Living Life and Loving It

Sunshine + Family

2012-02-10T10:15:00.000-05:00

I try and come to California every February for a couple of reasons; but the main reason is to escape NYC during its dreariest, coldest season and soak up some California sunshine while visiting my wonderful family. With NYC having one of its most mildest winters ever I was wondering if I had timed my trip all wrong. But my sunshine state does not disappoint. Northern California is also having a very mild winter, or should I say early spring. It has been sunny and in the mid 60s everyday this week (well, except the one day it wasn't, but I've already forgotten that). (Usually it is a little cooler and rainy in February.). Yesterday we played outside in the 70 degree sunshine all day! It was amazing, fabulous, and so good for my soul.

The last time we were able to visit I was 7 months pregnant with Simon and Oliver wasn't walking yet. As much as I wanted my kids to go exploring, it was exhausting for me to chase Isabella around my mom's few acres. But this time feels so different. With Simon on my hip I can chase after Isabella and Oliver almost all day. It is so much fun!

Three of my five brothers: Kayle with Kate (Brett's baby), Sean with his Marek, and Brett with my Simon.

Yes, Sean and Brett (my "little" brothers) are twins. When Isabella first saw them (it's been a long time since she's seen them together) she quietly came up to me, a bit perplexed, and said, "Your brothers look...the same."

There is an age gap between the oldest cousins and the younger ones. Which actually makes for some very fun playmates, extra helping hands and awesome babysitting while we visit. This is the amazing Emma becoming reacquainted with Oliver (aka making him laugh really hard). I love that my older nieces and nephew completely adore my kids.

All Terrain Vehicles

2012-02-10T09:19:00.001-05:00

My older brother, Kayle, is a great brother. The kind of brother that always knows how to show everyone a good time. A brother who has lots of fun toys and generously shares them with us.

We love riding Kayle's ATVs around my mom's few acres. Even though I drive slow and steady the kids always beg for more. I think Oliver is addicted to riding them.

My Amazing Flight

2012-02-10T09:10:00.001-05:00

Our flight out to California was epic. Three little kids and one mama. People said I was crazy. Other people said I was brave. I didn't think much about it, other than I wanted to go visit my family in CA and that was the only way it was going to happen.

That's not to say I wasn't nervous. I was crazy nervous! The few days before we flew I kept playing over and over us checking in, getting through security, getting to the gate, getting onto the plane, etc, etc, etc. I thought I had it down. No problem!

Well, until I checked my bags and the guy told me I'd have to check my stroller too because the wheels were too big. When I told him I could just take the wheels off he looked at me like I was crazy. Which I was. He was adamant. I almost started bawling. Of all the things I worried about, loosing my stroller at the beginning of the trip was not one of them. Luckily my trusty ergo save the day, again. Luckily Oliver was so excited to get on a BIG plane he was willing to obediently walk by my side the entire time. Luckily Isabella was her usually amazing self and carried the kids bags and held Oliver's hand. Luckily going through security was the easiest it has ever been (since I've had kids). Luckily everything I actually did worry about never happened.

We were so blessed (other than loosing the stroller) the entire trip. The fight was only half full (or should I say, half empty). Each of the boys slept 2 hours at different times. The flight attendants were super sweet and helpful. The whole flight went so well.

It was beyond AMAZING!

California Oranges

2012-02-09T00:09:00.001-05:00

My mom has a small, young orange tree that produces yummy fruit. There's nothing quite like a super fresh orange!

I am attempting to publish this while on vacation using a new gadget and app...hope this works!

Right Now

2012-02-04T06:44:00.001-05:00

California here we come!

You know your kids are New Yorkers when...

2012-02-03T13:08:00.000-05:00

...they fold their pizzas.

Isabella taught her cousin, Roman, how we do it around here.

Becoming a Better Mom

2012-02-02T14:36:00.000-05:00

Here are some bits and pieces that have got me thinking lately. I hope I'm always improving; becoming better. Especially as a mom. My little ones are so perfect and precious. I want to be the most amazing mom...for them. Because they are the most amazing people.

I just came across this quote today and I love it! I need to read it often and remember "do not try to choose it all."

"Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world’s goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. That is influence; that is power." -Julie B. Beck

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I recently purchased Mindset for Moms for only a few dollars (the pdf version) and I love it. I love that it is simple and concise. I really need to have more positive thoughts and energy in my mothering lately. It's been good to have these simple reminders of finding the joy in motherhood.

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This is a TED video of a father, actually, but I apply his insights to my mothering. Ric Elias was on the plane that landed in the Hudson River a few years ago and he shares his story and how that event changed his life perspective. I hope to remember and learn the lessons he learned without a near death experience.

Guy Smiley

2012-02-02T13:17:00.000-05:00

This is my new favorite photo of Simon.

P.S. Simon loves the wind. He gets so excited when big gusts blow by.

The Year of the Dragon

2012-02-01T13:20:00.000-05:00

We use to have a New York City "bucket list" on our wall. It was all those things that we wanted to do while living here. That list is long gone (in one of our many moves, I'm sure), but I seem to still have a mental list going. (And since NYC always has new fun stuff to do, my list is never ending. I'm coming to terms with the fact that I will never be able to do everything in this amazing city and must accept that 95% is enough.)

Going to the Chinese New Year parade was on that mental list. This year--our 7th winter in the city--I was going to go! I marked it on my calendar a month ahead of time even (very rare for me). The morning of the parade Brian felt sick (he finally caught what the kids had), the kids were bouncing off the walls, and I was thinking it wasn't going to happen. But, somehow, when I really want something to happen, it does. Everything came together. Brian started feeling better, Oliver feel asleep in the ergo on the way there, and Isabella always thrives on being outside--so she was a trooper.

Since Chinatown was going to be beyond crowded we left the stroller at home; Brian had Oliver in the ergo and I had Simon in the sling. It worked so well. We got there a bit late, but found a decent spot and watched the parade for about a half hour. Then we headed to Joe's Shanghai for yummy soup dumplings (my fave!). After that, and the best part of the day, was when we wandered the streets full of confetti, shot off some confetti canons ourselves and just enjoyed the day.

Right Now

2012-01-31T15:57:00.001-05:00

Enjoying this amazing warm day.

My Weekend Off (aka My Husband is Awesome!)

2012-01-27T11:45:00.000-05:00

Last weekend Brian took Isabella and Oliver up to his parents' house in Connecticut for two whole days. Originally it was just going to be Brian and Isabella but when Oliver caught wind of what was going on he insisted on being included. "ME! Neti-neti-nut!" He repeated it at least a half dozen times. Brian wasn't sure how he would juggle two kids on the busy train. He looked into Oliver's eyes and asked, "Will you be good?"

Oliver met Brian's stare, "Dyes."

"Will you listen to Daddy?"

"Dyes."

"Mommy will be here at home, do you still want to go?"

"Dyes."

"Do you really, really, really want to go to Connecticut?"

"Dyes."

I've never seen my sweet, happy boy have such serious eyes. He was committed. With some slight hesitation Brian agreed.

My mouth said, "Are you sure?" My heart exclaimed, "YEEHAW!!" I couldn't believe I was going to have two whole days just me and the babe.

I seriously couldn't believe it. It snowed most of Saturday which stopped all my plans to go out and run all over the city with just one baby. (I miss going anywhere, anytime now that I have 3 little ones.) Instead Simon and I took it easy. We stayed in. I made banana muffins. I relaxed!!! It was uh-mazing!

When Brian and the kids got back on Sunday I was a whole new me...or should I say, the old me was back. I felt happy and cheerful again. I felt renewed. It was a wonderful break.

Thank you Brian!!! You are amazing!!!

At Grandma & Grandpa's house.

