Fall mornings have been feeling extra special this year. It’s our first fall in our new home, and we’re slowly finding little rhythms that work for us and making a life here.

Seeing how much Bub has changed makes me want to slow down and be present with him. Last fall he was a baby in my arms; this year he’s running around upstairs, climbing on things, and making silly faces and laughing with us. I love seeing him discover more of the world and getting to experience the season through his eyes.

Our fall morning routine is pretty simple. Most of it is what we do year-round, with a few seasonal favorites mixed in. Here’s what mornings at home have been looking like lately.

Starting with morning cuddles

We co-sleep, so we wake up together and spend a little time cuddling before we get out of bed. Our room feels especially cozy this time of year, and I love having that time with him before we head downstairs and start breakfast.

I’m grateful that our mornings can start this way, without always having to rush out of bed and get somewhere. I know this stage won’t last forever, and one day he won’t want to curl up next to me for those extra few minutes. For now, I’m happy to soak them up while I can.

Making the bed and opening the curtains

Once we’re up, I make the bed and open the bedroom blinds and curtains. I love getting the sunlight in first thing in the morning. Making the bed is also one small thing I can get done before we leave the room, and it helps set me up for a better day.

Downstairs, I open all the curtains before getting breakfast started. It’s such a simple part of our morning, but I really enjoy seeing the house fill with natural light. We’ve had a few warmer days recently, but when the weather cooperates, I love opening the downstairs windows and letting the fresh air in.

An easy breakfast together

Lately, breakfast has been eggs, sausage, cottage cheese, and toast for Bub, with a piece of toast for me too. It’s an easy breakfast to put together, and I like having a few familiar things to serve without thinking too much about it.

I also recently made mini pumpkin muffins naturally sweetened with applesauce and maple syrup. They’re a fun little addition when we have something homemade on hand. Sometimes I’ll even add pumpkin to our usual banana pancakes.

Breakfast doesn’t have to change completely with the season, but I love finding little ways to bring fall into it. It’s been so sweet sharing the flavors of the season with Bub this year, and I’m especially excited for him to try Thanksgiving food.

My iced maple coffee

I’m usually already thinking about my coffee when we head downstairs in the morning. Lately, I’ve been making it with maple syrup, two espresso lungo shots, milk, and ice.

Yes, I’m still drinking iced coffee in the fall. As a mom, it’s hard to finish a hot coffee while it’s actually hot, so iced just works better for me. The maple syrup adds a little fall flavor to something I already look forward to every morning.

Reading our fall books

We keep our fall books downstairs and read them daily. They’re part of our routine, and I love having something seasonal we can enjoy together right at home.

I’m especially enjoying this stage now that my son is more involved. Between turning pages, looking at pictures, and seeing what catches his attention, reading together feels different from when he was tiny. He’s even saying a few words now, so it’s exciting when he recognizes something on the page and calls it out.

It’s an easy way to spend a little time together during the morning without needing to plan an activity.

Getting outside for a fall walk

We also like getting out for a walk on the trail and looking at the changing leaves. Bub has been loving his little car, so he rides for most of the walk. Toward the end, I let him get out to stretch his legs and run around a little.

That’s one of the biggest changes from last fall. He’s so much more independent now, and I love watching him discover the world around him. Although I do miss our walks with him snug in the carrier.

We’re still getting to know our area, and these walks are part of making it feel like home. It’s nice having somewhere we can return to and watch change with the season.

Leaving room for the morning we’re having

This is what our mornings have been looking like lately, but there’s no exact schedule we follow. Some days we have more time to linger, and other days we’re getting ready to head out to an activity.

I’m trying to enjoy this stage with him and make room for the things we both like: cuddles, books, breakfast together, and getting outside. I still have things to get done around the house, but I want to be present for these little parts of our day too.

Do you have a favorite part of your fall mornings? I’d love to hear what you look forward to.