Hiking Adventure

When veteran parents give out the well-meaning advice to first-timers like Russell and me, saying things like, "Take time to enjoy it! It goes by fast.  Before you know it she'll be 16!" I always roll my eyes.  I think to myself, "Yes, do they really think we aren't' enjoying it?"  Or, "It sure doesn't seem like it's going by fast."

The truth is, it really does go by fast!  Claire is now 7 months 4 weeks this week and I'm so excited with how active alert and interested she has become!  Russell and I have been feeling somewhat stir crazy and have been eager to get outside to get some fresh air and exercise.

We recently bought a Kelty Expedition backpack child carrier so we can get out and take hikes and walks with Claire.  

This thing is a Cadillac!  It has a water bladder for the parent, a zip off back-pack, a large storage pouch with changing mat, and a sun/rain hood.

Claire models the new carrier.

Sun/rain hood up.

Side view

Eager to test out the new pack, this weekend we got all packed up and headed out on a 3 mile hike in the Deschutes National Forest.  The weather was fantastic: not too hot, not too cold.  There was no rain in sight and the high clouds filtered the sun so it was pleasant even without sunglasses.  

Family hike

Claire was an absolute cherub.  She loved the fresh air, the birds singing, the sounds of the wind in the trees, and riding along on my back.  Every time I looked at her I saw a huge happy smile!

All smiles

 She did fall asleep for a bit of the hike, but mostly she was awake and wide eyed as though she was taking it all in.  I think we definitely have a nature lover on our hands!

Hiking with Mom!

 We had such a fun time that we are going to make it a weekly thing.  I hope to do many of the local trails and foster a love for nature, hiking, and the outdoors in Claire.  It was just fantastic.

This was a common face during the hike.  She loved it!

I hope everyone is doing well!

Love,
Jane

Fun New Toy

Last weekend we went to Elkton for a fun Halloween party hosted by Joe and Rheannan.  We stayed with Jon and Lisa that night where Claire got a new toy.  She got a Winnie the Pooh Theme walker!

Big smile in the new walker.  I think she looks more like me in this picture.

Claire had a lot of fun testing out the toys and the music.  Although, even though the box says it's for 4 months to 1 year, at 7 months Claire can't even touch the ground.  And she's a tall baby (75 percentile for length!)

Claire looks a bit miffed that her feet don't touch the ground.

Trying to get a smile out of her!

Mirrors are a fun toy.

Inspecting the walker cockpit.

What does this do?

When Claire pushes on the "hunny" pot it plays songs.  Fun songs like "Turkey in the Straw."  I need to relearn all the lyrics to these great folk tunes so I can sing along with Claire.

Pushing on the "hunny" pot.

Claire got to spend lots of time with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa.  I think it's so wonderful that Claire has so many grandparents that love her so much.

Kissing Great Grandma

Talking with Great Grandpa

It was a fun weekend!  I hope everyone is doing well!

Love, Jane