The Climber

2012-01-26T13:41:00.001-05:00

This little dude is a climber! He's determined to get higher and higher each time. I wish I had photo documentation of all the surfaces he's scaled, but some are just too dangerous to not immediately remove him.

I actually love these phases of each of my kids. They have each had at least one phase when they innately had to perfect a physical skill. They are determined to keep at it until they've got it. Nothing can stop them! I love it! Isabella use to jump everywhere, off everything. Oliver insisted on sitting at a very young age. Simon, he loves to climb.

It's a tricky one. He has two older siblings who constantly move chairs and stools to very fun climbing spots. (They both love to help me in the kitchen.) And a mother who is a bit more distracted. I'm getting into the habit of scanning the room and putting all chairs against the one open wall or the couch before putting Simon on the floor. He's been known to try and push an older sibling off a chair so he can get on, or attempt to climb onto the chair while it is still being used. Fortunately, he hasn't figured out that he can slide chairs to climbable spots. At least not yet!

Warning: removing him while in the act will result in extreme body convulsions and ear piercing screams.

My Sickies

2012-01-26T11:41:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago Isabella got sick. Mild fever, cough, etc. It lasted for a good two weeks. Then Simon got it. Now it's Oliver's turn. His was pretty mild and I had thought we were almost done, until last night. Here's to another week of hibernation*. Another week of lots of movies. Another week of lots of cuddles.

*This year I am finding joy in slowing down and hibernating during the winter. It feels good to spend time focused inside, making food, reading, cuddling and just enjoying this time.

Christmas Highlights

2012-01-09T20:25:00.001-05:00

Christmas was lovely. Simple, pure loveliness. The Carini's came down for a few days from Connecticut (they stayed in a hotel, cause there is no room in our "inn") and we celebrated the holiday with them. It was surprisingly simple, fun, and dare I say, calm. Just the way Christmas should be.

Christmas Eve

Grandpa was an excellent ~~sport~~ donkey for the Christmas story, carrying a pensive Mary; guided by an adorable Joseph (or was Oliver a shepherd?).

Great Grandma with one of her 15 great grandchildren

Exhausted Mary. Gentle Joseph. Squirmy Baby Jesus.

Christmas Morning

A highlight was walking to and from church on Sunday. Spencer played Christmas carols on his accordion the whole way. It was beyond awesome!

Sk8er Girl

2012-01-09T14:46:00.001-05:00

Ice skating was part of our Christmas activity advent, but it didn't happen until after Christmas. On December 31st we were up early, the weather was nice and we decided to head to Bryant Park to try a bit of ice skating. We got there by 9am and there wasn't a line at all. We tried to go the Monday before (at 11am), but the line wrapped around the block. So, no line = awesome.

Isabella loved it! I was so happy for her. She was so nervous and shaky most of the time but by the end she insisted on doing it all alone (I had to get off the ice even :0)). She is a very determined little girl. It was hard to get a photo of her smiling because she was concentrating so hard the whole time.

When last Saturday turned out to be a gorgeous day again we decided to go again. Spencer was visiting, so we had to show him how wonderful it was.

this is the "Daddy stop making me laugh!" expression

We had a great time again! Isabella got a hole in her pants and after that she had a hard time skating. She was really worried about that hole. So we put her skates on Oliver and the guys took him for a run. He loved it so much he kept asking "1 more?!" with his finger. I think he went around the rink about 10 times.

balancing all by himself

I think Oliver mostly loved just slipping and sliding everywhere.
It was hilarious.

And, if you were wondering what Simon and Oliver did while Brian, Spencer, and Isabella skated for a few hours:

When the Zamboni cleaned the ice all the kids would crowd around Oliver and watch him play on the iPad.
It is a lovely gadget at times like these.

We choose to go to Bryant Park instead of Wollman Rink (which is closer to us) because the rink at Bryant Park opens at 8am and they only charge $14 to rent ice skates. Wollman rink doesn't open until 10am and the rates are significantly higher (adults cost $23?! $5 just to watch?!). Next year we plan to buy the kids their own skates (used, of course) at the beginning of the season and head to Bryant park as many beautiful mornings as we can. This is a tradition we hope will continue.

Right Now

2012-01-07T10:35:00.001-05:00

At Bryant Park. It's sunny. It's 50 degrees. It's perfect.

You know your kid is a New Yorker when...

2012-01-07T05:23:00.004-05:00

...she asks for money by making signs.

The signs read: "I need some cash" "Isabella need for money" "Love Isabella" & "To Mommy"

I laughed so hard. I couldn't resist and I gave her some coins. (I usually make her work hard for her money.) She insisted I put them in the "box" (a kids' chair turned upside down) rather than putting it in her hand. She then, promptly, asked for "cash", meaning, paper money. I caved and tossed in a dollar bill. I figured creativity doesn't come cheap. And since I took a photo...I totally had to pay up.

Activity Advent: Gingerbread Cookies

2012-01-04T07:16:00.000-05:00

We made gingerbread cookies. The kids were in a mess-making-mood and I was in a not-so-patient-mood. Even Simon tried to climb up and join the cookie making party. This is the only photo captured. They were, oh, so delicious! Here is my favorite gingerbread recipe. (Not to be confused with my awesome gingersnaps! Someday I'll post that recipe.)

Activity Advent: The Angel Tree

2012-01-03T06:43:00.000-05:00

One warm day we walked across Central Park to the Met Museum to see the Annual Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche. More commonly known as The Angel Tree. No photos were allowed at the tree. If you want to see the tree, click here.

Here are some fun photos of our a beautiful day in the park.

Activity Advent: Gingerbread House

2012-01-02T06:20:00.000-05:00

I purchased one of those pre-made gingerbread house kits from Trader Joe's as soon as they appeared at the store. (Last year I waited until after we moved. But they were sold out. Thank you Mom for saving the day and bringing one in your suitcase! FYI: The one from Target--last year--was better than TJ's.)

Oliver ate the little candy people included...before they made it onto the scene. And, fortunately, we had some candy stashed away, because there wasn't much in the kit. Ummm...and, my kids ate a lot.

Activity Advent: Making Gifts

2012-01-01T06:34:00.000-05:00

We spent a couple of days making gifts for others. It's not an easy thing making a gift for someone else, who lives in the same house...when your house only has two rooms. I was super stealth a couple of times and was able to hide things at the last moment. It made the merry making even more exciting. Isabella, wide-eyed and bouncing on her tippy-toes, "Mom, hurry! Hide it! He's coming!"

Isabella and Oliver are really into letters right now. I found some ideas on Design Mom that I thought they might like to do. And they loved it. It was a lot of fun doing these projects with them.

monogrammed mugs

glittered initials
I added a little paint to the glue (watered down) so he could see where he put it.

Activity Advent: Hot Chocolate Crawl

2011-12-31T06:12:00.004-05:00

The weekend before Christmas we went on a hot chocolate crawl. We were in SoHo and only hit up 4 places throughout our day of window shopping. We contemplated going to more, City Bakery (a favorite) and/or Jacque Torres (another, more local, favorite), but really, four (!!!) hot chocolates in one day was plenty. We were in a cocoa comma.

Also, We passed a Grom as well and turned that down since we had recently been there (and had taken half home, and sipped it for days...it really is a melted bar of chocolate! Yummm!)

Hmmm...City Bakery...I think I know what we are doing today!

Balthazar
Better than Starbucks but not as good as the stuff we make at home.

Vosges
Different flavor than I've had before. It was good ~~hot~~ haut chocolate. Thin and watery (unlike melted chocolate of other hot cocoa) but the flavor was full.

