A pregnant mama, Mr. Crazypants, and Ga-Gae celebrate Epcots 30th! TR LINK-10/16!

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I think the Beach Club will be beautiful for your photos!! Hopefully Everett will warm up to his suit more before the wedding!

I don't think another stroller is a bad idea! The most important thing is that you're happy and comfortable with the one you're using!

 

[smile4stamps]

Maybe you can sell the current stroller on craigslist and get the one you will like better? That way if you sell the other one it takes a little of the sting out in getting a second one. However I am one that if I don't like something I will definitely buy a different one for convenience!

 

[CandleontheWater]

I'd like to let you all know that operation "Jacket Acceptance" made some headway last night! Instead of running away when I pulled the jacket out, he let me put it on him with minimal struggle, and he screamed "Take it off" at a slightly lower volume.

I think we are going to escalate operation "Jacket Acceptance" to the next level today- bribery! As in, if you wear your jacket without screaming, you can have a lollypop!

I might have to pull out the big guns for the wedding- as in, If you wear your jacket without screaming at the wedding, you can have a new Thomas train!

I am such an awesome parent!

I think the Beach Club is a great idea for the photoshoot! I love the Beach Club! The only thing I would change about that resort to make it better it to have it on the monorail loop!

Good luck with the seersucker suit at the wedding! I bet it's absolutely adorable, although Thomas tshirts are probably WAY more comfortable!!

I don't think you are looney at all for buyng another stroller. I registered for both a travel system and a jogging stroller (the brand is slipping my mind) and received both for shower gifts. The stroller from the travel system is at my parents, they use it for walks around their neighborhood since they never have to actually fold it up! The first jogger is WAY to bulky too. So we went out and bought a City Mini and I love,love, love it! It has two trips to Disney under its belt and numerous trots on the jogging path by my house, not to mention many times in and out of the Jeep for shopping trips! I say a stroller is a big deal that can make a mom's life much easier so if you find one you like go for it!!

I do enjoy the New Englandish theming of the Beach Club, and there are some great spots to get photos. My only reluctance was that it would be easier to do something on the monorail loop, but we're going to have a car, so it won't be too bad to drive over there.

I love strollers, I am always checking out other people's strollers looking for new models and brands and to get new ideas for myself. I know its not too odd to own multiple strollers in your lifetime, but I know I'm going to have to get a double when the new baby comes, so maybe it is a little crazy to buy another single right now.

I don't think it's crazy at all! Touring the parks with just you and a toddler is going to be enough of a balancing act that you need a stroller that will travel well with the two of you. One-handed pushing is a necessity in your situation. I have to say, that is one souped-up umbrella stroller! I wouldn't mind getting pushed around the parks in one of those things.

Good luck with the suit. We had the same problem with Paxton's Halloween costume last year but thankfully we figured out the reason why he didn't want to wear it and fixed it for Trick or Treating.

Being able to push it without running into other people or things (like when I'm crashing into the displays at Target ) would be a plus! I don't want to be a menace to the MK!

Sounds like good changes! I think the Beach Club will be lovely for photos! I hope Everett will wear his seersucker suite for the wedding.

I would definitely just go with an umbrella stroller. That's all we've had with Reid & it works great. The one you're looking at is nice, especially since it has a full recline. I wish ours had a full recline. Although, Reid seems to sleep just fine in the mini-recline position.

I know that lots of people take umbrella strollers and do just fine, but I've been spoiled taking the uppa baby. Its kinda like a security blanket, because I know there is nothing that the stroller can't handle. I might actually have to carry my own diaper bag with an umbrella stroller!

Good luck with the suit. I think you're going to need it.

Hey, you're the one that has to push the stroller, so I'd say go with what works for you. If it will be easier and more convenient, it is worth it. We've never owned an umbrella stroller of any type because every one of them I've ever seen has been too short for me to use. DW thought it would be a good idea to borrow SiL's umbrella stroller once for a trip to the zoo and I kept asking her what it was again that was wrong with our real stroller.

