Right Now

I DID IT!!!

Just finished the NYC marathon!

Just kidding!!!  Actually, the marathon is tomorrow. :). (And I'm not running in it.) But it is fun running in central park with lots of excited foreigners in spandex. Since they are just leisurely jogging, preparing for tomorrow, I felt like a champion passing them during my 3 mile run this morning.

Finishing 26 miles never felt so easy!

California Cousins Come for a Visit

Over a month ago Brian's sister and her family came and played for a day with us in the city.  Here are some fun photos of the day:

Jon, Angela & Baby Nico.  We are so glad we got to meet little Nicholas.

Sabrina & Isabella

My strong man and the beautiful bridge.

Daydreaming with Alice in Wonderland.

Reading with Hans Christen Anderson

All the kids helped Brian lift the stroller up the stairs.  What troopers!

Sabrina & Olivia

We are so glad you came to visit us!!!

Freak Snowstorm

I still can't believe it snowed two days before Halloween.  It was kinda cool and fun at first.  But when we had to walk home from the church halloween party, in the dark, with ice pelting our faces...not so fun.

About 2:30pm; walking 10 blocks to church

About 6:30pm; the rain cover was crusted over with ice from the walk run home.

THINK

Two weeks ago we stopped by the THINK exhibit at Lincoln Center.  It was pretty cool.

My Amazing Oliver

Oliver is just shy of 2 1/2 years right now.  But he's growing and changing so much.  I keep thinking about how I need to record more about him right now.  He's completely adorable and wonderful.  I wish I could bottle up everything about him right now and save it.  In the future I could peek into that treasure that is right now and I would feel such immense joy.  Because that is what Oliver is: joy!  I want to savor these moments with him.

He is such an amazing little boy.  He is full of gentleness, compassion, and happiness.  He has always been very passionate.  He is very expressive with his emotions.  His happiness is completely contagious.  Many people have commented on how good they feel when he is around.  Strangers are often drawn to him and his cheerfulness.  He loves to laugh and he laughs long and hard.  Like the time when he was on the seesaw with Isabella; every time he went up, he laughed.  Once he laughed so hard he turned blue and almost passed out.  (I will never forget that second when he looked at me worried, wide eyed and blue faced, then he gasped.)  When he is sad, the whole world knows it.  His cry is strong, sad and very loud.  When he is angry he screams, throws food and/or whacks one of his siblings on the head.  Fortunately, he's so good natured that if he's sobbing we can usually toss him in the air a few times or fly him around the room and he'll begin cracking up again.

If he is on schedule he is happy 90% of the time.  Therefore, I am very dedicated to keeping him on schedule.  (I noticed this about him as early as 4 months old when he'd claw my neck raw if he was the least bit tired.)  He must eat within 10 minutes of waking up, he must snack around 10am, he must eat lunch at 12noon, nap at 1pm, dinner at 5pm and be in bed by 7pm.  As he's getting older he is becoming a little more flexible, but he is definitely a boy of order.

He speaks only a few words, but communicates very well.  We taught him a lot of signs early on, which he uses, but communicates beyond what we taught him.  He recently "told" me "Isabella is sad, she wants cold water" and, another time he expressed, "No, I don't want milk, I want water.  Isabella wants milk, and a fork."  There are times I have to play twenty questions to figure out what he wants.  If I can't seem to figure it out I'll start asking, "You want a hug?" or "You want kisses?"  He will often nod, yes, with a big grin.  I commence kissing him and tickling him all over.

Usually, he is quite obedient.  If I ask him to help clean up, or hop into the stroller he will quickly reply, "aa-igh" (alright) and do it.  And this mamma is very grateful for such a willing boy.

Oliver has an amazing imagination.  He's been "cooking" in his play kitchen for well over a year.  But he's always imagining something.  Frequently he is an airplane or rocket ship flying around, yelling "daadooo!" (blast off).  Just this morning he was pretending to lift something big and heavy and putting it on Simon's tray during breakfast.  Simon seemed to understand and laughed hysterically every time Oliver did it.

In the last week or so Simon has become enamored by his older brother.  Oliver is loving it!  Oliver seems to notice and adore Simon more because of it.  He tries to get Simon to chase after him.  If his efforts fail he will chase after Simon (crawling) or play peek-a-boo.  Both games make Simon laugh hysterically.  Oliver has also been watching out for Simon more.  Yesterday I was on the bed with the kids, reading to them.  Oliver was so worried Simon might fall off the bed (evening though I constantly had a firm hold on him) that I had to put Simon on the floor so we could continue our book.  Or when I was cooking eggs this morning, Simon held onto my legs.  Oliver kept telling Simon, "It's hot!  It's hot!" and then tried to get Simon out of the kitchen.

