hiking with the ergo - lovin' it!

On Monday, Jack and I took our first ergo trip. For anyone reading this, who does not know what an Ergo carrier is, let me explain! This is a baby/toddler carrier, that is designed to be used with newborns - toddlers (up to 40 pounds). You can use it as a forward, back, or hip carrier. I have a couple of slings and carriers that I've used with Jack, but they don't work well anymore, because he has become too heavy for me to comfortably carry him in my front or hip carrier (I actually sold the hip carrier already) and he does not seem to enjoy the sling anymore(which is a convertible one, so we now use the hip carry position, but he's still not really liking it). The Ergo has been highly reviewed online and friends, in real life, have also raved about it...thanks, Suzanne, Alli, and Teresa! Since I love to do lots of exploring with Jack, it's so much easier to carry him in a carrier, rather than use the stroller or carry him in my arms. I wanted to get something that would be comfortable for both of us, something that could still last a while longer for Jack, something that Jeff would use, and something that could be used for a newborn baby (whenever that time comes, God willing). The Ergo seemed to fit all of those desires, so I made the leap and purchased it!

If our first trip was any indication, I think we made a wise decision. Jack and I hiked at the nature center for over an hour, and I could barely feel him on my back. He weighs 20 pounds! I was totally enjoying our walk and our ability to walk across bridges and down steps, without worrying about navigating a stroller. It was such a lovely hike! We hadn't been able to hike many of the different trails, previously, because they are not extremely stroller-friendly. The trees, the leaves, the water.... everything, just seemed so much more vibrant and beautiful with our new found "freedom." Jack jabbered away in his own baby language and acted so content to be riding on my back. He also had a good view of everything, which was probably pretty fun for him. Yesterday also happened to be a picture perfect day. The weather was about 55-60 degrees, sunny, and breezy. Add some foliage to that mix and you've got an idyllic fall day! Here are some pics from our hiking adventure.