What makes an addict an addict? Does it matter what they are addicted to? Is addiction necessarily a bad thing? Lets go over some indicators of an addiction (and whether or not they apply to my situation):
Does the "user" seem to surround herself by her particular addiction: Yes
Does the "user" surround herself by other users: Yes
Does the "user" think about her addiction while she is using it, and even more when she isn't: Yes
Does the "user" spend lots of time and energy thinking about how to fulfill her addiction: Yes
Does the "user" suffer withdrawals when use is interrupted: One might say so.
Okay are you curious about my addiction yet?
No, I'm not on drugs or anything crazy like that.
It's not shoes.
It's not money.
It's not bags.
Or even diaper bags.
It's....
STROLLERS!
Are you laughing yet?
Okay, let me explain...
During a conversation with another mother of 2 last Friday, I was shocked to learn that she has ONLY ONE STROLLER! How does one survive this way? Granted, her older child is 4, but still... How did she survive 4 years without buying a backup, or a jogger, or a travel stroller or... I could go on, but let me get back to the story. So I'm talking to my friend, and she replies, "Why, how many do you have?". I do a quick mental count, and reply, " Seven," which I thought, up until this point was a lot, but not too many. Well, our group seemed to think that's a bit much considering we only have 2 kids and the kids are 2 and under. Okay, so maybe I have a bit of a problem, but let me try to justify my actions (like a true addict would).
It all started wit
h a travel system (carseat that attaches to a matching stroller), now for those of you who don't have kids this is the quintessential first time mom must-have. And when we found out we were pregnant, I had to have one, so we immediately started testing them out. Forget internet research, we wanted to test-drive. We decided on a Baby Trend, the car seat is #1 safety rated and the stroller seemed great. We also loved the triangle handle on the car seat, easier for carrying. Well, that turned out to be a huge mistake. For a little less than $200, the thing was a piece of junk! The axle on it actually broke! Anyway, Justin and I found a way to eventually return it and were fortunate enough to get a used carseat from his cousin and we began a search for a stroller that was just made to be an awesome stroller (not a really cute but junky car seat holder). I started reading reviews and asking mom's club friends for help. This is how I met my friend, and fellow stroller-researh junkie, Kris. She turned me on to the double we have now, but at the time we were looking for a single. We knew a few features we wanted and after driving to San Jose, Oakland and many other places to test them out, we settled on the Chicco Trevi, the MOST AWESOME SINGLE stroller of all time!
Although, in the meantime we had to have something to use while we made a decision and waited for our stroller to arrive (we ordered it from baby center, which I would reccommend because of their amazing return policy, but I think they are going out of business), so we used a cheapie umbrella stroller.
We still use the umbrella stroller all the time for walks around the neighborhood, so it definitely worth the $10, plus it has a sun shade!
Alright, so you think that would be enough for now, right? But no, I wanted to get back in shape so I asked for a Jogger for Christmas, so a lot of research later I decided on a double.
I had read a lot about them being a lot more maneuverable and tipping over less than single joggers, plus we knew we'd have more kids some day, so this just seemed like the best option. I decided on the Schwinn Free Runner, which I love!
For the time being, my addiction was satisfied, calmed if you will...Then we found out we were pregnant again and instantly I got the need for a "fix"...I started researching double strollers. Luckily, my friend Kris had told us about the Kolcraft Contours Options Double when we were looking for strollers before.
Now, for me this is the perfect stroller, it has reversible seats, a universal carseat adaptor and is amazingly manuverable. I was originally going to buy the single version when were were looking for a new single, but it was a little pricy for a single. Even now, 3 months later I haven't a single complaint! I love this stroller.
We also picked out a side-by side double that I love so far too (and ironically enough, my friend Kris bought this one too and we never even discussed it!). It is the Joovy Groove 2, and we ordered it from Baby Universe, which I completely recommend since they have free shipping and NO SALES TAX!!! Of course, in the course of getting ready for Connor's arrival there were other double stroller aquisitions: A sit-n-stand
and a Graco Duo Glider.
Both are decent strollers, but not for us. Of course, like a true addict (and pack rat), even though we aren't using them, I have to hang on to them "just in case" because what if another stroller breaks or what if I need a second stroller?!
Anyway, the conversation with my friend asking me, "Wait, didn't you just put an ad up that you are looking for a snap-n-go," I replied, "yes." Because it didn't phase me that eight strollers might be too many.
Oh and we have one of those push around buggies and a wagon too. I think all together we can transport nearly 20 kids if we need to (but we'd need more people to push!).
And just in case you are worried that I am driving Justin and I into the poor house with my little "problem." Due to the generosity of others, looking for good deals, and donations from family members we have spent no more than $50 on the acquisition of all of these strollers (including tax)!
The best news is: my friend emailed me today saying that she found a free snap-n-go for me!
Do you think I need to join a program?
Last weekend (the 13-15) we took a trip up to Tahoe for the weekend with our friends, Steve, Jenny, Sophia and Jack. We rented a great house (we highly recommend it to anyone traveling to Tahoe, played in the snow, the guys skiied, the girls (and Connor) played and window shopped, and we all stayed up way too late playing games. I now know how to play Texas Hold 'em, although I think Jenny, Steve and Justin agree that my poker face needs work.
Playing in the snow outside the house shortly after we arrived:
Building a Snowman outside the house:
Letting the Girls play in the great park we found in Tahoe City while enjoying the gorgeous view:
Sightseeing in Tahoe City:
Sophia and Gianna playing so well all weekend and the kids all having a blast together:
Gianna finally passing out on the way home (she wanted to wear Daddy's hat):