I'll be the first to admit Oliver is wrapped around my little finger.  For instance, a few days ago he got angry and he threw his fork during dinner.  I gave a firm, disapproving, "Oliver!"  He quickly shook his head, gasped, and looked at me completely surprise, mouth shaped like a cherrio.  I had to turn away to keep from laughing.  He is quick to sweetly apologize (without prompting usually) when he does cause trouble.  There's something about his eyebrows.  When he raises them and looks as me, my anger melts into adoration.

He is very compassionate (for a two year old).  I'm amazed how much he wants to help Isabella and Simon if they are upset.  He is a peacemaker.  This world needs more peacemakers like Oliver.  He is so generous with his happiness and goodness.  Anyone who takes a moment with him will understand and be touched by his joyful spirit.

His current loves:

• cooking with me
• cleaning with me
• being read to
• books, books, books
• being tickled
• trains (from Thomas to the subway)
• eggs (he can eat 4 in one sitting)
• oatmeal
• being dressed (he doesn't like to be naked?)
• taking photos of his mama
• playing with Daddy
• taunting his sister
• the letters O, I & S (in that order)
• pirates
• anything the least bit silly
• using scissors
• building towers

Oliver is my joy!  I cannot describe how much I love this little boy of mine.  I am so blessed that he is mine.  My little boy forever.  When I was largely pregnant with him I had a memorable moment when a strong, warm felling come over me.  I knew the little boy inside of me was very, very special.  And it is true.  I am humbled and privileged that this sweet, silly, hilarious boy calls me, "Mamma".

Oliver: The Hero...sort of

I say sort of because he's the one that caused the whole kerfuffle in the first place.  But, in the end, he saved the day.

We live in the ground floor of a brownstone building and have our own separate entrance that faces the street, rather than using the main door that leads to the rest of the apartments in the building.  I have always been very cautious about that door, making sure I have keys with me whenever I step outside (even if just for a second).  Because once that door shuts, it is locked.

One beautiful evening we met Brian at the 72nd St subway and walked home together.  I opened the door, hung the keys* on the hook inside and proceeded to push the stroller into the apartment.  Before the stroller was in Oliver excitedly dashed inside and slammed the door shut, giggling the whole time.  I was stunned.  And immediately grateful Brian was there to help.  Brian and I looked at each other and brainstormed quickly.

It was just barely after 5pm.  Perhaps the management office would still be open?  (They are located only a block away.)  I left the kids with Brian and dashed over to their office.  It was locked and the lights off.  Bummer!  As I walked back to our place I figured we would need to call a locksmith and pay the few hundred dollars to get the door unlocked.

By the time I got back, Brian was calling to Oliver through the open window.  Oliver (only two years old, may I remind you) had moved a kitchen chair over to the hook with the keys, got the keys off the hook, carried them to the window** and handed the keys to Brian.  (Fortunately it was a beautiful day and I had left the window open while we went out.)  I was stunned and amazed.  And extremely relieved to be reunited with our sweet Oliver so quickly.

*We now keep a set of keys at Brian's work (which is accessible 24hrs) and a set with some neighbors.
**The window does have a iron grate over it so only hands can reach through.

Right Now

When I woke up and checked the weather it was 37 degrees out. Right before it was time to leave for school I rummaged into our storage bins and pulled out all the kids winter coats. Cause baby, it's cold outside.

Why I don't make breakfast anymore...

I was making waffles for my sweet ones a few days ago and found this little guy.  He had somehow gotten the top off of a tub of lotion.  It was the good, thick, expensive stuff, so instead of washing him off I made all the kids lather up.  They were all so soft the rest of the day.

Madison Square Eats

In the spring Brian (my purveyor of all cool things in the city) told me about Madison Square Eats.  Several food vendors (food trucks and/or Brooklyn based) set up shop at Madison Sq Park for a month.  Problem was: Brian told me on the last day they were running and I desperately wanted to go.  I made him promise to inform me of such things farther in advance.  'Cause my get-up-and-go for spontaneous adventuring is finally weakening with three wee ones.  (Sleepless nights are my kryptonite!)