Mariebelle
Mairebelle was our first experience with gourmet hot chocolate when we moved to the city. We have had it several times and, unfortunately, it's not consistent. Sometimes it is out of this world and I get a bit of a buzz from it (I'm serious). But other times it's too thin and lacking in richness.

Van Leeuwen
We happened to pass the truck and noticed they had hot chocolate (I love their ice cream). It was, surprisingly, very different. It was very sweet and must have had amaretto syrup in it. It had an undertone of a yummy waffle cone. (Is that amaretto?) Good, but different.

It was a very fun day!!!

And, I realized, as I wrote this, we have drunk a lot of hot chocolate in this city during our several years here. I'll have to post more of our hot chocolate adventures.

I really want to try the hot chocolate from La Maison du Chocolate. Their truffles are heavenly!

Right Now

2011-12-26T14:19:00.001-05:00

At the new Apple Store in Grand Central.

Activity Advent: O Christmas Tree!

2011-12-20T20:47:00.001-05:00

Last week we went in search of our Christmas tree. As a kid I loved going into the mountains and cutting down a tree. So I've been surprised how much I've loved our tree hunting tradition here, in the city. We walk two blocks, look at a few trees, haggle with the tree dealer, then carry our tree home...in our hands. And decorate it before bedtime. It's quick and easy. Perfect!

The guy selling the trees was super sweet with the kids. It made the experience even better.

I love comparing this photo with the one last year, when I was about to pop Simon out. What a difference a year makes!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE decorating the Christmas tree with my family.

Activity Advent: Days Inside

2011-12-20T20:25:00.000-05:00

Two weeks ago it rained several days and then I got super sick. Fever, chills, the works. It was awful. I completely lost track of what activities we were doing when and did a lot of Christmas movies and hot chocolate.

Once I felt a little better we made peanut blossoms; one of my favorite holiday cookies we made when I was a kid.

We hung stockings by the brick wall with care.

And Isabella wanted to decorate the house "like Christmas", so I let her do her thing and she spent a half hour wrapping this chair. It was the most decorated chair ever. ("Was"...because the ribbon has since been removed, by the kids, and used for other imaginative adventures. Mostly wrapping each other.)

Celebrating One Year

2011-12-15T14:16:00.000-05:00

Simon's birthday was nice and mellow, just as a first birthday ought to be. After picking up Isabella from school we ran around Central Park for a bit. It was lovely out so I took the opportunity to take some photos of my birthday boy.

We picked up a few cupcakes from Crumbs on our way home. I made a special feast of fried flounder, quinoa, and salad. (My kids' favorite meal...surprisingly.) Then I brought out the cupcakes, which became a comedy of errors. (Brian had to work late--he was home early both nights previously to make up for it). So it was me, three kids (that's 30 fingers!), chocolate frosting, fire, and a camera! I had to light that candle at least 5 times. We sang a few times to Simon, once to Oliver and once to Isabella. It was hilarious, fun, and a bit exhausting.

He only ate a bite or two. (I think it's the wheat?!)

Like I've said before, I feel like the first birthday is a bit of a celebration of "we did it!" He'll never remember his first year of life, but we've worked long, hard hours taking care of these three wee ones. It is a celebration of his first year, but it is also a celebration of our family. We have all grown so much this last year. We have become a better, stronger, happier family. What a wonderful blessing it is having three beautiful children.

It's Christmas time in the city

2011-12-15T07:29:00.002-05:00

city scenes found on my iphone

Simon: 1 year!!!

2011-12-14T06:38:00.001-05:00

What a crazy, amazing day! It's almost 6am and I am crying as I type this. Where, oh where, has this year gone?! How is it possible that my tiny baby boy is a whole year old today?! This last year has been the best year of my life.

It is so much fun having Simon in our family.

Simon is hilarious, sweet, and expressive. He "talks" very loudly (especially when others are chatting) and will often use his hands to make his point. He loves his family. He is so happy when everyone is home and he can crawl to and from each of us.

When that first beat of dancing music comes out of the speakers he dashes to Daddy and stretches his arms up as high as he can (and grunts "uh, uh, uh") until Brian picks him up and swings him around the room.

He loves to eat cheese, grapes, cheerios, quinoa and vegetable soups. He will tolerate oatmeal if it has enough applesauce mixed in. He won't eat anything with wheat in it. (I'm assuming his horrible eczema was a reaction to wheat I was eating. I was never successful eliminating it 100% from my diet. But, fortunately he seems to have grown out of the skin reaction.)

He makes car sounds when he plays with cars. And he loves to give kisses. Tight lipped, with a long, "mmmmm". Followed by a big smile.

He still take 3 hour naps every morning, which is lovely.

We recently started standing him on his own. And the first few times he would lock his knees, get really excited, balance for 3 seconds and then fall over like a tree. He has since learned to squat.

When he is tired he gets really, really goofy. He will laugh at anything.

He insists on being held while I cook dinner. He loves pulling things off counter tops. Not a good combination in a tiny kitchen.

He gets really excited when he walks around holding onto our hands or while pushing a chair.

expert climber, not mama approved

Merry Christmas Baby Boy! You are the most precious gift I have ever received!

Right Now

2011-12-07T14:09:00.001-05:00

Adoring this beautiful baby of mine.

Activity Advent: Catch up

2011-12-06T13:49:00.001-05:00

We've been having so much fun with our Christmas advent activities that I haven't had a second to sit down and record it. Since I'm covering 5 days in one post, this is a long one.

Day 1

I bought Isabella and Oliver each one of the chocolate advent calendars at Trader Joe's for two reasons: 1) they are only $1 and 2) I always wanted one as a kid, but never, ever got one. After eating the first piece Isabella declared the chocolate as "bad". But continues opening each window, each night with delight. (It is pretty nasty chocolate.)

We also watched a Christmas video from lds.org.

Day 2

I finally finished the actual advent calendar (with Isabella's help, of course) and hung it up on our door. I used sticky notes on the inside so I can change and move things around as needed.

Our activity for the day was to go see the store windows on 5th Avenue. We timed it right so Brian could meet us after work.

Bergdorf Goodman's windows were so beautiful...as always.

We were near our favorite chicken and rice cart and needed dinner, so we waited.

A long line = delicious food.

On our walk home we passed Grom and had to stop for some sipping chocolate. Grom's hot chocolate is delicious, but a bit too rich and thick to be my favorite.

Brian gave Simon his first taste of chocolate. I think he was in heaven.

As was Oliver.

Day 3

Our actual activity for the day was the church Christmas concert, but we had a day full of fun before the evening event.

We headed out to find the "secret subway station". An old beautiful station that isn't used anymore, but the downtown 6 train passes it as it turns around to head uptown after the City Hall stop.

The steps at City Hall

My camera couldn't capture the station outside the train, but here's Isabella peering out. Here are some online photos, if you are curious.

We found ourselves at Grand Central and showed Isabella the "whispering wall". You stand in opposite corners and talk into the corner and you can hear each other. It's pretty fun.

Somehow we walked home via Rockefeller Center. Whoever thought that was a good idea was nuts! I was stuck in human gridlock on 48th & 5th Ave. Everyone trying to go in different directions, completely stopped, body pressed up against body, just looking at each other. I really don't how the tourbus got through. It was the worst crowd I've ever been in (and I've been in some crazy crowds :)).

On the way to the concert we saw the firetrucks with their ladders and hoses at the ready. It's the first time I've ever seen them actually fighting a fire (but I never saw the fire).

We finally made it to the concert! It was the first time we got there early enough to sit in the chapel, where it sounded fantastic! I still feel uplifted, and that was 3 days ago!

The kids were super busy and a huge handful (since the concert started at their bedtime), but they did well considering. It was also awesome to see so many friends we haven't seen in so long!

