Double Dilemma

I would love to hear from all of you parents of two or more kids out there: are double strollers worth it? I just assumed we'd get a double stroller with our second baby on the way, and as I was about to buy one, Jay asked me if we really need one. (Can you tell which of us is practical and the other is a spendthrift?) I have to admit, he did have a point. I imagine myself taking the kiddos on walks, to the park, and around the mall in a beautiful double stroller. But there is also the possibility that we'll buy it and it will gather dust in the garage.

So, those of you with more experience: Should we get a double stroller? If so, which one?

If I had an extra $600 lying around, my dream stroller is this one:

But, since I can't justify paying that much for a stroller, and I can't find it on sale anywhere, I would have to go with a backup. A very similar stroller, the EasyWalker Duo, can be found on sale if you're not choosy about color. I think I like the side-by-sides much better than the tandem ones, since those seem to feel like driving a long bus. The Duo is nice because it is narrower than many side-by-sides, and more substantial than some of the lightweight umbrella strollers.

I've also thought about a sit-and-stand, like the Joovy below. I think Hayden would enjoy the freedom, though it doesn't seem as practical for walks/jogging.

But, what do I know?! I'd love some advice.

***Update: You can win my favorite stroller here: http://simple-reviews.blogspot.com/2009/03/bumbleride-indie-twin-stroller-giveaway.html. Wish me luck!

Last Day in Day Care!

Thursday was Hayden's last day at day care, and I couldn't be more excited. We have been very fortunate in our choice of day care--Hayden has had some really wonderful and caring teachers, and he has had a good experience there. He loved playing on the playground, making crafts, learning songs, and of course, eating snacks. However, the adjustment to the 2-year-0ld room has been really rough. The 2- and 3-year-olds have been grouped together and Hayden was a bit intimidated by a bunch of big kids (some of them almost 4 years old). Plus, he had to get used to new teachers and a new room. He would cry when we dropped him off, which he had never done before. After a few weeks of this, and it not getting better, I really felt strongly that something needed to change.

The answer to my prayers came when my good friend Carly volunteered to watch Hayden at her house. Her daughter Addison is one of Hayden's favorite friends. He claps and jumps every time I mention that we get to go see Addie. I think the two of them will have a great time together, and it will be a much better environment and situation than day care was. Thank you Carly!

Here's Hayden and Addie together (the pictures are a little old, but you can tell how much Hayden adores Addie).

Picture Update

Here are some miscellaneous pictures from the last week:


Hayden in his beloved fire truck jammies. Hayden loves anything with wheels and/or a motor. He loves cars, trucks, trains, planes and helicopters (which he calls "heli-ca-ca"). But, Hayden has a special place in his heart for fire trucks, which he calls "apple trucks." We've tried repeatedly to teach him the correct name, but he persists. We've finally figured out that since apples are red, and firetrucks are red, that they must be apple trucks.


I was doing something in our bedroom the other day, and I came out to find this: daddy and Hayden watching a Thomas the Train movie with Hayden sans clothes (who knows why). They just looked so cute I had to take a picture.


Hayden enjoying a fudgsicle: it's the best of both worlds--chocolate AND a popsicle.


22 Weeks: My first belly shot. I should have put on some lipstick or something so I don't look like I just woke up. But, you get the idea--I'm already huge.