Aiming for Self-Compassion and Acceptance

Double Strollers--Light and Heavy Duty--Reviewed and Recommended

Best Luxury Double Stroller: Valco Tri Mode Twin

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to test drive the Valco Tri Mode Twin, and let me tell you, this is the Rolls Royce of strollers for parents with multiple small kids.  This is not only a wonderful double stroller; if you are like me and have three little ones to push around in your stroller, you can purchase a Joey Seat to perch at the front so that you have the world's easiest to manage triple stroller.

All three of my little ones fit easily and comfortable into this setup, and best of all, even with somewhat reduced strength due to illness I can manage to a) push the stroller with all of them in it and b) safely steer and stop the strollers!  How is this possible?  The tires are all-terrain and turn in all directions, and the stroller comes with a tire pump to keep pushing easy.  There's also a very sturdy brake that you can kick into place, as well as a hand loop to make sure the stroller never gets away from you.

Considerations:  The Valco Tri Mode Twin is one of the less easily portable strollers I've tried (e.g., it is large even when folded up and requires some minor disassembly).  Also, this stroller is an investment (about $700 *without* the Joey Seat, which is an additional $80).

Bottom Line:  This is a wonderful all-terrain stroller that drives like a dream, even with many kids. Although it is not the most easily portable stroller, my family and I think it's worth the trouble and I won't take a day trip without it.  I highly recommend it.

Best Budget Double Stroller: Delta Children LX Side by Side

Amongst the budget-friendly double strollers I have had the opportunity to try, my favorite is Delta Children LX Side by Side. For a quick trip and truly easy portability, this is a comfortable and easy-to-steer stroller at a great price point ($89.99).  Although it's not all terrain, it drives smoothly and steers well on sidewalks and relatively smooth surfaces.  It folds up just as easily as a single umbrella stroller would and is lightweight, making it the perfect double stroller to get you through an airport.  For the price, the quality is surprisingly good.

Mothering with Chronic Illness Requires a New Definition of "Super"

I'm the mom of three children ages (all girls) 2 and under.  For months, I was dragging in energy and spirit without explanation.  I felt terrible that I was "failing" my children by needing rest and struggling to keep up with them.  My mysterious symptoms eventually led to an electrolyte crisis that necessitated a few days and nights in the ICU.  A few months later, I was diagnosed with (as-of-now mild) lupus.

I will be the first to admit that “super” is not necessarily the first word that comes to mind when I think of myself in this condition--and it's especially not the first word that comes to mind when I think of myself as a mother--but that's exactly why I created this blog.  I've decided to redefine what it means to be a "super parent."  This blog is for myself and for any parent (or person) struggling to meet their own expectations in the face of illness.

Can a person balance illness and motherhood?  It won't be easy, and I will need all the help I can get.

This blog is a place for musings, wisdom from others, and a place for me to share things I find that make mothering a little easier.