A month or so ago, I removed the big (45 lb) triple stroller and its hitch from the back of my car & started taking the children on outings by myself without a stroller. This is a HUGE accomplishment for us. I had been very intimidated about trying this, as I am petrified at the thought of one of them getting away from me in a parking lot.
I contemplated "baby leashes." They actually even make a triplet version. Considering the lack of grace I possess, I was fearful this would result in a Mommy & 3 small children tied up in knots.
I also had read a seemingly great idea about having the children hold onto a rope with three knots in it (like some preschools do to teach kids to walk in a line.)
Turns out that wasn't such a great idea for my trio. It might work for a lively game of Tug-o-war, but not to safely cross a parking lot.So, now we walk the good old fashioned way, holding hands. I hold two of their hands on one side and the third in my other hand...and it seems to be working so far.
Side note: A few weeks ago I went on a mission to find rope that was fat & heavy duty enough for the trio. I found myself wandering around WalMart until I eventually found a kind, 70ish year old man working in sporting goods. I described the size rope I was looking for and explained that it needed to be thick, strong and able to hold knots. "What are you going to do with it?" he asked. "Well, sir, I have 2 year old triplets and..." His eyes got really wide and he interrupted, "You're gonna tie 'em up?"
LOL! You ought to check out my blog posting from tonight ... ah, yes ... walking w/o a stroller. Quite a challenge with three little ones!!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing re: your visit to Walmart. Maybe you could just tie the rope around all of them!
You and Jen3@amazing trips are my heroes. It gives me the strength to do some things when I read about you guy's outings. I figure if you can do it, so can I. I know it will get "easier" as they get older. Easier isn't really a good term b/c at every age something gets easier and then something else turns up more difficult. Heck, my daughter's age is easier but it still challenges me.
ReplyDeletePlease don't tie up your beautiful children though. I'll take them off your hands if you need me to...ha ha. I enjoyed reading some of your older posts last night. They are just soo darn CUTE!
Oh and I have my nerve to complain and forever seek the perfect stroller combinations now don't I? Once again, you have put my life into perspective and with such a great pic too!
ReplyDeleteCarry on! Looks like the little ones are growing into wonderful little people. Just have to ask . . .who gets a sibs hand and who gets Mom's or do we rotate? hehehe.
I finally sold my double stroller, and took my Joovy sit and stand back as well. Down to just a few full size strollers and several variations on Umbrella strollers. I'm terrified of being left with 2 babies and no way to corral them both and they aren't even both babies! (15 months and a young 3.5 yr old!)
Have a great week!
Oh my goodness that stroller rocks! Kinda makes me sad that we have not used one in a year and a half... :( Enjoy every second now!
ReplyDeletemaybe you could tie a rope to the back of your pants like a tail and have two hold your hands and one hold your tail, better yet use a carabeaner (not sure if you spell it like that) : ) HEE HEE
ReplyDeleteThat is definitely a stroller! I have never seen one as classy as that but sometimes wish I had one for 3!
ReplyDeleteI love the comment from the WM man. That is too funny. It's amazing how well the little ones do once we get brave enough to let go of the stroller once in a while. I think they are often more ready than we are. :)
what a funny old walmart man...i guess if you got desperate, tying them up and dragging them along like that is always an option. oh jen, i don't know how you do it!? you are a great mommy to these 3 little munchkins...
ReplyDeleteWow! The sight of that stroller probably strikes fear in the heart of many a single woman!! ;)
ReplyDeleteThe man in Wal-Mart made me laugh (although you've probably thought of tying them up before!). I don't blame you for wanting to get rid of it--my double stroller is a pain! Usually I just have Caiden push Grayson in the umbrella stroller, and I wear Addison in the Baby Bjorn.
OH, My now I feel bad that I get freaked out with my only 1 under 5. I am not a 1st time mommy at this point but I still get so up tight. Have enjoyed your blog so much! Thanks for sharing your lovely family.
ReplyDeleteThat is SO funny. I have never been here before and I loved it. I will be bookmarking you!
ReplyDeleteHAHAHAHA. That makes me laugh..the guy at Wal-Mart!
ReplyDeleteOk, today I took them to the mall to play indoors (it was 100 degrees outside) and as I was herding them down the mall a woman burst into laughter and said, "I have a rope in my trunk."
ReplyDeleteKim- Nobody holds a sibling's hand. We are definitely not mature enough for that yet. I hold two hands in one hand (sort of holding their hands together). No way would I trust them to hold onto each other!