I started the day in a foul mood. Why? Because the alarm clock went off well before I was done sleeping and I had to go to that place I call a job. Some days the anticipation is worse than the actual 8 hours I have to spend there. Today was not one of those days. No one wants to hear me whine about my job, so I’ll just share a few things that have been rattling around in my head.

• We were in a store and I was trying to show Steve what I meant when I said ‘umbrella stroller’. It took both of us almost 10 minutes to get the damn thing open and then another 8 to close it (with a pinched finger in the process – sorry honey). What kind of NASA certification in rocket science do you need to work these things? And if I can’t operate the simplest stroller on the market, what hope is there that I can operate one of those Hummer models with the reclining seats and cup holders?

• Speaking of baby gear, holy hell – do we need this many choices? By the time I finish reading reviews of each crib, stroller, travel system, and car seat on the market, there will be 43 new ones. Make one model in pink, blue and neutral and call it a day! I’m intimidated by the B@bies R Us clerk because I think she is smarter than me. She speaks an entirely different language and seems to think I am a moron because I don’t know what the advantages of a 5 point harness system are. Is it bad to just pick out the cutest car seat, ratings be damned?

• Why do stores not understand that a growing number of people are adopting? I am no where near ready to go and register yet but I’ve spoken to many others who have. And there is no option for adoptive parents. You must enter a due date. Can I enter one that has passed (i.e. the day our baby was born) so that everyone will know how old she will be when they are shopping? Or does their computer not allow that? I mean come on – adoption is not a dirty little secret. If I mention it to anyone, anywhere, they have a story of a friend or neighbor or a friend’s neighbor who has adopted a child from China or Russia. Can’t the baby stores get on board here? Because if anyone wants to go crazy buying baby stuff, it is the parents who have struggled with infertility. We’ve been pressing our noses up against the windows of baby stores for a long time and will happily drop some serious cash (or whatever is left in the sofa cushions after paying the adoption fees) on lots of cute baby gear.

• I feel very inept when I think about having to register for a shower. Can I just send everyone a note? “You are in no way obligated to bring a gift. But if you do wish to bring one, please note that the parents-to-be have no idea what they will need in order to care for and entertain a 6 month old child so please bring things that you think are appropriate. Also please refrain from telling diaper explosion and vomit in the hair related stories during the shower. The mother-to-be will freak out. Thank you.”