"Brace yourself, winter is coming..." - Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones really did nail this one.  To be fair, we were properly warned of the winters in New York.  Not to mention, I'd had a preview while living in Chicago briefly, followed by a few years in DC.  However, nothing can quite prepare you for literally having to face the elements like what is required in NYC.

courtesy of makeameme.org and Game of Thrones

The sheer amount of clothing required to leave the house is staggering: jackets, hats, gloves, scarves, socks, boots.  Unfortunately, the thrill of getting to accessorize like you are going skiing gets old in about a week's time.  With small children, the need to add outerwear to the mix can increase the "getting ready" time by up to, and not limited to thirty minutes.  Where is the other boot? How come I can't find any socks? Please stop taking off your coat.  In Houston, I don't even remember wearing socks except to workout.  Did I own socks?  People have some serious outdoor clothing here of which I am often envious.  We are building up an arsenal, but it is slow-going.

I am starting to understand some of the charming aspects of the cold weather:  hot drinks, binge watching Netflix (Nurse Jackie, anyone?), curling up and reading a good book.  I think I genuinely had forgotten how to read for pleasure (thank you very much college and small children).  You really have to stretch your brain to entertain yourself and toddlers on the days you are trapped inside.  That being said, there is less propensity to skip events you are invited to.  Inner dialogue? I'm going, and you can't stop me (winter).  If there is a will, there's a way to get out of the house.  I once heard, there is no bad weather, only bad clothes, which I agree with to an extent.  So, here in NYC, you literally do pull yourself up by your (snow) boot straps and get to wherever you need to go.  It is necessary to retain your sanity.

Once you get outside, you are faced with some challenges.  There is the obvious, piles of snow, some of which has been shoveled, some not.  And in a handful of key places, where it has been excavated, it is only about a foot wide, which, sadly does not accommodate any type of stroller.  Once the snow starts to melt there is another set of problems.  Black ice can pose an issue because it is difficult to see, get walking too fast with a hood up around your face and SLAM, flat on your back.  It forms once the snow and ice melt and refreeze.  Luckily, no one in our family has slipped yet, but it's only a matter of time!  Puddles can also be an annoying aspect to melted snow - especially when your toddler leaps out of the stroller to jump in one and you almost run her over.  The temperature seems to never reach high enough to evaporate these puddles, and therefore everything remains moist.  Think Houston, but COLD.  Lastly, in New York trash just goes on the sidewalk until they pick it up, so as the snow starts to melt, the trash begins to smell and show itself like secret monsters hiding in the snow.

Once you actually arrive to wear you are going, the opposite situation arises.  Hello radiating heat.  I'm talking, put your hair up in a ponytail, sweaty, frizzy heat.  So once you disrobe from your millions of layers, where do you put it all?  I have yet to figure this one out.  This extreme cold and heat is also causing me and my girls to be the proud new owners of reptilian skin and bird's nest hairstyles.  Take a task that is already excruciating (combing out my three-year-old's hair) and add winter wet/dry tangles - it is such a fun time of day. 

We have never gone through so many boxes of tissues before.  Scarlett insists on using one every time her nose runs or is itchy so as you can imagine this is fifty times a day. The girls also seem to have rotating colds which affect everything from sleeping schedules to cancelling babysitting to attending church as a family.  Then there is the playground, which is always the last place snow chooses to melt. I have been jealous of my friends in Texas, enjoying 70 degree dry weather, however I do know they have those brutal summers on the way!

Watching the snowfall

The blizzard this January actually did present some magical moments, the way a city that is always buzzing just shuts down.  It was actually peaceful and beautiful with the snow falling, when it is clean and fresh powder.  Seeing my daughters witness their first snowfall was really a joyous experience.  It also made us get out and brave the cold!  We found an inflatable two-seater sled and Trey pulled them straight down the city streets.  They really enjoyed that until they got too cold.

With Savannah all bundled up

The next day, hundreds of families were out sledding down the hills, building snowmen, and having snowball fights - the upside of a blizzard!  That particular storm broke long-standing records, with Central Park receiving 26.8 inches of snow in a 24-hour period.  It was hilarious watching the parked cars turn into huge snow mounds.  The snow trucks worked all day and night clearing the roads which was really impressive, however loud they were in the middle of the night.  We joined in on the snowman building and soaked up the sunlight in the bright winter wonderland. 

