Our First Trail Hike with the Onya and a Trip to Whole Foods

04/10/2014 R.C. Liley 1 Comment

Hiking can be something as simple as just walking out your door and going around the neighborhood. It’s easy, healthy, and fun! I’ve been hiking with Avery in our Onya Baby Outback around our neighborhood almost daily, and even mowed the lawn, but getting off the paved road is always more exciting!

I had this bright idea to drive to Whole Foods Market which is 30 miles away on Tuesday, and knew of some trails in the area. I’ve been running on them before and Going Mom and I raced a few 5k’s there as well. So, if I’m making the trek to Whole Foods, why not stop at the trails and show Avery something other than the houses in our neighborhood?

We had a late start from Avery taking her time but not refusing the bottle (of course), and then there was a little poop mishap (not pointing any fingers) which resulted in us both changing clothes. Fun. But, finally, we took off in the early afternoon.

For a little background, I worked at this Whole Foods Market right out of college for just less than a year. I had my bachelor’s in Finance, but with a passion for healthy food, I planned on working my way up from a grocery stocker to corporate in no time.

Well, the plan was a bust. I had a manager holding me back most likely because he felt threatened. He kept letting me know he only made it through high school and blah, blah. So, I moved on and went to work at a major financial company with Going Mom. It is a great company, but now I’m a proud stay-at-home dad! And back to the trail trip……

A small dose of adrenaline rushed through my veins as we entered the trailhead. It’s been a long time since I have been able to venture anywhere other than the grocery store, and I was excited to have my daughter along for the experience.

I opened the door to get Avery secured in the Onya and she greeted me with excitement.

It was there, trust me! Maybe she was questioning my choice of slip-on New Balance minimalist shoes for hiking in tall grass?

Anyway, we were all set and ready for adventure in no time.

See? Avery is trying to hide her face because she’s so excited. Okay, well she wasn’t crying! I think being in a new place just kept her quiet. We started on the paved road until we found the trail.

Beautiful! I was giving Avery an earful of how thrilled I was to be there, on a trail, with my little girl. As we walked past the trees and plants and I would point and show her anything I could explain. I’m no botanist or anything close, but she seemed interested in our surroundings.

We eventually came to a split in the trail where one part was a steep descent that would put you close to the river.

I’m always tempted to take the more challenging route, so I crept closer to evaluate my options. But, no, too risky with Avery, so we continued straight ahead until Bart Simpson greeted us.

Avery received a quick description of “The Simpsons” and then we took advantage of the sewer foundation for a father-daughter picture.

As we progressed, we were treated to an opening that exposed a great view of the river and we stopped to enjoy.

Not the clearest river around, but with the nice weather and my daughter content in the Onya, I didn’t mind a bit.

I tried to show Avery the river, and she might’ve took a glance, but seemed more interested in my red shirt.

Still showing no signs of disapproval from Avery, we forged on our surrounds grew more dense and difficult to navigate. It really wouldn’t be that bad, but I had to do a lot of backwards walking to keep Avery out of harm’s way.

Eventually, the grass was up to my waist, but I wanted to go a little further. After a few more steps, I looked up to see a shirtless guy buttoning his pants. Hmmm, that’s our cue to turn around now! I let Avery know he was just changing his diaper and we began to head back.

On the way, I saw another split in the trail, and this time it was a steep ascent. Okay, I can do this one with Avery for sure!

I mapped out my short course and made the climb. Things just look worse than they really are sometimes; I was at the top in two minutes.

It still felt awesome to do as I love climbing anything on a trail. Yep, my inner boy always comes out when trail hiking!

We finally made it back to where we started and I happily proclaimed to Avery she just finished her first trail hike!

Don’t mind the giant nose in the way….please.

Hmmm, okay, I’ll just have to remind her when she wakes up. I spotted a bench and figured she could use a break, so we sat down for a minute and took in the fresh air.

After our short break, it was time for Whole Foods! The last time I was there was when Kelley was pregnant with Avery. I always love perusing the aisles and chatting with any old co-workers that are left.

We arrived within minutes from the trails and I loaded Avery back in the Onya once more. Excitement started emanating from my body again, but not like at the trails.

The store changed since last time I was there and looked a lot better. Oh boy, more things to look at. I walked around showing Avery the various types of fresh, organic produce and explained how we’ll cook with them when she’s older.

I spent about 90 minutes in there mainly because Avery fell asleep and I didn’t want to disturb her. Plus, it’s not like I see the store very often. But in the end, it really wasn’t worth the drive for the store.

I will happily go back to the trails with Avery, but there are closer stores that offer the same things our family wants/needs. So, I’m glad Avery got to see a lot of new things, but Whole Foods just isn’t as exciting as it used to me. Is this what being a dad does? Oh well, I love it!

Do you enjoy taking your little ones on trail hikes?

Any fun or scary stories?

