I’m sure that I am not the only parent out there who is eager for the snow to melt away and the temperatures to rise. While there are many wonderful things to do indoors during the colder months, I am looking forward to being able to go outside with Dylan more often. Today, we got a taste of springtime and it has me ready for more.
Throughout the winter I have tried to ensure that Dylan gets to spend time outdoors on a regular basis. He loves to be outside, especially if it involves digging in the snow. Of course, even if you bundle your toddler into a thick snowsuit with a hat, gloves, and boots, they can not stay outside for very long especially if it is very cold. We have had to forego the outdoor adventures on some days when the yard is icy, for both of our safety. I’m rather pregnant and a fall on ice would be a very bad thing for me. If he fell on ice I would feel terrible even if he did not get hurt thanks to a well padded snowsuit.
Around noon today, I realized that the walkway looked rather wet. I opened the door and stuck my head outside. It must have been about sixty degrees out there. Dylan was right there beside me, and he asked me whether it was warm outside. I told him that it was and that we could get dressed to go out and play. He was so excited and so was I.
Once we had all of our outdoor gear on, we went out to the yard. He was delighted to see that he could dig in the snow with his shovel today. Yesterday he could not because it was very cold and the snow was as hard as a rock. I enjoyed the warmth of the sun while watching him dig, splash, move sticks around the yard, and otherwise make the most of a warm and wonderful afternoon. I’m sure that as the weather gets warmer we will be spending a lot of time in the yard. With Dylan’s baby brother due in mid April, the ability to go outside all together just might help Dylan with the transition from only child (AKA Center of the Universe) to big brother.
Are you excited to get some more outdoor time with your toddler?