As a kid, I never understood why adults would get all misty-eyed about the changing seasons. I mean, really? The transition from summer to fall is what gets you all emotional? Talk about a snooze fest!
Fast forward to today, and here I am, much to my own surprise, gushing about autumn with the same enthusiasm! Maybe it’s because, as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate nature’s beauty more. Or perhaps it’s that, as a parent, the seasons have a dramatic impact on the parenting gig. Or maybe I just get bored too quickly. Whatever the reason, I’m now finely attuned to the nuances of seasonal change, especially the five stages of fall:
1. The “I’m Done with Summer” Stage
Let’s be real: this stage kicks in around mid-August. The heat, the sunscreen, and the under-boob sweat? No thanks! The pool has lost its charm, especially with kids splashing everywhere. I’m exhausted from daily entertainment duties, and the sibling squabbles are driving me crazy! Seriously, if I have to referee one more argument about who’s better at video games, I might just lose it. How many days until school starts? I’m ready for summer to be over!
2. The “Pumpkin Spice Everything” Stage
Fall is absolutely fabulous! If it were a romantic fling, this would be the exciting phase where you send cute texts during the day, when morning breath feels delightful, and even loud chewing seems charming. Everything about fall is perfect during this stage: pumpkin spice lattes, kids back in school, earlier bedtimes providing precious “me time,” and cozy sweaters that hide all those little flaws. Nothing could make this season better—except for those stunning autumn leaves. Just imagine all the adorable photos of the kids playing in piles of leaves. Fall, you have my heart!
3. The “Leaves Are Turning! Oh Wait, They’re Gone” Stage
This is where fall starts to disappoint. The leaves looked gorgeous for about a day—maybe. Blink, and they’re gone! And those cute photos? Let’s just say they turned into a chaotic mess of stick sword fights and leaves stuck in hair and underwear. The crisp weather? Forget it—now it’s just cold. Mornings are filled with battles over clothing choices, and the “just put on your jacket!” screams echo through the house. Sure, the kids are in school now, but homework is a drag. And those beloved pumpkin spice lattes? They come with an unwelcome dose of calories!
4. The “It’s Only Going to Get Worse” Stage
So here we are, in the chilly phase. Sure, it’s not freezing yet, but we know what’s coming. Might as well enjoy the mild days while we can, right? Soon we’ll be knee-deep in mittens, snow pants, and boots—where did all the kids’ matching mittens go, anyway? Forget it; I’m heading to bed. It’s barely 5:30 PM, but it feels like midnight outside!
5. The “How Many Days Until Summer Break?” Stage
It’s officially cold—like, really cold. Snow might even be on the ground. And it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but holiday music is already grating on my nerves. Homework is a hassle, routines are tiring, and Starbucks stopped serving pumpkin spice lattes weeks ago. Those festive red cups have ignited yet another debate I don’t want to be part of. Can we just skip to summer break already? The pool sounds heavenly right about now. Fall has definitely overstayed its welcome. And winter? No thanks!
For more insights on navigating life’s seasons, check out this post on our blog at Home Insemination Kit. And if you’re on a journey to expand your family, Make a Mom offers great resources for couples. Plus, for anyone interested in fertility treatments, UCSF is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, the shift from summer to fall brings a rollercoaster of emotions for parents, from the excitement of a new season to the challenges of colder weather and the anticipation of summer once more.