Our snowperson

Not sure what to think about this snow

While our trip to Texas was refreshing and uplifting, it did not do much to prepare us for the winter that lay ahead.  What a wake up call it has been!  We are finally getting back into a routine, Scarlett in her new ballet class, exploring Pre-Kindergarten options for next year, and thinking of putting Savannah in a little gymnastics class.  Meanwhile, we have been doing some homeschooling, continuing with Bible study and excited for Valentine's Day.  I see heart-shaped sugar cookies in our future this week!

Indoor shenanigans

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks...

You know how you can build something up in your mind, and then when it actually happens, it is a huge disappointment? Well this was not one of those times.  My sister's trip up here for the most part went along without a hitch!  Her flight was on time, she hopped in a cab at La Guardia like a pro, and as if by magic showed up in our lobby.  Seriously, it was like seeing an apparition.  It was the longest I had gone without seeing her, in perhaps, ever.  The girls missed her so much and like any good auntie, she did not show up empty handed.  They absolutely loved their new, red "Gingerbread" jammies and unicorn slippers, and I may have had a few little cold weather treats for her as well.

It's safe to say that we utilized every single second of her trip to our advantage.  In a way, I was treating it as an extension of my birthday celebration.  I even shoved her out the door that very first night; just a tired mom of two and a pregnant girl out on the town - thrilling!  First I took her straight to Lincoln Center and we ate sister-sister enchilada meals from Rosa Mexicano.  I know, I know, bring her all the way from Texas and serve her Mexican food, but it made it feel like old times, except I was the only one drinking a margarita.  She is a huge aficianado of restaurants with ambiance, so I knew she would not be disappointed.

Next, we headed downtown on the number 1 train and walked over to Rockefeller Center.  As we walked along the streets she noticed the vast difference between the Upper West Side and the area near Times Square.  This was more what she pictured New York to be.  Three hours in and she has already taken a plane, taxi, train and walked the NYC streets.  There is a certain energy as you move further downtown - streets are more crowded, people seem to be walking faster.

It was so much fun seeing the Christmas sights for the first time with her.  With two little ones, it is not exactly easy to have a nightlife!  On the way to Rockefeller Center you pass Radio City Music Hall on 50th Street.  There is a giant tree in front of the theater and this is where the Rockettes perform in the Christmas Spectacular show.  Apparently, everything we were doing was very "New York Christmas" and I was soaking it up.  A few blocks later and we were at the famous tree and ice skating rink.  The tree was gloriously tall and the streets were essentially bustling for all intents and purposes.  I think we were reenacting scenes from the song Silver Bells: "City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style, in the air there's a feeling of Christmas."  There literally WAS a feeling in the air! Even the street vendors were blasting Christmas music on their radios and at Rockefeller there was spontaneous caroling going on.

As we took selfies and craned our necks to see the very top of the tree, we walked around to see what I will describe as the walk of angels.  Christmas angels line the paths headed to both the tree and the ice skating rink.  When the space began to feel overly congested, we headed over to witness the Christmas lights in front of Saks 5th Avenue.  I had no idea we would be surprised with a lights show on the building.  It was truly breathtaking, as Carol of the Bells is blasting through the speakers, you can just stand across the street and get a front row seat to the show.  Apparently, we were not actually that special, because I think it plays every 20 minutes this time of year, but it still made for a memorable and festive experience.

The next day, Meredith and I took Scarlett to an adorable little restaurant called Alice's Tea Cup.  It is self-described as a whimsical tea house, and children are given fairy wings and sprinkled with "fairy dust" upon arrival.  It was endearing watching Scarlett enchanted with the process, getting to drink water from a glass tea cup and order a purple frosted cupcake.  Of course, monitoring the tea cup was probably the main theme of the meal, but it was all worth it to see her eyes light up and little hands carefully cradle the tea cup.   The age of three is a wonderful time when you can begin to actually take a child somewhere without constantly worrying about having to use about one thousand napkins and bring special water cups and bibs with you in your purse. 

Later in the day, we decided to venture out to Central Park's Wollman Rink.  This experience, while photo-worthy was not quite as pleasant.  We took the whole gang along, and unbeknownst to me, Savannah was starting to get a bad cold on top of teething (getting her molars - no fun at all).   Mind you, she did have a tantrum worthy of any two-year-old in front of countless spectators at the rink - back-arching, sobbing, mindless running around - SO MUCH FUN - good thing there was absolutely nowhere to sit.

