I have to say I have a good amount of pride when people ask where I live or what I do, or how I do it. I relish in the fact that I can call myself an "Upper East Side Mom". Scratch that. I relish in the idea of just being called "Mom" at all.
I suppose that is why I didn't panic when I found out that I will no longer be an UES mother of 3. I will soon and forever more be known as an Upper East Side mother of 4. Yep. That's right. "Number 4" is on it's way. ETA: 7.1.10. It was too easy to raise 3 kids in this bustling city. It was too easy to take 3 children out to restaurants and parks. It was way too easy to try to squeeze in a couple parent teacher conferences in one day. It was way to easy to bring 3 at once to the doctor or dentist. What's one more? Well, in my tiny apartment, one more is beginning to sound like a lot more than I originally thought!
The kids are excited.....now. The initial reactions were not as warm and inviting as I thought they would be but, after a day or two to stew on it, the kids are now very excited! In their minds, the only thought they repeatedly have is that this is the reason I won't let them get a puppy! Well, this is one of MANY reasons! Their hermit crabs will have to do for now.
The husband is a little more grounded than myself. I tend to get nervous and stressed and anxious all at once and early on. He tends to let everything roll off his back and takes it all in stride. I wish he could share some of that energy with me! I need some of that!
Me? I am a hot mess. I am of course tired, anxious, ecstatic, emotional and nauseated all day long. I want everything to be ready for the baby and my family right now. I want to know what the future holds and I want to be able to insure that all will be perfect and organized and easy. I do know better than this. I know better than to think perfect exists. I know that things will eventually fall into place, and I know that stressing right now will not solve any of that. I can't wait to shop with the kids for baby things. I will be spending a lot of time the next few months in Planet Kids on 86Th St. I never get tired of looking at Maclaren strollers and baby items in general....ask anyone who knows me!
So, needless to say, these are going to be a long few months to come. My plan is to be as prepared as possible. I plan on involving my children in anyway I can. I plan on eating a lot and trying out many more restaurants that my neighborhood has to offer! I plan on working up until I can't physically do it anymore. Finally, I plan on visiting out-of-town family so I can fully take advantage of the fact these will be the last times that we will be able to rent 5-seater cars!
Am I a sucker for punishment? Nah. Just a mom. A mom who loves the UES and thrives on being a mom here. Who wouldn't? I suppose anyone can adjust. I'm just not sure too many people would be as daring as myself!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Visions of Muffins
I am sitting here on a Sunday night, catching up on my two favorite shows, dreaming of breakfast in the morning. I found myself sitting here wondering how, in the short time that I have been blogging, did I not mention one of my favorite places of all time. This place has been a staple in my family's life since the day I arrived in this city. I am talking about The Corner Bakery, on 3rd Avenue and 93rd st.
My thoughts right now are leaning heavily towards a zucchini muffin in the morning, but who knows by the time I get there! I have yet to try something that I did not like from there. Some of my favorites are the zucchini muffins, the cinnamon babkas, the ginger snaps, and the blueberry scones. The "bakery" also has pretty good coffee, and AMAZING cappuccinos. You can see the distinct layers if you happen to be in the mood for an iced one!
My children have some favorites of their own. They love the whoopee pies, the chocolate croissants, the cinnamon puffs, and the mini-muffins....just to name a few. I can even go in on any given day and get the sugarless scone....yes, the sugarless one....and they like that too! Who would have thought? The hubby likes the lemon tea cake the best. That tiny cake is actually a pretty universal "like" in our family unit. I can remember a time when we were in there EVERY day. Now, we aren't proud to say that we took our kids for baked goods every day, but I guess you have to pick and choose your battles.....processed snacks from a box? Or a fresh-baked treat shared with a friend?
Besides the food, it is a lovely place to kind of sit and chat or warm up from the cold. Half of the shop is windows that reach almost from ceiling to floor, which makes for a bright and cozy place to sit and enjoy a treat. I remember days when we would pick up the kids from school in the winter and dread going home. We would always make a stop to kill some time before we trekked home to do homework and dinner and all that other fun stuff!
