Every day, Nora and I play outside for at least 2 hours.
We usually go out in the morning for about an hour — sometimes more. And then we’ll go out in the afternoon again. If she’s really lucky, Dave will take her outside again when he gets home from school.
She LOVES being outside.
If she has too much energy to burn, we go outside.
If she starts crying and I can’t figure out why, we go outside.
If she gets fussy, we go outside.
If she’s SO tired but refuses to take a nap, I stick her in the stroller and she’s almost always asleep before I get to the end of the driveway (we do have a long driveway… but still!)
We have a one-acre lot with all sorts of trees, bushes, plants, grass, rocks, sticks, and paths — so there are plenty of places to explore every day.
And every day, we find something new to explore.
She is never as calm as she is when we’re outside. She’s mesmerized by it all, and almost always content… even when she falls, scrapes her hands, bumps her head, or stubs her toes.
No matter how bad our day is inside, all her troubles magically disappear when we walk out the door.
So far, we’ve had an absolutely beautiful Fall — and I’m thankful for every moment of sunshine that allows us to be outside. Some days, it’s the only time she’s content and “still”.
Dear Lord, please give us a mild winter!
Lydia@ Five4FiveMeals says
She is so cute! I love how babies love the great outdoors. It’s so strange to me that y’all are bundled up already. We are in south, south, south Alabama near the beach and fall just came over the weekend. And by fall I mean it got down to 76 degrees.
Julie says
Maybe in your spare time 😉 check out some montessori or waldorf blogs/websites. They also believe in being outside everyday no matter what the weather. If you look around they also have some ideas/activities to do outside. Love this post and I have found the same thing for my 4 kids!! Outside always calms the soul!!
susie says
She is one smart cookie! figured out right away that outside is best! we are hoping for a mild winter for the same reason.
Karen Davis says
Hi! Just started reading your blog recently….love it….and your little girl sounds like her Mama, likes to be busy…one day she may be your best helper! Sincerely, Karen
Sara says
This is one of my favorite posts ever on your blog :). I love how you keep it so real. Is she sleeping any better with all that fresh air? Will join you in praying for a mild winter! 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks Sara!
Jelli says
My little girl loves being outside too. Here in the tropics, we’re blessed with great weather year-round, but that does mean she has lots more species of bugs to investigate in and out of her mouth. She’s a real fan of eating dirt clods too. Ick. Loved your photos.
Katie says
Ha! That last line cracked me up 🙂 We are praying for the same thing for the same reason!
Linda Bolt says
Love this! So great for kids to grow up playing outside. Hope Nora will also enjoy the snow!
Kendra says
My little 9-month old (tomorrow!) LOVES being outside, as well. Every single time he is fussy, the second we head out the door, he is happy and pumping his arms in delight! We just moved to a very hot climate, so it was tough the first two weeks we were here, but it’s finally bearable outside here. It’s the fresh air!!
Roberta Lott says
Maybe you need to gather up some of the things she plays with outside, like the leaves and dried grass, etc., and make her a ‘outdoor’ box inside. Like a sandbox type thing with those things in it. Might keep her busy for a bit once the snow starts blowing. And for winter, instead of fighting the stroller on snowy days, maybe get a sled you can pull her in. Could blanket that little girl up and pull her around, she would love that. Good luck. She is the most darling little thing, hard to imagine she is such a handful.
Jen says
Nora, Nora, Nora the Explorer!
Sorry. Sorry for that.
I think it’s awesome that she loves the outdoors. So many textures, smells, sounds, and at her age…tastes. lol
Terri says
It is amazing what a little sunshine and nature can do to your soul. LIttle Nora the Explorer….. she is a cutie!!! Enjoy 🙂