One Year Down! Many More to Go.

Ever since I entered into the world of carriers, I have strived to share my love for outdoors with Lil' Chica.  It did not take long for me to realize that she was quite like most babies who would settle down from a crying episode once outdoors and in the fresh air. 

The outdoors has offered us one year of calm & tranquility and many hours of sleep.  Along the way, we met many friends, some of whom you will soon meet.

The Ergo Sport Carrier

We started the year trying out a few slings, wraps, and carriers before we settled on this one, Ergo Sport Carrier... not by choice but we were happy with it, all the same.  It was gifted to the family as a surprise from my Auntie Cindy.  

I had initially mentioned to her that we were looking for a sling for just around the house, but she would have none of what she called 'that thing that she could fall out of'.  Hmm... decided that we would get a sling any way.  But, no sooner than having finished our discussion, Auntie Cindy was out to the shops and had purchased an Ergo Sport Carrier.  I had not even tried it on!  I was hoping that it was not a waste of her money or time.  Luckily, it fit really well on both of us parents, and, more importantly, it fit really well on Lil' Chica.

Three Months Old in her Ergo Sport Carrier

Hiking is addictive, especially when one lives within a few km of 6 trail heads and is on maternity leave.  For the whole year, we got on the trails almost every day, especially once I realized that hot tempers and sleeplessness are cured in fresh air and in a cosy carrier.  Hiking also was a cure for my cabin fever.  Here we are in the fall; her head is almost fully peeking out of the top of the carrier.

Doing what we do best together -- hike!

Looking down at her eyelashes soon became one of my favourite sights on and off trail. Some of the winter accessories were the Hudson Bay Company scarf and her bib on a bad drooling day (they're still here).



It wasn't long before we created a network of hiking moms, some with carriers, to join us on our hikes. We soon found out that there were other hiker-addicts out there and that we could walk just about anywhere.

Here we are in the early spring at a Meetup walk at the zoo checking out the hippos.

The Lake Ontario was one of our favourite places to walk as part of our Meetup group. We usually ended up walking along Highland Creek and then along the lake every Friday. Much fun was had, and good friends were made along the way.

At the Glen Rouge Campground at the end of the Mast Trail.

Still in the Ergo, Lil' Chica hung out in the Rouge Park a whole lot. Here are a few hiker buddies who often hiked the more challenging Mast and Seaton trails -- Katie and Tizziana with their Lil' Chicas.

 

We also took in the breeze at the Altona Forest -- a hop skip and a jump from our home. Here we are at the north pond listening for frogs.

At some point in a baby's growth chart, something's gotta give. For example, a new carrier needed to replace the Ergo for longer walks. We looked into a second-hand Kelty Kids. After a few jaunts in the forest, we decided that the Kelty carrier would be best suited to shorter walks in and about the town where we'd need plenty backpack space but no headrest for sleeping.

Mother's Day 2012 was particularly special for me. Not only was it my first, but I was also gifted a brand-spanking new Deuter carrier by my partner, Chandran. Thrilled as ever with the fit, bells, and whistles, this is our current carrier of choice and will likely be our number one go-to for longer hikes for as long as Lil' Chicauses a carrier.

One of her favourite things to do in her Carrier is to Sleep

Every week of spring 2012, we would still meet up with out Meetup hiking group. At this point, we were getting close to the end of year one and I was trying to use every day for hiking. Here are a bunch of hiker parents at the half-way point of a 10k hike. We were just done our rest stop at the Beare Wetlands in the middle of Rouge Park.


Can you spot the two Deuter carriers?


Year one has been one of the best years of my life. Lil' Chica and I have a long way to go, if I have anything to say about it. So far I am happy that we both enjoy the outdoors and especially the trails. Many more experienced parents say to me, "Enjoy it while you can!" Soon enough, she'll have her own friends as buddies and will want to hang out 'sans moi'. I just did a Cathy 'Ack!!'. I plan to enjoy her company in a carrier and in my hiking boots for as long as she'll let me.

Rest Stop at the Glen Rouge Campground

Now that you've gotten to the end, leave me your thoughts on my first year and comments or suggestions for my year to come. Don't forget to join the site :o)