For most of my adult life, I would wish the summer away. Summer is hot, sticky, insufferable. After a few good beach days and cookouts, I am ready for crisp, cool weather, hoodies, and apple and pumpkin spice. But this year, my outlook on summer took quite a turn.

This was the first summer in a long time that I wished for it to stay. To stay warm and sunny for just a little longer. It might have to do with having air conditioning installed in my house, but it mostly is because I am seeing the season through a new pair of eyes: my daughter’s. (Let’s be real though, air conditioning is nice…)

This summer with Nora was one of my favorite summers of all time. I got to revisit the season through her perspective: licking a melting popsicle under the blistering sun (in her case, a breastmilk popsicle), feeling the cool grass on my toes, breathing in the smell of freshly-mown grass and watering plants, the scent of sunscreen and the sound of crashing waves. My baby was experiencing these things for the first time, and it was amazing to witness.

Nora loves the swing, and after a busy day at work, we would spend some time swinging and listening to the birds and neighbors relaxing in their yards. Some days, we would lie out on a blanket and look at the clouds, listening to music and practicing our tummy time (we have a crawler now). We went to a farm. We went to the beach. We went to my brother in law’s pool. We went to the park. We really enjoyed summer!

I will look back at this summer and remember it to be one of the best. I know that next summer will be better than ever.

Spooky season: We are ready for you!