Thursday, November 29, 2012

Discovering Columbus

Yesterday we ventured into the city for the first time in several weeks to check out the Public Art Fund: Discovering Columbus exhibit.  It was a trip we were scheduled to make October 29th--the day Hurricane Sandy rolled into town--so you know how that turned out. Fortunately, they offered those ticket holders a chance to redeem the passes for a later date and once we knew we would have visitors in town, we chose yesterday as the perfect opportunity to see the statue with friends. Of course, it was pretty cold and there were no strollers allowed, so I wasn't sure exactly how long we would last in the city. But we made a good effort and the climb to the top wasn't so bad. Within seconds of entering the room, though, Elisa declared she wanted to go home and had to pee. And this is when the faux apartment starts to look pretty silly. A great couch and flat screen TV but no potty chair?  No, the designers did not think of everything when planning this great living room space.  But I ignored her pleas for the 10 minutes we were allowed to be in there. And after a few quick photos and ducking around everyone else's cameras, I was ready to bid adieu to the famous explorer.  It might hIt's one of those things I'm glad we did so that we can always pass by the statue and remember our visit with him up close and personal. 
And really, isn't that what living here is all about? We are so lucky to have access to some of the best sights and amusements in the world. And though I often feel like we aren't doing enough to enjoy them, we do pretty good for a family with two young kids.  So little things like this make me realize we are making a decent effort. It helps to have visitors who also push you to see and do things. Nacho's friends, Silvia and Jose, have been here for nearly a week and they have done just about everything I could recommend in the city. So it was a good reminder for us to get out and about even in this cold. And so an afternoon spent around Columbus Circle at this festive time of year was the perfect re-entry into Manhattan.  Now to enjoy a few more trips during this special time of year to really see the city all aglow. 

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Thanks

If it seems like this week has only been about eating...well, that's only half of the story.  The other half I was shopping for food and cooking it. Or maybe it just felt that way. But truly, I didn't mind.  Thanksgiving is usually the beginning of my love affair with holiday cooking, and with guests arriving from Spain and a full house for dinner on Thanksgiving, I figured there was no better time than now to pull out the stops. On Sunday, I delivered a pumpkin cheesecake to a friend's Thanksgiving potluck.  On Tuesday I made pumpkin muffins for Elisa to take to school the next day. And on Wednesday, I prepped and made two pies--a delicious decadent pumpkin pie with rum, and a chocolate-pecan pie--so there would be less to do on the big day.  For Thursday morning, I made my favorite breakfast casserole and some cinnamon rolls to accompany our parade watching.  Elisa got somewhat excited about the spectacle of it all, but I forgot how the first hour is really just a platform to pimp some Broadway shows. By the time the character balloons started drifting through, she was on to something else and to be honest, so was I.  The day was just beginning and there was lots more to do to get ready for our feast.  

I had the turkey primed and ready early and started working on the other dishes of the day (roasted brussel sprouts with apple, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole).  My friend Carmen was making the cranberry relish, sweet potatoes and an apple pie which made it easier on me.  Thanksgiving Day always feels special no matter where I am, but being at home and getting ready to host friends was really nice this year.  As the turkey roasted and the scent wafted through the apartment, I was reminded many times of the family gatherings at my Grandma and Grandpa Mitchell's house.  Something about their place and that smell instantly takes me back to being a kid again and running through their tiny little kitchen on the way out to the garage and down the steps to the basement. That was always where we had the most fun jumping on the guest bed and dancing away to the "Peppermint Twist." There were cousins to play with and so many people filling the house that it was impossible to mistake it for any other day. It was a special time, and we were surrounded by good food and good company. And that's really all I could hope for as an adult too.

As a mother now making new traditions, I know we may not have family near by, but we have friends who help fill that void. We are very lucky to live where we do and to know such amazing people.  It wasn't my mother's table or tradition of making everyone say what they are thankful for. I wouldn't force it. But I gave thanks all the same and I took a minute to watch my husband and my daughters from afar and let the joy and pride they give me take hold. It's so simple to say thanks and yet it takes us all year to sit down and do it.  Maybe that's why I love Thanksgiving. It feels like no other day, and the food is pretty good too.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Bedtime

I have no idea how we got here. After just a few months sharing a room, these girls are so used to each other and comfortable that most nights, bedtime is the easiest part of the day. I wish I could take credit, that I had some master plan that worked to a T. But in fact, I think it's mostly luck and a true testament to their matching personalities. It's during these little moments that I see their chemistry and the way they are making memories together.  Every night now we get teeth brushed and then head to their room to get beds ready and pjs on. Carolina will sometimes stand in her crib while I rush around preparing the room for bed (blinds down, noise machine on, windows cracked to counteract the heat blasting out of the radiators).  But she gets increasingly vocal standing there looking at Elisa lying in bed and finally I have to pick her up and let her roll around on her sister's bed for a few minutes. There are lots of hugs and body slams. Carolina is such an affectionate child and it's so touching to see her love her sister this way. And Elisa just lights up when she makes contact with her. I usually have to pry them apart after a few minutes because it's time for lights out. And that's when I let Carolina lean in for one last kiss.

Then off to the crib Carolina goes and I give her some milk while we all get used to the dark. Elisa is such a trouper about not talking during this part. I don't know why, but it's rarely been a problem and for that, I am grateful.  I take my cue to leave when Carolina finishes her milk or pulls away and then I turn and leave. And most of the time lately, I don't have to come back in. There's some toddler ranting occasionally and a little whining, but not the kind of are-you-there-mom? crying that we were getting a few months back. And I think that's largely because she knows Elisa is in the room with her. My decision to leave the crib and bed opposite each other and not hide them from one another was a good one.  The bedtime routine is done with little anxiety and no skulking out.  It's actually almost painless. And again, I have no idea how exactly this happened. But I know that all the steps were little ones--tiny adjustments based on temperament and developmental stages--and in the end, we are just where I hoped we'd be by this age. It makes my heart so full so see the rapport these girls have and to know that theirs is a sisterly bond I've never had to explain. They just know. And I know. Because I had that too.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

About that snow storm...