The other pretty phenomenal thing they make is their birthday cakes. They are quite a sight...decorated with real butter cream frosting and vibrantly colored stars. They also taste incredible. The other plus is that they always have them made, so it makes it really easy to just pick one up if the need arises and there is no time to order one. I am pretty particular to the tiny cakes. They look so pretty and perfect and, believe it or not, they still fit writing on the tiny top!
Now although I usually frequent the bakery, there is also The Corner Cafe on the other corner(92nd and third ave). They have all the same baked goods as the bakery, but also have an entire restaurant and food-bar. My family and I are huge fans of the turkey pinwheels, the chicken fingers, and the tuna salad. These tend to be the favorites among all neighborhood children too. Take it from the experts if you don't believe me! You can ask any tot leaving the Craft Studio or Ballet Academy when they stop in for their munches.
I can't sing enough praise for this place, honestly. Whether it is for breakfast, a snack, or a coffee break, it never disappoints. The ambiance, the food, the coffee, and the seasonal decorations are enough to keep us coming back....year after year. Finally, two minutes before I go to bed, I realize what I REALLY want to get tomorrow. Full of berries and optional brown sugar and cream, I think I will take the oatmeal. YUM.....I can't wait.
My thoughts right now are leaning heavily towards a zucchini muffin in the morning, but who knows by the time I get there! I have yet to try something that I did not like from there. Some of my favorites are the zucchini muffins, the cinnamon babkas, the ginger snaps, and the blueberry scones. The "bakery" also has pretty good coffee, and AMAZING cappuccinos. You can see the distinct layers if you happen to be in the mood for an iced one!
My children have some favorites of their own. They love the whoopee pies, the chocolate croissants, the cinnamon puffs, and the mini-muffins....just to name a few. I can even go in on any given day and get the sugarless scone....yes, the sugarless one....and they like that too! Who would have thought? The hubby likes the lemon tea cake the best. That tiny cake is actually a pretty universal "like" in our family unit. I can remember a time when we were in there EVERY day. Now, we aren't proud to say that we took our kids for baked goods every day, but I guess you have to pick and choose your battles.....processed snacks from a box? Or a fresh-baked treat shared with a friend?
Besides the food, it is a lovely place to kind of sit and chat or warm up from the cold. Half of the shop is windows that reach almost from ceiling to floor, which makes for a bright and cozy place to sit and enjoy a treat. I remember days when we would pick up the kids from school in the winter and dread going home. We would always make a stop to kill some time before we trekked home to do homework and dinner and all that other fun stuff!
The other pretty phenomenal thing they make is their birthday cakes. They are quite a sight...decorated with real butter cream frosting and vibrantly colored stars. They also taste incredible. The other plus is that they always have them made, so it makes it really easy to just pick one up if the need arises and there is no time to order one. I am pretty particular to the tiny cakes. They look so pretty and perfect and, believe it or not, they still fit writing on the tiny top!
Now although I usually frequent the bakery, there is also The Corner Cafe on the other corner(92nd and third ave). They have all the same baked goods as the bakery, but also have an entire restaurant and food-bar. My family and I are huge fans of the turkey pinwheels, the chicken fingers, and the tuna salad. These tend to be the favorites among all neighborhood children too. Take it from the experts if you don't believe me! You can ask any tot leaving the Craft Studio or Ballet Academy when they stop in for their munches.
I can't sing enough praise for this place, honestly. Whether it is for breakfast, a snack, or a coffee break, it never disappoints. The ambiance, the food, the coffee, and the seasonal decorations are enough to keep us coming back....year after year. Finally, two minutes before I go to bed, I realize what I REALLY want to get tomorrow. Full of berries and optional brown sugar and cream, I think I will take the oatmeal. YUM.....I can't wait.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Trial by Teacher
Autumn brings about one of the other inevitable fates of the season.....the first parent-teacher conference of the year. I am not sure why I always feel like it is a huge deal, but I get so excited to see some of the kids work and hear what the teachers have to say about them. As we all know, our children are usually a reflection of ourselves and our parenting, so it is only natural to be eager to see and hear results of our efforts outside of our own homes.
