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.
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| 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.
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