October 29, 2011

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.

October 28, 2011

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.

October 26, 2011

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.

October 22, 2011

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!

October 20, 2011

Note To Self


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

October 19, 2011

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.


October 18, 2011

Right Now

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

October 15, 2011

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.

October 14, 2011

{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



October 13, 2011

Isabella: 5 years!

I just realized this never got posted on her birthday (almost a week ago)!  Life is busy.  I had planned to write more about her and her life this last year, but it hasn't happened.  (Hopefully I can get to it soon.)  But I hope you enjoy the photos!

Oh, my sweet Isabella turns 5 years old today!  She has changed me forever.  I am so grateful that this amazing little girl is my little girl.  She is so patient with me and so forgiving as I learn how to be a mom.

5 days old: apt in Hell's Kitchen
6 months: apt in Hell's Kitchen
1 year: Sheep Meadow, Central Park
18 months: Conservatory Gardens, Central Park
2 years: W 110th & CPW Playground, Central Park
2 & 1/2 years: The Ramble, Central Park
3 years: apt in Harlem
3 & 1/2 years: Times Square
4 years: Upper West Side
4 & 1/2 years: Macy's
5 years: The Hudson River



October 10, 2011

I love...

...that this little guy often sleeps with his tongue poking out. Adorable.

October 4, 2011

Right Now

Oliver woke up with a substantial fever. So we are taking a sick day. We just got back from dropping Isabella off at school. He's still lounging in his stroller and is now watching a movie. That's how we do it in NYC, when your grand entry leads right into your living room (aka the office, library, den, dining room, and guest room). It gives a whole new meaning to drive-in movies. ;)
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