fall bucket list

Fall happened. October happened. And suddenly it hit me that, oh my goodness, we're gonna have a new baby next month. Or maybe in a month. Or maybe, but hopefully not, this month (just depends on if he wants to arrive early like his sisters). With that realization comes a little bit of panic. I have to get Halloween costumes together. I have to start Christmas shopping. I have to stock up on stuff for the house. And clean. And organize everything. And maybe buy a pack of newborn diapers.  That would probably be helpful. Yep, that's a peek into my crazy mind. That's how it works and even I think it's irrational.

In reality, babies don't need much when they arrive, although the diapers are probably a good idea. The crib wasn't assembled when Laci was born. We didn't even have a house when Mia is born. I know, rationally, we will be fine. But right now, I'm also thinking, "I have to do All. The. Things."

So, this past weekend, we went to not one but TWO pumpkin patches. Yes, two. But they each served a different purpose, so both were necessary. 

On Saturday, my mom, sisters, kids, and I went to the little patch near our house. We stocked up on pumpkins and gourds of all shapes and sizes. The girls were excellent shoppers. So excellent that they filled our basket, and then some, within minutes.  I didn't even see half of what they put in there until I paid for it.

~ a trio of cousins ~

  ~ unsmiling child #1 ~

 ~ unsmiling child #2 ~

 ~ mia making sure harper doesn't eat the grass ~

On Sunday, Ryan and I took the girls to TJ Farms, which is more geared for the kids to have fun. And fun they had. We arrived when they opened so the girls were able to do the bounce house and climb on the straw without a bunch of bigger kids running around. We went on a hay ride, visited the animals, and picked our own pumpkin out in the field. Two hours later, we had two very tired girls who refused to fall asleep, not even on the 45 minute ride home. It was fun, and possibly one of our last outings as a little family of four. I cherished the simplicity of two kids who can walk and talk on their own.

 

 

 

~ children eating candy do not have time to stop and smile for their mother ~

I feel like that's one little thing checked off my fall (and pre-baby) bucket list. Now to tackle the dozen other things floating around in my head. The good news is, baby boy's arrival isn't dependent on my preparation. He will arrive when he wants to, ready or not. Otherwise, I may be pregnant forever, and no one wants that.