Part 2: Baby Gear

As I mentioned a few posts ago, Damon found a deal online that we could not resist. We knew that we wanted a stroller that would be a good jogger but also work for everyday outings. The ones we really coveted were super expensive and we didn't want to pay full price. About a month ago Damon started scouring Ebay and Craig's List for used strollers that were still in good condition. We weren't in any rush but we figured if a good deal came along we would take it. Last Sunday Damon was on Cleveland 's Craig's List and found a BOBs Sport Utility Stroller that appeared to be in great condition and was listed for about 60% less than a new one. Yes, I did just say a BOBs stroller!! He emailed the lady with a few questions and determined this was OUR stroller. On Friday we made the two hour drive to Cleveland and the stroller did not disappoint. Here it is!!

The stroller really is in great condition. The woman told us that it had never been soiled on, thrown up in, etc. I suppose an experienced mom would have thought to ask those questions ahead of time but I hadn't even considered that. Clearly, I am in for a rude awakening.

One feature that was important to me was that the stroller would be easy to fold and put in the trunk. Damon took the next three photos to show how simple it is.

That's it. Even I can handle it. The stroller looks heavy and bulky but it is actually really light and easy to manage. There are even cup holders and a little pouch for a cell phone. The woman who sold it to us was incredibly nice. She asked if the stroller was for our first child and I told her we were adopting from Ethiopia. Her reaction was very positive and then her 5 year old daughter piped up that she knew where Ethiopia was! Her mom pulled out a map and the little girl correctly pointed to Ethiopia. Then she showed us a book she made at school that day about Christmas traditions in other countries. She flipped to a page that said, "In Ethiopia children celebrate Christmas on January 7th." It was so sweet how excited she was to show us. She probably had about five countries in the book so it was cool that Ethiopia happened to be one of them. The woman asked us if we had an umbrella stroller and we told her no. She had one she wasn't using and gave it to us for free! So we left Cleveland with two strollers in our trunk and with warm fuzzy feelings from the kindness of strangers.

I can't resist one final photo of the stroller and my current baby.