yeah, yeah, it's good for the plants...

I hate rain. It's not that I'm anti-environment, or that I am afraid of getting a little wet. Trust me, my daily hairdo (nonexistent) and wardrobe (candidate for What Not to Wear) are in no danger of getting ruined by stepping outside on a showery day. It's just that for me, rain means a big change from my daily routine. See, each morning I load the two little ones in my SUV-like double stroller, and we walk the big guy to the bus stop. Since he is a 'guest' rider on the bus, we have to cross a major road to get to the nearest bus stop. (We're very grateful to be at his elementary school on a 'special transfer,' but are not officially eligible for bus transportation. Since there is space on a close bus route, he has privileges to ride- which is one of the things I am most thankful for. You see, even though I am a full 32 years of age, I do not drive. That's a whole other LENGTHY post on its own...) At 7 years of age, I simply cannot let him cross the six lanes himself, so we all trek out together each day. I am the lone parent at the stop, even though all of the kids at the stop are younger than 10 or so. (What's the age limit for being with your child at the bus stop these days??)

So, back to the rain. Well, on a rainy day, the walk to the bus stop has some added challenges beyond just the normal how-do-I-steer-this-giant-stroller-without-crashing-into-something game I usually play. First, there are the giant puddles that are unavoidable when they cover the entire width of the sidewalk. If I have to push the stroller through them, I have to walk right through them, too. Thankfully my shoes are cheap as heck worn out anyway, so through the puddles we go. Second, there is the logistics of trying to keep everyone dry. Except me, of course. It is physically impossible to push my tank-stroller while simultaneously holding an umbrella. Hoods are essential, if only semi-helpful. Everyone gets loaded into the stroller with a variety of towels draped over the stroller shades, and we hope for the best.

Today, however, I found us in an even bigger pickle. Hmmm... did I forget to do anything important yesterday? Fed the kids? Check. Changed a gazillion poopy diapers? Oh, yeah. Signed all the papers, checked the homework, made the brownies for the school party, packed the backpack, you know, all the necessary school prep things for J? Yup, yup, yup, yup. Folded up the stroller and put it on the covered front step?

Ugh.

There it was at 6:30 am when I looked out the window. Completely open, sitting on the grass next to the front path, collecting mini-puddles in the trays and cup holders, seats slick with hours and hours of rainfall. Alrighty. Plan B. Do we have a Plan B? Lovely hubby could drive him over to the bus stop, except that schools have a 2-hour delay. (Yes, it was only raining. But having one giant, geographically-diverse county school division often leads to inappropriate weather delays/closings. FYI, bad system.) Hubby cannot hang out until 10:45 am. What to do?

I was so relieved when it all came together. Thankfully, we still had the old single stroller (you know, from back in the day when we thought H was the last baby we would ever welcome into our loving family!). And, even better, I actually put it in the shed a few weeks back after it had been sitting out in the elements for a while itself. Yeah! Before leaving, lovely hubby got the dry stroller out and then there was a place for H to sit for the bus stop trek. (Yes, she's big enough to walk, BUT it's a major street crossing and I just imagine horrible things happening if I let her walk while I tried to transport the baby as well.) One down, one to go.

Now, here's the shameless plug part of the post. After my toddler was first born, I purchased a handmade front carrier from another teacher at my school. She has a side business selling these Mai-Tai carriers and slings that she makes personally. I have a mai-tai and it is AWESOME. I used it frequently with H, and today it saved the day.

Rain, I beat you today! H was tucked into the dry single stroller, C got attached to my chest and zipped up under the giant raincoat belonging to my six-foot-five-inch husband, and J wrapped his hood on tight. We rolled through puddles, almost got splashed by a car that just HAD to turn right in front of us as we crossed the big road, and we stood in the rain waiting for J's ride to school. As he rolled away in his big yellow chariot, we turned and did it all again in reverse. Sun, rain, no worries. We now have a Plan B.