Right Now

We are at the Central Park Zoo, watching the polar bear swim. He's
very huge and very graceful.

Right Now

It is too $&"%# hot and humid to play outside right now. (Pardon my
French.). So we are at the library, raising havoc.

And, yes, she is wearing a turtleneck, since she insists on getting
herself dressed--but it matches the bloomers she put on.

Summer Streets

Last year Brian, Isabella, and I really, really loved Summer Streets. Well, it is back! Yesterday was the first of 3 Saturdays where 7 miles of Manhattan avenues are closed to vehicular traffic (from 7am-1pm). Brian's sister, her two kiddos, and his brother came to enjoy the beautiful day riding leisurely down Park Ave. I was a bit bummed I couldn't go, since Oliver is too little to travel via bicycle, but it was really nice to have some quiet time, just him and me.

The Swaddle

Daddy-Daughter-Dinner

On the good days Isabella and I meet Brian after work for dinner out in the city. On the really good days we pack up a picnic and meet in Central Park. Isabella loves going out to meet Daddy...and so do I! Here are some photos of recent outings:

Harkness

Our wonderful friend, Sarah, came with us on our weekend trip to Connecticut last weekend. A year ago she gave into peer pressure to come pick blueberries with us and now she's addicted. So last weekend we spent blueberry picking and at the beach with the Carinis. These photos are from Harkness Memorial State Park.

Brian's Birthday

Last week we celebrated Brian's birthday. I made him breakfast; Eggs Benedict. Then we headed to Connecticut where his mom had a fabulous dinner and a beautiful berry blintz (is that what it's called?).

Right Now

She has been an early riser the last few mornings. Yesterday we were
out running errands before 8am. This morning she ate a large
breakfast, was completely dressed (without any prompting from me), and
ready to go by 8:30. We arrived here so early we got to watch the guys
powerwash the graffiti off the playstructure.

Right Now

Loving lunch at The Shake Shack. Chocolate ice cream a must as far as
Isabella is concerned.

Favorite Weekend Pics

We had a long, fabulous weekend in Connecticut. I'll add more photos and details later, but here are a few favorite photos captured during our adventures.

Oliver's Blessing

On Sunday, while in Connecticut with all the Carini's, we decided to have Oliver blessed. It was fabulous having so many family members able to bless our little boy--especially Brian. Thank you Brian, for being such an amazing husband and father!

Isabella's Eyes

Isabella's eyes tell me stories. They can be so intense, so sad, so excited, and so loving. Sometimes I think I know her and what she is all about, but then I realize there is an amazing little girl, a completely different soul than mine behind those eyes. A friend, a daughter, a sweet, sweet spirit that I'm barely becoming aquanted with. There are times when I look into those eyes and see such joy. And there are other times, on the not-so-good days, when I look into her searching, innocent eyes and know I need to be a better mom.

Capturing a Smile

Since that first gratifying grin a few weeks ago I've been aggressively attempting to capture Oliver's sweet smile with the camera. It's a tricky thing--keeping eye contact with a newborn while snapping away. But I finally got a good one. Oliver is emerging into a sweet, smiling, mellow boy. Last night I even got a few giggles. LOVE IT!

Right Now

Enjoying a shady playground despite the heat and humidity. Shovelling
sand, listening to cicadas, rocking babe. Summer, I love you.

Pasta with Arugula, Tomatoes, Feta, and Toasted Garlic

This is a summer favorite. Super easy to make, fresh ingredients and it packs up nice for a picnic! Just make sure you watch that garlic carefully while you toast it! From the fabulous Cafe Johnsonia.

Pasta with Arugula, Tomatoes, Feta, and Toasted Garlic

1 lb. spaghetti (or another kind of pasta)
2 cups arugula, washed and dried
3-4 Roma tomatoes
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or as much or little as you like)
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
salt and pepper

Bring 6-8 quarts of water to a boil in a very large pot. (I use a stock pot.)

Drop the tomatoes into the water and boil for a few minutes until the skins split. Transfer the tomatoes into a bowl of ice water. Let sit for a few minutes until tomatoes are cool enough to handle.

After the tomatoes have been removed from the stock pot, salt the water generously. Add the spaghetti and cook until the pasta is al dente. (About 7 minutes or so.)

In the meantime, slip the skins off the tomatoes and roughly chop them. Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet and add the minced garlic. Cook garlic over medium heat until it starts to turn golden. Remove from heat to keep the garlic from burning. Set aside until the pasta is cooked.

When pasta has finished cooking, drain and place in a large bowl. Add the arugula, chopped tomatoes, crumbled feta, toasted garlic, and the rest of the olive oil. Toss to incorporate.