There is something seriously wrong with me....

As I mentioned before, I sold almost all of my strollers.  I did keep the Bob but my DD is 3.  We are done, so I thought. 

A recent trip to Nordstrom proved otherwise.  As we quietly walked into the store having some one on one time, all hell broke loose.  First it was the blood curdling scream that immediately made every person in that store turn there head and look at me with shear horror.  My DD was freaking out like a dead person was modeling clothes in the window. Um...No.  It was a mannequin.  The same Mannequins that have been in every store we have shopped in for her whole life. This was just the start of course.  Clearly she was having a hyperactive day and I should have been prepared with a stroller to contain her but wait, dumb ass.  you sold them all.  Yes I have the BOB and yes I could use it but honestly, its a beast and I love it for what it is...an All-Terrain stroller.  Moving on....Next was the moment she ripped her hand out of mine and took off like she just robbed the place. As I'm chasing her running (I still haven't lost the baby weight and may have borrowed a few lb's from my mom), I'm trying to look somewhat normal, not panicked and shit.....not jiggly.  so much for that...she's was headed for the escalator and well, I had to pick it up a notch.  Nearly breaking a sweat I grabbed her arm and realized everyone is still looking at me.  Why do people do this?  I want to scold my sweet child in the most horrific voice possible?  I can't do that if you are all staring at me. 

A quick speech with my teeth gritting, she claims to understand and we move on.  Oh looky, they've installed a salt water tank and put Dory and Nemo in it.  We are in a tad bit of a hurry and now my schedule is completely shot.  For the life of me, I cannot tear her away from the tank.  She is screaming "Look mommy, NEMO" in the loudest voice in the world.  I'm actually OK with that, it doesn't bother me but I have to GO!  Needless to say my 10 minute trip to Nordstrom to get her sized for shoes was an hour and that said...I am now the new owner of both a Maclaren Triumph and Maclaren Volo.


Funny story.  I emailed a bazillion people that day.  Several responded and two with the cheapest price.  I went to look at the first person who responded as I was feeling desperate.  It was a cheap price, cheaper than a crappy umbrella stroller would be.  It was dusty and a tiny bit faded but otherwise in great shape. SOLD...I used it at Fred Meyer and it performed fabulously. Seconds later, I'm driving down the road and lady with the Volo calls.  I decide to go look at it anyway and well, its like new!  I am now selling the triumph and keeping the Volo.  The triumph is heavier and taller and I really just want the smallest, most convenient stroller for quick shopping trips, that's the Volo.  Hopefully some other lucky mama will like the triumph. 

So what is this...I've lost count.  Pics coming soon of my whole stroller whoring....We've had a lot going on in our family and hopefully it will mellow out soon.  Tootles

REMORSE....

Shit!  I sold my strollers.  All but the BOB Revolution.  I was ready to move on both mentally, my DD physically and it felt like we had way too many (we did).  I am totally kicking myself.  My daughter may be willing to walk but I'm not ready to give her that freedom. 

We were diagnosed with a silent disorder..PANDAS.  I am actually getting ready to start another blog about that so I will stay focused on the gear for this one.  The point is, shopping or running errands in public is exasperating when I am spending an enormous amount of time and energy and patience either chasing her or fighting with her to hold my hand...not to touch this or that...come back to me....aaaack.

To prevent me feeling like I have to explain myself to people who are staring at her like she's completely out of control I think I would rather just buy an umbrella stroller.  'Nuf said.  So that solves that issue.  Off I go to look for a lightweight umbrella stroller (not a $25 one either) 
By the by, I sold my beloved Bugaboo.  I don't miss it too much because I have accepted that we moved on but I long for it now again and enjoy my wonderful memories pushing that luxurious ride around.  I know the mommy who bought it for an incredible price will get years of use out of it.  I mean incredible too.  Now that I am cruising Craigslist for fun, I see Bugaboo Frogs for the same price.  Oh well, it's outta here! 

Off I go to start my new blog and search for a new stroller!  Tootles

Kids on a leash...like soap on a rope?

I was just noticing Modern Family has a new episode coming out and the hot topic of kids on leashes is being argued on their facebook page.  It got me thinking about this subject and every ones heavy opinions on this.  I admit, I own a toddler leash.  I bought it when my daughter was two and we were heading to the happiest place on earth.  However, I have never used it and the reason why is not controversial.  My DD bucked around like an untrained puppy.  She is a stroller baby so trips to Disneyland or other crowded establishments proved easy enough since she was fine being pushed around like the princess she is.  That said, the leash is now a toy in the toybox.

Now...DD #4.  Totally different story.  I have since forgotten about the leash but as I was reading the comments on FB about the use of, it got me thinking.  If I knew where that leash was right now, I may consider using it again.  DD #4 is NOT a stroller baby.  She insists on walking.  I'm ok with it, that is not my issue.  DD #4 also fights you tooth and nail on hand holding.  I would actually be fine with her right next to me except she also has no fears.  She will run like the dickens no matter how much I teach her about danger, bribe, threaten, whatever tactic I do to get her to stay close.  It's impossible and the mere thought of taking her in a public place without a stroller or leash scares the dickens out of me.  I'm pretty sure she would chew herself free from the grip of my hand if she could get away with it.

Everyone on the FB page against the leashes is stating factually that a good parent who raises their children properly do not need a leash.  I'm wondering where I have failed?  She is a vibrant, smart, inquisitive child who is extremely independent and has been since day one!  I don't believe breaking her like a wild horse is necessarily good parenting and I also think some mustangs can't be broken.  My gawd, I've often thought there must be something wrong with this child that she cannot be broken.  Does this mean I can't use a leash out of fear of judgement? Truthfully, fear of judgement is not my style but peace of mind is. 

Reign those kids in mama's and papa's.  I would rather you spend the afternoon in your overly crowded public place with peace of mind actually enjoying the day rather than frantically fighting with your child out of fear of losing them.  Worse yet, spending the day frantically LOOKING for your child who has disappeared in a matter of seconds.  People are so quick to pass judgement on one another and honestly, if you lost your kid they would probably point the finger at you for that too. I say, the only time passing judgement is acceptable is when it involves lack of a child's safety and in some cases, the missing leash might actually be that.  Bite your tongues judgement jerks.  I'm looking for our leash today!