However, despite all of that, Scarlett had fun trying to ice skate with her Daddy and looked pretty cute doing it, too.  Savannah and Trey had to leave early, leaving Meredith and I with Scarlett and a half-empty double stroller.  On the way home, a random girl on the subway had the nerve to whisper a comment about "it's a free country" (regarding the stroller) and I quickly nipped that in the bud.  After the night we had had, I had a zero tolerance policy on sarcasm from strangers.  In restrospect, I can see what a fun time this rink might be with a group of adults and no toddlers, maybe even a non-sick baby during the day.  Alas, we try to do too much, but I have to applaud us for trying anyway!

The main event of the weekend had to be seeing the Nutcracker, which I consider a family tradition, with my sister.  Once a dancer, always a dancer, as we dreamed of our dance past lives...sigh.  The David H. Koch theater is truly a beautiful venue and you really can see the stage from every seat.  However, this did not help the fact that about fifteen minutes in, two extremely large boys (they looked about 18) sat down in front of us.  Isn't that always the case?  What in the world were they doing there???  We kept giggling about it because they looked like two high school football players, complete with North Face jackets, jeans, and buzz haircuts.  But to quote my subway heckler, it is a free country.  Maybe they like the ballet?  Maybe they were enriching their cultural lives?

Sadly, all good things must come to and end, and the exact afternoon Mere left, Trey also left on a business trip...and the girls started getting really sick.  Having sick children in a two-bedroom apartment is no joke.  Between keeping things sanitary, children occupied, medicated, entertained, I was ready to have a break.  Sickness gets in the way of everything, especially this time of year - parties, church services, activities we want to do.  However, our main focus had to be getting them well, and the extra cuddles don't hurt from my little sickies!  I just all hope we can stay well enough to get home for Christmas.  I will be ready for family time, central A/C, garbage disposals, driving, and a little southern hospitality so I can brave the Spring in NYC.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I haven't written in a while, but maybe that is a good thing.  I think we, as a family, are settling more into a routine.  We are now three months in the Upper West Side, five months in NYC.  We have our church, our gym, some new friends, and we are getting into a little bit of a rhythm.  And let's face it, that would be a really boring post!

We finally had to bite the bullet and sell our car, but before that, for one last hurrah, we headed out to Cape Cod, Massachusetts.  I really knew absolutely nothing about that area, other than the obvious stereotypes suggested in the cheesy Smirnoff "Tea Partay" YouTube video: popped collars, MV (Martha's Vineyard), snobbiness perhaps? Thankfully, one of my friends from the DC area had a little guidance for me, as in a good town to stay as a family with kids called Hyannis.  We stayed in a Marriott - four people, one room - yay! The great thing about little kids is they think everything is amazing and they don't care about the number of stars a hotel or restaurant has - they are easily impressed.

Mixed emotions at the beach

That being said, Hyannis did not disappoint, every restaurant, beach, or shop we came across was adorable, almost like out of a movie set.  The town was manicured and historic, apparently where the Kennedy's vacationed.  I'm sure they stayed at the Marriott, too. ;) Our hotel was clean and newly remodeled, about ten minutes from the main drag and the public beach.  We kept explaining to Scarlett, our little Texan, that we were going to a cold beach and since we were there in the off season, it may as well have been a private beach.  We were the only crazy people out there in our rain boots running around in the sand.  I'm not sure Savannah quite gets the concept of a cold beach being fun, but we can work on that.  One of the most amazing places we visited was the Chatham lighthouse, which basically appeared to be the edge of the world.  Although it was windy and freezing, the sky and sea were the most brilliant blue color, in juxtaposition with the white lighthouse and white beaches.  The view was definitely worth the drive.

Since this was the first trip we had taken just the four of us, it had special significance for us.  I think that Trey and I wanted to prove to ourselves we could survive and plan the whole thing ourselves.  Minus some fleeting car sickness for Scarlett and a pack of wild turkeys parading down the freeway on the way back, it went pretty smoothly!  Just in time for Thanksgiving, I think these turkeys knew what laid ahead and were getting out of town...impending death.  We couldn't understand why our GPS wasn't showing any traffic and yet there was another delay getting back to the city.  Lo and behold, the cars were slowing down to check out these birds, which were giant by the way.

A few weeks later, it was my thirty-second birthday and then Thanksgiving was upon us.  We opted to stay in town for the holiday.  There is something really magical that children add to each holiday, including birthdays: the way their eyes light up when you have a birthday cake, help you open and pick out gifts, and want to be naturally generous to those around them.  Although the restaurant lost our reservation at our little family dinner, we still made the most of it, and it was a really great birthday.

