I know there are bigger, badder things going on in the world, but in my own world, I am excited to retreat into thinking positively about the new development.  (Dammit, I need a name for this thing, and I don’t want to recycle squidlet, because that seems like bad luck.)  Since the only things I can do to make it seem real is feel sick and window shop (and window shopping from the couch is soooo luxurious when you feel sick) that’s what I’m doing. I hope it doesn’t seem too callous, please know that I am FULLY aware that the country is an a horrible place right now, but I’m working hard to not get too stressed out, because worst natural disaster in the US corresponding with discovering of second pregnancy is a really weird place to be. Okay? Okay.

SO.  As you are all painfully aware, I am all about transportation options for the kid.  My idea is to get One Fantastic Stroller, and that really depends on when the babe is born, and now that it’s looking like a spring baby is on the way, that sort of changes my options around.  Since Maine has a pretty short summer, the new development would be 0-4 months for the prime outdoor season, and at that size, I think I’d rather carry TND than push TND when on walks in places like City Forest.  Since the bulk of strolling, then, would be on pavement and/or indoors, I think I want a Maclaren Techno as my One Fantastic Stroller.  When TND is one, the following summer, then I might pick up a used jogging type at the consignment store, and use THAT for City Forest, the lake, etc, but I’m thinking that the fourth trimester will involve more holding than pushing.

Plus, in thinking about how I work now, sans kids, I really like smaller and simpler, usually.  Some people go into Target or the grocery store and automatically grab a cart, every time, whereas I much prefer just grabbing a basket unless I KNOW I need the cart because I’m buying TP in bulk or some other large item.  I don’t carry a purse most times, because it’s just extra stuff, and I’d much rather have a small backpack if I NEED to.  When I look at the maclaren, and read the reviews, it seems that EVERYONE loves it, NOBODY hates it, it never has to go eat worms.  (I"ve found one review where someone complained of kicking the wheels, but I’m pretty short, so I’m not too worried about that.)  For neighborhood (all paved, etc), downtown, and shopping, and all of that indoor winter stuff, I’m sure it will be the best situation. 

So, on slings and such, I know that it’s some sort of Babies R Us law to register for a Bjorn, but I don’t really like them, from what I can see. I’m not professing to any sort of one-track ‘type’ of parenting, I sort of call my ideas about parenting IP (and NOT for internet protocol, but for Instinctive Parenting.)  Because I will almost certainly have to work, I can’t be a strict AP’er, but if I work really hard to incorporate AP ideals, I’m not a ‘mainstreamer.’ Anyway, in my IP perspective, the Bjorn looks really stiff and cold. And dangly.  And it seems like it mostly exists for dads to get in on the baby wearing action without losing their manliness, which is cool, but whatever. 

I’m thinking that I want a pouch for the early days, like a Hotsling or Kangaroo Korner (Kringe) Adjustable Pouch… I love the fleece one, and have heard rave reviews, but again, newborn in summer (in an un-air conditioned house, which makes a difference, I’m sure) seems like fleece isn’t the way to go for that time frame. I don’t know how their cotton pouches are, but I haven’t heard as much about them, regardless.  I also like the idea of a mei tai for an older baby, but then that leaves out the dad-option, right? EXCEPT, I found an adjustable & reversible mei tai that I am now totally in love with.  Like the Maclaren idea, it seems to accomodate a wider range, and is usable for longer than a Bjorn (it seems like the usability there is reallllly short for the price), and it also has some kick ass fabrics. I like the blue swirls, or maybe a brocade? And it also has an optional fuzzy liner which looks like it would be a total bitch to clean, but be totally soft and luxurious for a baby. And with the adjustable option, and a liner, it would be cheaper than a bjorn + mei tai, later, and it will also reverse to basic black, therefore keeping Dave’s testosterone levels at their normal levels. And, I’d be giving money to an independent business, and since the BRU will probably get plenty of our money in other ways, every little bit of independent business support helps. Take that, Bjorn!

Now, I just have to make it to May. Whoohoo!