Apples, Late Nights, and Little Victories

Fall days, family nights, and finding balance

This week began with Jasper feeling under the weather. The good thing about that little guy—he’s tough and just rolls with it. We knew daycare would come with its fair share of sniffles, and that prediction has held true. Thankfully, a few nights of solid rest (and a little Tylenol magic) had him back to his usual energetic self. We’re grateful he’s building that immune system early—one tiny germ battle at a time.

The week wasn’t exactly smooth sailing for us either. Between my partner and me, a couple of nights turned into late shifts—our 9-to-5s quietly morphing into 9-to-midnight marathons. The upside? We get to work from home and stay close to Jasper. The downside? The hours stretch longer than we’d like. Still, I wouldn’t trade that flexibility for an office job that doesn’t fit our family rhythm.

My fitness goals started the week strong, as most goals do. Then came the curveballs—late nights, long days, and a little too much comfort food. But that’s part of the journey, right? We all stumble; what matters is how we get back up. The mental challenge is real, but I’m determined to push through.

Saturday brought a much-needed reset: apple picking at a local orchard. The air was crisp, the trees heavy with fruit, and Jasper had an absolute blast strolling through the rows in his stroller, taking it all in with wide-eyed wonder. We filled our bags (and probably our stomachs) with more apples than planned. We even brought home some fresh cider to share with our house guests over dinner. You can check out some of the photos on my Buy Me a Coffee page—here!

As my in-laws prepare to head back to India in November, we’ve been soaking up the family time. This week, that meant pizza night with my parents and aunt. Not exactly the best move for my fitness goals, but honestly, totally worth it. I’m glad my wife pulled it together—it was a perfect reminder that family moments matter more than macros.

This Sunday, we’ll be heading to our standard temple—but with a new flare. One of the leaders recently stepped away, and I’m curious to see how the dynamic feels now. Will the rhythm be the same? Will something new emerge? Change has a way of bringing fresh perspective, even in familiar places.

Here’s to another week of family, faith, and forward motion.

🍎 What about you? What’s your favorite fall family tradition or weekend reset? Reply and share—I love hearing what moments bring your family together.