challenge 2011

The challenge is still accomplishing much with Teddy in tow. But it's so fun to just play with him that I don't mind. On Wednesday we went on a hike with Colorado Mountain Mamas and he dozed in the front carrier the whole time. Felt good to stretch my legs and meet some new people! Teddy was the youngest; the next oldest was seven months and on up to two years old. They were all in back packs except Teddy. I want to go again but there isn't one nearby before I go back to work. I'll keeping walking in our neighborhood - it's plenty hilly! Haven't attempted a walk with crazy Luna and Teddy at the same time yet. Sounds dangerous.

Speaking of walking ...unfortunately I'm going to skip the 50-mile Challenge Walk this year because it falls on the same weekend as my cousin's wedding in the Midwest. And Teddy will still be so little. And my big donors could use a year off (I will fundraise for Hike MS but not ask my entire donor base nor set my goal as high as usual). But I am COMMITTED for Challenge Walk 2012 as is Lauri. Join us? Plenty of time to think about it...

I think this picture looks like one of those fancy schmancy baby photos you see on people's walls and greeting cards but it's just one that Jesse took of Teddy on our bedspread. Love it!

yards

Jesse did some weed-o-ing (I call it weed whipping) last week to our non-native grasses and planted Treena outside where I'm sure she'll be very happy. That means it's really spring! Maybe almost time to take the warm comforter off our bed. Except it snowed last week too. Can't wait for summer. He also trimmed some of the low dead branches off the big trees (with Luna and Lucie as "helpers" - Lucie is the firefighters' puppy who we watched for a day) and found two junipers in the process. You have no idea how excited he was. He's been wishing we had junipers ever since we moved in! He also planted a little aspen that I really hope survives!
I wonder if I'll ever sew again. I was thinking that the two big drawers I have my sewing stuff in in the family room would be great for toys. I should probably box my stuff up and put it in the attic for a while - share the space with Teddy.

Last Tuesday I met a gal for lunch at the little restaurant/bar down the road. It was my first solo outing with Teddy and a success! This week I'm taking him for a hike with the Colorado Mountain Mamas - he'll be in the front pouch. I've gone for several walks with him in the pouch and am optimistic about it.

Hoping for several nanny interviews this week. Think positive thoughts!

exploration

A couple of months ago Jesse found a local off-roading group that is families - some with very young kids. Maybe this summer we'll meet them and go for a trip. He also booked two camping trips for our little family; he's very ambitious. As long as it's warm enough I think we'll be okay. Us in a tent with loony Luna and a portable crib... should be interesting.

I've been looking for activities and baby classes or mom groups so I can meet some people out here in the foothills and try to make friends with kids close in age to Teddy. No luck so far. Going on a Mountain Mamas hike with Teddy in the front carrier in a couple of weeks. Been practicing with him in the front carrier when I can - for both of us.

Having lunch on Tuesday with a gal who lives nearby and responded to my craigslist nanny share post. The nanny share won't work but it seems like we have quite a bit in common so we thought we'd meet. It will be my first solo outing with Teddy.

Speaking of hiking, I think Jesse and I are going to do Hike MS at Royal Gorge in September. Maybe with my cousin Eric who will hopefully be moved out of Kansas by then. Gotta keep moving toward an end to MS!

Back to the childcare hunt.