The weather has turned chilly around here, giving hints of the coming autumn. I know it'll warm up again, and probably even get HOT again, but this week, with highs in the sixties and days of constant rain, has made me yearn for my favorite season: autumn. I've started thinking about all the fun things we will get to do this fall, like go to a pumpkin patch for the first time ever with Baby Girl. Or go apple picking at a local orchard. Or tour the countryside looking at the gorgeous fall foliage.

I'm already looking forward to freshly baked bread, chilis and soups simmering on the stove, and the opportunities to wear sweaters. Speaking of clothes, I realized the other day that we will need to buy Baby Girl a winter jacket. Her previous two winters (ahh!! When did that happen??) found her swaddled and bundled in hand-me-downs from my older sister's clothes. But since she has recently moved to Texas, and we're in northern Idaho, I don't see the whole clothes swap thing working out too well anymore. So for the first time in Baby Girl's life, I need to do some serious clothes shopping for her. Most importantly is the winter jacket.

I hopped online the other night (because that's how we shop out here in the boonies...why drive 2 hours to the nearest city when they can bring the goods to your very door?) to start my shopping experience. I hit all the usual suspects first: Old Navy, Gymboree, The Children's Place. Nothing. Well, except for lightweight hoodies and such. So then I moved on to JC Penney, Target, Macys. Still nothing. I was starting to get worried. Perhaps I'm jumping the gun here? Am I simply too excited for fall and winter and not waiting patiently for the proper timing to buy winter clothes?? I don't know...In my experience it seems that retailers think "the earlier the better." Less than a month after school lets out, Back To School items begin appearing, right? So doesn't it seem like NOW would be a good time to sell fall and winter clothing, at the end of the summer season? Granted, I'm basing this on our summer season which will be ending in about a month.

So I'm a little concerned here. The only place I was able to find a good winter jacket -- and by good I mean it can withstand single digit temps AND multiple feet of snow PLUS "grow" with my daughter so that it lasts all season which could be 7 months long like it was last year -- was at Columbia Sportswear. But guess what? Apparently they don't sell things ONLINE. Oh, and the nearest store to me? Doesn't exist. Plus, the jacket I found that would be ideal...there's no cost listed on the site. Never a good sign.

But while I was on the Columbia site I was reminded that I will need to buy Baby Girl a snowsuit as well. Geesh! Hadn't thought of that one! And she'll need boots, too. And new socks, undershirts, longs sleeved shirts, possibly some pants, and definitely some slippers. I did happen to pick up two fleece jammies at Costco the other day, so she's set there. Most of the clothes won't be a big deal, but that elusive jacket might.

So either I'm starting to shop way to early, or I've already missed the window of opportunity and everything I'm seeing now is for Spring/Summer '09.