Times these meetings by two(or three for some people) and you have one pretty jam-packed afternoon or evening! I usually opt to have one of the kids' meeting in the afternoon shift and one on the evening shift.....this is the only way humanly possible to get to the two different schools. The hard part is to get one of the first appointments of either session. If you don't, you tend to be S.O.L. when it comes to the appointment running on time! Most teachers put a note on their door about knocking when ten minutes is up so they stay on time, but who wants to be the parent who knocked when it was someone else's turn? I am that parent, unfortunately. I just don't have an extra half hour in my day to spend on a ten minute meeting.
I learned the hard way, this time, to never ever again take the last appointment. I thought this would be so strategic for the family dynamic, but boy was I wrong! I came a few minutes early to my meeting and found that the teacher was 5 meetings behind! 5 ten-minute meetings behind is a long time in my world! I was furious and aggravated, but I didn't dare be the parent who left! Plus I was desperately excited to hear what she had to say, so I waited.
Was it worth the effort? Was it worth all the juggling? Was it worth having pizza again because it was the only thing that seemed to fit in? Yes. Yes. And yes. I learned some very important , and somewhat encouraging things about my children's behavior and progress. I also learned a couple of things to help them along in each of their areas of weakness. Yes, all of our children have things they need to work on, although we would never like to admit it!
It was a very enlightening week. I learned that my daughter is coming out of her shell, academically and socially. Yey! (This may explain the extra care in the morning to make sure her hair is just right....seems she has taken on a bit of a leadership role in the classroom!) My little princess who held my ankles while I walked out the doors of her preschool is now stepping up. *tear* Makes me proud, yet I do worry about the bossy side of her taking over like an angry beast!
I learned too, that my son is no different at school then he is at home. This was a bit of a cause for concern to Dad and I since his name is the one we have to repeat most at home! Not the two-year-old's name, but the 7-year-old who attends a gifted and talented school! Go figure. That poor teacher. I can't imagine having to deal with my son and 20-something other kids in a class! I get annoyed with him and just 2 others! Although we were a little concerned, a part of me was pretty relieved that he feels confident enough to be himself in the classroom. He doesn't change for anyone. We will, and have, reminded him however that there is a time a place for everything and that we know he is capable of much much more. My boy is ALL boy. Again, poor teacher.
I am thankful that it is over though. It's hard to be judged. It's hard to come to terms with things that you can improve on. We all believe in our heart-of-hearts that we are the perfect parents. Aren't we all perfect on the UES? Not me, for sure. We just have to realize that there are points and times in our childrens' lives when there is someone else around them more often than we are ourselves. We have to learn to accept and value these people's opinions and observations, and use them to better the lives of our kids. It also doesn't hurt to get a little ten-minute pat on the back for a job well done. I'll take it.
Times these meetings by two(or three for some people) and you have one pretty jam-packed afternoon or evening! I usually opt to have one of the kids' meeting in the afternoon shift and one on the evening shift.....this is the only way humanly possible to get to the two different schools. The hard part is to get one of the first appointments of either session. If you don't, you tend to be S.O.L. when it comes to the appointment running on time! Most teachers put a note on their door about knocking when ten minutes is up so they stay on time, but who wants to be the parent who knocked when it was someone else's turn? I am that parent, unfortunately. I just don't have an extra half hour in my day to spend on a ten minute meeting.
I learned the hard way, this time, to never ever again take the last appointment. I thought this would be so strategic for the family dynamic, but boy was I wrong! I came a few minutes early to my meeting and found that the teacher was 5 meetings behind! 5 ten-minute meetings behind is a long time in my world! I was furious and aggravated, but I didn't dare be the parent who left! Plus I was desperately excited to hear what she had to say, so I waited.
Was it worth the effort? Was it worth all the juggling? Was it worth having pizza again because it was the only thing that seemed to fit in? Yes. Yes. And yes. I learned some very important , and somewhat encouraging things about my children's behavior and progress. I also learned a couple of things to help them along in each of their areas of weakness. Yes, all of our children have things they need to work on, although we would never like to admit it!
