Good news, all: Fall has officially arrived. This means that it’s fair game to wear all the scarves and sweaters and boots we want, drink frothy beverages our hearts' content, and spend our days roaming around pumpkin patches and through piles of dried leaves. What a time to be alive, right? Personally, this is my favorite time of the year, but now that I’m a mom I can’t help but notice how Fall is different once you have a kid. It’s still great, don’t get me wrong, but in ever-so-slightly different ways than before.
Perhaps it’s because I’m originally from the Northwest, but I associate the change in seasons with coziness and comfort. I’m a homebody by nature, and it seems like Fall gives me permission to embrace some of my favorite things (things that you normally find and enjoy in your home. For example, during Fall you can have all the snuggles, fuzzy blankets, coffee mugs, and comfort food you want, without someone so much as raising an eyebrow (or worrying about your mental health, especially if you're having all of the above during the summer when it's ridiculously hot outside). Sadly, however, my two-year-old son hasn’t quite discovered how this all is supposed to work. Instead, he’s still eager for the same level of adventure and outdoor activity he got to experience in the summer.
Still, we’re working on it and I'm sure, if he takes after me in any capacity, he'll be rolling around in leaves and enjoying sweaters and snuggles before I know it. Until that glorious day, and in the meantime, I can’t help but notice all the ways Fall is different with him around:
Your Steamy, Delicious Beverages Will Get Cold Before You Finish Drinking Them
If microwaving my coffee is wrong, I don't want to be right.
The Mud In Your Home Is Next-Level
OK, technically our dog contributes to this, too. However, it's still a problem. Also, can we please talk about what it means to now care about the mud in your home?
Your Scarves Are A Weapon Used Against You
My son doesn't quite understand that it's just on my neck for warmth and appearances. He seems to think it's needs to be pulled like an old-timey door knocker, or that it's a special toy of some sort.
You’re Not Always Free To Go Frolic In The Woods
Even when a day of frolicking in the woods seems like a possibility, it will take three hours to get out the door because someone will need eighteen snacks and two diaper changes.
You Have To Share Blankets
Before I had a child, I used to get the couch and blankets to myself. Now? Well, now I share them with my toddler. I'm not complaining, though. I'm thinking about keeping my house unseasonably cold next summer so the trend continues, because snuggle time is the best time.
The Photo Opps Are Off The Charts
Even I have a hard time messing up photos of my kid hugging pumpkins or playing in leaves. If I can capture those moments, anyone can.
Crunchy Leaves Are Less About Scenery And More About Art Projects
I've already started clearing wall space for the masterpieces to come these next few weeks. Also, does anyone know any tricks for laminating leaves? Asking for a friend, of course.
The Shorter Days Throw Off Bedtime Routine
Is anyone else in total denial about Daylight Savings Time? If we just ignore it this year, do you think it'll go away?
You Have To Let The Soups Cool Before Eating Them
My son definitely takes after his mom, in that he enjoys a bowl of broccoli cheddar just as much as the next guy. However, it totally throws me off that we have to sit and wait until we can eat it. Who knew parenting would be so difficult?
Halloween Costumes Make Your Heart Explode
Halloween costumes are not only infinitely more adorable, they're much tougher to choose from now, too. Perhaps it's because two-year-olds look cute in everything, but I'm having an especially tough time deciding this year.
Outside Time Is Even More Precious
Perhaps because we had to layer up to get there, or because we know the temperature will drop again in a few months, but I have to bite my tongue to keep me from saying, "Enjoy it while you can, son." Because really, he's a bit too young for ominous threats.
Pumpkin Patch Visits Are More Epic Than A Beyoncé Concert
OK, to be fair, I've never actually been to a Beyoncé concert. However, I imagine that they are mind-blowing and ridiculously spectacular. Lucky for me, that's how I feel about visiting the pumpkin patch with my kiddo. Yes, I'm a bit obsessed but still, everyone wins, right?
