Hayrides, Pumpkin Patches and... Meltdowns

"Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale."

- Lauren Destefano

Roman and my husband, Ryan, enjoying the hayride around one of our local farms.

There's nothing better than a cool, crisp, sunny fall afternoon. It's truly one of my favorite times of the year. The cool breeze, mixed with the still summer warm sun and the smell of leaves falling in Ohio.

Childhood Memories.

I've always loved going on hayrides, picking my own pumpkin, getting hot chocolate, gutting my pumpkin and eating the baked seeds. It was a yearly fall tradition in my home. Something, I've longed to share with my own kids.

So, when I finally got the opportunity, albeit through a co-worker asking for my help, I jumped on it. I couldn't WAIT to create the same childhood memories I had, with my oldest son, Roman.

Be Careful What You Wish For...

We arrived at the local farm and immediately Roman was excited. We met up with my co-worker and his family, his wife, and 18-month-old son. I tried to introduce Roman to their little guy, but the big red tractor at the entrance of the farm, was way more interesting.

Roman enjoying a "truck" AKA tractor at a different farm near our home.

In fact, the tractor, and two golf carts were the focus of the beginning of the trip for Roman. You see, he LOVES cars, wheels and balls. Anything that rolls.

Planes, trains, trucks and toys, there’s nothing quite like little boys. - Anonymous

It's not out of the norm for him to be drawn to those things, but I was really hoping he would interact with the four others kids there. But, the tractor, and golf carts won him over more.

Roman has always been drawn to all things that spin.

The Meltdowns...

Roman thoroughly enjoyed his time playing on the playground. He was a little more engaged with the kids than when he was trying to "drive" the golf cart and tractor. But, it still seemed hollow or shallow engagement. No laughing, or talking. He would look at the kids, but ignore them and their commands. Now, he did listen to me and my commands to go down the slide and eventually leave the play area, and walk to the tractor.

That walk though, was just the beginning of the next 10 meltdowns.

The first meltdown was over the fact that we wouldn't let him get on the golf cart or tractor again. However, once we got to our destination, a bright red tractor with a hayride attached, he was a happy camper.

The second meltdown was on the hayride. He wanted to get up and walk around, but my husband held on to him, making sure he didn't fall off.

The third meltdown, was at the meadow and waterfall. Hyper focused on the water rushing by, he wanted to step in it, which we wouldn't allow.

Fourth meltdown, trying to get him back on the hayride.

The fifth, us trying to keep him out of the dirty water the goats drank out of. This one complete with head banging on the ground.

The sixth.... keeping him from falling into the pond.

The seventh, getting back on the hayride.

And finally, the eighth, patiently-impatiently waiting to eat ice cream.

Now, full disclosure, it was lunch time and pretty darn close to nap time. So I had a hangry, tired two-year-old on my hands. So, how much of that behavior was typical two-year-old, typical hangry and tired toddler... or pandemic baby without any socialization skills.

I left wondering all of those things, but knowing 1) I would never stop fighting for him and 2) no matter what, nothing will change who he is... a happy, silly, goofy little boy who has my heart.

My Sweet Boy...

Hold him a little longer, rock him a little more, read him another story, you’ve only read him four, let him sleep on your shoulder, rejoice in his happy smile, he is only a little boy for such a little while. - Anonymous

Roman snuggling with his daddy and penguin before bed that night.

My husband sent me this photo as he put Roman to bed the night of the hayrides, pumpkin patches and meltdowns.

My response "It's amazing how someone so frustrating can at the same time be so sweet."

My Roman is the reason for my tears of anger, but also my tears of just pure joy.

He is my reason to fight. For him, I will.

Connect with me!

Please, feel free to reach out to me on social or email. I would love to hear your stories, share your stories on this platform, but also do the research and ask experts what we can do to give our kids the best future possible.