Why I Take My Baby Outside in Below Freezing Weather

When I found out I was having a summer baby, my first thought was, "THANK GOD! I won't be cooped up!" Only I was. It was hot as f*@& and the reality check that taking a newborn baby outside with a blazing hot sun probably wasn't the wisest idea hit hard and fast. For the first time in my adult life, I sat inside with air conditioning (R bought and installed an air-conditioner hours before he picked us up from the hospital). It sucked. 

Around the 4-week mark of her little life, something amazing happened. I finally got up the courage to wrap her in a Moby close to my chest and take her on a golden hour walk. And you know what she did? For the first time in her life, she relaxed. Eyes closed, she lifted her face to the sun and I swear, she let out a sigh of relief and basked in all its glory. She wasn't crying (this was a first!) and she melted into me in way that said, "You finally figured it out, mom." I shed a little tear of joy. My daughter, just like me, NEEDS to be outside.

It still took a while for me to be comfortable taking her outside in too much heat, or at mid day, but from that point on, even if just to stroll our back yard, we were on a mission to be outside. I wish I could fully articulate the complete mind and body shift we both go through as soon as we get our daily dose of fresh air. We're both calmer, we each sleep better, and as cliche as this may be, we are understanding one another on a greater level. 

Which is why I take her outside, even now, when it's below freezing. As the saying goes, "There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." Obviously, within reason, but you get the point. Regardless of the weather, going outside is an absolute necessity.