So she hasn’t even started to crawl yet, but it’s never too early to start working on “the walk”. Right? Right.
Avery is great at getting her legs up under her, but she’s still not sure what to do with her arms. So when she’s on her stomach, she’s usually like this….
But she’s figuring things out every day, so it’s only a matter of time. I’m not sure if we should be scared or excited. Both? I guess being a parent pretty much means you’re always scared and excited, huh?
It’s evident that Avery wants to be like Mommy and Daddy and stand on her own legs like us. Every time we stand her on her feet, she cracks a big smile and sometimes lets out a high-pitched bird sound. Not sure what it is, but it’s cute and usually means she’s happy.
On most nights now, our routine will include Avery doing what we call “the cat walk” on our kitchen island to keep her happy. Since naps are becoming scarce, Avery isn’t always the happiest of campers in the evening, but she really gets focused while on her feet.
Apparently, I do too! Depending how tired she is, Avery will either let her feet hang as I hold her…
….or she’ll put on a show and strike a pose as she “walks” back and forth across the island.
I know she has a while before she actually walks, but this fun for Going Mom and me to see our daughter enjoying herself and it’s great exercise! Sometimes exercise can be tiring though, so we’ll let Avery take a break and sit at the island.
I guess she’s not too thrilled about sitting on Mommy and Daddy’s head yet. At what age does that happen? Right now she seems unsure of what’s going on. Probably because she is unsure of what’s going on….hmmmm.
Confused on Dad:
Confused on Mom:
Hey at least we both look cool! No?
Oh well, I wanted to make sure and note how Avery is showing signs of mobility other than rolling and hope to post on her next “first”.
When did your baby first start to crawl? Walk?
Know anyone whose baby skipped crawling and went right to walking?
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?
Avery: Dad, why do you always have that thing in front of your face while making silly noises at me?
Me: I’m sorry, Avery, I didn’t know it bothered you so much. This thing is called a camera and it is used to take pictures of things. In my case, I love taking many pictures of you because you are just sooooo beautiful!
Avery: A camera, huh? How does it take pictures?
Me: Well, this is a DLSR camera and images it captures are saved to a memory card inside the camera. Here’s a quick description from the How It Works website:
“A DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera employs a mechanical mirror system that directs the light travelling through the attached lens upwards at a 90 degree angle allowing the photographer to compose the shot through the viewfinder. As the shutter button is pressed the exposure takes place: the mirror swings out of the way and the shutter opens allowing the lens to project the light on to the image sensor.”
Avery: I just pooped.
Me: Oh crap……ha ha, pun intended. Okay, bad joke, let me get you changed. How about that blue cloth diaper you seem to love so much in this picture?
Avery: Dad, you’re the one who likes that diaper so much. But sure, I’ll take it if it will make you happy.
Me: No, not really.
Avery: Oh…….
Me: Okay, all changed into a dry diaper! And about what I said, I was just kidding, you ALWAYS make me happy!
Avery: Really? Phew, I was getting a little sad. You and Mommy make me happy too. Except when you put me on my stomach…..I despise that.
Me: Yeah, Daddy just likes to joke around a lot. You may as well get used to it now because I’ll only get worse as you get older. But, you and I can work together to get mommy really good! Plus, Mommy is the one who always wants you on your tummy.
Avery: Hmmm, I don’t know if she’d like that. Oh, and I know it’s you always saying “It’s Tummy Time” right before bed when I’m already exhausted from crying and sitting in my chair. So don’t blame Mommy you meany. Are you sure it’s not bad for us to play jokes on Mom?
Me: Of course not! It’s all for fun and games and mommy loves games! But, you have to promise not to tell her when we have something planned. Can you keep a secret?
Avery: I won’t say a word.
Me: Okay, good, thank you. Also, there will be times when you do something for the first time while mommy is working, but we have to keep those a secret too. So, when mommy is home and you do that thing again, we will act like it’s the first time. Then, everyone is happy, okay?
Avery: Mmmmm, I don’t know. What’s in it for me?
Me: Well, maybe I’ll do less Tummy Time when you are already extremely tired.
Avery: Seriously, that’s all you have to offer? Weak.
Me: Okay, okay, I know that’s a lot of secrets…… How about Mommy and I extend bath time and I won’t wrap you in a swaddle where your arms can’t move anymore?
Avery: Yes, that is a lot of secrets, but okay, my lips are covered. Literally, see?
Me: Ha ha, I like your sense of humor. I wonder where you get that from? At least secrets aren’t lies though; lies are bad and we don’t tell lies in this house.
Avery: Yeah, no lies, not telling those to Mommy.
Me: Okay, thanks again sweetheart. Now hold on, I need to get something in the kitchen but I’ll be right back.
Avery: Hey Mom, guess what dad said!!
An at-home dad on a mission to keep it real when it comes to food, fun, and raising a healthy, happy family.