If you do ever decide to go the umbrella route (although I'm imagining that you've moved onto the dark world of double strollers), I'd check out the G-luxe, it has higher handlebars, so its good for taller people. It also has a floating axle, so you won't kick it when you're walking. I'm not a really tall person, but I have a really long stride (especially long when I'm walking fast at Disney ) and I had a problem with kicking the backs of a lot of strollers I tried.

Sounds like you had a great last day in Alexandria! Your house is adorable!

The itinerary sounds great!

You can never have too many strollers! I had 3 when Nicholas was little! Loved all of them and they each served their purpose!

Our last day was wonderful, if a little bittersweet. Everett keeps asking to "take metro to Mommy's house" so I know he misses it too!

Isn't it funny how there is a stroller out there for every possibility!

 

[afwdwfan]

(although I'm imagining that you've moved onto the dark world of double strollers)

We actually got a City Mini... as advertised by PirateKate. We like it a lot, but the underseat storage is rather limited so DW bought a clip to hang the diaper bag from the handle. I kick the crap out of that thing. I've told her she's going to have to come up with a better plan before we head to Disney.

 

[CandleontheWater]

Oh wow, Beach Club will be a wonderful place for the photoshoot! Maybe less convenient, but I mean, it's the Beach Club.

I hope Everett starts feeling more comfortable in his little suit! Aww. I personally don't think you're crazy for wanting another stroller... especially since you have another baby on the way! It could definitely come in handy in so many ways.

I like the way you think, because I've also been thinking that a new umbrella stroller would come in handy when the new baby comes. It looks like we are going to be going back to Disney for my Dad's 60th birthday in April, and baby #2 will be just about 4 months old. I was thinking for that trip it might be helpful to have two strollers, that way we could easily split up if we needed too. I could bring the Vista with the bassinet attachment, that way the little one will be super comfortable, and the umbrella for Everett. Thats some good justification there, right!

I followed your link from your post on my trip report!

It sounds like you have A LOT going on right now in your life---a move, a pregnancy, an anniversary trip, and a deployed husband. You definitely need this Disney trip!

Hope you're getting settled with your move!

Looking forward to more plans, and hearing about your anniversary trip!

When you put it that way, it does sound overwhelming!

Luckily everything is falling into place, and things should be at our "new normal" by the end of July. Thanks for joining in, and I'll keep the updates coming!

First, I agree with you, Uppa Baby makes fantastic products. The sun protection can not be beat by any other stroller on the market! I love that the G Luxe comes w/ the same great canopy extension as the Vista.

But, I have to say that I do not think it is great with one handed steering...no 'umbrella' handled (2 handled) stroller is really good for 1 handed pushing, unfortunately. To have easy maneuverability with only one hand, I think it is best to go with a 'bar' style handle (like the vista, city mini, most travel system styles, etc).

For a lightweight stroller, imo your best bet is to go with a city mini (or mini gt if you want the upgraded wheels, handle bar adjust-ability, higher weight limit, more padding in seat) or the Britax B Agile (which is mostly a copy of the mini).

I do also think you are right to go in and test the strollers out, see how Everett fits in them, see how they push with one or two hands, make sure the handles are the right height for you, etc.

Hope that helped! PS- I work in a baby store as a registry consultant and store trainer, so I'm not just some stroller obsessed weirdo haha

Thank you! Its always awesome to hear from an expert! You know, I was a little afraid that the reviews about the one handed steering were too good to be true! I figured if anyone could do it, it would be Uppababy (because they are awesome! ), but you're right about the two handle problem. I think I still might check it out, and it if it better than my liteway (i.e. is easier to not run into walls, curbs and other people), I might still get it. If not I might just bring the Vista.

I'm reluctant to buy a single city mini- since I think I'm going to get a double with the new baby (you haven't heard anything about the b-agile becoming a double, have you?). For some reason it doesn't seem silly to buy a new single umbrella stroller, but I think DH would have a stroke if I bought a single of the exact same stroller that I'm going to buy in double form just a few months later!