This is us at the end of the concert. (Thank you, Jill!)

Day 4
We took a break from all the busy outings of the previous days and made snowflakes.

Day 5
After school we worked on making some gifts for loved ones. It seemed to be very therapeutic for Isabella. I've tried after school art projects before, to help her decompress from school, but they haven't worked, until this one.

On a warm winter's day...

2011-12-02T07:13:00.002-05:00

You know when Mother Nature gives you days full of 60 degrees and sunshine at the end of November there's no point to wasting it! On Monday I left the house at 8:20am to take Isabella to school and we rolled in and straight to bed at 9:00pm that night. It was a day full of spontaneity and fun. It was a lovely. I walked all day long, like the good ole days. I learned that my feet have become wimps in the last year.

All the Thanksgiving tourists had left and Central Park felt more peaceful than usual. Like the quiet calm after a sudden, raging storm. We soaked in the tranquility. I snapped tons of photos of my willing boy, turned super model for the day. I was his paparazzi.

The Bow Bridge. It's the one in all the movies.

Letters out of sticks.

Leaf hat on The Mall.

Being a monkey at the Central Park Zoo.

Dining on Waffles & Dinges.

After eating his Waffles & Dinges, Oliver crashed and Simon woke up from his morning nap. We walked all the way to the Chrysler Building and met Brian for lunch. We ate at my new favorite sandwich shop, Potbelly. Awesome, tasty, filling sandwiches for $5.50!

Simon's lunch: Joe's Os.

During lunch break we walked to the UN. And back.

After we picked up Isabella from school we ate, played, and headed to the Winter's Eve Celebration at Lincoln Center.

Chipotle on a rock in Central Park. Where do you eat your Chipotle.

The anti-climatic tree lighting. "Alright, now that we have a gazillion people looking at this tree (and tired children screaming) I guess we will just plug it in. Ta-da!"
If I were in charge, I'd shoot fireworks out of the tree.

We had so much fun at the festivities, and my hands were so full with my beautiful babes, that I didn't take many photos. We loved running into so many friends from all over this city! I am grateful we have such wonderful people in our lives.

We ended our festive night by watching the ice carving in front of the church. The artist was working so fast, but the nutcracker was melting even faster!

I hope and pray such beautiful days don't stay away too long this year!

As a side note: that evening as I juggled my three little ones I once again realized I was the only one around with a 1:3 (adult:child) ratio. Some people call it brave. Some people call it crazy. I am learning bravery and craziness often go hand-in-hand.

Our Play Space

2011-11-30T14:22:00.000-05:00

It's kind of funny how things happen sometimes. I really enjoy browsing blogs on my downtime (rare, but true). Blogs are quick bits of inspiration that don't require a time commitment. Perfect to do while nursing or waiting on the subway platform. One blog that I enjoy, Childhood 101, began posting readers' play spaces a few weeks ago. It was fun and inspiring to see "normal" people's spaces.

Every time I looked at our disheveled bookcase, crammed with kids stuff, I thought, "Maybe I'll clean it out one day and send in a photo." And that thought morphed into, "If I do organize our stuff I will send in a photo." Which would be a fun way to share a bit of our space with a group of worldwide blog readers.

I had begun to mentally clean out the kids' shelves a few weeks before my hands were free to do the work. I cleaned and organized for just about an hour (a benefit of a small space) before it looked good. I snapped a few photos and submitted it to Childhood 101. A few days ago I noticed our space was featured on Childhood 101! It's so fun to see it there; our little home. Hopefully it will inspire others who live in tight spaces. You can see the bit I wrote about our space on Childhood 101 or view other play spaces on the site as well.

Scenes from Thanksgiving Weekend

2011-11-29T20:12:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend in Connecticut with Brian's family. The weather was beyond perfect (the mid 60's?!?!) and we spent a lot of time playing outside. We had so much fun and I took tons of photos.

Here are a ~~few~~ a lot of my favorites:

Thursday:

waiting for the turkey

Friday:

soaking up the warm sunshine

Saturday:

hiking to Blackledge Falls

Saturday Night:

roasting marshmallows

(cozy campfires are awesome)

Thanksgiving Eve

2011-11-29T19:53:00.000-05:00

I never knew the eve of Thanksgiving could be so exciting and fun, until I moved to the Upper West Side. Specifically, to an apartment along the Thanksgiving Day Parade route.

(She's being goofy.)

Isabella's school had huge inflatable slides in the school yard when we picked her up from school (as a fundraiser). We played there for a little while, until the kids were sufficiently cold, wet and cranky. Then we went across the street to see the parade balloons being filled with helium. We ran into some old friends, visiting from Washington D.C. about the time all my kids started screaming because their fingers and toes were frozen. (It was one of those moments when I realized I was the only one around with a 1:3 ratio; adult to child.)

I asked a stranger to snap a photo, promised the kids hot chocolate, and plowed my beast of a stroller through the crowds. I flashed my i.d. to the cops and got past gated areas because I'm an Upper West Sider. It pays to spend a gazillion dollars in rent sometimes. We settled into the overcrowded Starbucks, wished neighborhood friends a happy Thanksgiving, sipped hot cocoa and got chatting with a touristy family. Tourists from Farmington, UT who figured I might be Mormon. I guess we kind of stand out with the mom to child ratio, in New York City.

We dashed home and had to stop the steady stream of toursits flowing by our apartment door so I could heft our beast of a stroller down the 5 steps to our ground floor door. It was my way of putting on a show for the visitors. I am sure they were thinking, "Crazy New Yorker!" Once inside our cozy little palace, I wrapped the kids in warm blankets and finally exhaled!

If you give a boy a cookie...

2011-11-29T14:45:00.003-05:00

Simon is an amazing little napper. He sleeps a solid 3 hours every.single.morning! Once Isabella started school those morning hours have become my time to be with just Oliver. (I have to be very careful because it is all too easy get in the habit of doing dishes, cleaning house, making phone calls, etc. during that time. It's tricky finding the balance!) A few days ago I realized I have never made cookies with just Oliver. Oliver loves to help me cook, but sharing that time/space with his older sister can be difficult sometimes. When I asked him if he wanted to make cookies he ran to the kitchen with a fervent, "A-HA!" It was so much fun (and a whole lot easier with just one helper)!

He watched over his baking cookies diligently while browsing one of his favorite books. He then enjoyed chocolate chip cookies while I read If You Give a Mouse a Cookie to him at least a dozen times.

Preparing for an Activity Advent

2011-11-28T07:01:00.000-05:00

Christmas 2009

I'm putting together an activity advent calendar to do with the kids this year. I love the idea of it, but I'm not sure if i want too feel "committed" to do something every-single-day, so I may make it more of a checklist. Or decide each activity the day before. Although, I can already hear myself saying, "Another Christmas movie tonight kids!" as I order pizza for the 3rd day in a row. I'm great at planning, but sometimes exhaust myself in the implementation. But, in case you want inspiration here are some ideas I've jotted down so far--in no particular order.

See the tree at Rockefeller Center
Church Christmas concert (Dec 3)
Go to the ward Christmas party (Dec 10th)
See Christmas windows along 5th Ave & Macy’s
Winter’s Eve Festival at Lincoln Center (Monday, Nov 28 5:30pm)
Rent a car and see the lights (Dyker Heights?)
Visit Daddy for lunch (while Isabella’s on school break)
Celebrate Simon’s birthday (Dec 14th)
Make Christmas cookies
Deliver cookies to some of our favorite neighbors
Make ornaments for the tree (idea links 1, 2, 3, 4)
Find the “secret subway station”
Get a Christmas tree
Decorate tree
Make a gingerbread house (a la Trader Joe’s)
Read the Christmas story
Make a garland (popcorn, buttons, felt squares and/or cranberries)
Hang and kiss under mistletoe
Visit Santa?
Visit the beautiful trees around the city (go to the Met for sure)
Read Christmas themed storybooks (check out from library)
Make snowflakes
See the model trains at Grand Central
Go ice skating
Teach kids more Christmas songs
Go on a hot chocolate crawl
Make Christmas cards
Watch a Christmas movie (or two)

Scenes from the High Line

2011-11-23T08:07:00.001-05:00

When the permission slips came home for a field-trip to the High Line Isabella begged me to come. It was obvious she really, really wanted me there, so I made arrangements for the boys (thank you, Lauren!) and was able to spend a beautiful, cold morning with my little girl. I really loved it.

