Strolling thoughts

I'm absolutely looking forward to taking E out and about. I'm thrilled that I'll finally be able to have someone to go on long walks with (though I've been waiting for a little pug for a while), especially to help take off all the maternity pounds. E's going to be born at a wonderful spring time, so we'll be able to get outside rather early.

We've put a lot of thought into what kind of stroller we should get for him. We've looked at tons of models, test drove some, like several (Chicco Cortina, Graco Catalina), but keep falling in love with the Maxi-Cosi Foray. While it is rather pricey (plus, the cost of the compatible carseat carrier), I don't think we'd ever need another stroller. Several people I've known have gone through several strollers just within a matter of a couple years: the stroller gets worn out, stops working properly, they have another child and need to get a different color, dislike certain features, buy a jogging stroller, upgrade, or buy something more lightweight- that cost certainly adds up.

After reading a substantial number of reviews on the Foray, watching videos, and test driving it last night, I have to say that the stroller is pretty amazing! The stroller is the closet thing to an ATV: the back wheels are like our mountain bikes' and can conquer any terrain (hikes, beach, sidewalks, or the mall), and the maneuverability of this thing is incredible. One of the features I like the most is that the seat can be positioned facing the world or at mommy and daddy, tilted at various degrees for some comfortable snoozing, not to mention that the seat pops off to accommodate the infant carrier earlier on. Additionally, there is a rainhood -very useful, say for instance, if shopping at DeerPark or Old Orchard. Other nice features include the drawstring/zipper storage compartment on the bottom (although not very big, we're not pack rats), mommy cupholder (having an additional attachment would be nice), expandable canopy, lockable 4 wheels, and adjustable-height handlebar. Perhaps two of the best, and most important, features of this stroller is that it is very lightweight (light enough for me to carry it, take it in/out of the CRV) and folds compactly (small enough to store in our foyer closet).

Referring back to walking off the mommy pounds. This stroller has a very modern design, while remaining very safe and stable. I do like the idea of being able to use this stroller to 'jog' around the neighborhoods and local parks, which is something we wouldn't be able to do with a bulky Graco or Chicco, or a flimsy lightweight stroller.

I've changed my mind too many times over which stroller to get, but I think, after having test driven it yesterday, loved most of the features, that this would be the ideal stroller for us, and each one of our kids to come.

Now, if we could just get beyond the expense part of it..........................