I think the Beach Club will be beautiful for your photos!! Hopefully Everett will warm up to his suit more before the wedding!

I don't think another stroller is a bad idea! The most important thing is that you're happy and comfortable with the one you're using!

I like the way you think, and I totally agree. Easier and less stressful is best!

Maybe you can sell the current stroller on craigslist and get the one you will like better? That way if you sell the other one it takes a little of the sting out in getting a second one. However I am one that if I don't like something I will definitely buy a different one for convenience!

I will likely sell the liteway on craigslist if I do end up getting a replacement. I should have sold it back in Alexandria, because they have a booming baby craigslist, but I still think I'd have success around here.

 

[amandaw]

I might have to pull out the big guns for the wedding- as in, If you wear your jacket without screaming at the wedding, you can have a new Thomas train!

I am such an awesome parent!

It makes you an awesome parent like me. I'm currently using bribery to get Reid to work hard in swimming lessons. Tomorrow is the last day (for this session, we'll do another in July). If he does well tomorrow, he gets a new (small) toy. So see - we can be awesome moms together!

 

[amazingact21]

I know Beach Club wasn't your first resort pick for the portrait session, but I think you'll get some amazing shots there. The resort itself is so bright and colorful, I can just imagine how pretty morning shots will turn out.


As far as strollers go...I have no clue. Most of my circle of friends/coworkers/etc are childless and/or new parents, so when it comes to kid-related advice, I'm at a loss. However, I don't think 3 strollers are bad when you're about to have a second child and you believe the new stroller will be more efficient.

 

[fitgirl36]

Yes, bribery, totally an awesome parenting move! Just thinking back to before I had a baby...the things I judged parents about. WOW, I really thought I would never pull out any of those tricks??!! Shall I start the list of things I've said that I said I would NEVER say??.

 

[shan23877]

The Beach Club sounds great for the photos! I love it there.

Good luck with the stroller hunt. I agree that a stroller that's easy to push is key, I hope that you find one you like.

Yay! for making headway on the suit situation. You know I'm all for bribery. Sounds like a meeting of the Excellent Parents Society to me.

 

[merbobear]

Thank you! Its always awesome to hear from an expert! You know, I was a little afraid that the reviews about the one handed steering were too good to be true! I figured if anyone could do it, it would be Uppababy (because they are awesome! ), but you're right about the two handle problem. I think I still might check it out, and it if it better than my liteway (i.e. is easier to not run into walls, curbs and other people), I might still get it. If not I might just bring the Vista.

I'm reluctant to buy a single city mini- since I think I'm going to get a double with the new baby (you haven't heard anything about the b-agile becoming a double, have you?). For some reason it doesn't seem silly to buy a new single umbrella stroller, but I think DH would have a stroke if I bought a single of the exact same stroller that I'm going to buy in double form just a few months later!

I still think the G Luxe is a great stroller. I have a Maclaren Techno XLR, which is the mac top of the line umbrella stroller, and it still pulls to the side when I push one handed (annoying). I had good luck w/ my dd walking just ahead of me when she was out of the stroller at WDW (but she is 4 and I wasn't traveling alone).

Anyway, in other (good!) news, Britax already has a double B Agile. It's quite nice, too!

http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?SKU=203375&

If you have a BuyBuy Baby local to you, I would think they would have it in stock to try out too (We have one in my store). It also comes in red. The single is available in a khaki and a lime green also, not sure if the double will be made in those other colors!

 

[CandleontheWater]

We actually got a City Mini... as advertised by PirateKate. We like it a lot, but the underseat storage is rather limited so DW bought a clip to hang the diaper bag from the handle. I kick the crap out of that thing. I've told her she's going to have to come up with a better plan before we head to Disney.

That was my issue with the City Mini, and a big reason why I decided on the Vista. I was hoping that the double would be better, and less easy to kick, but I guess not. In happier news, with a little googling, I found that the B-Agile now comes in a double- hooray for floating axles!

