The First Hints of Fall...

I know, it's been a while since I've posted anything here, but until last week, I didn't really think anyone was following. But, since I have found out that I do indeed have two fans (thanks Mom and Dad!), I thought I would get back into the habit of blogging. Besides, I had a great lead-in from The Diaper Diaries with her post about the things she loves about Fall, so here are my mindless ramblings...

This morning I had a sitter, so was able to run some errands that were much needed after a week of being away. Today, my normal harried schedule was interrupted by the realization that August is almost gone. Ever since I was a child, I have always felt that August had a very different smell and feel. I know it's a bit bizarre, but I'm a very sensory type person, with smell being very dominant. As I stepped out of my car in New Canaan, a very quaint Coastal New England town, I instantly had a whiff of August -- there was almost a smokey, earthy smell to the air. There was also a cool breeze, in spite of the warm temperatures. It is the great paradox of August; it is still very much summer, and yet the air has begun to smell and feel a bit more like Autumn. I have always found August to be a bit bittersweet: anticipation for the new school year mixed with sadness for the end of the lazy days of summer.

It's not surprising that this is the first year that August has been a bit heavier on the bitter than sweet. With the move this summer and the late onset of summer-like weather, it doesn't feel that I've had much of a summer to begin with. Add to it that Sophia begins Kindergarten in a week, and it is a bit of an emotional whirlwind. I am excited for her, but sad at the end of a phase of our lives that has become almost second nature. I know that she will thrive in school, but find myself saddened that her preschool years are at an end. I am very grateful that I've been able to stay home with her and that conditions have allowed us to forego preschool for learning at home. But still, I am personally sad to be losing my "baby."

I love fall and so am trying to focus on all the wonderful things that come with the change in seasons: apple picking, pumpkins, cool weather, the changing leaves, college football, and hearty cool weather foods. I can only imagine how beautiful North Stamford will be with the changing leaves. I'm looking forward to building a fire in my gorgeous stone fireplace. I am also excited about beginning this new journey of mother to a school-age child.