Back out in the world- Lucias first Trip

Hello,

It’s been a while, but life has shifted in the best way. With Lucia growing, we’ve found ourselves stepping back into the world—this time with her by our side. Not too long ago, I felt frustrated, like everything was on pause. Now it’s turned into a new rhythm, where hikes, road trips, and even my photography carry a different meaning.

This past trip to Sedona was special and Lucia didn’t just come along—she thrived. There’s something powerful about seeing her take in the world for the first time. She won’t remember it, and she might not fully know what’s going on, but the calm curiosity—the way she settles into new

environments—constantly reminds me to slow down. What once was so hard for me to do, has now become something I truly enjoy.

Of course, traveling looks different these days. Long drives are no longer about waking up, grabbing a bowl of cereal, and pushing through nonstop. They’re strategic: Lucia wakes up, we feed and change her, let her burn off some energy, and then hit the road during her morning nap. Two hours later she’s awake, we stretch another 30 minutes, then stop for breakfast to let her play. The soundtrack is no longer just music and podcasts—it’s baby toys, feeds, and plenty of diaper changes. Overall, she did amazing: minimal tears, lots of naps.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about the long drives, the trails, or the 90-degree heat with a five-month-old. But she handled it all. Awake and curious for the first part of the hikes, then usually asleep in the carrier. The changing settings and temperatures didn’t faze her; she simply looked around with wide eyes, curious and calm, smiling more than I could have hoped for.

One of my favorite parts was watching how she’s at a stage where I can point and she follows—curious, wanting to see and grab everything. She’s happy just sitting and observing, while I tend to crave movement and action. That’s where Sofia comes in. Usually, I’m the one climbing rocks, chasing peaks, or jumping into cold rivers, while Sofia hangs back from the more extreme stuff. Now, Lucia has become her perfect companion in those moments. It’s a balance I didn’t know we needed: I’ve learned to slow down, while they’ve found joy in being the steady explorers together.

And then, there was the camera. Picking it back up in Sedona felt like reconnecting with an old friend. I felt a bit rusty, but the red rocks, rivers, and canyons make it easy to fall back into rhythm. Looking through my 300+ shots, I can see the balance that defines my life right now: landscapes and baby photos side by side, both holding equal weight.

I’m excited for more road trips, hikes, naps, and snapshots with my little family of three (four with Bosko). This trip was just the beginning, I am excited to see what is to come and how it all plays out.

Thanks for reading.

This blog’s quote: “The grass is greener not on the other side, but where you water it.”