It makes you an awesome parent like me. I'm currently using bribery to get Reid to work hard in swimming lessons. Tomorrow is the last day (for this session, we'll do another in July). If he does well tomorrow, he gets a new (small) toy. So see - we can be awesome moms together!

Everett has swim lessons tomorrow! I hope it goes well, good luck to Reid!

I know Beach Club wasn't your first resort pick for the portrait session, but I think you'll get some amazing shots there. The resort itself is so bright and colorful, I can just imagine how pretty morning shots will turn out.


As far as strollers go...I have no clue. Most of my circle of friends/coworkers/etc are childless and/or new parents, so when it comes to kid-related advice, I'm at a loss. However, I don't think 3 strollers are bad when you're about to have a second child and you believe the new stroller will be more efficient.

Don't feel bad! I knew nothing about baby gear (or babies in general ) until I had Everett!

I'm actually really warming to the idea of the Beach Club and I think its going to be a great location!

Yes, bribery, totally an awesome parenting move! Just thinking back to before I had a baby...the things I judged parents about. WOW, I really thought I would never pull out any of those tricks??!! Shall I start the list of things I've said that I said I would NEVER say??.

SERIOUSLY! I am so with you!

The Beach Club sounds great for the photos! I love it there.

Good luck with the stroller hunt. I agree that a stroller that's easy to push is key, I hope that you find one you like.

Yay! for making headway on the suit situation. You know I'm all for bribery. Sounds like a meeting of the Excellent Parents Society to me.

Yes, I am a proud member of the EPS (Excellent Parents Society!)

I still think the G Luxe is a great stroller. I have a Maclaren Techno XLR, which is the mac top of the line umbrella stroller, and it still pulls to the side when I push one handed (annoying). I had good luck w/ my dd walking just ahead of me when she was out of the stroller at WDW (but she is 4 and I wasn't traveling alone).

Anyway, in other (good!) news, Britax already has a double B Agile. It's quite nice, too!

http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?SKU=203375&

If you have a BuyBuy Baby local to you, I would think they would have it in stock to try out too (We have one in my store). It also comes in red. The single is available in a khaki and a lime green also, not sure if the double will be made in those other colors!

Sweet! I'm psyched now about the double B-agile! I kept saying that I was putting off having a second kid until there was a good double stroller option out there, and I think it has come just in the nick of time!

 

[CandleontheWater]

Soooooo.... I'm pleased to announce that operation "Jacket Acceptance" - bribery escalation- was a success!

I'm planning on bringing a whole bag of lollypops to the wedding!

 

[amandaw]

OMG! How adorable is Everett in that picture?!? I mean, seriously!!

Glad the sucker bribery worked! Definitely stock up on those!

Good luck to Everett with his swimming lessons! Reid had a few days that he just didn't want to do anything the coach told him. He's slowly getting the hang of it. He still has a lot to work on though.

 

[shan23877]

Good idea to take the lollipops!

Could he be any cuter in that?

 

[marDgreen88]

Oh my gosh... that is just PRECIOUS. Hooray for bribery!!!

 

[MHTeacher]

Nothing wrong with bribery. I'm fully convinced that it has its place!

 

[fi46re129]

Love the jacket! There is nothing wrong with a little bribery every now and then!

We had a shoot at beach club.. not photpass but a private photographer.. i can send you a pm with the link to shutterfly if you would like to see and get some ideas for pics. Lmk.

 

[amazingact21]

Thank goodness for lollipops!

Everett looks very handsome in his jacket!

 

[smile4stamps]

I'm glad the bribery worked! He is so cute in that jacket!!

 

[afwdwfan]

Soooooo.... I'm pleased to announce that operation "Jacket Acceptance" - bribery escalation- was a success!

I'm planning on bringing a whole bag of lollypops to the wedding!

Looking good!

If a lollypop is all it takes, I'd say it is well worth the cost.