Autumn is a glorious season, one that I have not had the pleasure of experiencing for the last five years. I always felt a considerable loss as I went off to work during the autumn months year after year. With much anticipation my husband, son, and I returned to the Midwest with high hopes for cooler temperatures and the changing leaves of red, orange, and yellow.
Having endured late pregnancy during the hot summer months in the desert with my first pregnancy, I was particularly looking forward to the cooler temperatures that the Midwest would afford me during this pregnancy. When we arrived in the Midwest at the end of May, I was a mere eleven weeks pregnant and in the throngs of morning sickness. After a few cool spring like days, summer was in full force. The high temperatures were not exactly enjoyable in my second trimester and I longed for the cooler days of autumn. Although there is something to be said for a small baby bump in the heat compared to a large baby bump in the heat; the latter is clearly more uncomfortable!
The beginning of my third trimester lined up well with the onset of autumn. I was beyond ecstatic! I could comfortably wear a pair of jeans and a light weight long sleeve shirt (something that was impossible during the summer months). Even more than the comfort provided by the cooler temperatures was the glorious beauty of the changing leaves. Beholding such beauty does wonders for one’s state of mind, especially during pregnancy! Spending time outside was finally desirable! My husband and I took our son to the park more frequently to play without fear of melting. We also took every opportunity to visit the local organic apple orchard to enjoy the autumn weather and the artistry of the fall colors, not to mention the consumption of autumns greatest gift; apples fresh from the tree!
With autumn my motivation soared! I can say without hesitation that autumn is a great time to be pregnant!