Charlie's first hike
On Saturday, we had high hopes of going on a hike. We planned to make a day of it and even hoped to head out of town, possibly to the Ozarks. In my mind, we would pack a lunch and a couple of bottles and diapers for Charlie. We would gather up the dogs and head off to the mountains for a nice long hike in the crisp fall air. We would find a nice steep and winding trail alongside a stream and spend hours listening to the crunching leaves below our feet. We would see wildlife, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the day outdoors. In my mind, I hoped to introduce Charlie to the beauty of the natural world as I love to experience it. My dream of a truly granola day, however, did not turn into my reality.
Instead, we got distracted in the morning by actually getting to sleep a little later than expected (not a single complaint here!), feedings, laundry, groceries, etc. We weren't even ready to think about leaving the house until almost 2:00. By the time 3:00 rolled around, we decided that the only kind of hike we would be able to make that day was either in our neighborhood or at Shelby Farms. We opted for Shelby Farms.
While it's not the most environmentally appealling place, we were able to have a nice time. Neal and I took turns carrying Charlie in the Bjorn (you get a nice little workout with an extra 15+ pounds strapped to your gut!). Instead of the long, winding, leafy trail, we settled for the paved path around the park. Instead of the sound of a trickling stream nearby, we settled for the traffic on Raleigh LaGrange. We were, however, able to find a few meandering side trails that actually went through the small wooded area from time to time. Instead of scoping out a nice cool spot to have lunch, we found an empty table in a small picnic area where a large Mexican family was having a family reunion of sorts. And sadly, instead of being able to let the dogs run miles around us free of leashes, we had to keep them harnessed the entire time. Poor old Maggie is probably better off for that one, though.
So, my dream of a hike that we would of been able to pull off on a moment's notice a year ago was slightly splintered by our more immediate needs and lack of free time. Of course having Charlie has changed everything and makes it difficult for us to do some of the things we love and miss doing. But would I change it? Nope.
Instead, we got distracted in the morning by actually getting to sleep a little later than expected (not a single complaint here!), feedings, laundry, groceries, etc. We weren't even ready to think about leaving the house until almost 2:00. By the time 3:00 rolled around, we decided that the only kind of hike we would be able to make that day was either in our neighborhood or at Shelby Farms. We opted for Shelby Farms.
While it's not the most environmentally appealling place, we were able to have a nice time. Neal and I took turns carrying Charlie in the Bjorn (you get a nice little workout with an extra 15+ pounds strapped to your gut!). Instead of the long, winding, leafy trail, we settled for the paved path around the park. Instead of the sound of a trickling stream nearby, we settled for the traffic on Raleigh LaGrange. We were, however, able to find a few meandering side trails that actually went through the small wooded area from time to time. Instead of scoping out a nice cool spot to have lunch, we found an empty table in a small picnic area where a large Mexican family was having a family reunion of sorts. And sadly, instead of being able to let the dogs run miles around us free of leashes, we had to keep them harnessed the entire time. Poor old Maggie is probably better off for that one, though.
So, my dream of a hike that we would of been able to pull off on a moment's notice a year ago was slightly splintered by our more immediate needs and lack of free time. Of course having Charlie has changed everything and makes it difficult for us to do some of the things we love and miss doing. But would I change it? Nope.
i found you by going from one blog to another, starting with my daughter-in-law, (Shannon-click) to urf and on down the line. when i got to the nicu pics, i couldn't believe it. Is it Baptist? i work there, i wonder if i cared for cutie Charlie? small world. I will be following Charlie now. beverly
Posted by
Anonymous |
5:26 PM
Yes, he was in the Baptist NICU! He was born on May 1 and stayed for 7 days. I believe you may have taken care of him for a bit while he was there. We were sorry to miss the October reunion. We definitely appreciate all you do!
Posted by
Cathy |
2:50 PM