RE: Sizing Help Please!!
This is always a dilemma. I personally prefer to buy just a few things at the beginning of the season and supplement as I go along. But it IS a fine line, since you can't wait too long or everything is gone. In terms of sizes, I wouldn't worry about what the tag says and get clothes that fit how you like.
Since Jacob is close to growing out of the 18 month stuff, I would try and find 24 month things that aren't too huge on him. In general, 2T things are a couple inches longer and sometimes slimmer than 24 month sizes. So 24 month may be better for him.
If Caleb still seems to fit in the 18 month sizes with room to spare, that's the size I would get for him. The growth slows down so much that I wouldn't expect him to grow out of that stuff until December and then you can hit the after Christmas sales for any additional stuff he might need for spring.
I also like to find a line and stick with it. I know that Lands End stuff fits Sarah really well and so does Carters. I buy the bulk of stuff in those lines, then I get a few extra pieces here and there as I find them. So even though this may not be the cheapest way to do things, it does save me running around a fair bit and saves a lot of time.
HTH,
Beth, mom to older DD (8/01) and younger DD (10/06) and always missing Leah (4/22 - 5/1/05)