Together

After much deliberation, we gave in and bought a double stroller.

I spent the first part of the summer convincing myself we didn't really need it -- I mean, did we really need four strollers (yes, four, counting the original that fits the carseat, the umbrella stroller for traveling, and a jogging stroller I bought on Craigslist last summer for power walking)? And did we really need one more giant piece of plastic to store in the garage? So when Ed or Grammy or Papa wasn't with me and we could each push a stroller, I carried Ellis in the sling and pushed Blanden and unfortunately Belle had to stay home because my hands were full. ...

And then I realized that that was getting to be awfully hot for me and Ellis; Ellis's little face was often in the sun, despite my best efforts to prevent it (one can only get so far by walking down only the shady sides of the street); and Ellis is only going to get a lot bigger, quickly! So today we tested out our new gear -- and we love it!

Blanden has seen the box in the house for a week or so and has been really excited to try out the "sharing" stroller, one that he and Ellis can both ride in together. He chose the backseat. I think he liked seeing Ellis, and Ellis liked being able to see him.

And now, two months after Ellis was born, Belle can finally join us on walks again. There is a reason they make all of this big plastic gear and a reason we give in to it -- it makes parents' lives a lot easier.