It's in the air.

Growing up in Pennsylvania, I was definitely spoiled by the beautiful changing leaves and that brisk, not cold, weather that sticks around for months and inspires the baking of loaf after loaf of pumpkin bread. Around this time of year, when summer starts to fade and cool air greets us, I always get an itch for being a kid again playing in the cornfields until sunset and visiting Funk's pumpkin patch. Here in Boulder, we haven't quite reached full blown fall, but it's in the air. The past few weeks have brought some relief from the summer heat, and the classic bright sun and blue skies are in the forecast for the next fifteen days. It's absolutely gorgeous albeit different from fall on the East Coast. It's the perfect weather for just being outside and for snuggling up on the sofa. It's rare that the two happen at once. Next week marks the Chinese Moon Festival, the beginning of autumn, and our little baby's projected birthdate. In Chinese culture, femininity is strongly associated with the moon. The moon will shine full and bright on the 22nd, reminding us of the balance of yin and yang. Somehow it seems natural that I'll be becoming a mother around the Moon Festival and during a season where I feel most connected with my childhood. It just feels right.