Pinterest Picks

Going Dad’s Top Ten Pinterest Picks (2): Baby Play Ideas

04/09/2014 R.C. Liley 3 Comments

I’m an impatient dad when it comes to playtime. I was ready to start playing games with Avery right after cutting her umbilical cord at the hospital! But, I reluctantly held off.

Once we brought her home, I attempted playtime in some form or fashion on a daily basis. It wasn’t well received….

I kept trying, but she kept tight-lipped.

I'd be more amused if you actually shut-up, dad! — I’d be more amused if you actually shut-up, dad!

And then finally she acknowledged my stupid noises and facial expressions making them all worth my while!

Ha ha, hey, those dumb noises are kinda fun!

Now that Avery’s coming up on 5 months and is becoming more active every day, Kelley and I have been finding new ways to play and keep her entertained. Although she still can’t crawl, I feel the time is drawing near and she’s pretty good in her jumper or standing with our assistance.

At a loss of ideas for what to do with Avery now and in the near future, I sought out Pinterest for some fresh ideas. And thus, my list of top ten activities to do with your baby is born (semi-pun intended). Some ideas are good to do before your baby can even crawl, like Avery, and others are just great for when the time comes. Check them out and let me know if you’ve tried these or plan on trying soon. Enjoy!

1. Baby Treasure Baskets. This is simple and fun. I want to use fruit and veggies too!

2. Homemade Material Box. Save your tissues!

3. Homemade Sensory Bag

4. Discovery Bottles

5. Ball Pit!

6. Muffin Tin Sorter. I never made good muffins anyway!

7. Obstacle Course for Crawling. Pretty sure I’ll go through it too!

8. Baby Bounce. I just tried this with Avery, but all she did was stand and smile; no bouncing yet.

9. This is just a link explaining the benefits of “Peek-a-Boo”. Very interesting and I’m trying to do it more now!

10. 24 Activity Ideas to do with your Baby. Yeah, I know this isn’t one thing, but they are all pretty neat!

New Life, Parenting

Is Stay-at-Home Parenting a Job?

04/08/2014 R.C. Liley 3 Comments

You’re one person against one or more tiny people all dependent on you. While your significant other earns the family income by heading to work every day, you are feeding, changing, cleaning house (or trying), cooking, playing, shopping, washing dishes, and somehow, finding time to eat for yourself. Yep, you’re a stay-at-home parent, but is it a job?

I’m not claiming to be an expert with only 2 months under the elastic waistband in my shorts, but I feel confident in saying that stay-at-home parenting is NOT a job. Physically and mentally exhausting? You bet your messed up, cow licked hair it is, but it’s still no job.

Now before you go getting red-faced with anger, hear me out. Saying that being a stay-at-home parent is a job, is basically saying you really don’t want to be a parent. Yeah you have your good and bad days just like you would in the office, and your co-worker(s) can be unruly and hard to talk to at times, but you’re watching your offspring learn and grow.

Because of YOU, your children don’t have to be dropped off where they don’t see either parent for hours every day. I have no ill intent to those of you that do this, and I know we are fortunate to be able to make it work. As a stay-at-home parent, you will also be there to see all of the “firsts” and hopefully capture them on video to replay over and over.

Not only that, but you’re saving your family an expensive childcare bill. Even if you could afford it, wouldn’t you rather be the one helping to shape and develop how your little ones learn? I’m pretty sure the caretakers, with multiple kids to watch over, will never be able to give the same attention as you.

Plus, I would expect less trips to the doctor’s office since you are avoiding your kid coming in contact with other sick kids at the care facility. Yes, it will happen eventually, but hopefully not as often.

Going Mom, my dear wife, is the one with a job in our family. Words can’t express how much I appreciate her for all that she does for us. She has to head to work and leave us in the morning for most days of the week and then come home to be a mother. And a fine mother she is! Literally, I think she’s pretty hot! 🙂

Two cuties that are too cute. See what I did there? ; 0

For me, I despised going to work and sitting in an office. I’m a mover, constantly wanting to do something, and plugging away at a keyboard wasn’t doing it. Now, I am definitely moving and always have something to tend to. Both of these are stressing, but work stress actually hurt my health.

As a stay-at-home dad, I have greatly reduced my stress level and the symptoms I had before have gone. Now I am able to prepare meals for Kelley, care for our child, exercise, and at least try to keep the house in somewhat good shape. Before, I tried to juggle all of this on top of work and it drove me insane!

Kelley mentioned how she notices a difference in my attitude now that I’m at home, and I fully agree. With Avery in our lives, and me staying at home with her, we are all happier and healthier as a result.

So, is staying at home to raise your children a job? Nope, that’s would mean you’re an employee of sorts. I am proud to be a stay-at-home dad and love my form of payment in love from my wonder wife and beautiful baby. Plus, her smiles are like daily bonuses!