Strollers

We have three strollers. One combination backpack/stroller, which would be terrific if I could hoist 40 lbs on my back and not die; one cheap umbrella stroller, which suffers from its cheapness in lack of any storage and too-low handles; and one semi-fancy stroller with cupholders, nice big storage basket, intelligent folding mechanism, high seat, adjustable handle bar, and good steering. Naturally, it's also far too large to bring on public transportation, which means I'll be bringing the crappy umbrella stroller to DC with us. I've outfitted it with handle extensions, two bags that hang from the handles, and two water bottle holders that I made myself, plus an improvised shoulder strap so I can fold it up and bring it on the Metro without losing either child in the shuffle.

Of course, what I really want is a stroller that folds up into the fifth dimension. It'd have a little tab that you could pin to your shirt, and when you wanted to unfold and use it, you'd take off the tab, push the button, and PING! The stroller would pop out of the fifth dimension in all of its glory -- fully adjustable everything, roomy storage, cupholders and all.

So, who's got venture capital?

Good and bad

Good: I saw a flier for a cooperative nursery school in the library yesterday -- the first time I've seen one around. It's based in Lee, costs a bit more than $100/month, and it sounds like a really good program. It goes from 9am-12pm on M/W/F, and the parents have one "helping day" per month. I think David would be able to drop him off and pick him up, or I could drop David off at work on those days. I went to a coop nursery school when I was little, and my Mom speaks very highly of it -- glad there actually is one in the area!

Bad: they may not have an opening for Stephen, and I won't find out until August 30th, when the director returns from her vacation (she leaves tomorrow, but luckily got back to me today). And if they do, on my "helping day", I'd have to leave Sophie with someone else! Due to licensing concerns, babies aren't allowed at the center! Apparently families trade off childcare on their helping days. That kind of sucks. Sophie could stay with David, or David could go and help, IF he could get the time off work, which is unlikely at best in the current environment. So I'd have to leave Sophie with, effectively, a stranger. Not happy about that. Licensing aside, it seems really weird to me that they would exclude families.

Ah well. I'm sure there's something we could do, if he gets in. He really could use regular playtime with other kids his age; I take him often to the library and the playground, but we almost never see the same kids twice, and he needs some friends he sees on a regular basis besides Braeden.

I just sewed 13 yellow nylon bags to pack our things in -- four for regular pillows, two for body pillows, two to hold water bottles on the stroller, one to attach to the stroller for stuff, and four little sacks for miscellaneous stuff. Plus a lining for my crocheted purse. Must print out my list soon. And do lots of laundry tomorrow. Whee! I wish I could get David excited about the trip, but it's no surprise that he's not -- aside from having to work while we're there, he says he doesn't like to travel. Pity -- I do! Not that we have many opportunities. Maybe when the kids are older.