32nd Birthday Celebration

I am not really a huge parade person, I'm not sure what it is, but maybe I don't see the point?  Does that make me a cynic? I hope not, but I have to say, once again, New York did not disappoint.  Although we opted out of the actual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, we went to a "smaller" (HA!) event the night beforehand where you can see the balloons being inflated for the following day.  For the Texans out there, imagine the crowds of the Houston Rodeo, and actually a similar cattle driving-esque barricade system.  We did bring the double stroller, which was tough to navigate, but I am glad we did with the time it took to get to the actual floats.  Scarlett was asleep halfway through.  I have to say, the floats were really amazing up close, and enormous when they were lined up so close to the buildings, multiple stories high even on the ground.  They almost resembled giants that had been tied down, the way they were harnessed in huge nets.

I think the excitement of Thanksgiving Eve wore us out, so Trey and the girls enjoyed the parade on television from our comfy living room and I worked to not destroy our Thanksgiving meal!  Let's be honest, I come from a long line of women who can cook, so I felt a lot of pressure to get it right!  I think for my first go at it, it was a success - everything was edible, all the parts were there, we ate at a normal hour.  Scarlett even helped a LOT with the preparation of the food which was a sweet moment.  She really loves helping in the kitchen and I love her company.

We felt honored that we were also invited to a "friends"-giving after our dinner for dessert.  Now, getting an uncooked cobbler down ten blocks is a bit more complicated than one would think.  About one block in, I felt something dripping on me.  It was the dish I was CARRYING...GRRR.  Cornstarch might as well be GLUE because my black jeans suddenly looked acid-washed.  Trey got the duty the next nine blocks.  He did a much better job, but definitely got an arm workout on the way.

Then, the very next morning, Christmas began!  I definitely have the OCD (obsessive Christmas disorder) - Trey refused to let me decorate until the day after Thanksgiving.  He likes to keep his holidays compartmentalized, which probably is not very shocking.  So I leapt for joy when he agreed to go purchase my very first REAL tree (that I can remember...sorry Mom and Dad).  It is really incredible and the Christmas tree stands are the cutest things.  About every three blocks, the tree vendors are lined up, and you can go select the tree of your choice.  Because Trey had to accommodate my OCD, he had to go to a tree stand about ten blocks from us (and carry it home), but I was really appreciative!!!  I am a little worried about having to water the thing, as I don't have the best history keeping anything other than human beings alive.  I'm sure Trey will remind me to water it...

Our tree is on the second story

In other news, I had a wonderful visit from my old co-worker in NYC this week which really recharged my batteries, and tomorrow my SISTER is coming!!!!!!!!!  SO excited to see her.  This is the longest I've ever gone not seeing her!  WITHDRAWAL!  I can't wait to do Christmas-y things together.  Christmas is really wonderful here.  Did I mention I love Christmas? #itsthemostwonderfultimeoftheyear

I will have to teach her about the dangers of texting and walking, avoiding those "Sunday walkers", dogs that pee directly onto the sidewalk, NYC organization techniques such as stroller hanging, putting bedroom dressers in the living room, and our constant game of Tetris to not trip over things.  Good thing we are used to close quarters!  Excited to see that teeny weeny baby bump, too!

My two snuggle bunnies with our REAL tree :)

And P.S. We caught the mouse...

"This party is super fun"

It seems my girls have an infatuation with trick-or-treating.  Long before the holiday was upon us, they would walk around our apartment with their trick-or-treating bags (they call them purses - I know, real shocker) and "practice".  Scarlett would come to the gate blocking off our kitchen, and we would rehearse the right words to say.  She really is a creature of habit.  She likes to know what to expect.

If you watch any Disney, Jr. or Nick, Jr. you will recognize that every single program has a Halloween-themed show worked into the line-up. Even Curious George has a Halloween "movie", of course he and the man in the yellow hat go off to their country home.  Before living here, I never noticed the NYC references in Curious George.  I am positive the man in the yellow hat must have a significantly large inheritance with how little he works, and seems to be quite eccentric to have a pet monkey. 