The kids are doing an overall study of parks. The teacher incorporates a lot of learning opportunities (math, science, reading, etc.) into their parks studies. And, it should be noted that Isabella's teacher is absolutely amazing. She puts 110% into all she does for the kids and class. Ms. Wu has arranged a field-trip to a park (to make observations in nature) every Friday morning for the last 6 weeks.

Halloween

2011-11-22T16:11:00.003-05:00

Yes, I know it is two days before Thanksgiving and I'm finally posting photos of the kids on Halloween! But they are too cute to not share.

The weekend before Halloween I took advantage of Old Navy's sale and got a costume for Simon. The costumes were only $3.50, so I picked up a bunch for the kids dress-up box. Isabella was going to be Supergirl, but decided on a bumble bee instead. Oliver was going to be a monkey, but was a shark at one celebration and a dragon at another.

I love how the city opens its doors, literally, to kids on Halloween. I love that we can walk down Columbus Avenue and trick-or-treat to all the shops. Hoity-toity boutiques excitedly welcome the costumed, sticky youngsters for just a few hours every year. It's so much fun!

Halloween + Kids + NYC = Awesome!

The first two photos were from the church Halloween party the Saturday before Halloween (the day of the big snow).

The kids went trick-or-treating to the classroom doors at the church. Oliver passively watched Isabella at the first door. It was fun to watch the lightbulb click in his little mind as he quickly opened his bag. He was in sweet, sugary heaven.

Getting ready to trick-or-treat on the Upper West Side.

Meeting up with friends.

Isn't he delicious?

Roar!

Trick-or-treating on W 69th St. They close down the whole street, decorate and let the little ghouls run amuk.

Running into a gazillion friends along the way.

Right now

2011-11-18T09:34:00.001-05:00

Isabella is taking her first school bus ride and she's so excited. We are on a field trip to the Highline. A classmate just asked Isabella, "Why do you want to sit next to your mom instead of me?"

Isabella's reply, "Because I love her."

My heart melted and I almost cried.

Simon: 11 Months

2011-11-16T13:10:00.000-05:00

I know I say this every time, but this time I really, really mean it! Time flies!!! How in the world can my baby almost be a year old?! He will celebrate his 1 year on Dec 14! I'm doing a double take on the last year of my life; it went lightning fast.

Here's a quick update and fun photos of Sweet Simon:

He just started clicking his tongue.
Just a few weeks ago he generously gave kisses to everyone. Tight lipped, humming, leaning forward. It was completely adorable. He stopped doing it last week. Which is very sad.
He threw a mini tantrum yesterday...he was quite tired at the time.
He is topping the charts as our most squirmy baby--ever!
He sleeps wonderfully. Finally! Thank heavens!
He has said, "mama," "dada," and "lala" (Isabella), but won't do it on demand.
He spends 90% of his awake time at my feet, in my arms, in the carrier, or in the stroller. The other 10% is spent laughing at/with Isabella and Oliver.
He loves his mama. But as long as he's fed he often leans into daddy's arms.
When he hears the gate shut outside he crawls very excitedly toward the door, expecting Daddy.
He loves peek-a-boo.
He loves it so much he will sometimes just look away and back at you and start laughing hysterically. It's adorable.
He can now drink from a straw.
He squeals like a little piggy when he doesn't get his way.
He loves to dance with Daddy and be tossed about.

I love and adore Simon! We all do! He's so funny, sweet, and kissable!

Welcoming Daddy home.

First haircut.

When I make dinner, he goes through the recycling.

Expert climber.

I LOVE this baby boy!

Falling in love with Fall.

2011-11-16T12:44:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, after school, the forecast was threatening rain. But the kids needed to run around so we headed to Central Park. I am so glad we did. It was spectacular. The crowds were sparse, the clouds grey and low, the colors vibrant. I certifiably have a new addiction: taking photos of my children with the fall leaves. It's almost as bad as my addiction to taking photos of my kids on the beach.

As the kids were running freely I thought, "Why didn't I do this everyday last fall?!" (Last year was the first fall we had an apartment a half a block away from The Park.) But I quickly remembered, Oh yes! That's right! I was 8.5 months pregnant with Simon, Oliver was only 16 months old and barely walking, I lived in a 4th floor walk up, and I was preparing to move apartments. In hindsight, it was one of the most difficult seasons of my life, physically. (You saw that big baby belly!)

But now...Now? Today. This week...I LOVE this season! I mean, really, really love it! I love Central Park! I love my kids rolling in the leaves! I love the fresh, cool air! It all feels so perfect and wonderful. I've always agreed that fall is, indeed, very beautiful. But it might, possibly, be my new favorite season. Definitely tied with summer!

Who's Who?

2011-11-10T20:12:00.000-05:00

I was going to post photos of the kids on Halloween, but I can't seem to find them! I'll get my tech genius on that right after he gets home from work...and after he kisses me...and eats his dinner... I'll find those photos!

But I was comparing photos of my oldest and youngest. Can you tell which one is Simon and which one is Isabella?

Right Now

2011-11-08T13:17:00.001-05:00

I DID IT!!!

2011-11-05T09:48:00.002-04:00

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

2011-11-03T08:11:00.000-04:00

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

2011-11-02T19:59:00.000-04:00

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

2011-11-02T08:56:00.000-04:00

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

My Amazing Oliver

2011-11-01T08:32:00.000-04:00

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

2011-10-29T16:09:00.001-04:00

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

2011-10-28T10:50:00.001-04:00

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...

2011-10-26T14:11:00.000-04:00

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

2011-10-22T08:15:00.020-04:00

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

2011-10-20T12:34:00.000-04:00

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

Birthday Interview + Photos

2011-10-19T13:41:00.000-04:00

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

2011-10-18T09:49:00.001-04:00

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

Attitude of Gratitude: Change

2011-10-15T17:15:00.000-04:00

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}

2011-10-14T14:07:00.002-04:00

{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

Isabella: 5 years!

2011-10-13T10:55:00.000-04:00

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

I love...

2011-10-10T12:31:00.001-04:00

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

Right Now

2011-10-07T08:43:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Isabella!

Right Now

2011-10-04T09:03:00.001-04:00

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. ;)

Ceci's Wedding

2011-09-30T22:00:00.001-04:00

My sweet, beautiful, amazing niece, Cecile, got married last weekend. She is the oldest of the oldest (on both sides of her family), so it felt monumental in so many ways. It also made me feel old. How can my baby niece be married?! Granted, I was 12 years old when she was born and she is only 21 years old. But still...I was taking care of her only yesterday!

Brian was so good to watch Isabella and Oliver for the weekend while Simon and I flew to Seattle and back. I had such a great time. All my siblings, except one, could make it: 6 out of 7 of us were there! I was reminded how much I love, love, love my brothers and sister. They are the funniest people! I love them to bits and miss them so much. There's nothing quite like being around a bunch of crazy, funny people just like you. They totally get me! (Even if I was adopted. :))

I loved being able to see Ceci marry Josh in the temple for eternity and begin her family with such a strong foundation.

