I love Central Park

Thursday evening Brian got off work early, I packed up a picnic dinner and this is what we did...

Restaurant Week: Le Cirque

Brian called me yesterday afternoon and told me he had just made dinner reservations for us at Le Cirque for restaurant week.  Fortunately, I was able to find a last minute babysitter and we had a fabulous evening out.

 image found here

Brian's Dinner:

Sweet Corn Soup

wood ear mushrooms & basil

Sauteed Beef Medallions

portabello ‘fine tart’, arugula–pecorino salad

Creme Brulee Le Cirque

My Dinner:

Chicken and Ramp Tortelli

hazelnut brodo

Salmon Fillet

tomato and fennel chutney, tomato–horseradish broth

Chocolate Fondant

caramelized banana, salted caramel ice cream

We really enjoyed everything we ate, although there wasn't anything that really stood out to the point we'd say, "You've got to try this!  It is so good!"  The sauteed beef medallions were probably the favorite.  Sweet corn soup was yummy.  The chicken and ramp tortelli was good and had a variety of mellow flavors that kept each bite fun and interesting.  The chutney that accompanied the salmon didn't impress me at first, but I loved it after a few bites.  The desserts were both excellent; we haven't had a good creme brulee in a long time and the salted caramel ice cream was fabulous.

Here's a link I found with their current restaurant week menu.

In Incubation

Sorry my dear friends who are wondering what "lump on my belly" meant.  I thought I had posted that I'm pregnant!!!  Yes, it is true.  And, it's a boy!!!  I'm 19 weeks along and due mid December.  With my longer than average gestation on my previous babes, I'm hoping this little boy comes by Christmas.  And, yes, he and Oliver will only be 18 months apart.  And, yes, this baby is a few months earlier than planned.  But since both Isabella and Oliver were several months later than planned I figure it all evens out.  I'll take my babies sooner rather than later!!!  I'm so grateful he's coming soon!

Crazy 10K

Last Saturday I ran in the Dash & Splash 10K through Central Park.  The great thing about this run is racers get to go for a nice dip in the Lasker Pool before it opens to the public.  With the high humidity on Saturday and running with a big lump on my belly the jump in the pool was heavenly.

My race time was significantly slower and my muscles more sore compared to the race I did just a month ago, but it still felt great.  I felt strong!  And I loved running and chatting with Sunny the whole time!

Right Now

Waiting out the pouring rain (it's literally dumping buckets!) in
Barnes & Noble.

Right Now

In post-chocolate-ice-cream-bliss. From the Shake Shack, of course.
Thank goodness for stain remover!!!

Right Now

Cooling off in the fountains at Columbus Circle.

An iPhone Favorite

I'm really enjoying my new iPhone 4! (Thanks Brian!!!) Especially,
the fantastic photos and HD videos it takes.

Here's a favorite photo from the swan boat ride we took yesterday
while in Boston.

Right Now

I'm so grateful for a wonderful husband who plays so well with our
children. Even on long bus rides from Boston, when we are all so
exhausted from a fun weekend.

Here: Isabella is a injured patient; Brian a skilled doctor. Or, maybe
he's just hog-tying her to keep her still for a moment or two.
Either way they both seem to be enjoying themselves.

Sleepy Super Girl

Brian is working late tonight.  Oliver is in bed, fast asleep.  I was cleaning the kitchen.  And Isabella was winding down to a bit of Finding Nemo.

A fun, full day playing with friends and scooting miles around the city is the only thing that can tucker out this Super Girl.

Right Now

Happened upon a Jewish wedding in Central Park. Complete with pink bow
ties and a banjo player.

Capturing A Jump

Isabella is my high energy gal.  She is constantly running, jumping, or "galloping".  All over our city, everywhere we go.  While Oliver naps we turn on fun music and she jumps on the bed; several times a day.  Attempting to capture her jumping...

Run, Run, Run

Last Saturday I ran in the New York City Mini 10K (not quite sure why it's called "mini").  It's a womens only race but draws a lot of amazing athletes.  This year Paula Radcliffe (holds the world record for fastest marathon) and 11 olympians (whose names I  do not know...sorry).  They beat me by mere seconds, I'm sure.  I had a blast and reached my goal of running an average of 9:20 min/mile and finished in about 57 minutes.  Although my body was tired and sore the rest of the day I felt high on life.

I had a blast starting the race with these two amazing ladies!  Stephanie on the left and Sunny in the middle.

Oliver's Little Celebration

We are not huge party planners around here, especially for 1st birthdays.  I really feel like it's a celebration of, "Wow!  We made it!  One year with all this craziness!"  Oliver's day was filled with fun tasks of laundry and cleaning (catching up after our visitors had left).  And then ended with a bit of fountain play, pizza, and dessert from Magnolia.  (FYI: I'm not a huge fan of Magnolia's cupcakes--what they are famous for--but LOVE their key lime cheesecake!)

I've been on a sugar fast (okay, some days/weeks are better than others) since Thanksgiving.  And my plan was to do it until Oliver's birthday.  I partied the whole weekend and now I'm back to a sugar free life.  So, maybe his little celebration was more for my own indulgence...maybe.

Sister Comes for a Visit

We were very excited to have my sister, Anika, and her family come visit for almost a week.  We tried our best to balance tons of fun with enough rest time to enjoy everything with the kids.  It was so much fun and can't wait til next time!

Of course we had to ride the subway.

And devour treats from the Doughnut Plant.

Played in the fountain at Washington Sq Park.

Anyone know where this is?

Chilly ride on the Staten Island Ferry.

Walked up the Hudson River.

Gillian showing her belly while Isabella snapped a photo.

Played at Rockefeller Park.

Posed like creatures at the American Museum of Natural History.