LJ Hikes in the Rocky's

LJ did three three hour hikes (over three days) in the Rocky Mountains (or in the foothills). He seemed to enjoy the colors and sounds. There were a few moments when I felt like a bad mom. Like when I forgot to bring his socks! It was 70+ and sunny but of course it became cooler as we went on. That's definitely a big rule I have to remember when hiking with Leon (though it also applies to adults) bring clothes for weather and bodily business changes. I breast feed on a rock on hike number three. I don't worry about bringing a cover on the trail. Since Colorado was hot and dry, Leon seemed to breast feed more often. Which is good! Hydrate or die, they say!

For the hikes we usually followed this pattern (started organically but it makes sense), Jeff holds Leon in his arms and plays with him as he walks. Leon loves to fly in the air, ducking tree branches and starring back at me. Then when he starts getting fussy (i.e. sleepy) I take him and carry him in the Ergo while singing to him until he falls asleep. We traded back if the terrain got steep or too rocky. Hiking with Leon is quite easy now since he sleeps a lot and nurses. It will be different when he's eating more solids and mobile!

Hiking in Washington State

LJ had a great time hiking in Washington. But we did run into a few difficulties...like he seemed happier to be hand carried vs. being in the Ergo Front Carrier (at least by dad)* and the weather in the Washington trails changed drastically from hot to windy to chilly. Needless to say we had sun hats, warm hats, jacket on and off, and we even stripped him down to his diaper once! I had to stop and feed him quite a bit. I think many of those feedings were comfort and related to the weather. I managed to nurse and hike at the same time at some points. Can't wait to get him out on more trails! He loved looking at the trees.

*My one Ergo baby complaint is its not actually built to be worn by a sweaty adult. It doesn't wick away mositure and keep the baby dry. We plan on buying a back carrieer bulit for hiking and use it as soon as LJ is big enough. Ill save the Ergo for city walks as its still hands down more comfortable than the Baby Bjorn.

More Hiking Awaits Us in Washington!

LJ is a traveling fool or maybe his parents just are! In the last couple of weeks he did a mini road trip to Pennsylvania, a week at GrandMa's, and a massive East Coast tour to Maine. Now he is getting ready for his first plane ride which will take him all the way across the US to Washington State.

Last weekend LJ went with us on a 2.5 hour hike. There's more hiking in Washington State. I'm excited but as any good NEW mom would be, I'm nervous. That's a long plane ride (in coach). Plus adults have to be weary of going on hikes with my husband! What's easy and smooth to him, is not to most of the world.

But in all the trip should be fun! Its cooler and LJ will get to rock his gear given to him by cousins and friends in colder climates. And he'll wear his LLBean jacket! It matches daddy's! I'll take a pic for sure!