So we had our first real snow storm of the year this week on Wednesday and it didn't disappoint. I'm not sure I can take another nor'easter hitting this week, but this second one of the season wasn't too bad for us. Elisa begged to go outside so she could catch a snowflake on her tongue, but after stepping foot into the wet, blowing snow, she gave up.  We grabbed the mail and ran back upstairs to enjoy the views from 6 floors up. Yes, a quiet afternoon inside watching the rain turn to snow flurries while sipping hot chocolate and eating cookies was just what my season-loving soul needed. Of course, my waistline, not so much. Post-Sandy, I can say I've easily put on 5 lbs. of comfort eating while sitting cozily inside. Apparently, I'm not alone.  Oh, yes, it's going to be a looooong winter. 

Friday, November 9, 2012

15 months

We made it to Carolina's 15 month check up yesterday without any subway delays--a minor miracle considering the city was hit with another nor'easter the night before. We got a good couple of inches of snow and the city was temporarily blanketed in a beautiful shade of white. So off we went and the latest stats show us just how much this little girl has grown. She's now measuring 26.5 lbs and 34.5 inches which is exactly where Elisa was at 16 months. It doesn't surprise me that Carolina is a month ahead of her in terms of growth. I've been noticing for a while that the 18 month clothing is getting a little small, and it didn't do that to Elisa until at least late winter. Yes, they are both tall girls, but Carolina seems to be on track for outpacing even our freakishly tall 4 year old.  And if my sister and I are any indication, it just might stay that way.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

This Mama's for Obama!

Today I took my girls to the polls with me. Elisa asked if she could come with me so I waited until preschool pick-up to take her along. I couldn't really say no.  After all, she was born at the end of the 2008 election cycle when I was so eager for a change in this country. I was euphoric the night President Obama won, and I remember thinking that my daughter would later be proud to have been born at that time...when the country was finally starting to see the light. Fast forward 4 years and here we are again. Another election to determine where the country goes next. Of course, I'm hoping Obama will have another chance to show us what kind of leader he is. I haven't been disappointed with him so far, but I do think he's been holding back the real fight. Kind of like watching him a few weeks ago during that first debate. I knew he had more in him and the second and third debate proved me right. I know this next term, if he gets one, will be historic. I just hope we get to see it. So today I voted and took my daughters to see what that feels like, even though they have no idea of its significance. Some day they will. And I hope we can talk about our views and political ideologies and embrace the future together instead of fear it. The choice is ours.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

All Hallows' Eve

Halloween this year was different for many reasons. We actually carved a pumpkin (a family first!). I even made good on my promise to roast the seeds which Nacho soon devoured. And lastly, oh yeah, there was a horrible storm that swept the East Coast just days before. So let's just say, I lowered my expectations accordingly, and in the end, it was all about spontaneity. Since school was still out, I emailed a few friends and invited them over for an impromptu Halloween party on Wednesday. With cupcakes made and pizza on the way, I figured we could make it a lowkey affair and just let the kids enjoy being dressed up in the daytime. We still weren't 100% sure that trick or treating would be safe because of all the downed trees in the neighborhood.  The idea struck a chord with others and in no time, we had a guest list of 15-20 people all on their way.  Nothing like running out to the dollar store at the last minute for some decorations, but thankfully, it all came together. The kids had a great time, and we parents got to chat and catch up after a pretty eventful weekend. 

After saying our goodbyes around 3 p.m., we threw the girls down for quick naps. Elisa complied dutifully, but Carolina...not so much. She should have been exhausted after a short morning nap and lots of activity throughout the apartment which at times saw her clinging to Nacho or me.  It's hard to be around so many rambunctious 4 year olds and not get scared when you're such a little thing.  But more and more Carolina is holding her own, and later I saw her enjoying some kisses from Kieran and being mesmerized by Hiro's delightful conversation. Yes, I think these older boys might be a problem in a few more years.  Around 5 o'clock we rounded up the troops and started out towards Sunnyside Gardens for some house-to-house action. The plan was to meet up with some friends in the neighborhood and have dinner and pass out candy at their place once the kids tired of trick or treating. And since Carolina was already three sheets to the wind, we opted to have Nacho take her pretty much straight there and wait for us to finish up.  I think there's a reason we didn't even bother trick or treating with Elisa before 2. The kids just can't figure it out and they don't appreciate the candy anyway.  But 4 year olds...that's another story. Elisa was very keen on going around the Gardens and she did a great job of approaching the houses on her own. She definitely wanted the goods this year and knew she had to keep up the pace (unlike last year when she stopped to eat after every door). Being with friends meant we stopped earlier than she would have liked, but I think she didn't mind too much since handing out candy all night was even more fun. "We have too  many hungry customers!" she exclaimed at one point. Yes, it was definitely a production watching them run to the bell each time, but oh, how they loved it.  And we actually got to chill a little, eat some great homemade mac n cheese and soups, and finish with my pumpkin cheesecake. All around a pretty perfect Halloween. And again, I was reminded how much we appreciate normalcy when we've seen circumstances so far beyond our control.  Our beloved Sunnyside did a great job of picking up the pieces this year just days after Sandy hit. Sometimes that's the best thing you can do.