It was a very enlightening week. I learned that my daughter is coming out of her shell, academically and socially. Yey! (This may explain the extra care in the morning to make sure her hair is just right....seems she has taken on a bit of a leadership role in the classroom!) My little princess who held my ankles while I walked out the doors of her preschool is now stepping up. *tear* Makes me proud, yet I do worry about the bossy side of her taking over like an angry beast!
I learned too, that my son is no different at school then he is at home. This was a bit of a cause for concern to Dad and I since his name is the one we have to repeat most at home! Not the two-year-old's name, but the 7-year-old who attends a gifted and talented school! Go figure. That poor teacher. I can't imagine having to deal with my son and 20-something other kids in a class! I get annoyed with him and just 2 others! Although we were a little concerned, a part of me was pretty relieved that he feels confident enough to be himself in the classroom. He doesn't change for anyone. We will, and have, reminded him however that there is a time a place for everything and that we know he is capable of much much more. My boy is ALL boy. Again, poor teacher.
I am thankful that it is over though. It's hard to be judged. It's hard to come to terms with things that you can improve on. We all believe in our heart-of-hearts that we are the perfect parents. Aren't we all perfect on the UES? Not me, for sure. We just have to realize that there are points and times in our childrens' lives when there is someone else around them more often than we are ourselves. We have to learn to accept and value these people's opinions and observations, and use them to better the lives of our kids. It also doesn't hurt to get a little ten-minute pat on the back for a job well done. I'll take it.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Treats and Meals for All Seasons
After a long time watching my monkeys climb in and out of a pile of leaves, I could think of nothing more this evening than a piping hot cup of chocolate with a mound of whipped cream. Destination.....Maui Wowi.
Sounds a little too tropical for this kind of weather, huh? Well, guess again. I saw some of the place's advertisements for their new hot chocolate and thought I better give it a try since everything else I ever had from there was delicious. They have the BEST hot chocolate I have had in the longest time! I thought their smoothies were incredible, but this cocoa was a force to be reckoned with! Now this is the first time I ever attempted hot cocoa from a place like here and I was not disappointed. The kids were even able to get their "white" hot chocolate, which I will never understand since all it seems to be is milk and vanilla, but hey....they love it, and it was pretty exceptional from here! Sometimes it is tough to get through an entire cup of regular cocoa. It tends to get cool, or thick, or too rich by the end. This one did not. I enjoyed it to the very end.....well, what I could enjoy of it....I got to share with my little guy. I am sure that I will be visiting this place as much as I did in the summer for the fruit smoothies....2 or 3 times a week(at least).
My husband is the true smoothie-junkie though. The place has this special cup to refill when you buy the large smoothie and each time you get a refill you also get a dollar off the price. We have 4 of these "Tiki Cups" in our home. He even keeps one in the baby's stroller "just in case". I don't mind.....especially since they only use all natural fruit purees, non-fat yogurt, and bananas. The flavors and options are endless, and I have tried quite a few. I still have yet to meet one that I did not like!
Guess what else this tropical oasis has? KONA COFFEE. If you are a coffee-lover, like myself, this is a blend you HAVE to try! I have always loved it, but nowhere in my neighborhood actually sold it for quite sometime. Then my dream-place opened and came to my rescue. I can't even describe the flavor....you just have to try it yourself.
The one thing I did learn more recently about the place is that they have a FULL menu of items...everything from bagels, to wraps and paninis, to burgers and soups. Everything seems to be fresh and made-to-order, and somewhat "healthy" looking. They offer a good range of specials too. There is a combo to suit whatever your heart desires. Smoothie/sandwich, bagel/coffee, wraps/soup, or just about anything!
My children love the place. One thing I will say is that it is very small, so our family seems to take it over whenever we go! We love to sit in there and enjoy the decoration, the good company from both the owners and their staff, and all they have to offer. You just get a good vibe when ever you walk in and the counter person says "Aloha" with a smile. That is welcoming to everyone....especially the kids!