I loved that I arrived earlier than everyone else and got to hang out with family for just a bit before all wedding craziness ensued.

I loved that everyone finally met, adored, held, kissed, etc my sweet Simon. I loved that Brooks (my oldest brother and father of the bride) was crawling on the floor delightfully chasing and wrestling with Simon within minutes of our arrival.

I loved that all my teenage nieces greeted me like I am a superstar. I love those girls!

It was very touching to watch my oldest brother as he experienced the intense feelings that came with watching his daughter grow up.

It was an amazing, wonderful weekend.

Here are a lot of my favorite photos:

The beautiful bride and Sophie (her mom).

All the cousins that were able to make it.
I love Simon's expression.

The beautiful Mary!

The siblings:
Brooks (the bride's dad), me, Anika, Seth, Sean & Kayle.
Brett (Sean's twin) was missing.

I loved getting to spend so much solo time with my sweet Simon.

Mom and her grandkids.

Silliness.

Cousins!

The glamorous Emma!

The reception was beautiful.
I laughed. I cried. I ate a lot of delicious food.

Brooks gave a touching & hilarious speech about Ceci and her big day.

We said farewell to the bride and groom with tons of sparklers lighting the path to their car.

Right Now

2011-09-30T09:49:00.001-04:00

Loving the beautiful morning at an empty playground.

Attitude of Gratitude

2011-09-29T10:18:00.000-04:00

Right now I'm grateful for several things:

This may sound silly, but I'm so glad today is a Jewish holiday. (Silly, because I'm a Mormon--yes, we do believe in Christ.) Here, Jewish holidays are recognized and so Isabella gets today (and tomorrow) off of school. (That never happened in CA when I was growing up.)
It's a raining today. So we are just chillin', calm and easy, inside. No pressure to run around on adventures. If it wasn't raining we'd probably be at the Bronx Zoo.
Isabella is still in her pajamas. This morning I never said, "You need to ... now!"
All morning she has been playing with her toys. Something she hasn't had time to do much of since school started.
Right now she's spontaneously gluing, painting, stamping, drawing, etc. Imagination and creativity are thriving today. It feels good.
Oliver has joined in creating more than ever before. He's mostly cutting and gluing galore.
I finally painted Isabella's nails. Something I've been promising, and putting off, for well over a week.
I'm so glad I have today and tomorrow (and the weekend) to have my little girl around. I've missed her so much!!!

It is a beautiful day!

School Wardrobe

2011-09-27T13:43:00.000-04:00

My little Isabella loves fashion and to dress up. Since she was about 18 months old she has demanded to get herself dressed and wear whatever she wants to wear. In theory I'm totally okay with it. But in reality, wearing snow pants in July? Not an option. (Same goes for swimsuits in February.) And since she's a strong willed sweetie (I have no idea where she got that from. ;)) I prepared myself for school. She and I worked to put some good school outfits together with the clothes she has. I took photographs and we are using these photos as our morning guide.

Most mornings she's fine and will pick out something that works perfectly (even if its not photographed). But mornings, like today, when she's insisting on wearing something that won't work for school (like Oliver's tiny t-shirt) I pull out these photos, tell her which ones are still clean this week, and let her pick. It worked beautifully. I was so relieved and happy! Power struggle solved!

Since taking these photos I've purchased leggings and long sleeve shirts to wear under the skirts and short sleeves. I'm sure as it gets chilly I'll need to update our options.

Next up...her hair. She's been demanding some funky hairdos ("Two braids and two ponytails. Right here and here and here!"). How do I redirect that without squelching creative thinking?!

Right Now

2011-09-22T12:32:00.001-04:00

Enjoying a bit of Ben & Jerry's. He was so excited when I handed him a "big" cone. I usually do my Mom's trick of getting an extra cone and splitting the ice cream. I didn't tell him he got a big one because his sister isn't here to split it with him. Bittersweet I tell you...bittersweet!

Simon: 9 months

2011-09-20T05:44:00.003-04:00

I've said it before and I'll say it again, and again, and again...

Simon is the sweetest boy!

Ever!

Hands down!

No contest!

Lately my littlest one is getting into everything. Kitchen items strewn everywhere. Garbages have to be lifted up onto tables. Baby gates are up. And the bathroom door must be closed "quickly, before he gets there".

He loves to pull himself up to a stand and declares, in sweet squeals, that he is quite proud of himself. Although after a few recent tumbles he has become more cautious and now stands, and stands, and stands until someone rescues him and helps him sit back down.

For the record, he did say, "Mama," once and he was looking right at me. It totally counts! He often says, "da.da.da.da." or "di.da." And speaks in a very forceful staccato. I love it.

About a week, or so, ago he started clapping. I was so excited, and I kept trying to get him to show off for everyone else...but he wouldn't. He just looked at me, like I'm totally hilarious, then grabbed my hands and tried to eat them. But, when no one else is looking, he loves to clap.

He's got ninja hands. It's true. As in, I'm about to put the spoon, full of baby food, into his mouth and all of a sudden the food has flown everywhere. We just need to teach him to say, "hi-YA" and it would be official. He's so fast!

A couple of times he has crawled; hands and knees style. But he prefers the army style. He can get going really fast on our wood floors and looks like a slithering snake. Especially when he's headed for the stairs. Especially when I'm headed for him, as he's headed for the stairs.

I love this stage! He thinks we are all hilarious. Peek-a-boo is awesome. Chasing is the best game. And he still loves to cuddle with his mama. I love kissing his neck. I love nursing him. I love holding him. I love tickling him. And counting his petite pea toes. And squeezing his plumpness. I love watching him laugh at his brother and sister. I love this boy!!!

Yesterday evening we had FHE at Sheep's Meadow. As Brian chased Oliver during that it's-almost-time for-bed-naughtiness-phase, I finally captured a bit more of Simon's expressions (and yes, he is still in his pajamas because he is a 3rd child...but I have photos!):

The Long Island Simon.
"Hey Joey, Youz thinks I'm funny?!" (or is that more Jersey?)

The Hugging Simon.

The Happy Simon.
"Mama, you are hilarious."
aka: The 90% of the Time Simon.

The Wrapped Around Mama's Little Finger Simon.
"I'm gonna get that phone and suck on it!"

The Stare Into Your Soul Simon.
"You are the keeper of my milk."

The Intellectual Simon.
"Ahh... Very interesting..."

The I Got It Now Simon.
"I can almost taste that phone!"

The Dandelion Simon.

The Sweetest Boy In The World Simon.

The Best Littlest Brother Simon.

{this moment}

2011-09-16T14:56:00.000-04:00

First Day of School

2011-09-14T07:25:00.000-04:00

Thursday was Isabella's first day of school...ever! It was a half day and parents stayed at the school the entire time. (Some time in the classroom with the kids and some time meeting with Principal Parker.) It was a great way to transition. (The photos below are during our time in the classroom.)

The week before school started if you would have asked Isabella how she felt about going to school she would enthusiastically reply, "Excited!" But her actions were telling me that there was a whole lot more going on inside her. I began seeing a pattern: big, anticipated changes = certain behaviors (same behaviors happened right before both her brothers were born). I tried to talk with her about how it is okay to be nervous or scared. She began asking (a few times every day), "What will school be like?"

She is so brave! I'm so very proud of her for doing something that made her feel uneasy. And that she trusts us enough to be willing to do follow our guidance. When it was time to separate she sat on the brightly colored carpet, her body tense, and her eyes looking everywhere except at us.

Monday was the first full day (8:30am-3:10pm). I dropped her off in a chaotic stairwell. Mr. Parker guided the kids into the school hallway and the parents back down the stairs. I exited the building and chatted with friends before heading home. I was surprisingly fine with it all. Even once I was at home, as I busied myself with the day's tasks.

