It’s Mat Leave Monday! Today I’m talking about getting out of the house and walking.
When you’re at home alone for months with a small baby, you can start to feel pretty cooped up. A person can only watch so much daytime TV before it starts to wear. But what to do? With an infant in tow your options are somewhat limited. You may not have any friends with kids. And you’re probably also hoping to regain some semblance of your pre-baby physique.
My completely anecdotal, non-scientific observation is that the go-to activity for most moms is to just get out and take a walk. On any given weekday the suburban sidewalks are populated with moms and babies. Sometimes there is a dog, husband or older child along for the trek. Occasionally moms walk in pairs or larger groups – in fact, there are even some walking clubs out there. Usually, though, it’s one mom, one kid and a stroller.
With baby Jacob I have started walking regularly. Instead of a stroller I opt for a baby carrier. Being worn quickly lulls the little guy to sleep, and it also allows me to choose routes that the stroller couldn’t handle (stairs, anyone?). Add a small umbrella, a cell phone, and $10 and we’re ready for pretty much anything.
In the past couple of months of regular walking, my fitness level has improved. I’m covering more ground more quickly, even uphill. I’ve also started really exploring my neighbourhood. You notice things when you’re out walking that you don’t see from a car. There’s no better way to get to really know an area than to walk around it. I especially love all the little urban oases, patches of green in the middle of a city.
The problem I’m facing is that it’s now November. I can handle a little bit of rain, but raging downpours are no fun. And it’s getting colder by the day as well. I’m not sure that I’ll be able to keep up my regular walks once winter really arrives.
I could, of course, head indoors and walk the mall. In fact, there are even stroller fitness classes at my local shopping centre. I’m not sure that’s what I really want, though. I’m trying to cut down my spending while I’m on maternity leave, and spending more time at the mall runs counter to that goal. Also, I’d miss the experience that my outdoor treks provide.
I think that I’ll keep trying to get outside with my little one in tow. Maybe I’ll just have to add Starbucks to my route, for a little something to keep me warm in the cold weather. Lord knows there are enough of them in my neck of the woods. Because, you know, I live on Planet Earth. 
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