We went to the apple orchard this weekend. We go every year. The only difference this year was the fact that my baby, finally, was able to be in attendance.
There are a ton of apple orchards/pumpkin patches around the cities, but for some reason we’ve never been anywhere else. I grew up going to this particular orchard. Every year. First as a child, then as a teenager where I was able to bring my best friend (because my mom probably thought I wouldn’t go otherwise), and then finally with Chris, both while we were dating and well into the married years.
I think I always felt the absence of her more fully here than anywhere else.
I mean, sure, Christmas was always difficult while in the throes of infertility. Mother’s Day made me want to hide. There are a lot of holidays centered around children. There are a lot of outdoor events centered around children.
For myself, the apple orchard was The Place I wanted to be with my baby. I wanted her to experience the tractor ride, the corn maze. I wanted to pick out a pumpkin for her.
For six years I rode the tractor with my family, and walked the maze holding Chris’s hand.
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| October 2010 |
We cruised the pumpkin patch and ate apple pie with cinnamon ice cream. All with my heart breaking into a million pieces. Next year, I’d think to myself, next year hopefully I’ll be pregnant or have a baby with me. Maybe the next IUI will be it. Maybe this next IVF will be successful.
Last year was good. Last year I was pregnant and my heart.. didn’t feel like breaking.
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| October 2015 |
But this year. This year was better. Olivia will have no recollection of this day. Her only memory of her first trip to the apple orchard will be the pictures she sees of herself as she grows up.
But I will always keep this day close to my heart.
She had a blast. She loved the tractor ride. Actually, she liked watching the tractor wheel more.
She got plenty of love and kisses from her Grandma and Grandpa and two aunties. The weather was beautiful.
We won apples from the word-scramble inside the maze and Olivia thought eating one was pretty much the greatest thing ever.
The best part was finding a pumpkin for her. Not that she really seemed to care because Apple. She did at least humor us by giving it a three second curious peek before returning to her snack.
I bought her a costume off a local FB garage sale site, which was great because it will literally be worn for two hours. I’m so ready for Halloween.
It’s fall, y’all.
Oh how I LOVE this for you!! Makes my heart melt. I can't wait to take Bowen to the pumpkin patch this year. What is it with the wheels on everything? Give them wheels and they are happy. This is the last 'first' holiday for them..well officially anyway. They weren't really aware of Thanksgiving and Christmas last year so it's kind of a first for that too.
Those moments with those special places. Seeing them finally here to enjoy them with you. I can feel the joy radiating off of this post. And it is magnificent.
Wishing you many, many more moments. And can't wait to see Olivia's Halloween costume
I found out quick that if you let weather or not your child will remember the experience to dictate if you go some place, you will never leave the house! I'm so happy that you got to take your baby!
I'm so happy that you were able to take your sweet baby! Wait until next year – it was so much fun watching my toddler's fascination with everything!
Minnesota Parent has an article this month on the best pumpkin patches for kids in the Twin Cities! Thought you might like to check it out.
Ha ha! True story. Fabulous words to live by <3
Eeeeks! I know. I'm trying not to look too far ahead and live in the moment, but I really am excited for those moments when she can appreciate it.
Oooo yes! It would be fun to do another one if the weather holds out!
Gah! Thank you friend! I'm tearing up all over again.
Aww thank you! I know. And I need my "Bowen in a pumpkin patch" picture fix!
I know. She loves wheels. I need some more toys with wheels for her. 🙂 And yes! Obviously last Thanksgiving was wonderful, but I was recovering from pre-eclampsia and a CS and felt like a hormonal piece of crap, so this one will be better. Olivia can't wait to eat a Thanksgiving feast! And Christmas.. Well it's just going to be awesome for both of us!
It's great when you can re-live evets that we hard pre-baby. We never did a pumpkin patch or any other fall themed traditions, but my husband recently expressed that he can't wait to take Kate to one!
Looks like a great time! Glad you were able to take the little one. This is such a fun age, where they're so aware of everything and reacting to it.
Yes!!! That's actually a really good way of looking at it. Are you going to go to one? 🙂 I promise it's a blast! Especially with Kate being the age she's at.
Yes! She's at a great age now. She just looks around like she's so fascinated with everything.