On Monday I decided that our first outing as a SAHD (or WWJLD) would be to the zoo. I wanted to time it for the opening bell so there would be fewer crowds and lunch at home would time correctly. Got everything packed up (milk, snacks, diapers, extra clothes) and ready to go. And then Felix decided that he might want something to eat first. Tried to feed him but he wouldn't go for it. So into the car and away we went.
He cried most of the way and I reassured him that I'd try and feed him again as soon as we got there. Of course the milk didn't get repacked. We had to turn around and go home. About forty minutes of round trip crying and we missed our window for the zoo. (Relia took this very well and we ended up having a nice time that afternoon in the backyard.)
This morning I decided that we would make it this time. I packed up the bag, double checked on the milk and away we went. As we arrived Relia asked me what kind of valley we were going to. After some thought I answered an Apple Valley but we couldn't find any apples. Again some crying but not too much. It sounded more like an anti-carseat cry than a hungry one.
Pulled into the parking lot and started to unpack. The bag was here this time but there was a different obstacle. I wasn't familiar with the stroller in the back. Had no idea how to unfold it. None whatsoever. No obvious latches or switches. Couldn't find anything to unhook or bend or anything. Finally I just pulled really hard on it and (voila!) it opened. No clue why but I didn't question.
We had fun (dolphins, otters, bears and tigers) and then it was time to go. Back to the parking lot and I got the kids strapped in. For the full picture remember that it was a mere 110 degrees today. I couldn't close the darn thing! Again, there was nothing to pull or switch or anything. (That's almost true. I found that if I pulled on the front tray it would come off in my hands. Which wasn't useful.) I tried to jam it in the back while unfolded. It wouldn't fit. There was nothing to strap it to the roof with. I called the FP Gal but she couldn't answer. Was I going to have to abandon it in the parking lot?
And then (cue the angelic choir) I noticed that there was a kind of rolly thing on the handlebar. One quick twist and it let me close it. I stowed it and we finally left the parking lot.
Overall this is going well. I'm still working out the particulars.
2 comments:
You get a gold star for trying on Monday and a gold star for trying again today! I'm glad you made it to the zoo!
I can relate to the unfolding/folding the stroller. The child appliances today are WAY different than they were when you kids were little. Why, we didn't even have car seats for you! The only stroller I had was HUGE, and didn't collapse. It did convert to a high chair, however, AND a table and chair. It belonged to your Aunt Janet and was very nice - just not very portable. (Sorry this got so long!)
The pain is always in the particulars.
Post a Comment