Pumpkins, Apples, and Many Smiles

 

Did you know that apple season in Virginia begins in August and lasts for about three weeks?  The fact that this still come as a shock to me explains why we always end up out in the orchards when there are only a couple of sorry apples clinging to the branches.  Remember next year.  August, Adele (but can you really get into apple picking when the pool is still open?  Hrmph).

Thankfully, the end of apple season means the beginning of Pumpkin season, so we still had plenty of gathering to do.  And did you know that Virginia is the most beautiful state?  Beaches, mountains, farmland.  You can try to convince me otherwise, but I will warn you that you will not succeed.  Virginia, my friends.

We headed back east with six pumpkins (four for pie, two for carving), half a bushel of apples (from the farm stand) and a bit of wanderlust satisfied for the weekend.

When we took the picture of the kids up against that barn wall, Hugo liked it so much that he refused to leave.  He just kept running back and proudly pressing his back up against the wall.  That boy is 50% snuggles, 30% cuteness, and 20% mischief based on my mommy approximations.  And of course we adore him for it.

And do you see someone sneaking an apple in the orchard?  Can someone please call the orchard police?

I have gotten so many sweet emails, notes, phone calls, and texts these past weeks.  People have been asking how we are doing, and I am happy to report that we are doing incredibly well.  The first week was shockingly difficult, the second still quite hard but easier, and today we are much more peppy and optimistic.  Of course we will never forget, but we have started to heal.  We have been able to get here by being very open with our grief (we found this book to be helpful in talking to our kids about pregnancy loss: thanks, Irene!), taking every possible moment to count the blessings in our lives, and no doubt by the many prayers that have been offered for us.  I have deep love and compassion for all of the families and women who have gone through this.  I can understand that it often takes a lot of time to deal with such a loss, and I would say, if you're going through this, be gentle with yourself and accept your sadness for what it is, knowing that healing takes time, but gives great comfort when it arrives.