One-Word Wednesday

Pinecone

Daddy Talk: Getting Outdoors

I don't remember too many outdoor excursions with my parents from when I was a kid. I know my dad liked to fish, and I really didn't take much advantage of that. Truth be told, I am sure I was pretty whiny.

I remember three trips: One to Memorial Park to fish in the lake there, another more recent trip to fish at 11 Mile reservoir and camping in the Bronco in the driveway. I don't remember ever camping in a tent.

I think my dad liked to do those things when he was younger, but for some reason we never got around to it.

I went with Pam and Milo to Fox Run Park and did a little trail hiking recently. It was a few hours long but it was really fun. The boy enjoyed getting out and watching the scenery go by as he rode in the backpack some family friends gave us.

I want my family to be outdoorsy. I want us to go four-wheeling. I want us to see the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Mt. Rushmore. I want us to really enjoy the things that are available to us, like camping and hunting, but maybe not fishing (I still think it's gross).

I don't know why I want this other than just because. I keep remembering a saying: "I do not regret the things I've done, but those I did not do."

My life is full of paths not taken. I don't want Milo to be that way.

At the zoo

We visited the zoo last week. It was a chilly day but sunny.

Milo especially liked the giraffes and the apes.

Those are some big doggies, Mommy.

I want to do that!

Milo's first trip to the zoo

Milo's cousin and I took him to the zoo yesterday.

I don't think he was all that impressed with the animals.

"A giraffe? Oh, yawn."

But at least he let his cousin and me enjoy our time at the zoo.

My little marsupial

The only hiccup of the day was when, for some reason, Milo wouldn't take the bottle of breast milk I'd brought for him. I ended up having to feed him from the tap, so to speak. This is the first time I've breastfed him in public. Granted, I tucked us away in a corner of a mostly quiet cafeteria, and my niece sat next to/in front of us. I had left the cover-up in the car because I didn't want to carry a million things. I know I shouldn't be embarrassed to feed him in public -- everyone else was having lunch in there -- but I guess I'm shy about whipping out a boob when someone might see it (never was a Girls-Gone-Wild kinda gal).

But, you know what? It was fine. He ate and fell back to sleep. And with the large number of families there with small children, I'm pretty sure no one was judging me. And if they were, that's their problem. I'm sure they didn't want to listen to Milo scream.

It was a beautiful day at the zoo and an adventure for all of us.

Just not as exciting for some

Family outing

This afternoon, the whole family went for a walk. The S.O. and I packed Milo into his Baby Bjorn, strapped Ripley into her harness, put on our walking shoes and took a hike around the block.

True, it wasn't much of an outing, but it's one of my first small steps toward getting back in shape. I see the doctor next week and I expect her to release me to exercise. Still, I don't think I'll be ready for Boot Camp or boxing for a while.

We really need to get a tripod so we can get photos of these family moments! Because we don't and we didn't, here's a picture of Milo in his superhero cape.*

*Actually a picture of what it looks like when you swaddle your baby while you're half asleep.