Kaleb's New Ride

I had the van today while Greg was in Slovakia.  I dropped the boys off at school and then made my daily walk back to Kaiserwerth where we always park the van or catch the bus/train.  Since the school is in the middle of the city and on a two lane street, it is rather busy at the beginning and end of the day.  There is limited parking and I don't really want to deal with all the traffic.  So, we'll always be walking atleast a portion of our morning commute...even if I drive.

Kaleb was asleep so I stopped in at a quaint bookstore and bought a few calenders  for next year and then headed to the Rhine River Promenade.  I enjoyed the beautiful view and peaceful morning while I fed my sweet baby.  I'm lucky to be able to access such a majestic place in a few moments walk.  Nice memories:)

Then we headed to a baby outlet store that I had been told about.  In researching the location last night I made sure that I wouldn't be driving through Dusseldorf to get there...no need to add more stress to the driving at this point!  Well, I didn't take in to consideration that I would be going from Kaiserwerth instead of home.  So, as I was following the GPS to the outlet store I began to recognize parts of Dusseldorf and realized that indeed I would be driving through part of the city.  Thankfully it was 10:30am and everyone else was already at their destination or still on holiday and therefore away from the city.  I successfully made my way through the city and back to the Autobahn for the relatively short trek to Baby Bellman.

I have been researching the "perfect" stroller for dear Kaleb.  Our needs over here are much different than what they would be in the States.  I've been observing others while also researching on-line and decided it was time to take the plunge and buy something that we'd be able to fit in our vehicle easily (fold compactly), easily enter and exit the bus/train, protect Kaleb from the elements (we'll be on that bus whether it's raining and cold or not!), and a few other preferences.  I realized that there was not one stroller that would encompass all of my preferences, but could find one that meets most of our needs. 

This outlet store had atleast 100 strollers (push chairs), 100 prams (bassinets on wheels), and another 50 larger strollers...a little overwhelming!  The sales lady was very helpful in finding her English speaking co-worker that could help me narrow down the field.  They were certain that I needed one that had adjustable handles because I'm tall and a good sized stroller for my gross (large) six month old baby:)

And the winner is...Peg Perego. 

Happy Boy ready for the winter winds with his foot muff!

and now ready for the rain!

I also got a baby monitor (I fried the new one I brought from the States the first time I plugged it in...the difference between an adapter and converter!), bed rail, cute fireman kid umbrella for Liam, and couldn't resist nice German HABA wooden toys for Kaleb.  For all of you wooden toy lovers, Germany is the place to be!  There are shelves and shelves of nice wooden toys and games. 

I'll still be carrying Kaleb for now...he's so sweet and loves to be with me, but now we're ready for those excursions that need a stroller!