The summer begins...

Yesterday was by far the best day of the weekend. We made it out of the apartment early, headed towards the High Line around 15th Street and 10th Ave, and made a day of wandering in the city fun for all three of us. Part of my love for New York City is that days like this are even possible. We had only a rough outline of a plan, but everything evolved with a little patience. Swinging into Chelsea Market for a cupcake at Eleni's for Elisa and some gelato for me wasn't a bad start either...

Next month, the High Line will open a new section of the elevated park, which should bring even more foot traffic and reasons to visit. But for now, it's still a cool place to wander and check out the incredible views and gardens. By the time we got to the end of the walk, Elisa had found her favorite feature--a water trough made for stomping and splashing--and so we sat and watched her get her feet good and wet. I knew there were some parks along the Hudson River and the West Side Highway so we aimed for that direction next. The bonus was finding a cool playground at Pier 51 that had a large water feature area which Elisa clearly enjoyed. The buckets were for sharing and that was all she needed to keep busy for a while.

The day was pretty hot and muggy with temperatures hovering in the upper 80s, but going slow and stopping a lot made it more enjoyable. Of course, you can't always predict when the good times will end, but at least we had an overall pleasant day. Elisa had two major meltdowns along the way, but the second was clearly from being tired, so we let her collapse in the stroller on the way out of the park and in minutes she was snoozing away. As much as I want to commend her for rolling along with the plans, she also has a way of dominating them. Whenever I think of an itinerary in the city, it needs to include plenty of down time and if possible a chance for her to run around. Given my willingness to accommodate her, it makes it hard to understand how she can get so worked up when we have to move along. It's as if she thinks we're seeking out parks and playgrounds all over the city for our own benefit. So when we have to leave, you expect a measure of gratitude sometimes that just isn't there. Not yet, anyway. But nevertheless, I know she just wants more, more, more because she's having fun. But once she succumbed to the late nap, Nacho and I were able to make a dash for lunch that meant we got a nice little break too. I figured one of our old favorites, Corner Bistro, might not be too crazy on a quiet holiday weekend and I was right. The bar hummed with a low key vibe that was perfect for popping in and letting Elisa snooze away while we enjoyed our burgers and drinks.

After almost 45 minutes, she woke up in a groggy haze but perked up the minute we sat a plate of french fries in front of her. That's my girl. Hanging out for a little while longer was definitely a win-win for all of us and we capped off that lunch with a walk around Washington Square Park. Mostly it was a nice way to enjoy Nacho's last day home with us before he had to go back to St. Louis this morning. I know from her quiet goodbye today that Elisa wasn't ready for him to go, and yet, this will be his shortest week gone during training. So yay for that. Now that the summer begins in earnest and we're looking for more outings like this one, it will be nice to have another weekend coming up with him home. More walks, more parks and more good food for sure.

Memorial Day Fair

It's only Saturday, but it's been a busy Memorial Day weekend so far. On Friday morning, Elisa and I made a grocery run to Trader Joe's after officially enrolling her in preschool. With the papers signed and done, we have about a month to go before the summer session starts after the 4th of July. If you ask me, it can't come soon enough. With the barbecue season in full swing, we were prepping on Friday for another casual cookout at the park. Only this time, Nacho made it home in time to join in which made it feel like the weekend had really started. I'm seriously hot dogged out, but it was fun to see such a great turn out from our playgroup friends and Elisa once again amazed me with her independence, playing all over the park and only running back to us for a few bites of food. This morning we gobbled up some fresh blueberry pancakes and bacon before heading out to get the baby's bassinet purchased. With Elisa, we only had a moses basket which worked okay for a few weeks, but by November of that year I was scrambling to buy a crib and establish some better sleep routines. Hopefully with this pack-n-play option, we'll do better in that department. But mostly, now that it's decided and bought, I'm relieved to check that off my list of things to do before July. I want to enjoy these next two months, but sometimes I think I'm not really focused on the arrival the way I want to be. Hopefully, June will be my month for getting organized.

But first, there was a fair at Sunnyside Gardens to enjoy...here is Elisa waiting patiently in line for the bouncy castle.

And Elisa being consoled after refusing to enter the bouncy castle when all the other kids started climbing over her to get their turn.