Are these children's networks in a secret coalition with the costume and candy industries to promote a love of trick-or-treating? Quite possibly.  Either way, it helps us get in the spirit!  I was actually pretty nervous about disappointing them this Halloween, especially because we basically had no idea how to trick-or-treat in New York.  Did we go door to door in our building? No. Did we "drive" around? No. I figured a place like New York must have some sort of system worked out, so we started doing some research.

We found an event online at the Lincoln Center for little ones that started at 11 am.  I figured we couldn't go wrong with so early in the day.  I also thought there was no way we would be the only adults dressed up...OOPS!  There we are, waiting to get on the subway, and we were getting plenty of stares!  Things do start late around here, but I thought we might see a few costumes.  Nope!  This is New York City, right?  Haven't you ever seen two grown adults dressed up like Beauty and the Beast at 10 in the morning waiting for the subway?  How about walking down Broadway? When we got there, it was a little better, but definitely not what I expected.  In a ratio of about 20:1, adults not dressed up versus adults dressed up, most parents were in the standard New York, all black, sunglasses routine.  What was I wearing? A BRIGHT YELLOW DRESS and a CROWN.  So New York, right?

BRIGHT YELLOW DRESS

You know that part in Legally Blonde where Reese Witherspoon is wearing the bunny costume?

Better yet, you can watch it. (See above)...THAT'S HOW IT WAS.

At the very least the fellow kids in attendance appreciated our costumes???  Not to mention, my girls loved seeing their mommy wear a "princess dress".  They sport these things daily; me not so much.  They didn't skip a beat.  Scarlett can literally wear four different dresses in a period of thirty minutes.  She could go toe-to-toe with any professional Broadway performer, changing costumes behind the scenes.  You know those rip-away wind pants?  That is is sort of what these princess dresses are like.  On, off; on, off.  All. Day. Long.

We did leave the scene with some candy for the girls and got a good feel for what the costumes were about this year.  There were a lot of Star Wars characters, head to toe body suits (I believe they are called 2nd skin), TMNT, and Elsa's.  I basically got caught up on my pop culture, which as a stay at home mom is not really my forte anymore. Not to mention, getting to walk around Lincoln Center and get some pictures was pretty cool.  I got a little nostalgic to watch Center Stage.

SUCH a good movie.

After resting for a while at home, embracing the sweat pant look, we changed back into our BATB attire and hit the streets.  We had heard through the grapevine that there are particular blocks in the Upper West Side that have trick-or-treating in the buildings.  We decided to try the area nearest to us (obviously) around 5 o' clock.  I am so glad that we went early, because the streets were already teeming with people.  Just as we had been told, the doormen of the buildings closest to Central Park were handing out candy to the children in the lobbies!  It was such a simple concept, but really worked with young children.  They loved it.  Mommy and Daddy were very relieved the promised candy actually existed!  It was all they could do not to run from building to building collecting the goods.  I would say Halloween was a success - they had fun, and got a little candy on the side. :)

I will leave you with a Halloween poem (because after this, it's ALL CHRISTMAS):

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate.

The first one said, "Oh my it's getting late."

The second one said, "There are leaves in the air."

The third one said, "But we don't care!"

The fourth one said, "Let's run and run and run."

The fifth one said, "We are ready for some fun!"

Then OOOhh OOOhh went the wind

And out went the lights

And the five little pumpkins rolled out of sight.

*Courtesy of www.lyricsmode.com

This is probably one of my favorite Halloween memories/poems from my childhood.  I think we have may have learned this poem originally in a music class in elementary school?  Regardless, imagine my surprise when the book version of the poem arrived on my doorstep thanks to my sister, also including games and workbooks for her little nieces.  We are finally reaching the point where both of my girls can sit and listen to a story together - at least a short one like this! I can't wait to spoil my own nephew.  

A couple of (well actually November 2nd, haha) days after Halloween, Scarlett, Savannah, and I were ready to get in the Christmas spirit and blasted an amazing iTunes radio station "Christmas Classics" and had a dance party.  Yes, the Christmas season has begun and I cannot wait to see what New York has in store (and in stores).  I mean I can probably window shop on 5th Avenue, right?  Maybe they charge for that too...details, details.  

Three blind mice...SEE HOW I RUN!!!

