october

I love this time of year. The leaves are nearing peak color in the Twin Cities, and it is the perfect time for walking along the Missisippi River Boulevard in all its red and orange glory. This afternoon, Steve took off work, and we bought lattés and smoothies at Caribou and took a relaxing Friday-afternoon stroll with Daniel. We walked two miles, which was really good exercise for my post-partum body. (I had my six-week checkup today and got the thumbs-up to resume normal exercise!) It was our first time at the river trail since mid-August, when we walked to bring on my labor. And now, we walked as a family.


Daniel slept through it all. He sleeps like a log in his carseat-stroller. I can't believe he is six weeks old already. And I can't stop kissing his chubby little cheeks (or taking pictures of them)!



Today, I also brought out one of my favorite albums in the world — one I listen to every year around this time — U2's October. I have had it since high school, and it never fails to make me feel nostagic and emotional in a rather gothic way — which of course is perfect when the leaves are falling all around you and the sun is still bright and warm, but the air is getting brisk and the hint of winter is around the corner. The title song is short and spare, but it feels so huge and holy to me:

October
And the trees are stripped bare
Of all they wear
What do I care
October
And kingdoms rise
And kingdoms fall
But you go on