What October means to me as a new mother

Dear Readers, Out of the twelve months, October bears the most symbolic similarity to my experience as a new mother. This felt like a natural topic to write about as we turned the calendar today. In my region, we experience a sharp contrast of temperatures from day one to thirty-one. Many highs and lows, just like the emotional rollercoaster of the first twelve months of motherhood. This is the month of transition. In nature, from new life of spring to death in winter. In motherhood, from the newborn to infant stage. Tremendous change happens in thirty-one days. This month reminds me of my blog phases, seasons and temporary positions. Our little ones quickly go through phases, growth spurts, new mannerisms and regressions, and the leaves on the trees transform in a very short amount of time. This month, the array of colors we see is short-lived and bittersweet. I often use the term "season" when describing the experiences I am going through as a new mother because they come and go as quickly as the change in weather. I'll admit it's hard to fully appreciate some of them while you're in them though. To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted. Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2 Going into the tenth month of the year, nearly 11 months of motherhood, I am also reminded of the great changes that have occurred in me. I am much more comfortable with my new identity and feel at peace with my place in the world, especially compared to how I felt in the winter and spring. I am enjoying motherhood more as time goes on. The most important symbolic similarity between these two things is my fondness for October. And the joy I feel for being a mother. It is my favorite "season" and long before having our daughter, October has encapsulated some of my favorite memories and celebrations.

Fall also brings gratitude. Besides Thanksgiving, we will now have something very special to celebrate next month; Evie turns one year old.