Okay, so it's no secret I have a tiny little problem with bees, as in, I run franticly from them in public places - which sometimes can translate into phobias about cockroaches, flies, and other Texas-sized pests.  One thing I had yet to deal with, is New York rodents.  I had laughed with everyone else at "Pizza Rat":

However, I thought my warm, safe, little apartment was free of such things.  Once again, NYC had quite another thing planned.  Not one, but TWO overzealous mice showed their little beady eyed faces as they SCURRIED across the baseboards of our home within a couple days.  I immediately panicked at the sight and in a complete confirmation of gender roles, insisted my husband catch the mouse (with his bare hands preferably, minus needing a Rabies shot).  I quickly realized this may not be the actual way people catch and kill pests, but I was certainly WIDE AWAKE at 10 PM.  How can such a tiny thing cause such chaos?  I am now fully aware I know nothing about catching mice.

We now have nightly discussions about possible holes in the wall, mouse bait, DIY mouse traps, and military grade tupperware container purchases.  Fall in New York, while pleasant and beautiful, comes with its own set of tricky problems for green New Yorkers.  Case in point, awaking around 4 in the morning the other night to a strange noise resembling rocks being thrown at my window.  I tried to ignore it, as really, at this point, middle of the night oddities do not really surprise me, but it sounded very close by.

Turns out, the RADIATORS had kicked on unbeknownst to us, and so we began the nighttime shuffle to remove books, curtains, baby monitors, and nearby strollers from our various radiators.  The water began to fill up through the pipes at a rapid pace (hence the loud clunking - HOME ALONE style), and we ran around turning off valves for safety.  Also, because they were turned on earlier than we expected we spent the next day buying out the local Lowe's stores' stock of pipe protectors.  Those little hands can be very curious about heat!  Missing Texas's central A/C and heat at the moment.

On a positive note, fall in NYC presents some new fun memories.  I took Scarlett to see a movie at our local theatre and while the prices were astronomically high (twenty bucks a ticket! FOR A THREE YEAR OLD - PHEW!) the experience did not disappoint.  You can reserve a seat, the chairs recline, and we could cuddle the whole movie - super fun with my little three year old.  She loved it so much she asked Trey to take her back the next day...oops!  Mommy fail?  I didn't think to check if the movie was 3D for goodness sake and (not too shockingly) Scarlett refused to wear the glasses - but she didn't seem to mind!  Popcorn and chocolate can be very convincing and a good distraction.

Collecting apples

We also ventured out one Saturday to an apple orchard in upstate New York for an afternoon of apple picking, live music, pumpkin patches, and cider doughnuts.  I've had a lot of fried food in my life, but these doughnuts were both addictive and awesome.  I was really happy that the trip actually turned out to be fun!  A lot of times with toddlers in tow, it can be more about creating a special moment, and less about actually having a good time.  It is exciting to think they might be getting to an age where we can do more for longer and everyone stays happy!

They absolutely loved searching for the apples, not caring whether they were on the ground or from the tree.  Also, watching them explore the many pumpkins they had to offer was really magical, as they touch every single pumpkin and want to walk the entire patch.  The drive there and back was also really different from Texas, seeing the leaves starting to change in the bright, clear sunshine.  I don't think I'll ever forget that day with the girls and seeing their eyes light up with each new activity, me feeling relaxed and content.

On a more practical note, I've invested in some extra "help" if you will, and no I'm not referring to a nanny or babysitter: a doorstop and mommy hooks.  Now before you laugh, let's think about this.  The doorstop is almost like having another person with me to hold doors for the stroller, fits in a purse, and never rolls their eyes at you (ahem, New York strangers).  The "mommy hook" can essentially be a third arm, hanging from the stroller, so you can amazingly enough use both hands on the "wheel" and tote a CVS bag.  This is progress, folks.

I am becoming quite wary of the looming winter months, and thinking there may be more truth to that SAD (seasonal affective disorder) than I thought!  I guess the trick around here is just being super prepared for the worst, which I am now seeing as normal?  One thing at a time.  First must rid house of mice.  While I admire Cinderella's tagline, "Have Courage, and Be Kind," while dealing with New Yorkers; let's face it, I really don't want these things sharing my food, no offense, Cinderella.  So I may summon my inner farmer's wife and show these mice who's boss.  Maybe I have a little New Yorker in me after all.

Oh, and P.S. I'M GOING TO BE AN AUNT!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!  Can't wait for my man cub. That is all.

Agoraphobia and Activewear

Agoraphobia: An abnormal fear of being in crowds, public places, or open areas, sometimes accompanied by anxiety attacks. (Source: dictionary.com)

New York: crowds - CHECK; public places - CHECK. ME: anxiety attack - CHECK.

