Bon voyage, BOB

In second grade, I wrote a story called “Unfortunately, Fortunately”. It went a little something like this:

Once upon a time, it was a beautiful day so Meridith and Jenereesa went to the park.

Unfortunately, there was a bear that came out of nowhere and started to chase them!

Fortunately, there were many places for them to run.

Unfortunately, there was a cliff! (In New Jersey? Really, little 2nd grade Meridith?)

Fortunately, as they jumped off the cliff to get away from the bear, there was a cloud pillow to catch them.

And so and so forth. Don’t worry, Meridith and Jenereesa are both alive and well and still intact. I know that was so believable that you’d be concerned.

Anyway, I’m having a bit of an “Unfortunately, Fortunately” moment here and now, at age 36. (No bears are involved.) As Jess mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I’ve sent her the BOB Revolution.

My final moments with BOB.

My final moments with BOB were spent cleaning. This is my life.

While I’m overjoyed to know that one of my prized possessions is still going to be put to good use, I’m a little sad. Let’s take a trip down Meridith memory lane, shall we?

I got BOB as a birthday present from my husband. Who asks for a stroller for her birthday? This girl.

Storybook Land with my Pooks.

Storybook Land with my Pooks.

Originally I got the BOB because I taught Stroller Strides and I needed a stroller that was easily maneuverable, both on and off-road. I needed an awesome stroller. And the BOB was/is/and always will be awesome.

Pregnant with Littleberry at Longwood Gardens.

Pregnant with Littleberry at Longwood Gardens.

After Littleberry was born, Pooks “graduated” from the BOB to preschool and Littleberry took over.

Little was 6 months old when we visited Disneyland in CA.

LB was 6 months old when we visited Disneyland in CA.

The BOB was used for everything. No other stroller measured up to its supreme awesomeness so I didn’t even bother with others. After a couple of failed prior attempts, when I started (really) running in 2011, BOB was ready to roll.

And so was this kid!

And so was this kid!

Both kids loved cruising along – I have very fond memories of them telling me “Faster, mommy! Faster!” And of thinking, My goodness, children, Mommy is going AS FAST AS SHE CAN. You try pushing this and running. Only I didn’t say “my goodness” in my head.

As you can see, I’ve a lot of moments with my kids that involved the BOB stroller. And I suppose that’s why it’s a bit bittersweet to send it along to Jess. I know it’s going to the best place ever and will be treated with love and respect.

I am also fully cognizant of the fact that it’s a thing and not possible of emoting any type of feelings. (I guess.)

It will have the hills of San Francisco! The safety strap will get use (it’s a little flat around these parts)! It will have Bug as a passenger and Jess and Mister Jess, some of my all time favorite people.

But this is sort of the end of a era for my family. We’ve started giving away baby clothes. We no longer need strollers.

We’ve graduated. I wouldn’t say that’s unfortunate… it’s just time to transition. Change is hard for me, okay?

bobpost

Just don’t make me get rid of the Big Red yet.

Fortunately, I know the BOB has a lot of miles left in its tires (p.s. Jess, they need air) and Jess is just the Chick for the job.

Fare thee well, BOB. Hopefully I’ll see you soon because I miss Jess and I’m slightly jealous that I’m not the one being packed up and shipped out to her.

What changes have you gone through in life that have made you a little sad, along with the happy? Did you have to write an “Unfortunately, Fortunately” story in 2nd grade? Aren’t my children adorable?

17 thoughts on “Bon voyage, BOB

  1. I can totally relate. I just got rid of my stroller a couple of months ago and miss it dearly. My son is 4 now and at the point where he doesn’t want anything to do with the stroller. Kinda bummed bc at least when we had the stroller I could still run races. My son now is getting into running races too so even if I had the stroller he would just want to jump out and run with everyone anyway.Now, we take turns between me and my hubby with babysitting during races.

    • My younger kidlet is four now too and he’s just way too interested in the not sitting aspect as well. I’m going to miss that option, for sure. Pooks is running shorter distances with me (5ks) but Littleberry isn’t there quite yet so we also have to take turns with things or get the grandparents to step in to help out. Thankfully our parents are very good about that!

  2. You and the berries have had some amazing times with BOB, for sure. I remember traveling with BOB too and steering him around LA, heading to the Philly Zoo… ah, BOB you treated the berries well. Enjoy Bob, Jess!!

    And YES, Meri, your children are ADORABLE!

  3. I don’t have any children (yet!) but I was a nanny for a year while I was in grad school, to a little boy who was 6 months old when I started. I now have a deeper appreciation for AWESOME strollers! The family I worked for had a BOB and a Bugga Boo…but the BOB was my favorite, we took that thing everywhere! :p

    • Isn’t it funny how you grow to have an appreciation for these types of things? When I was younger, if you’d told me that I’d NEED a $400 stroller I would have laughed. But I really and truly needed that stroller and it did serve my family well! And hey, now you have an idea of what you want for future reference. Win/win!

  4. WAY back in the olden days, I had a stroller that was hip for its day. These were the days before there were names for strollers. Graco had 1 model and it was green and yellow, high enough for me not to have to bend over to push. Us tall girls were thankful, the short gals were happy with umbrella strollers but the handles came up to me knees. I am transitioning into letting them use the car! Enjoy big red for as long as possible!!!!

    • I think I used to use that stroller for the kids that I babysat for! That thing was a beast but amazing in its own right.

      Big Red is already looking a bit smaller. Pooks ALWAYS wants to ride in it but he’s way too big. And Littleberry gets rides around town in it but he’s much more interested in walking/running/giving me a heart attack.

      THE CAR. I keep thinking, that’s not really THAT far off for us. And then I cry a little.

  5. Awwwww Bob seems like such a decent stroller- good thing he is still getting used!

    I love the story…. Stories you wrote when you were little or from little kids are the best.

    yes, your kids are ADORABLE! gush.

    • BOB is definitely a fantastic stroller. It served us well and I know that Bug is going to LOVE rolling around town in it once he gets used to his new, sweet ride!

      Yeah, I guess I’ll keep my kids. They’ve been especially cute lately and they are obsessed with each other.

  6. So cute! We didn’t have to write a “U/F” story, but we did play that game when we were younger. Also, I did write some little stories in elementary school. One was called “Fairies in the Attic.” Can you guess what it was about? haha

    Change is hard! But when you think about it, everything is changing. My yoga teacher was talking one day about this. The person we were last year? Gone. Last week? Gone. 5 minutes ago? Gone. He said something along the lines of “The only thing in life that is consistent is change.” BOB will have a lovely new home with the Jess’s! <3

    • We played “Never Have I Ever” when I was (not that much) younger. But I’m guessing that’s not the same type of game you’re talking about.

      And you know, you’re so right. As always, you are like my little Jiminy Cricket. And I love you for it. xo

    • I know you will. You and I would have a better time together but I guess that stroller will be pretty awesome.

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