It's a rather new place, so here is the address in case you have a little trouble trying to find it:
1598 Third ave
(btwn 89Th and 90Th)
#212.289.1975
Give it a try with the kids after school or on the weekend for a treat.....you will not be disappointed(I have 3 kids and a hubby who will gladly support this recommendation)!
Sounds a little too tropical for this kind of weather, huh? Well, guess again. I saw some of the place's advertisements for their new hot chocolate and thought I better give it a try since everything else I ever had from there was delicious. They have the BEST hot chocolate I have had in the longest time! I thought their smoothies were incredible, but this cocoa was a force to be reckoned with! Now this is the first time I ever attempted hot cocoa from a place like here and I was not disappointed. The kids were even able to get their "white" hot chocolate, which I will never understand since all it seems to be is milk and vanilla, but hey....they love it, and it was pretty exceptional from here! Sometimes it is tough to get through an entire cup of regular cocoa. It tends to get cool, or thick, or too rich by the end. This one did not. I enjoyed it to the very end.....well, what I could enjoy of it....I got to share with my little guy. I am sure that I will be visiting this place as much as I did in the summer for the fruit smoothies....2 or 3 times a week(at least).
My husband is the true smoothie-junkie though. The place has this special cup to refill when you buy the large smoothie and each time you get a refill you also get a dollar off the price. We have 4 of these "Tiki Cups" in our home. He even keeps one in the baby's stroller "just in case". I don't mind.....especially since they only use all natural fruit purees, non-fat yogurt, and bananas. The flavors and options are endless, and I have tried quite a few. I still have yet to meet one that I did not like!
Guess what else this tropical oasis has? KONA COFFEE. If you are a coffee-lover, like myself, this is a blend you HAVE to try! I have always loved it, but nowhere in my neighborhood actually sold it for quite sometime. Then my dream-place opened and came to my rescue. I can't even describe the flavor....you just have to try it yourself.
The one thing I did learn more recently about the place is that they have a FULL menu of items...everything from bagels, to wraps and paninis, to burgers and soups. Everything seems to be fresh and made-to-order, and somewhat "healthy" looking. They offer a good range of specials too. There is a combo to suit whatever your heart desires. Smoothie/sandwich, bagel/coffee, wraps/soup, or just about anything!
My children love the place. One thing I will say is that it is very small, so our family seems to take it over whenever we go! We love to sit in there and enjoy the decoration, the good company from both the owners and their staff, and all they have to offer. You just get a good vibe when ever you walk in and the counter person says "Aloha" with a smile. That is welcoming to everyone....especially the kids!
It's a rather new place, so here is the address in case you have a little trouble trying to find it:
1598 Third ave
(btwn 89Th and 90Th)
#212.289.1975
Give it a try with the kids after school or on the weekend for a treat.....you will not be disappointed(I have 3 kids and a hubby who will gladly support this recommendation)!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Autumn Woes
'Tis the season, I guess. Although the season has so much to offer, it seems that it comes at no small price for us Upper East Side moms!
Let's just take, for instance, the price of Halloween costumes. Now, I am not sure about most of you, but by my being a working mother warrants no time to be creative and actually MAKE their costumes. The easy thing is to let them pick something out of a magazine, store, or catalog, but this method can really add up! Just take a walk around a Ricky's and you'll see. You may already have seen. I think when you have one, maybe two children, this approach is feasible, but not in my world anymore! I could spend a fortune if I get the kids costumes from a costume place! My recommendation? Take a stroll through a few of the pharmacies and see what you can put together with the kids. Pharmacies have a ton of options, and many are now offering half-off! Hit up a Duane Reade or CVS and you are bound to find something, (especially for the tinier guys who are easily talked into being something you have found). Keep in mind, you are buying something that will, in most cases, definitely not fit a growing child for a second year.