Well, until Oliver, with toy in hand, began yelling, "La-la! La-la!" and searched every corner of our tiny apartment for her to play with. Then I lost it.

And when I talked to Brian on the phone. The flood gates opened again.

And when I nursed Simon. And laughed with Oliver. And made lunch for just Oliver and me. I was fine other than that.

Monday evening as we were getting ready for the next day of school Isabella said, "I have to go again tomorrow?! How many more times do I have to go?" (I just about lost it then too, but I held back those tears.)

As hard as it is to have her go, I am grateful for the chance to breathe. I feel like I can finally exhale and take in more of life around me. It is a bit more calm here.

Also, the most adorable thing: how excited Isabella is to see her brothers when we pick her up. That girl! She touches my heart with all her love and goodness.

Right Now

2011-09-13T14:52:00.001-04:00

Blowing bubbles while waiting to pick up Isabella.

{this moment}

2011-09-09T13:21:00.000-04:00

How is it possible?

2011-09-07T10:33:00.049-04:00

This baby of mine will start kindergarten tomorrow!

Is it just me, or do other parents feel like this is the biggest change since giving birth?

She's so grown up, but still a baby. She's sweet and sassy. Smart and strong. Timid and reckless.

Why must she grow up so fast? It tears at my heart and yet, it is so exciting to see her bloom, change and grow.

She is amazing and, at times, exhausting. She is the most exhausting joy I have ever loved.

I'm so glad I get to be her mom and continue on this adventure with her.

I know she will do great. I know I will constantly think of her throughout the day. I am so grateful the first two days of school are short and sweet. Next Monday (when she begins to go all day, everyday) that's when I ~~think~~ know I will cry.

Why I love being a mom...

2011-09-07T08:14:00.000-04:00

It's moments like these that make motherhood perfect.

Another Perfect Saturday

2011-09-06T22:14:00.001-04:00

We spent the most beautiful day of the year along the Hudson River.

Free kayaking at Pier 96 (@ W 56th St). I'm so glad people donate their time so we can do this!

Enjoying refreshing apricot popsicles on the Highline.

Miniature golfing and playing at the brand new Pier 25 (@ N Moore St). I highly recommend New York mammas go to this new pier...tons of fun!

Hurricane Irene

2011-09-05T14:14:00.000-04:00

In commemoration of Irene's 1 week + 1 day supposed destruction I'm finally posting some photos.

Hurricane Irene was a rare event that combined strong feelings of anxiety, excitement, relief, disappointment, and gratitude, in that order. I know it is completely silly to be disappointed that Irene wasn't as big of a deal as she could have been. After days of watching and preparing for potential damage a few fallen branches just didn't feel worth the worry.

We took a bus up to Connecticut for the weekend. Even though we had purchased the tickets weeks ahead of time it felt like we were evacuating the city before the impending disaster. I am grateful we have family nearby that could take us in. I have a fear of being trapped on an island (Manhattan is an island) with millions of of other people. Perhaps I've watched too many movies where New York City gets destroyed.

There were some benefits from the whole experience:
*Isabella learned a lot about hurricanes. She could explain the different categories.
*Follow our church leaders. We were encouraged to prepare for a hurricane three weeks before Irene.
*How to be better prepared for future disasters.
*"Hurrication!" Brian had Monday off of work.

He stepped into the water before I realized it. With socks, shoes and a concerned look.

Spencer made a video of Hurricane Irene (movie trailer style). Watch it here.

One of those mornings

2011-09-01T08:17:00.002-04:00

*One child awake two hours earlier than usual.
*Two children awake 1.5 hours early.
*One cup of milk splattered everywhere. Including the couch, 'cause we live in a tiny place and the couch is right next to the table.
*One cup of hot chocolate spilled all over the floor when an older sister was attempting to share with a younger brother.
*Two beastly cockroaches smashed and discarded. Thanks to my heroic husband!
*One child's skinned elbow, knee and hip cleaned and bandaged. After she went running with her daddy ('cause she was up 2 hours early).

All before 8am?!

Now we are headed across town to get a x-ray of Oliver's pinky finger that was smashed over the weekend.

Do you know what that all means? Today is going to only get better! (Half my floor has been freshly mopped!) Seriously, it's going to be awesome. I am determined that today will be an awesome day!

Okay, make that 2 cups of spilled milk...

Right Now

2011-08-31T10:52:00.001-04:00

Sitting outside our apartment while Simon naps inside. Hurricane Irene
brought a breeze that whispers that fall is on her way. As beautiful
as fall is I'm not ready for summer to end. In protest I'm making my
children eat popsicles.

Why I don't go grocery shopping anymore...

2011-08-30T20:09:00.001-04:00

Recently, as I checked out of Fairway (our grocery store) Oliver was caught waving an unwrapped, massive gourmet chocolate bar in the air. I gasped in surprised and everyone near glanced over. I must have parked him a little too close to some chocolate when I ran down an isle to grab something. The checkout lady thought it was pretty hilarious (they rarely smile). I laughed pretty hard too. He picked a good one; it was tasty!

I regularly cart my three kids in one of the craziest grocery stores in the city. (I witnessed a fight break out between two women in the produce section a few years ago. No joke!) Mothers, who have left their children in someone else's care while they shop, have offered their praise, touting, "You are an inspiration!" or "You are so brave!" I believe there is a fine line between bravery and insanity. And I'm not sure which side of the line I'm on. ;)

We celebrated by eating the chocolate and taking photos. That'll teach him!

Simon: 8 months

2011-08-25T16:08:00.000-04:00

I'm, once again, fairly late in this post. He turned 8 months on our 9 year wedding anniversary almost two weeks ago! A little before 8 months he stopped sleeping well at night and began waking up every hour after midnight. Thankfully he's the sweetest, most adorable little baby; even at 3am.

He's become an expert at sweeping our floor with his belly. As he's on his quest to disgusting shoes or danger stairs he glances back at me to make sure I come to the rescue, which is a sure guarantee of many squeals and laughter. Instead of crawling he continues to glide on his belly, occasionally he attempts to pull his knees under himself or hold his body in a plank position for several seconds. (I wish I was strong enough to do that!)

In the last few days he's figured out how to climb over large sofa pillows (that were used to contain him) and up two steps into our bathroom.

He started eating solids in the last month. I waited a little later than the recommended 6 months because my other kids just spit the food out constantly in the beginning and since Simon seems to have some intolerances to food I thought I'd wait just a bit to start the journey. I'm so glad I waited. He was so ready and is a fantastic eater (except for the mixed veggies I tried to feed him last night that resulted in repeated gagging and looks of 'what did you just put in my mouth?!').

He enjoys grabbing hair and pinching my face. He's giddy and completely goofy when Brian gets home every night.

But the best part of Simon is his smile. Which, after reviewing our photos, I realize I don't have nearly enough photos of his perma-smile. He greets us with a smile every morning and almost every moment.

Simon fills my heart with so much joy!

One thing I've noticed about myself lately is how much I'm soaking in all of Simon's wonderful baby-ness. If we are blessed to have more children it will be in a few years. I'm learning how special and wonderful it is to have such sweetness in my life. The soft, plump skin is so tender to kiss and caress. The sweet laughter and smiles; they melt my heart. I've loved all my babies so much, but there's something special about this time, right now, with Simon. I pray those dimpled knuckles stay.

I am New York

2011-08-24T20:05:00.004-04:00

Some say you have to live in New York City for at least 10 years before you are considered a real New Yorker. Some make long lists of telltale signs showing that you've mastered the concrete jungle. I'm not sure if I will ever consider myself a true New Yorker since I was born and raised playing in acres of green fields. But it is true, you live here long enough and you will become one with the city. I do consider my kids New Yorkers; they are so city savvy for being so young.

