Letter to a New Outdoorsy Mother

Dear New Outdoorsy Mom,

I know you.  You want to get out there as soon as you can.  Sure, you are sleep deprived and still healing from childbirth, but you won't let that stop you.  Or rather, you're afraid that it will stop you.  You fear that part of your identity will be lost.  Right now your day consists of changing diapers, your boobs hurt, you're flabby like you have never been, and while you are so in love with a new little human, you wonder.  Is this what life is going to consist of from now on?  Does being a mom literally mean that taking a shower is the most exciting, rewarding goal of your day?  You don't know the answer to this... so you make goals.  Lofty goals.  Maybe even tougher goals than you had before you were pregnant.  You are going to climb a big wall.  Hike the PCT.  Kayak a class five.  Eight months should be enough time to accomplish your feat.  Yeah, you can make it happen.  You are very strong, after all.

While you probably could make it happen (like I said, you're very strong), I have to tell you that you don't have to.  Yes, you should make time for the things you love.  You should get outside as soon as you can.  But, new mom, this stage of life will not last forever.  You don't have to be afraid of losing your outdoorsy identity.  You don't need to overcompensate with lofty goals.  Take each day at a time.  Enjoy those new stroller walks with your sweet babe.  Walking to the park is OK for now.  You will climb a mountain again, and sooner than you think.  Time will slip away, and soon you will miss your little stroller buddy (side note- please do me a favor and don't go get a teacup poodle to start pushing in your stroller... then I will have to write you a completely different type of letter...).

My point is this, dear sweet new mommy, you have just done the most amazing thing ever: you grew and created a new little life.  Leave the "mom guilt" behind, and be free to be happy.  Someone said it best when they said, "the days are long, but the years are short."

Be free and be happy,
Me

Local Hikes: PCT from Inspiration Point to Grassy Hollow

I had the pleasure of going for a short hike by myself the other day.  I must say that there is a certain freedom and joy in going for a walk in the woods all alone.  I feel like I tend to notice more than when I am with a friend.  Granted, I definitely have heightened awareness and tend to spook easier, but when I get the chance to hike alone I usually take it.

I have been going hiking around Grassy Hollow a lot lately.  The higher elevation makes it cooler in the scorching summer months, which is even more important now that I am often hiking while wearing a baby.

If you're looking for a short local hike to get some exercise, I recommend any segment on the PCT.  Around Grassy Hollow area, there are a plethora of different loops you can take.  From Inspiration Point (or "Inspo" as the kids call it), there is a large parking area to the North and South.  Park in the North lot, where the outhouse and horse stalls are at.  From here, head North on the PCT (though at this point of the 2,650-mile trail, it is more like West... so we will say head North-West).  If you're one of those people that always want the description in "left or right" terms, then head left as you are facing the outhouse.

The trail is refreshing and the elevation is nice and hilly.  

Getting Outdoors with Your Baby: Warm Weather Clothing and Eating on the Trail

Today is part two of my series on tips for getting outside with your little one.  This video is a continuation of last week's discussion on how to dress the baby.  It can be tricky if its hot out- you want to keep the baby out of the sun, but you also don't want to put on so many clothes that they overheat!  Keep in mind that it can be even warmer in the carrier, especially if they are close to your chest!

In the last video I referred to a washcloth-type-thing that is made for hot weather that you could use to stick in your baby carrier in hot weather.  I don't know why I seem to remember it being called a "froggie" or something- but I think I'm totally whack.  Must be the teething and lack of sleep that has be making things up.  But I did find something similar on Amazon here so you can get your froggie (that's what I'm calling it anyways).

This video also covers eating on the trail- pretty similar to eating when you're out and about, but you may just want to make sure you feel like you know what you're doing before you go outside.  Let me assure you- you know what you're doing!  You got this, momma!  (or dadda, or grammy, or grampie...)

Getting Outdoors with Your Baby : Clothing, Carriers, and Packs

This post is something new for me- a video post!  All about hiking with your little bundle of joy.

I have been slowly recovering (still not 100%) from childbirth almost 10 months ago- BUT I have been able to enjoy getting outside and being active. (You can read my last post on my birth story here if you're interested)

This is the first video of a four part series.  This post will cover how to dress your baby, and I talk about my baby carrier.  Also, what to do to carry your water, snacks, diapers, etc... AND carry your baby (oh yeah- don't forget the baby!)

Have a watch and take a look at the photos.  Hope you enjoy!

Such a happy baby when he's outside!

Notice our super awesome stylish warm long muslin triangle wrap technique.  One more layer for these winter hiking days.

Even our baby enjoyed these views of Mt. Shasta.

I am breastfeeding in the above photo and you can't even tell!  My awesome friend Sarah is carrying our pack full of trail necessities AND her baby.  What a gal.

Yeah, so I was kinda out of shape when we went to Yosemite, so luckily my friend Deanna is super fit and could carry my baby for me.  Notice Canyon's lil hat.  It lets in airflow and creates shade, plus has a velcro strap so it won't fall off.

Can-man passed out on the boat.  The muslin swaddle kept him cool but covered.

Had to get one family shot in there... :)