Through the Eyes of a Babe
Maybe it just got lost amongst college planning, dates with my boyfriend, and the pursuit of coolness. But somewhere in my late teens, the holidays lost their magic. Sure, I would still get excited about the season of family gatherings, cookie baking, and Christmas music, but it just wasn’t the same. I don’t think I even carved a pumpkin from the years 2004-2008. I think I was just going through a shift that happens with a person becomes independent and tries to navigate adulthood. But when Phil and I decided to start our own family, one of the things I was most looking forward to was having the real chance to get excited again for the holidays. Decorating our home for the seasons could finally bring joy to someone besides myself. Traditions would become important once again, and we could experience the excitement of the holiday season through the sparkling eyes of our children.
This Fall, the Phil and I took Lucy to Maize Valley, a local farm that bustles with family friendly activities this time of year. They have a huge corn maze, a pumpkin patch, hot air balloons, hay rides, animals, games, and even a pumpkin cannon! Lucy was amazed at everything, and we were amazed at her amazement. It occurred to me that I was finally, genuinely enjoying seasonal traditions again, and that maybe this trip to the pumpkin patch was a bit more for me than for it was for Lucy. I mean, she probably won’t remember it, anyway. But it’s my hope that while she might not remember the specific moments when she first experienced the magic of Fall and the joy of Christmas, the lingering feelings of excitement and comfort will leave a deep impression in her tiny heart. These early experiences is how nostalgia is born, and I’m hoping we’re getting her off to a good start with plenty of warm fuzzies for the years to come!
I love this. My husband and I aren’t planning on having children, but this inspired me to bring some holiday traditions into our lives this year. Might as well do it during our first year married!
I noticed what looks like a new rug in the dining room? Where did that lovely Kilim rug go?
Don’t worry- it’s still around! :) I moved it to another room.
Beautiful photos! Perfectly fall!
This is such a great post! Where is that poppy print from? I love it!
Thanks! It’s vintage- I found it at a local antique mall
What beautiful photos. She’s such a little gem
Lucy is so adorable. And even if she doesn’t recall being there exactly, she will grow up with that sense of joy, wonder and tradition.
This is so cute and makes me a little sad that we don’t have a lot of fall traditions in Germany, no pumpkin patches, no Halloween, no Thanksgiving. I think when I’ll have a child I am going to start some of our own but until then fall just goes by without any fun memorable traditions.
Also Lucy gives me the biggest baby fever ever, she is so precious!
Love that Lucy matches her Mama! Great topic anyway, I have been thinking about re-living ‘same ole same ole’ experiences through the eyes of having children, too :)
<3 Megan
http://kiddotv.blogspot.com
Mandi,
Your little family is so precious it means me want to cry!
Ergh, *MAKES*
I was in the same boat when it comes to holidays. I didn’t start feeling excited for them again until I had a child of my own. This was her first year trick or treating, and she loved it! It’s great to be experiencing it again, but this time with my daughter. :)
Looks like you guys had a great time! It’s wonderful that there are events like that to go to.
She is beautiful!! yay to getting into the mush of parenthood and all that it brings!