Today is September 1st and I can hardly believe it. In just one week, on September 8th, my eldest will be heading back to school to start second grade. The final countdown has officially begun.

We’re trying to make the best of these last seven days of summer break. Slow mornings, walks, play. As much unstructured time as possible, because we know what’s coming: the rhythm of routine, early wake ups, packed lunches, and evening homework.

But we’re getting ready. We’ve actually managed to check off most of the big things and that honestly feels like a small victory. Her closet is sorted, all the too small clothes have been donated and she now has a brand new wardrobe for the autumn and winter season. We’re ready… or at least we look ready.

Emotionally? I’m a mix of feelings.

I’m excited because I truly love this time of year. The way the light shifts into that warm, reddish glow. The crispness of the morning air. The first signs of leaves beginning to turn, pumpkins, soups and soft sweaters. All the cozy little things I live for.

But I’m also just a little bit sad.

Because this summer was good. It was full. It was ours. We made memories, small ones and big ones. We went to Greece but we also had slow days at home. We’ve watched the baby turn one and my eldest grow a little taller, a little more thoughtful, a little more herself.

And now, a new season stretches ahead of us with its own kind of magic.

There’s comfort in the return of routine, even if it comes with a little chaos. There’s peace in knowing what to expect each week, even if it means a louder alarm clock. And there’s beauty in watching your child step forward into the next chapter, even if it tugs at your heart a little as they go.

So here’s to this final week of summer. We’ll savor it slowly, knowing that change is near but also knowing that with change comes growth, and new memories waiting to be made.