It wasn't a pretty scene. Mostly, I think she was afraid of the bigger kids who were jumping with wild abandon. We left that one only to be suckered into waiting for the other bouncy house because Elisa said she preferred it. By the time she got through the line, she actually entered this one. But then the screaming began. Her face was terror stricken and she just wanted out. Of course, I wish I hadn't just paid $10 for "unlimited rides" which for her really only meant the bouncy houses. But mostly, I wish they had separated the bouncy houses by age group. It was clear the older kids freaked her out and that made me sad for her sake. I can't think of anything she likes more than jumping whether on a bed, off a step or even on the couch (a no-no), so this was a disappointment. Oh well.

We still managed to have a decent time, but I must remember that these park events are always a bit crazier than I expect them to be. Maybe it's because Elisa isn't really old enough to enjoy all the games/rides, but she wasn't remotely interested in face painting or any of the crafts and she didn't want to sit and eat. So we listened to the band for a few minutes, before deciding to hit the swings and then pack it in. The cupcake on the way out was probably the highlight of the event for both of us. With temps in the 80s again tomorrow, I'm hoping we'll find something to do that keeps us out and about but with a more relaxing vibe. After a nice Thai dinner in Jackson Heights and a stop at Jahn's Ice Cream Parlor tonight, I think we're moving in that direction. More to follow...

Socrates Sculpture Park

Yesterday we joined in with a group of our playgroup moms and kids to hang out at Socrates Sculpture Park in Astoria, Queens for a picnic and some running around. The weather has really perked up these past two weeks with temps closer to 70 and now even 80 degrees most days. Ah yes, summer is fast approaching. So with plenty of snacks and sunscreen, we set out for a little drive to the park which borders the East River. It's a great open area with lots of big sculptural pieces to frolic around and there was no stopping these kids once we turned them loose.

Of course, it's easier now to sit still and watch Elisa do circles around me, but at times, I still wonder what trouble she's getting into. The whole concept of hovering is one we moms openly discuss and there's really no right answer. Depending on the park or the day, I can be following her every move or sitting back and waiting for her to come and find me. Add to that, the reality that each kid can be so different with his or her risk taking and adventuring that there is no hard and fast rule about how much space/freedom to give them. Elisa has definitely gained confidence and a pretty independent attitude about playing away from me lately, but I think she's also pretty tame when it comes to real dangers or testing physical boundaries. I might be getting overly lax, but seeing her run and play with the kids yesterday really made me appreciate this age in a new way. She needs me less. And that's a welcome relief...

The night before this adventure, we had been at SGP having a relaxed barbecue when Elisa's friend Bix got a little over-eager with his tackling moves. Elisa was upset and by the next morning, she told me that she didn't want to see Bix when I mentioned he'd be at the picnic. Of course, nothing like toddler to forget all about that stuff when the fun begins. These two were nearly inseparable for a good part of the afternoon. Something about their mutual spunkiness assures me that the hurt has been forgiven.

I mean, really? Is this my daughter? Where did this bright light come from? I have to say that the butt wiggle and sassiness has only increased tenfold over the past few months. She has such a glimmer in her eye most days that when it's not completely ill-timed and frustrating me to no end, it's absolutely adorable. Yep, that's parenthood for you--if I'm not crying and/or screaming, I'm laughing. It's a delicate balance.

As we trudged out of the park and over to a nearby playground, the kids all seemed to be having fun and there were no tantrums (epic success!). The group play aspect was going better than I expected and the waterworks only added to their enjoyment. Elisa was hesitant at first to join in, preferring the swings, but once she caught on to the splashing, she didn't want to leave. The cool thing about this particular park is that the sprinklers are on a timer so every few minutes it shuts off and the kids got to take turns running over to hit the button to turn the water back on. There were a few moments of pushing to have this honor, but once they agreed to push the button together, peace was restored. And then they were off to the slide...All in all, it was a great afternoon and almost made me feel like I'd been playing too. It was so easy to watch them wear themselves out. By the time we were ready to head home, Elisa had completely soaked her hair (a first!) and clothes, and was acting like she'd never leave. Having a quick change of clothes was a bonus--must remember that from now on--and so off we went home with a dry set and just in time for a nap. High five!

Weekend Roundup

We haven't had much family time with Nacho in training this month, which can make the weeks seem never ending. I think so far, we have only seen him for 6 days (some for just a morning) since May began. And this past weekend was our first without seeing him at all, so I wasn't looking forward to two extra days of running the show all alone. It's a strange thing but sometimes when I'm dreading it the most, everything works out better than expected. There were still some tantrums and meltdowns (mostly Elisa's), but getting out to play on Saturday at the park was a perfect antidote. Elisa found some of the chalk her friend Juliet brought and her mom Kristin kindly made a body outline of Elisa which was a big hit.