Another seasonal "situation" that us moms are bound to face any day now, if we haven't already, is the sick kids. Again, the odds are against me. I often feel like our pediatrician gets sick of seeing or hearing from us. She never does, of course, but being there so frequently makes me feel terrible! Now, the entire city is on edge with the Swine Flu threat/epidemic. I thought these next two seasons would be tough enough without another sickness looming! To top it off, ever since they have begun school, my children seem to be strep magnets. That is always a ton of fun! We go in for a test that shows negative and the doctor calls a few days later to inform us that the culture grew in the lab, meaning it is actually positive! And what are the odds that only one out of three gets it? In my house, not very good. That's one downfall to our children getting along so well......they share EVERYTHING. Seems like there is not enough hand-washing or Purell in the world for any of us to avoid some kind of something during these months!
Then, here comes the cold weather! What does that mean for an UES mom? Cold weather means that we will soon be schlepping the kids to and from school in the cold and slush and bitterly dry air(since most of us don't hop in and out of cars for just a few blocks). It means that we now have to get out all the cold weather clothes that have been packed away for the warm months. It also means that I have to put away 5 people's worth of warm weather clothes to make room for coats, sweaters, boots(which will have to be re-bought due to my children growing like weeds), and thermals. Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but if you are a mom living in the city, I would say we have a different BFF......SpaceBags.
Many of us say that we wouldn't change being an Upper East Side mom for the world. In fact, I have said it myself. I will say that in the near(very cold)future, when we have to walk through melting snow to schools and doctors, that it is the ONE time(that I can immediately think of)where my UES-mom-faith is tried and tested. Stay warm and optimistic......soon enough, there will be a spring bug tearing through the kids schools and we will be switching the clothes back again.
Let's just take, for instance, the price of Halloween costumes. Now, I am not sure about most of you, but by my being a working mother warrants no time to be creative and actually MAKE their costumes. The easy thing is to let them pick something out of a magazine, store, or catalog, but this method can really add up! Just take a walk around a Ricky's and you'll see. You may already have seen. I think when you have one, maybe two children, this approach is feasible, but not in my world anymore! I could spend a fortune if I get the kids costumes from a costume place! My recommendation? Take a stroll through a few of the pharmacies and see what you can put together with the kids. Pharmacies have a ton of options, and many are now offering half-off! Hit up a Duane Reade or CVS and you are bound to find something, (especially for the tinier guys who are easily talked into being something you have found). Keep in mind, you are buying something that will, in most cases, definitely not fit a growing child for a second year.
Another seasonal "situation" that us moms are bound to face any day now, if we haven't already, is the sick kids. Again, the odds are against me. I often feel like our pediatrician gets sick of seeing or hearing from us. She never does, of course, but being there so frequently makes me feel terrible! Now, the entire city is on edge with the Swine Flu threat/epidemic. I thought these next two seasons would be tough enough without another sickness looming! To top it off, ever since they have begun school, my children seem to be strep magnets. That is always a ton of fun! We go in for a test that shows negative and the doctor calls a few days later to inform us that the culture grew in the lab, meaning it is actually positive! And what are the odds that only one out of three gets it? In my house, not very good. That's one downfall to our children getting along so well......they share EVERYTHING. Seems like there is not enough hand-washing or Purell in the world for any of us to avoid some kind of something during these months!
Then, here comes the cold weather! What does that mean for an UES mom? Cold weather means that we will soon be schlepping the kids to and from school in the cold and slush and bitterly dry air(since most of us don't hop in and out of cars for just a few blocks). It means that we now have to get out all the cold weather clothes that have been packed away for the warm months. It also means that I have to put away 5 people's worth of warm weather clothes to make room for coats, sweaters, boots(which will have to be re-bought due to my children growing like weeds), and thermals. Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but if you are a mom living in the city, I would say we have a different BFF......SpaceBags.
