Camping

We took an overnight camping excursion on Monday--just the four of us. N and I had been lamenting the fact that we hadn't braved the outdoors in over two years. And since that last trip had been while I was pregnant and we had a two-year-old, we figured on the heel's of C's having just turned two and my being with child again, it was the perfect time to pull the tent and sleeping bags out of mothballs.

Camping has changed a lot in the past decade for N and I. We used to load our supplies on our backs and hike to beautiful mountain lakes where it was just us and the bears taking in the scenery and breathing the clean air. These days we load up the car with sleeping bags and heavy quilts, fill the ice chest with hot dogs and sodas and park on a gravel slab just paces away from the next gravel slab where another family is schlepping out its gear and mapping the way to the nearest restroom.

But we've come to accept our limitations and they did not hinder our enjoyment of a night under the stars this week. Our campground was 20 minutes away from our house and overlooked a beautiful lake and boulder-freckled hillsides. The kiddos got to inspect cactus spikes up close and watch soft brown rabbits and tiny prehistoric lizards scurry around in their natural landscape. We attempted to catch fish and gathered firewood. We flew our C's new kite. We snuggled inside our cozy tent and everyone slept well. L loved the whole experience. C asked to go home several times and complained about having to use his little green potty outdoors: "Go potty--bathroom."

By Tuesday morning, reeking of smoke and feeling refreshed by the gorgeous views and slower pace, we packed up and headed back to the city. L wished aloud that we could live at the campground for good and is already making plans for our next excursion. We're happy she's taken a liking to something so dear to our hearts and we know as the children get older these trips will be easier and increasingly more fun for everyone. With New Baby on the way, we know our flexibility will continue to be limited for a while, but not forever.

Upon our return, C came down with a fever that has lasted a couple of days, and we've returned to a busy week. L has recital activities several days this week, C has a check-up with our pediatrician today and we wrap up swim class this afternoon for L.

Oh, and yesterday was my first appointment with our midwife group at the birth center where we plan to have New Baby. I was pleased with my experience overall and feel it really fits our birthing philosophy. The best part: C and I got to hear New Baby's heartbeat for the first time. That first listen to the only sound our baby makes at this fragile stage of life was like peering behind the curtain for a glimpse of something truly amazing in the making. Even the third time around, I am in awe of this precious responsibility of growing a new person. And it's all happening in the very midst of our busy days.