What is this city doing to me where literally just going to the grocery store with the girls makes me feel so anxious I have to leave the store? Now I thought this was a normal reaction, until my mom witnessed it happening.  Part of the problem is the uncertainty of it all:  the crowds (regular crowded versus fire marshall crowded), will I find what I am looking for, do they have normal brands in the stores, how long will the checkout line be.

Second factor? Will my girls behave in the store? Have they had to miss nap time because the walk took longer than I expected from point A to B? I think I start to panic and clam up when I think about all the possibilities.  Some days what I wouldn't do to stroll around leisurely in the H-E-B off San Felipe with the girls in the "car" cart and our biggest problem is if the blue car cart is already taken.  Those days of wide aisles and free samples are long gone.

Finishing up grocery shopping with Scarlett bird

With my mom here, I was able to find ways to deal with some of the issues, anticipate some of the factors, but it is still hard, even solo sans children.  Being such a control freak, the unknown is super stressful for me.  Some people may think, seriously? Grocery shopping? How hard can it be? Lets talk about real problems!  But trust me - it is crazy!  Just carrying them home can be a injury-causing chore - try carrying awkward bags about nine blocks, and they leave impressions in your hands.  But I guess I should go ahead and break down and buy yet another rolling contraption to try and stuff into my coat closet.  A lot of people here own rolling hand carts for their groceries.  If I get one, that will put my inventory at: two double strollers, one single stroller, a wagon, a dolly, and the grocery cart.  Does that sound excessive to you?  Everything is so hard! I often think to myself, "I'm not cut out for this!" I refuse to be a wimp.

Let's talk about some of the advantages, or at least pros and cons.  My building has a smaller laundry room in comparison to other buildings, and yet, I can run THREE washing machines at once!  Oh happy day!  For two tiny little girls, Scarlett and Savannah produce a ton of dirty clothes.  All of our laundry is done in less than two hours with multiple machines running.  You've never really lived until you run three machines at the same time.  WOW! My life is so interesting.

In all seriousness, the talent in this city is truly remarkable.  Our church is the perfect example.  At the Redeemer, there are parts of the service that are purely instrumental, and they have hosted everything from oboe to Opera singers.  It is such a blessing to experience this each week.  Another less expected, gift-filled place is the subway.  I had heard about the subway performers before coming to New York, but seeing them first hand makes you stop everything and pay attention.  We can be riding along per usual and suddenly be serenaded by an Ed Sheeran song, followed by a Michael Jackson impersonator at the next stop.

So much of New York is absolutely charming.  With the fall weather upon us, I am beginning to get excited for the changing of the seasons.  And yes, like any basic girl I have enjoyed my fair share of Pumpkin Spice lattes in the past few weeks.  I can literally hear Trey groaning in my head.  And yes, you must get the whipped cream!  With charm comes old, as in our building, for example, which was built in 1900, and has beautiful tall windows with plenty of light and crown molding.  On the other hand, it is therefore SO DUSTY, all the time.  I swear between that and the air pollution I am developing allergies.  Didn't I leave Houston to escape ragweed and pollen? I think Trey has mopped (and I have helped ;) ) at least 20 times in three weeks.  Finally our bare feet are not turning black anymore.

Reading in bed

Another dream has been realized as I took Scarlett to the New York Public Library.  For such a modern city, New York still seems to run on cards - library cards, laundry cards, subway cards. I had been wanting to do this since we moved into the Upper West Side, hoping to make reading fun.  Might as well TRY! :)  Located on Amsterdam, the children's section is right on the ground floor.    I am so thrilled at Scarlett's response to the library.  She wants to participate picking out her books and then looks forward to reading them when we get home.  Her favorites are the Olivia series right now - what can I say, my kids must have something with pigs? Peppa, anyone?  In that vein, there is a Peppa Pig live show coming to the Beacon Theater nearby our house in April, so stay tuned for that! Another cool thing about New York? Broadway shows everywhere!

Other things I managed to accomplish during my mom's stay? Scarlett's first dentist visit (awful), Savannah's 18 month checkup with shots, and my new mom's Bible study (with childcare) at Redeemer.  I am doing what I can to make this huge city seem smaller and I am at least beginning to know a span of 5 by 5 blocks.

Unfortunately, this city never sleeps, so as soon as I master one skill, another obstacle rears its head.  Impending circumstance? WINTER.  It's one thing to live in a cold climate and drive everywhere, it's quite another to think about turning into a popsicle on the playground, or as Scarlett would say Olaf.  I am a Texan - I don't know much about down jackets, rain versus snow boots, weatherproof stroller gear?  Did I also mention I hate being cold?