Then on Sunday, we made plans to hit the Park Slope Farmer's Market where our friend Molly Killeen has her Made by Molly baked goods stand. The weather wasn't very cooperative with a thick layer of foggy mist rolling in and putting a damper on the morning, but we trudged on and enjoyed our morning out and about. The ever dependable Dan Riley was running things for her that day so we spent a few hours hanging out with him, pushing cookies, scones and fabulous brownies on the amiable crowd. I should have known that Elisa would be up for the challenge of helping with the stand. She helped me put tape on the signs and stick them to the glass cabinets, hand back change to customers and of course, sample the goods. Everything was tasty, but Elisa preferred Molly's homemade marshmallows by far...

We weren't in the car for more than 5 minutes post-market before Elisa passed out. I guess it's hard work selling sweets! The rest of the day was pleasant enough and before you know it, we were heading into Monday with the weekend complete. Something about seeing the light of day at the beginning of the week, even with more rain in the forecast, made me feel like I'd survived the long, lonely weekend without too much moping. And knowing that Nacho will make it back for at least a little bit of the Memorial Day weekend is welcome news. I think both Elisa and I are ready for that family time dynamic to switch up the pace. And with temps edging into the 80s, we might even feel like the beginning of summer has officially arrived. Who needs to wait til June for that?

Big sister

For a while now, people have been asking if Elisa knows much about the baby on the way. If she really "gets it." And generally, my response has been no. As in, she has no clue what kind of chaos and terror is on the way. An exaggeration? We shall see. We do, of course, talk a lot about the "baby" and I tell her the baby is in my tummy and ask if she wants to feel her kick. Lately, she's been a bit more interested in this idea and will even on occasion feel my tummy for two nanoseconds before she declares she's felt her kick. So the other day as we laid in bed reading our respective books, Elisa asked again about the baby and wanted to touch my belly. Then she lifted her shirt and told me to touch her stomach. Why? I asked. "Because I have a baby sister in my belly." Riiiight.

Buying a few books on the subject has helped clarify things a bit this week, I think. A neighbor recommended one about sisters by Brooke Shields called "Welcome to Your World, Baby" and I found another one called "I'm a Big Sister" by Joanna Cole. Both are very sweet and easy to follow for a three year old, but I really like the way the second one emphasizes how special the big sister is. It seems like Elisa has picked up on that theme too because she's now routinely calling herself a big sister and today she kissed my stomach and said hello to the baby without any prompting. Who knows, maybe we are making some progress here. We talk about how the baby will be coming home with us soon and how she will probably cry and sometimes laugh and how we will have to be quiet when the baby sleeps. I even bought Elisa a little tent at IKEA recently thinking it might be a good "quiet spot" for her to sit in and read or play while the baby is napping. No matter what though, I'm sure all my ideas and planning about this introduction will go out the window when I'm presented with the reality of two kids. TWO. It's starting to feel more real and some days I'm giddy with the thought and others I feel overwhelmed with the challenge. Seeing a friend post pics this week of her second, a sweet baby boy, made me realize it's all happening. All these months of talking and moaning about pregnancy are heading toward those final weeks of having only one child at home. And just like I felt when I was pregnant the first time, I have the distinct feeling that this is the easiest time I'll have for the next few years. I'm conscious of wanting to enjoy it and make the most of our outings with just one crazy girl. And yet, I'm also incredibly eager to meet this new little person and see her cuddled up in her big sister's arms. What a sight that will be.

Suds Time

It's been way too long since I got any shots of Elisa in the bath. It always seems like the chore I hate the most. Ugh, bath night--which fortunately only happens every other night (for the most part). Of course, she's never been one of those kids that loved bath time and wouldn't leave. On the contrary, she usually has to be coerced into it and then once she's there, she doesn't seem to mind too much. Until she's done. And then she's climbing out whether you're ready or not. So the other night, I thought, I better capture some of this on film before she changes up and starts showering or some nonsense.

It's too bad you can't smell these photos, because she was heavenly. Something about a freshly washed little face that makes you just want to squish those cheeks and kiss her. Even still.