It’s that time again. Back-to-school items are appearing in stores earlier than ever. Just as I’m savoring the last bites of barbecued burgers, slurping down juicy watermelon, and enjoying leisurely afternoons by the pool, I’m confronted with the sight of bright crayon boxes stacked high, vibrant spiral notebooks flashing their colors, and those oh-so-familiar small bottles of glue. All of this is so jarringly displayed in what was just the sunscreen aisle a few short weeks ago.
Retailers, can we please pause for a moment? Can we call this moment SUMMER?
I still crave popsicles, sunscreen, hot dog buns, and playful beach shovels. My mind, along with my child’s, is still basking in the freedom of unstructured time. So when I see stacks of wide-ruled paper and protractors glaring back at me in the second week of July, it sends my stress levels soaring.
Honestly, I’m not prepared for this. Not at all.
There are still many lazy days ahead, mornings to sleep in, and lunches I don’t have to plan or pack. I need our seasonal experiences to be dictated by the joy of summer, not by the looming specter of autumn preparations. So for now, I’m happily tossing aside any fall catalogs and indulging in corn on the cob and ice-cold lemonade for a little while longer.
I have no doubt that in a month, after we’ve fully embraced every summer adventure, I’ll be joyfully wheeling my cart down the school supply aisle, perhaps even humming a tune of excitement.
And just after that, I can anticipate the arrival of Christmas trees in stores.
In the meantime, if you’re also navigating this journey of planning for parenthood, check out our post on couples’ fertility journeys through home insemination kits. It’s a valuable resource for those looking to start a family. Additionally, Emma’s inspiring story of motherhood after cancer is worth a read if you need motivation during this journey. And for those curious about the ins and outs of intrauterine insemination, this is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In conclusion, let’s hold on to summer just a bit longer before diving into the fall frenzy!