Now that my mom has left, I have taken off the training wheels and will continue putting myself out there, if not for me, than for my girls, who deserve to have the best experience this city has to offer.  They will not see me be weak, but strong! I will put on my armor (active wear)...
ACTIVEWEAR
(PLEASE watch this video if you have not already...)
...and head out into whatever weather, people, stroller pushing I have to encounter.

Love grows best in little houses

"But you know, love grows best in little houses,

With fewer walls to separate,

Where you eat and sleep so close together.

You can't help but communicate,

Oh, and if we had more room between us, think of all we'd miss.

Love grows best, in houses just like this." 

Doug Stone, "Little Houses"

Leave it to a country song to say it best.  I think I can finally agree with what this is saying.  We have MOVED IN!  We officially reside in the Upper West Side.  Now, it is not quite as magical as I was thinking, but it is definitely more us.  Restaurants have high chairs, there is a Starbucks one block away, I see moms with strollers.  This isn't to say cool people don't live here also, but I can appreciate a little ease for once.  We finally have our house back and we feel relaxed which is really something in this new city.  

Outside of our new place

After a trip to Houston for a friend's wedding, a visit with family, and a LOT of Mexican food, we felt ready to take on move 2.0.  A move is one of those things in life that just seems to be never ending - are you ever really prepared?  Have you organized enough and will they forget to pack some of your things?  The answer is no, so eventually you just have to begin!  My mother-in-law was kind enough to bear yet another excruciating flight with little Savannah back to New York.  This kid has the worst timing as far as getting sick, bless her heart, but at least I wasn't alone!  

In New York, there are a number of obstacles (as usual) to overcome while moving in.  Case in point: street cleaning.  Twice a week they clean the streets, and they have to be clear.  And oh yes, we RANDOMLY picked a day to move in during the street cleaning in front of our apartment, and the exact hours in fact!  Luckily, the movers and my landlord were much less paranoid about this than I was, but all I could think about was a giant tow truck hauling all of our much awaited stuff away!  

Second issue? Getting our furniture and boxes through no less than four doors.  It actually takes three particularly stubborn keys to get into our apartment - so much for modern technology.  This all seems very charming until you are holding a squirmy, loud, one-year-old on your hip, fussing at your three year old to stay put and not get on the elevator by herself or push the button for fun, whilst struggling to figure out whether I turn the key right or left.  Fun stuff!  

The movers did a great job, and even offered a full "unpack", but similar to the last move, this basically means, here is your stuff,  in a pile, on the floor.  Good luck!  I can't blame them really - 100 plus boxes and furniture, plus a 30 box delivery a few days later - just glad I wasn't buried in the pile!  Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Trey's mom the day after move-in and although we worked like crazy people on move-in day, we had DAYS of work left to do, now with the two little ones underfoot.  

Now most people have the luxury of slowly deciding where things go, taking your time, seeing the ebb and flow of the house.  Not I!  I get my husband's assistance for a few short days, then back to work!  I must not squander it!  The drilling into the walls got so loud and continuous at one point, our neighbor very politely came by to check on things, making sure we weren't drilling into her apartment.  OOPS!  At least this is New York!  They are used to a little noise.  We are not comfortable yet being in such close proximity to our neighbors, especially with the "thump-thumping" of the little feet running up and down the hallways (my kids don't pitter-patter).  So far, no complaints, but we shall see.  I am also on the clock concerning my curious toddlers.  All the Goodwill boxes and tools laying around are much more interesting than their actual toys!  Wire hangers and nails really make for safe playthings.

So happy with their toys!

I managed to check out the laundry "situation" which reminded me of being in a dorm again.  Obtain your washer/dryer card, put money on it, $4.00 and two hours later, your clothes are washed.  I managed to forget something I needed quite a few times: credit card, laundry card, laundry detergent so up and down the stairs I went.  I felt like a fraud!  I tried to look cool anyway around the residents of thirty plus years.  They can't tell right?  I'm just dripping sweat and putting my card in backwards. 

I am looking forward to this first normal week and what it has in store for us.  I will continue to get us settled, but it should be much easier in our new habitat, making this house a home.  Scarlett starts ballet classes (tear) and (gasp) I might actually go workout with kids in tow.  Yes, I think love will grow best in a place like this, little house.