A few days ago I had a true, honest-to-goodness, I-AM-A-NEW-YORKER experience. I will spare you the details but it started with a woman offering her unsolicited opinion about my child and ended with me yelling (very loudly), "Mind your own business!" and "Shut your mouth!"

Crazy, right?! I didn't know I even had that in me.

I am 5% embarrassed. "I hope no one I know saw me!"

I am 30% amazed. "Did I really say that?!"

I am 65% proud of myself for finally standing up to those people.

I am New York!

Summer Streets 2011: The Trailer

2011-08-22T08:34:00.000-04:00

Brian's brother, Spencer, just shared a quick, fun video of our Summer Streets adventure. Enjoy!

Summer Streets 2011: week three

2011-08-21T23:00:00.000-04:00

Week three (yesterday, August 20) was over-the-top! Brian's brother, sister, two nephews and some friends all joined us for Summer Streets. We started as early as possible with a group that size. I, once again, jogged with Simon in the stroller. (I think he's too young to sit in a trailer or bike seat all day long. It would have been hard on his little developing body.) We did the entire part of Summer Streets (7 miles), went over the Brooklyn Bridge, hopped on a ferry to Governor's Island, enjoyed The Roaring 20's party, and then headed home. After Governor's Island I took my boys home on the subway while the rest of the group biked up the Hudson River. I'm guessing those that biked did 15-20 miles. I think I did 10-12 miles walking/jogging with the stroller (for the record: it's not a "jogging" stroller!).

Getting ready to go!

Along the way

Running into (and with) good friends

REI stop in SoHo

Foley Square

Biking Brooklyn Bridge

The Roaring 20's Party

Governor's Island

Summer Streets 2011: week two

2011-08-21T21:22:00.000-04:00

For the record: "week two" was last Saturday, August 13 (not yesterday). I'm just running late in my posts, having too much fun to post anything, and procrastinating cleaning my house at the moment.

For week two we started downtown at Foley Square which was so much fun! They had tons of stuff for kids and we could have easily spent a few hours there. Brian rode his bike, I jogged with the stroller. We stopped and played all along the route. And before 1pm (when the streets open up to cars) we made it all the way up to Central Park (7 miles).

Here are some fun photos:

Foley Square

SoHo

En Route

"Daddy's Building"

{this moment}

2011-08-19T14:30:00.001-04:00

Right Now

2011-08-16T08:33:00.001-04:00

At the breakfast table Isabella declared, "Oliver, you look like a Samaritan!"

Completely random.

Maybe Samaritans always had really bad mama haircuts???

Love

2011-08-15T14:44:00.001-04:00

Nine years ago (yesterday) I married my best friend, my eternal companion, my adventurer, my techie, my walking encyclopedia, my comic, my perfect opposite, my true love.

Brian, I am so happy we will be together forever! Life, with you, is so fun, amazing, and exciting.

P.S. I love you more!

2002: married for time and eternity in Oakland Temple

2002: taken with our first digital camera

2003: Paris

2003: first day on a weeklong bike trip

2011: raising three kids in NYC

{this moment}

2011-08-12T14:03:00.001-04:00

Plie´

2011-08-11T21:04:00.000-04:00

My good friend and talented dance teacher, Maria, asked me to take some photos of her ballet class today. It was so much fun! Thanks for asking me, Maria!

Right Now

2011-08-11T10:52:00.000-04:00

Getting ready for the free kids flicks at Clearview Cinemas in
Chelsea. Today's movie: MegaMind. Isabella is so excited for the "BIG
movie".

A Magical Childhood

2011-08-11T07:43:00.020-04:00

If you hadn't noticed this little blog here has become our official family journal. It was an intentional decision in January when I wanted to document more of our lives; mostly because I was forgetting so much of it (in my constant state of exhaustion). I love photographing the kids and then organizing them a bit here to tell our life story. (Before I was attempting to keep 3-5 different journals!) But I haven't written as much as I would like about my journey into motherhood. I often have several ideas floating around my unfocused mind. And I'd like to focus on some of those that linger for a long time. (Like what to do about chores.)

One idea is: what should childhood be like and how can I create that for my sweet little ones. This has been at the forefront of my mind lately. Especially with Isabella beginning school (in a month!) and going into that whole new world, full of rules and conformity. While she is in my care, what do I want home life to be like and how can I create that? It's been a struggle to figure it out and I'm still in the process (which I realize may never end) of understanding what childhood should be like.

A little while ago I heard someone describe their childhood as magical. It was a complete "A-HA!" moment. And since then I can't get it out of my head. I want my children to have a magical childhood!

I feel like I've defined what childhood should be like, but now I've hit the hard part:

How?

How do I create a magical childhood?

I've been revisiting the memories of my own childhood and what elements made it magical. Climbing trees, walking through deep flowing grass, playing cops and robbers while pretending locust leaves were money. The parts of my childhood that were magical were spent outside, exploring, with very little adult supervision. I'm not sure if these elements are necessary for a magical childhood, but it's what I know.

Unsupervised, free play in nature is not what is available to my kids' urban lifestyle right now. But I believe they can still have a magical childhood in the city. So, yes, I'm researching, thinking, and discovering the HOW!

My dear friends:

Do you have any ideas how to encourage a magical childhood in the city?

I consider any reader of my blog a good friend and I would really love to hear your thoughts (even if you don't have kids or live in the city)!

Right Now

2011-08-10T10:11:00.001-04:00

We headed down to the river for the free soccer class we've been
attending for the last month. Only to find out that last week was the last
session (which we missed). But we are loving the free, unstructured
play and the fantastic breeze.
This unplanned "chill" time is exactly what we needed.

Summer Streets 2011: week one

2011-08-10T07:07:00.002-04:00

Summer Streets is right up there with blueberry picking and Florida in February. I love it! This is it's 4th year. It occurs the first 3 Saturdays every August (it's only from 7am-1pm). I think we've gone to it every single time. And I still love it!

Last Saturday we didn't have our bikes (they are in storage in Connecticut) but we still did a part of it (E 23rd St to Spring St). Brian rode his Dahon and I jogged pushing the kids in the stroller. Isabella scooted some of the time and sat on the back of Brian's bike the rest of the time. We had a great time. But I am dreaming of biking the whole thing soon!

New Yorkers: even if you don't have bikes you should still got to at least part of it. It is so fun to see the city from a whole new perspective (bring the camera). Whole Foods sponsors a block party with tons of free, yummy, organic food at E 24th & Park Ave. (Seriously, you can walk away with a weeks worth of Stonyfield yogurt, Organic Valley cheese, Odwalla juices, etc.) Other fun places to go: through the tunnel around Grand Central and on Spring St & Lafayette (there is a lot of fun stuff as well). Here's the route map.

Every year I dream about how I could saddle up all the kids and take them on frequent bike rides. We came across the Adams Trail-a-bike Tandem (super cool) last Saturday. And I still love the Zigo that I first saw last year!

Cow milking by Organic Valley. I got to tell my kids about how when I was little my daddy taught me how to milk a real cow. (Thanks Dad!)

Free Ciao Bella gelato.

Say, "gelato"!

Why I don't fold laundry anymore...

2011-08-09T11:32:00.001-04:00

This morning I was reminded why I always fold laundry late at night, while the children are sleeping.

Unique New York

2011-08-09T07:20:00.003-04:00

I'm grateful for good subway & street performers. When they make good music it makes this city even more fun to live in!

Simon's New Skillz

2011-08-08T07:42:00.000-04:00

Simon might be my busiest baby yet.