Many of us say that we wouldn't change being an Upper East Side mom for the world. In fact, I have said it myself. I will say that in the near(very cold)future, when we have to walk through melting snow to schools and doctors, that it is the ONE time(that I can immediately think of)where my UES-mom-faith is tried and tested. Stay warm and optimistic......soon enough, there will be a spring bug tearing through the kids schools and we will be switching the clothes back again.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Pride of New York
I could not resist writing this post after my experience last night. I was given the opportunity to attend Game 1 of the ALCS played in Yankee Stadium! What an experience. I have to mention first that I acquired the tickets(amazing seats, by the way)from my boss who I am sure has no idea how much the gesture meant to me. Second, I would not have been able to go on such short notice if it had not been for one of my newest and dearest friends babysitting my little devils!
I grew up being a Yankee fan. I lived in Connecticut and if you wanted to support a "home team" you basically had a choice between the Red Sox and the Yankees . The majority of my family opted for the Yankees, therefor, so did I. Shamefully, up until last night, I hadn't FULLY appreciated my family's love or devotion for the team(although I have lived here going on ten years).
We were close to the field......very close, and that didn't matter one bit. The thing about the new stadium, and I am sure in the old too, is that the game is so interactive and exciting and stimulating that you could be sitting in the farthest, cheapest seat and still enjoy your time and appreciate the presence of just BEING there! You don't even have to watch the players. Just watching the huge screens and watching the fans is enough entertainment and action itself....although being able to say I watched the Yanks win Game 1, in person, is pretty exciting!
The game was filled with cheers and chants and oohs and aahs. Music accompanied every Yank that stepped up to bat. I found myself extremely emotional. When a woman led us in signing "God Bless America" there were tears in my eyes! Then, when the crowd started a friendly banter with a man who bravely wore a Boston hat, I was hysterically laughing. I almost cried again when Johnny Damon caught a ball for the last out of an inning and the rest of the team was running back towards the dugout. He took the time right after that catch to walk the ball over to the wall in front of me and personally hand it to a young boy who was cheering him on. Very touching.The Fan Cam displayed an array of people. In one stadium, each and every age, race, size, and shape possible was represented. There were people there from every walk of life and every tax bracket. It's incredible to see that, and is very representative of living in the city. This alone made me proud to live here and proud to be there at that moment. I was even more impressed when, after the game was won, people started walking out of the stadium, singing "New York, New York" in unison. Horribly off pitch, and way out of tune, but in heartfelt unison.
We took the train home, and that was an experience too. We were packed like sardines and, on this stuffed train, not one person complained. After all, we just won the game! We all might as well have been family. I overheard one couple speaking to an out-of-town couple about what they went through on September 11Th. At a few of the stops, people were asking us if "we" won, and the cheers and excitement on the train almost matched that of the stadium. They were still chanting for C.C.!!!!
What a night. I was so proud that entire evening. Before writing this post, I asked my kids what made them proud to be from New York. The 9-year-old spoke of all the places and things to do. Then she went on to talk about the over-all notoriety, the potential to meet a celebrity, and the restaurants. When I asked the 7-year-old about what made him proud to be a New Yorker he answered, "the mayor". It was a quick response that I didn't quite understand(coming from him). Confused, I asked, "the mayor?". Simply and matter-of-factly, he replied, "yah, Mr. Bloomberg", then walked away. I am always amazed at what comes out of his mouth!
New York kids study the city every year in school. They learn about how it came to be, and how neighborhoods were formed and established. They learn about all the famous places, and the history behind them. One thing I can say for sure is that next season I will be bringing them to their first game. They beg me all the time to go, but I always figured they wouldn't hold out. Now I know they will. At the game, and on the short train ride home to the Upper East Side, they will see and feel a sense of pride that no school will ever be able to teach them.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
The "Prince" Denies His Throne
Some things are for sure when you are a mother, no matter where you are raising your children. They must be fed. They must be clothed. They must be educated. They must also be potty-trained. This is my more current challenge.
My "baby" is ready to start using the toilet, or so I thought. He showed all the signs. He had a genuine excitement when he HAS actually made it. He stays dry throughout the night most nights, and he lets us know when he is going in his diaper. Don't most of the books say these are the signs? For which kid? One would think that after 3 kids I would learn by now that all children are different. This one is certainly no exception.
