Goodbye to Our Quad Stroller, AKA “The Beast”
This might have been our final goodbye ride to our Quad Runabout Stroller. Ahhhhhh, Bittersweet. I can’t believe it’s been 3 years since our first ride!
When you become a parent of quadruplets, some of the first overwhelming anxieties include:
- Health Risks
- Financial Responsibility
- Transportation (Vehicle and Stroller)
Transportation sounds so minor in comparison with the other two, but realizing that you alone cannot carry your four babies from one destination to the next is a trapping feeling. I remember laying awake at night thinking about what if the house caught on fire while I was home “alone” and I had to quickly get all of the babies out of the house, how would I accomplish that safely? I could carry two somewhat safety, and three if I had to… At one time Brad could carry all 4 car seat carriers in his arms at one time, but I lacked the physical strength required. It was a valid safety concern.
Not only safety, but sanity. In the early days I couldn’t go anywhere alone with my four little ones. Think of all the “new mom” errands: doctors appointments, diaper runs, visiting family and friends, even a simple walk outside, were impossible for me to accomplish without another pair of hands.
I practically swore off ever owning one of these contraptions when I was expecting quadruplets, but I had no idea the freedom that would these 3 wheels would offer. The sense of accomplishment of taking the boys somewhere all by myself those first couple of years was so rewarding. It made me feel more “normal” as a mom, more capable, more confident.
Our Quad Runabout, affectionately know as “The Beast”, allowed us opportunities to maneuver four little bodies more safely and easily. Places like the fair, the zoo, hiking trails, neighborhood sidewalks, Chicago, Walt Disney World, and more. It’s taken in so many sights, terrains, stares, laughs, mishaps, and wear along the journey.
We’re excited to pass down our used “Beast” to another quad family soon. This will be its 4th home. Thank you again to the Schelper’s for handing it down to our family for a 3 year run!
QuatroMama
I imagine it is so bittersweet! 🙂 Congrats on another milestone!! (But wait, you don’t want to save it for your next set of quads??) HA! Just Kidding!
Riiiiiiight, the all girl quads! =)
Awwww….good bye to the BEAST!!! I’ll never forget when I saw it in Chicago in 2009, so very big in person!!!
It’s larger than life, that’s for sure!
I loved our triple runabout for the freedom it offered – but, it made it really hard to fly under the radar! And we don’t even have multiples! I was amazed every time I took it out somewhere public to hear all the people commenting on it, talking about it, and us, behind our backs, but quite audibly! Plus, so many would just assume we had triplets, or at least twins (there’s a year between each). Now we have a double jogger and a single. Planning on getting a second double when #4 comes in December.
It is such a wonderful feeling to be able to bless another family with something like that after having been blessed yourself with it, isn’t it? 🙂
Do they mostly walk everywhere now, or do you use wagons for long outings?
Jessie, trust me we can relate! =) The boys have out grown it and it’s too heavy to push. On top of that, they are champs at walking. We still have double strollers for really long walks if needed.
I’m not gonna lie – I choked up a bit while reading this! Those boys are getting so big and grown up. Loved seeing some of the pics down memory lane.
Isn’t it funny, the things we can’t wait to be done with, and then when it’s time to let them go, how wistful it can make us? I don’t miss those multiple middle of the night feedings one bit, but I wish I had just a little more time to snuggle that swaddled little boy. Enjoy your milestone, and may the next family have just as many awesome memories with the Beast as you did!
Oh the bittersweet day.
I have two girls, 18months apart and I loved my double stroller. I was not scared to go anywhere or do anything because of that stroller. Now I know this is only half of your crew, but still I was in tears that day I gave the stroller to a friend expecting twins.
I “borrowed” the double stroller on my last trip to Disney World, the girls were 2 and 3 at the time. Neither wanted to be in the stroller. I regreted dragging the thing to FL and was oh so ever happy that I was no longer dependent on it.
Your boys are so cute, enjoy the walking freedom!!
LOVE your blog. The title is so cute!! 🙂 And wow, what a stroller!
What a neat tribute to such a big part of multiples life. Only those that have been there can understand the freedom and confidence it gives. Congrats on graduating, too!
hi! i too am sad to part with my quad:( i only have two of my own kids, but ran a home daycare for a number of years. i know what you mean about feeling like a circus everywhere you go;-) but it was FABULOUS to be able to get us all around town! i love the quad, but i paid big bucks for it, and it’s also taking up a lot of space, for a thing our family will never have a use for again. a mama is coming to look at it tomorrow. i’m trying to remember how to shrink it some, to fit in the back of the van, in case this woman does want to buy it. i’m thinking it will become clear when i look at it. i think i have to take off the from seat, right? and doesn’t it shrink a bit in the body of it as well? will check it out in the morning. it looks lovely, sitting in the shed, wearing all its accessories. i just have to remember how to fit it in the back of the mini van. anyway, if you get this, and have a chance to write back, that would be great! i can’t find a manual online. i realize you’re busy with your four kids. but if you do end up getting a chance, i’d so appreciate it! thanks, and God bless with your little group there:-)
I’m not sure – it depends on your van. We have an Odyssey and used a hitch with ours. Best of luck!