Island Hopping

Early last week we found out Elisa had a field trip coming up which would keep her at school until 1:30 p.m. All year long we've been dealing with a noon pick-up time, so just that little bit more felt like a bonus.  Since Nacho was off that day in the morning, it was a perfect excuse to take a little field trip of our own and let Carolina enjoy an outing as the only child. Sometimes it's hard to remember that at this age, Elisa had all of our attention and yet Carolina rarely gets that. So it was somewhat with her in mind that we decided to head back to Roosevelt Island and try heading to South Point Park, the park on the southern end that includes the newly built FDR Four Freedoms Park. Nacho had noticed it from the air a few times and thought it looked like a nice speck of land to explore. So last Wednesday we were off to take a walk on a lovely summer day and let Carolina roam--and roam, she did. We've already reached that tricky age where this kid doesn't like to be confined in a stroller. She's 22 months going on 4 and it shows with every fiber of her being. She really thinks she's a big kid. And chasing after her sister most of the time has meant she's developed far quicker and better than Elisa at this age. Carolina is already riding a scooter, she climbs ladders and steps with ease, tackles all manner of slides and playground equipment and can almost pump her legs on the swings. It's kind of shocking at times to realize she's not even 2 yet. 

So on a day where we have two of us to chase her and guide her around the park, I thought it would be easy. But of course, I wasn't thinking about her wanting to walk along the rocky walls, climb the monuments and resist even the slightest time in the stroller. Most of the day we were sprinting to catch up with her. Ahhhh, this little sprite has really grown wings; we must keep up.  And no, Carolina wasn't always pleased with us on this little solo outing, but then it's hard when you're not as big or as capable as you think. I find myself giving her way more space and freedom to explore things than I did with Elisa, and yet, it still seems it's never enough for her. So go the toddler years, I'm afraid.  I have to remind myself that she won't be this little for much longer and the days of her nonverbal communication are also numbered. We're enjoying all the new words and combinations lately, but still there are moments of pure frustration--for us both. And it seems that the little girl I was thinking might be my quiet little flower is not such a shrinking violet after all. She is loud and squawky, hard charging and opinionated.  And yet after any one of her tantrums, she's most likely to turn her face down and wallow in shame for a minute before picking herself up and coming over for a hug.  That's the difference between Carolina and Elisa at this age. And right now, I'll take it. 

Saturday in the city

On Friday I went into Manhattan for a haircut and as I left the salon and wandered through SoHo, I had one of those strange epiphanies.  I really missed the city.  I felt like we were friends who hadn't seen each other in a long time and I wanted to sit and have coffee and catch up.  Everywhere I turned there were new stores and eateries and so many little corners I wanted to explore. And yes, I know I'm still living in New York City, but I guess the problem is that it doesn't feel like it at times.  With two kids and a comfortable existence in our little oasis of Sunnyside, Queens, I just don't have the same opportunities to wander aimlessly throughout the city. Nacho and I aren't taking walks post-work to discover new restaurants and cozy little cafes. We have fallen into our routines of eating out in the neighborhood (if at all) and hitting the local playgrounds when we want to socialize. 

And most of the time that's enough. But when it's not, I find I have an ache--an almost physical yearning--to spend more time walking around the city finding new favorite places and sights. It's something I can't explain better than that, and it's probably the reason that I can't imagine moving anywhere else. After you live here, what else can keep such a hold on you? It may not be for everyone, but I feel like in the 8 years I've been here, I've only scratched the surface of what the city has to offer. And on days like Friday, I realize that I'm getting slightly closer to being able to enjoy more time in the city. The girls are growing up and getting easier to deal with on these kind of outings. It's really more about my will to do it--the stamina will follow. And at times, I admit I get overwhelmed by the enormity of the city. There's so much to choose from it's hard to pick a place to visit without thinking there must be something better around the corner. The dilemma is oddly paralyzing.  But after my day alone, I wanted to do something fun with the family.  So yesterday, the weather looked decent and Nacho was off so we talked about doing something in the city. There was a playground on the west side a few moms mentioned recently and it looked promising. Tom Otterness, the sculptor, designed its bronze slides much like the little figurines that grace the subway platform on 14th street, my old stomping grounds. It was a good starting point for our walk through Hell's Kitchen...

Both girls loved the slides and we spent a good 30 minutes letting them run wild. The playground is situated on kind of a weird block at the far end of 42nd Street. So when Nacho suggested grabbing lunch nearby at Daisy May's BBQ, I was sold. It would be an easy walk and sharing meats and sides would work out fine. So far, this day in the city with two kids was working out pretty well. Yes, there was some mild fussing at the restaurant and lots of interrupted bites as I dealt with their demands throughout lunch.  Carolina is just at that terrible age for sitting still anywhere so she really hates high chairs. And Elisa can be counted on to eat for a little while. But she too gets antsy and wants to dance or switch chairs. Fortunately, we were done fast and back out on the street heading north to find another distraction as we walked towards Central Park. I wasn't really clear on what we were doing next, but after a few blocks, we spotted a neighborhood park near 47th that looked inviting. The sun struggled to come out until about 1pm, so we were finally out and enjoying some warmth. One crazy (possibly drunken) mother in the park later and we were looking for a reason to bolt. I got a recommendation for a good natural ice cream place, Je & Jo, a block away and that was our final stop on this day of exploring.  Coffee with cookie dough for the girls and an affogato for Nacho and me. A little something for everyone which is just how I like my city days. My confidence and energy restored, I look forward to more of this in the coming months.

Cooling off

I know July is supposed to be the height of summer and naturally temperatures follow, but last week's temperatures in the upper 90s were almost too much for me to bear. We hit the kiddie pool most days and laid low in the apartment for long afternoon naps.  It was a good strategy, but still I wondered how we would make it through the month like this.  So far, this week has been much better with cooler evenings and days that don't feel like the oven is turned all the way to broil. Last Sunday in the middle of the heat wave, we drove over to Pier 6 in Brooklyn for a change of scenery and a chance to check out the Water Lab which was full of cool sprinklers and water pumps. Elisa loved messing with all the different equipment, and Carolina didn't mind all the kids running around and nearly stepping on her. Nacho brought us lunch and the day was almost complete...

Of course, we had to also get an Italian ice from the little push cart just outside the picnic area.  Elisa noticed another girl around the same age eating one and didn't want to be left out.  They laughed and compared the colors of their tongues while I promised them a photo so they could see themselves.  Yes, Elisa manages to make new friends on almost every outing which is kind of amazing to me.  I know she's a social girl (much like her mama), but still this kid is such a product of the city we live in.  When we were in Manhattan a couple weeks ago, we turned around at a stop light and she was dancing and chatting with a cabbie.  She's just so expressive and ready to meet new people.  And she loves telling stories and making conversation.  I know I'll have to have a "stranger danger" talk with her at some point, but I really don't think she'll get it.  Strangers are just friends waiting to be made, right?  Anyway, the drive home was going fine as we whizzed up the BQE until we rounded a bend and hit a parking lot of cars.  So off the highway we jumped and snaked our way home through Williamsburg, Greenpoint and the edges of Long Island City.  It was a nice detour of some areas we don't frequent that often and I loved the cool paint on some of the buildings and the trendy little cafes and eateries lining the way.  So much more city to discover. That's the best thing about living here. You can find a new part of a neighborhood you thought you knew and it's only a short hop away. But for that day at least, it was time to get home and nap. All that water and sun was as fun as it was tiring. 

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!