Someone please tell me why my two-and-a-half-year-old son is bright enough to add numbers together but not run to the toilet when he needs to go. Tell me why he knows all his shapes and most of his colors but says, "I can't do it", when I tell him it's time to try. Tell me how some kids, like him, hate the smell of some vegetables but don't mind themselves smelling so undesirable when they do have accidents. Finally, tell me how he can't go to the toilet when he feels it coming, but as soon as it is over he clearly asks, "Mommy, can you change me please?".
The answers became much clearer to me today when we walked from the bus stops for the older 2 children. He informed me that he did not want to go home. His Royal Highness wanted to take a walk. I gave in. Then, as we passed the local Starbucks, he asked if he could get chocolate milk from "stawbucks". Smart kid. Or maybe he's just a creature of habit. Our habits. It sealed the deal when my husband asked him later what he wanted for dinner and he said, "shineez".
Seems like our habits and routines(or, as in the potty-training case, LACK of routines and habits)are to blame. Routine is sometimes tough with 3 children and 2 full-time jobs between a family of five. It is actually ironic. Routine is something that is almost seemingly impossible at times, yet it is the only thing that will ever aid in keeping all the plates spinning. Surprisingly, all of our plates are still spinning. Must be dumb luck, because I have no idea how we aren't slicing our feet on broken plate glass!
I suppose this will be a rough week if I want my little man to go to school anytime before he is old enough for junior high. I guess the new habits we have to enforce are the ones that encourage good, clean, positive, "potty" behavior. As my prior examples simply prove, the boy CAN be taught! I am ready to bring out the big guns in full force. I have already invested in numerous small treats and toys that I thought would intrigue or basically bribe him into being a regular potty user. They haven't worked yet. Neither did the Elmo underwear or the candy. Hopefully some good old-fashioned consistency will be our saving grace. If not, I am sure I can interest the "King" in a smoothie or a black-and-white cookie for a job well done.
My "baby" is ready to start using the toilet, or so I thought. He showed all the signs. He had a genuine excitement when he HAS actually made it. He stays dry throughout the night most nights, and he lets us know when he is going in his diaper. Don't most of the books say these are the signs? For which kid? One would think that after 3 kids I would learn by now that all children are different. This one is certainly no exception.
Someone please tell me why my two-and-a-half-year-old son is bright enough to add numbers together but not run to the toilet when he needs to go. Tell me why he knows all his shapes and most of his colors but says, "I can't do it", when I tell him it's time to try. Tell me how some kids, like him, hate the smell of some vegetables but don't mind themselves smelling so undesirable when they do have accidents. Finally, tell me how he can't go to the toilet when he feels it coming, but as soon as it is over he clearly asks, "Mommy, can you change me please?".
The answers became much clearer to me today when we walked from the bus stops for the older 2 children. He informed me that he did not want to go home. His Royal Highness wanted to take a walk. I gave in. Then, as we passed the local Starbucks, he asked if he could get chocolate milk from "stawbucks". Smart kid. Or maybe he's just a creature of habit. Our habits. It sealed the deal when my husband asked him later what he wanted for dinner and he said, "shineez".
Seems like our habits and routines(or, as in the potty-training case, LACK of routines and habits)are to blame. Routine is sometimes tough with 3 children and 2 full-time jobs between a family of five. It is actually ironic. Routine is something that is almost seemingly impossible at times, yet it is the only thing that will ever aid in keeping all the plates spinning. Surprisingly, all of our plates are still spinning. Must be dumb luck, because I have no idea how we aren't slicing our feet on broken plate glass!
I suppose this will be a rough week if I want my little man to go to school anytime before he is old enough for junior high. I guess the new habits we have to enforce are the ones that encourage good, clean, positive, "potty" behavior. As my prior examples simply prove, the boy CAN be taught! I am ready to bring out the big guns in full force. I have already invested in numerous small treats and toys that I thought would intrigue or basically bribe him into being a regular potty user. They haven't worked yet. Neither did the Elmo underwear or the candy. Hopefully some good old-fashioned consistency will be our saving grace. If not, I am sure I can interest the "King" in a smoothie or a black-and-white cookie for a job well done.
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