SIDE BY SIDE

Well, after a lot of thought and debate and research and review-hunting, we decided to purchase a double stroller. Although we don't think we'll need a double stroller often (we usually carry Cora, and James is walking more and more), we know it will be useful for those times when Cora gets heavy and our hands are overfilled and James is too tired to walk (or we're too tired to also carry him). Yes, we could always use our single stroller and either carry or walk the other kiddo, but the straps on that thing are SO difficult to adjust that it would be more hassle than anything else to switch back and forth. The babies really need their own seats, custom set for them. We were very graciously given a double umbrella stroller from a friend, but it unfortunately did not work for Cora (it didn't have shoulder straps to hold her in, and she threw a serious fit about it). We knew exactly what we were looking for: 5-point harnesses, deeply reclining seats, side-by-side seating, lightweight umbrella-style, and tall handles. The available options led us back to Maclaren. We picked their most lightweight model and we couldn't be happier! The straps are easier to adjust and the seats recline even easier than the single stroller we own, and the handles are the same height (so Jay doesn't have to stoop). We took it for a test drive at the park today. Both kids were happy and comfy the whole time!

And they were both exhausted by the time we got home after lunch!(Don't mind James' missing shirt... there was a mac-n-cheese incident at McAllister's. And yes, we think he's had a growth spurt because suddenly all his pants seem too short! Perhaps it's time to move him up to the 24-month size... if they don't fall off his little waist! Who knows where we can get a cool toddler belt?)