Today: Passing through.

I’ve always looked at spring and fall as transition times, not giving them the full respect of actual seasons.  Spring gets us to summer (Thank you, Jesus).  And fall gets us to winter (Happy Birthday, Jesus… and, in the case of winters such as the last one, Help us, Jesus).  These are months for passing through, for preparing.

This has never felt more true than this year, as I look ahead to our son’s arrival and attempt to (sort of) have my act together before that moment.  I’ve made lists (and added to them, like… an unhealthy amount). I’ve even accomplished several items on those lists.  I’ve pinned all kinds of crap to Pinterest boards and tried to imagine what the holidays will be like with a newborn and a nearly-two-year-old (the words magical and wild come to mind… I like both).  I thought about making and freezing food to tide us over on the most wild days… but I mostly just ate it.  

I’ve Googled things like “How do you dress up yoga pants?” and “Okay, but what if I no longer own a Beadazzler?” and “Skinny black tuxedo pants are out of the question” and “Does dry shampoo really work miracles?” and “Right, but it’s possible that I haven’t showered in days.” and “Why are you being so mean, Google! In this imaginary scenario, I JUST had a baby!”  And then I feel badly for wasting twenty minutes that could have been spent organizing baby clothes or making homemade jam for Christmas gifts.  Or, you know… napping.

My mind was feeling particularly busy this morning.  I must have been making more lists in my head on the way to Grace’s gymnastics class (which is basically the most amazing, most adorable hour ever), because I pulled into the parking lot without remembering most of the 30 minute drive. 

I’m doing all this preparing and passing through, and completely missing the view.  This is an actual season, despite my being prejudiced against orange and yellow and red and brown and turkeys.  It’s one that provides the opportunity to (spoiler alert!) dress Grace like a strawberry and Clark like a banana, stick them in a very oversized yogurt cup (that I need to invent) and call them a smoothie.   It’s one that makes me kind of itchy, but doesn’t make my hair frizzy… so I can forgive the allergies.  It’s one that brings us apples (and therefore, apple crisp) and leggings and dark nail polish and hot tea.

Instead of just passing through, I’m trying to stay for a while. 

Also On Tap for Today:

• Debate night!
• Speaking of dark nail polish, I’m very tempted to book a pedicure for… immediately
• Your checklist for doing fall right via The Kitchn

What’s on your fall checklist?