Let's Talk Baby Gear....Stroller with higher weight capacities

Monday I took Mimi to speech theraphy like we do every week. All the moms sit in the waiting are comparing life as a parent of special needs children. We are able to share so many things that many other people could never really grasp, oddly enough we usually laugh at most of them.

One thing that we seem to discuss over and over again is baby gear. Not it's use for babies but rather which products work well for growing kiddos who have some type of delay or disability. So, as the resident gear guru, all the moms now ask me questions based upon their specific situations. I thought I would share some of the products we have discussed.

Several families have children who are diagnosed with Autism and need strollers that can accomadate a larger child. Some families have medical benefits that will allow for the purchase of durable medical equipment stroller, but the vast majority do not. So in the case we are speaking of the families who are purcahse an 'off the shelf' stroller. Our minimum weight consideration for this class is 60 lbs.

Strollers with higher weight capacities:
Maclaren Techno XLR weight limit 65 lbs, cost ~$350
Tiketech Trax 360 weight limit 60 lbs, cost ~$200
BOB Revolution, weight limit 70 lbs, cost ~$390
Baby Jogger City Elite weight limit 75 lbs, cost~$400
Maclaren grand tour lx weight limit 70 lbs, cost ~$900
Easy Walker QTRO weight limit 60 lbs, cost ~$550
TikeTech City X3, weight limit 60 lbs, cost ~$320

Thoughts on opening a baby store

So, I've been toying with the idea of opening a baby store for sometime. It is something that I ridiculously passionate about. Shopping for new gear and helping my friends make the best purchases for their needs is something I truly enjoy.

In my past retail experience dealing with growing families has always been exciting. One thing my customers quickly learned about me is that I am a firmer believer in sharing my experiences as a mother with various products that have worked well for my family, as well as those that have not worked so well. I think all too often in retail merchants tend to be afraid to tell the truth about products. If something doesn't do what it should or it won't suit the customer's needs then, move on. A good relationship is based is trust and honesty. Two things that should never be compromised when dealing the most important decisions, those relating to our children.

When I go into a store I don't need someone to tell me my kids are the cutest children they have ever seen to get me to buy from them, and honestly it doesn't influence my desire to form a relationship either. I want someone who will talk to about the their products, show me how they will go above and beyond to service the customer, demostrate products and have a thorough understanding of the competition. These are the benchmarks I have set for myself.

Stop the bad posture!

So, I just returned from a quick trip to mall. Where I witnessed three moms with the dreaded "Umbrella Stroller Hunchback."

Makes me so sad to see tall moms pushing strollers that are obviously way too short for them. I totally understand that not everyone can afford a stroller with adjustable handles. So, maybe this would be a great to summon the great stroller God's to request a super cheap, lightweight umbrella stroller with taller handles, to stop the bad posture.

I bet everyone of us has seen someone in the above described position.

Need to join GAA, Gearr-aholics Annonymous

So, I just realized I have spent an obsence amount of time searching the web for strollers.
***Note** I do not need another stroller, but that won't stop me. I want two new ones. I have my eyes set on the Bumbleride Indie Twin and the Valco tri-mode ex.

Both are side by side double strollers that are considered to be narrow coming in at 29" wide. I LOVE double strollers that have 4 air tires! Over the past couple of years I have owned: Graco, Peg Perego, Bugaboo, Maclaren, Kolcraft, Baby Jogger, Bumbleride, Quinny.

Apparently, I a love for carseats as well. At present with *only* three kids in them we are the proud owners of 11 seats. I really like Graco snugride seats as well as the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio seats for infants. For the longest time I have been a huge fan of Britax convertible seats, love 'em. But I recently tried a new seat for my 5 year old, she is currently riding in the Radian 80. Great seat! My only issue with the Radian verses the Britax (pick any model) is that the harness straps DO get tangled. Hopefully they will make some adjustments in the near future on this.


Today is a nice rainy day, perfect for spending time on hunting for my next gear purchase ;-)

Reflecting on love

You're probably thinking what the heck is Bouncing Cooc, lol. Well, this many little girls in our house the youngest gets bounced a lot; bounced on my lap, in her exersaucer, even worse when Norah tries to carry her around. Fortunately, Coco loves being bounced. She has the most infectious smile the warms the core of my soul. Bouncing Coco creates mental images of happiness, love and family. So our family will always be "Bouncing Coco."

My maternal grandmother Betty died on Monday after a long battle with Alzheimer's and lung disease. It is sad to know she is no longer here, but it is also such a relief to know the long days of suffering and dread have ended. My poor grandfather had devoted so much time lovingly caring for his Beloved Betty, to whom he wed 59 years ago. I am sad he lost his true life partner but hopeful that he can see a new purpose to his own life. A purpose that is no longer defined by sickness and sadness.

I learned a lot about love from watching my grandparents. They were not affectionate people, rarely said 'I love you', or offered a hug. They were from a different generation that didn't express your emotions. As a child I always knew I loved my grandmother but struggled with the desire to be loved in return. Only when I reached my thirties did I truly realize she always loved although she never told me. I am thankful that I was finally able to get to know a little. I will always wish she would have been the type of grandmother who could have shared her soul with me.

Yesterday, I spoke with a good friend about her marriage and gave her the advice to start writing love notes to her spouse, everyday for 6 months. It is so easy to think about all the negative things that occur in life and even more so in marriage. So I challenged her to write 180 loves notes, that caused her to think about something her husband did to inspire love in her. I am taking my own advice.

Today, like many days, Ravi (my husband) made me a cinnamon latte. Yes, I know not a big deal, but to me it is sweet way that I am able to start my day knowing he loves me. I am able to tackle all the world throws at me not because of the ingredients that come prepackaged but because of his secret ingredient...LOVE.