In September he held true to his promise and told me Madison Square Eats was luckily happening again Sept 23-Oct 21.  I was so excited!  I had visions of me meeting Brian for lunch there at least once a week and tasting all that is to be tasted.  On Thursday evening (Oct 20) Brian asked, "So are you going to go to Madison Sq Eats?"

"Of course!" I replied.  I was sure I was only a week behind and had plenty of more days to go.

"I think tomorrow is the last day." he warned.  I googled it.  He was right.  A whole month had slipped through my fingertips.  Yikes!

Fortunately, I had nothing planned for lunch on Friday.  Fortunately, Brian's schedule was light enough that he could join me.  Fortunately, the weather was beautiful.  Fortunately, Oliver was willing and able to nap in the stroller (and slept the whole time).

It was crowded (which I expected).  I couldn't maneuver a double stroller through the crowds or find a table to sit at.  Brian held tight to the food lines and I held tight to the stroller.

Next time I will try and go before 12noon or in the 3pm lull.  It's a NYC lesson I've learned from a lot of experience.  If you want to go eat somewhere popular--especially with kids--go before 12noon or 3-5pm.  Another rule I have is, I tend to judge food by the length of its line.  Which isn't always a positive correlation (frequently, but not always).  It's also a hard rule to follow if you are short on time or really hungry.  (Now I'm thinking of all the rules I follow for eating out...maybe I'll write another post on that...someday.)

Asian flavors + hotdogs = yummy from Asiadog

We finally tried the famous momofuku crack pie.  "Crack" cause it will leave you with a splitting sugar headache.  Yes, it was tasty (it's 99% cream + sugar!!).  And, yes, completely overhyped (read: not worth waiting in a long line for). 
Also pictured: Milk Truck's yummy vanilla shake.

Roberta's Pizza: "The Speck"
simple+delicious=perfect

Even with all that good food, this baby was still the most delicious thing around!

Note To Self

Don't slather a crawling baby with lotion and then plop him down on the hardwood floor.

Birthday Interview + Photos

Picking her up from school on her birthday.

I love the tradition of doing a birthday interview with the kids each year. So I did it with Isabella the night before birthday!

How old are you? Five.
What makes you happy?  Tickles.  Anything else? Playing with Simon, making funny faces.
What is your favorite animal?  I have three favorites: cheetah, lion and elephant.
What is your favorite thing to eat?  Chocolate ice cream.
What is your least favorite thing to eat?  Spaghetti: plain with meatballs.  (I dont’ think she’s ever had speghetti and meatballs.)

She had been asking for a bike for months.

What is your favorite thing to do?  Play with my brothers.
What is your favorite TV show?  Strawberry Shortcake.
What is your favortie movie? The Smurfs. (She’s only see the trailer and posters plastered all over the city.)
What are you really good at? Playing on the monkey bars, watching out for kids on the slide, balancing.  (She desperately wants to learn how to swing on the monkey bars.)
What is your favorite color? Pink and purple....(long pause)...and green and blue.
What is your favorite song? Glee.  
Who is your best friend?  Ari, Danielle and Violet. And Lucia and Henry and Hudson and Sawyer and Maddy.

Grandma Marilyn made her a beautiful cake.

What do you and your mom do together?  Science.  That’s it?  Sick stuff. (pause) I forgot what I said, do pizza with friends [in the park].
What do you and your dad do together?  Play at the playground (hardly ever), go hiking, play go hiding & seek.
What is your favorite sport?  Doing soccer.
What is your favorite place to go?  The Hudson River.
What is yoru favorite book?  Caps for Sale.
What to you want to be when you grow up?  A zookeeper.

Right Now

Enjoying some 1-on-1 with my amazing little Oliver. I love moments like these.

Attitude of Gratitude: Change

Hiking in The Ramble, Central Park.

Maybe it's the beautiful fall air, maybe it's my need to begin eating healthier again, or maybe it's watching how quickly my kids are growing.  But change is definitely on my mind lately.

Specifically, I'm grateful for my ability to change.

The most amazing thing about change is I can begin now.  It's not easy.  It's actually amazingly difficult.  But it is possible.  In order to be a better person I don't need to save money, go to that party, buy that organizer, carve out more time, or anything of that sort.  The most important thing is to never procrastinate a change for the better.  I want to be a more patient mom, a more loving wife, a more compassionate friend.

I know it's possible to be better in all aspects of life.  Just one step at a time.  I can begin to change a little bit right now.  The ability to change is so powerful and a beautiful part of life.  I hope I am always choosing to change for the better.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Inspired by my favorite blog: SouleMama