmail dot com
I would like to try their booster seat too!
amandadean526@gmail.com
11/8 tweet
http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/5533836007
DAily tweet!
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Tweet: http://twitter.com/bekki1820cb/status/5544612745
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Tweet! http://twitter.com/newwife777/status/5546235098
Tweet! http://twitter.com/tobinsmommy08/status/5546616375
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I also love the contours classique 3-in-1 bassinet!
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I subscribe to moms balancing act via e-mail! #2
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I follow mom's balancing act via google friend connect! #1
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I entered the pearl paradise giveaway!
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I entered the inexpensive watches giveaway!
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I entered the hasbro toys giveaway!
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I entered the sprout baby giveaway!
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http://twitter.com/kaiasmommy/status/5551033419
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http://twitter.com/aliciagiveaways/status/5560920936 Tweet Tweet
11/9 tweet
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Tweet! http://twitter.com/newwife777/status/5567142741
Tweet! http://twitter.com/tobinsmommy08/status/5569842265
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Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/5572325390
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Tweet! http://twitter.com/thxmailcarrier/status/5578923846
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I entered your ZeroWater giveaway.
xpsundell at gmail dot com
Entered Zero Water giveaway!
this stroller looks awesome!
maryadams@gmail.com
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/SliverStorm/status/5585328073
j.mcdilda(@)gmail.com
tweeted http://twitter.com/BabeeLove/statuses/5589802828
aechika@hotmail.com
11/10 tweet
http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/5590897097
jeep anywhere booster seat
amalgrover at hotmail.com
subscriber 1
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subscriber 2
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Email Subscriber
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twitter follower and tweeted
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following kolcraft on twitter
amalgrover at hotmail.com
baby closet organizer.im having a baby in march.thanks
amy16323(at)gmail(dot)com
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daily tweet
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pong7@comcast.net
The Kolcraft Contours Classique 3-in-1 Bassinet looks very nice. I am considering getting it.
Great! I have 4 little ones and could really use this! :)
I'm a fan on facebook
ckachen@gmail.com
Fan of Kolcraft on Facebook
ckachen@gmail.com
I entered the game give away
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I entered the necklace give away
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I entered the stainless feeding set give away
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Tweet! http://twitter.com/tobinsmommy08/status/5605866614
rachel_demille@yahoo.com
I would love to grab up that Jeep Liberty Renegade Walker!! How cool! I will have to get one for my little man in a few months. Chrystina Swain swainsrus@gmail.com
I signed up for your email newsletter #1 entry Chrystina Swain swainsrus@gmail.com
I signed up for your email newsletter #2 entry Chrystina Swain swainsrus@gmail.com
Facebook Kolcraft fan Chrystina Swain swainsrus@gmail.com
I have your HOLIDAY button! Chrystina Swain swainsrus@gmail.com swainsrus.blospot.com
I have your button up on my blog! Chrystina Swain swainsrus@gmail.com swainsrus.blospot.com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/5607487699
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xpsundell at gmail dot com
I love the Sesame Street Bouncer. Thanks for the awesome giveaway
Tweet! http://twitter.com/newwife777/status/5607952794
I follow on google
following you on Twitter,(msbabypug) and I tweeted
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http://twitter.com/SliverStorm/status/5613960544
j.mcdilda(@)gmail.com
I also like the Baby Closet Organizer
bethanyg153@gmail.com
I blogged #3
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I blogged#4
http://bethanyjmclean.blogspot.com/
I blogged #5
http://bethanyjmclean.blogspot.com/
FB fan of Kolcraft
bethanyg153@gmail.com
I like the baby closet organizer.
Email subscriber. #1
Email subscriber. #2
I follow your blog. #1
11/11 tweet
http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/5619262066
Entered Mommy Makeup giveaway
es1237 at gmail dot com
Entered scrabble apple giveaway
es1237 at gmail dot com
Want the Seseme Street swing too!
jill.christine@hotmail.com
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xpsundell at gmail dot com
Daily tweet!
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andrea.kruse at gmail dot com
I entered the Mommy Make up giveaway
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I like the Tiny Steps®
2-in-1 Activity Walker
I blogged about this giveaway
http://imthemedicatedmama.blogspot.com/2009/11/kolcraft-contours-options-tandem-double.html