New York, New York

Friday I packed up the mini-van full of princess dress up gear, DVDs, and sippy cups and we headed to the big City. It was my first trip with both girls and Rob's first duty-free weekend since Julia was born. I can safely say, we both fully enjoyed it!
Us girls headed to see Michelle and spend some long overdue quality girl time. The afternoon started with a playdate with Marley, who is so well behaved and very articulate for almost 3! He was polite and kind, especially when he explained to Emma that he did not want to play princess dress up or dolls, but he did offer up his froggy backpack full of toddler fun things! I think his Daddy would be proud -- he was polite, yet firm as to where he stood on the frilly things. :)
Michelle made a yummy dinner for the babes while us adults caught up and contemplated, "is life with 2 children much different from life with just 1?" Well, it all depends on how you look at it. But I think the short answer is, yes ... but in a good way.
Later that night, with the girls attempting to fall asleep in the city, Michelle made a delicious meal of Maple Glazed Pork, roasted root vegetables, and sauteed swiss chard ... it was a perfect cold weather meal and I am definitely planning to cook that one for Rob soon. We enjoyed a nice glace of Pinot Noir ... started to have some girl talk then BAM, the girls would not sleep!!! So yes ... there you go, life with 2 is different. So far we can not have them share a room because if one stirs then the other stirs. So I had to give Emma a talking to, rock Julia to sleep and cross my fingers that they would some how fall asleep. They did, but it took until 12:30 and then they stirred every few hours until 6 a.m. Then it was up and at'em for the day.

Saturday we headed to a really neat cafe/playspace in Brooklyn -- Mamalu (http://www.mamalunyc.com/). It was fantastic, organic healthy eats for us and the kids, espresso for Mommy and an open play zone for the kids. Emma was a bit hesitant at first because there were all these kids freely roaming this big room with an enormous chalk board wall and she kept looking at me as to be asking "is this ok Mommy, do I really get to let go of your hand and just run and play with these things". Initially neither of us really knew what to do with the abstract toys ... there were cushions shaped liked flowers and aliens and half-moons, some small, some large. But I am happy to report, it only took one minute for Emma's toddler mind to kick into imagination gear and she was off -- to the "pyramids" {Unfortunatley it took me a bit longer, probably 10 minutes to warm up to what this new space was all about}. She got to play in a new way, one that allowed her to pretend freely. It got me thinking, are the toys we buy limiting her imagination? I mean Fischer Price and Playskool have all the bells and whistles but do they take the fantasy out of the equation simply because their products are designed to explicitly entertain children? Hmmm, I want to think about that one more. It was a great place, I want one in the country!!
Later that day the girls got to napping ... in separate quarters this time, which proved to be the winning ticket. Julia really needs peace and quiet and a dark space to sleep, especially since her big sister likes to sing herself silly before her head hits the pillow. So with the new arrangements the girls crashed for 2.5 hours! YAY!! This gave Michelle and I time to gab and for me to finish my coffee. It was such a nice reprieve and a great way to unwind. Michelle also got to focus on her Italian studies ... I am so impressed, she's really fluent now and understands much of the written language too! How amazing. And ... she's quite the Italian pasta affecionado now too, she made a fantastic spaghetti amatriciana (tomato and pancetta), one word ... PERFETTO!
Later that day we took a great walk to the piers (Amanda offered up Marley's car ... Emma rode in style down the city streets and Julia was bundled in the stroller and smiling the whole time). We got to take some great pictures and show the girls the NYC skyline, it was so nice because the girls seemed very comfortable with the city around them, which makes me smile. Michelle showed us some of their favorite local hot spots, like their pizza place and she popped by to say hello to the owner/chef Gianna who was Italian and as sweet as could be. Hopefully on our next visit we'll be popping in there for some good eats.
We got back and gave the girls some dinner -- Sugar Sweet Sunshine cupcakes for Emma -- thanks Auntie Shelley! And steamed veggies and pasta for Julia. Then it was bed time and this time, in separate rooms, they slept peacefully from 7:30 to 7 a.m. AHHH, just what we needed.
We got to make a light and healthy dinner -- which we both agreed we needed since we were indulging all day (juevos rancheros, cupcakes, lattes, pasta, cherry pie and tea, chips and salsa -- you name it we had a piece of it that day!). But this healthy dinner was quick and delicous -- seared scallops and steamed kale and of course more Pinot Noir! But most importantly we got to sit and talk ... and talk ... and just gab like we've always done. That is the thing, we are and will always be contemplators. Michelle and I can talk about anything at extreme length and then circle back around again and still talk about it some more. We touch upon how life is going and how it feels and what should we do about it. It is who we are as people and as friends. It is a beautiful thing. Our hubbies may not agree sometimes but for the most part they accept it and probably say thank you, since they are given a pass on some of those hot topics! he he he.
It was a wonderful weekend ... especially since life can feel so busy, and even with being in a big city being there with my best friend made it feel super small and wonderful. Thanks, Mich ... can't wait to hang out again soon.
On our way back home we made an impromptu visit to another dear friend and her family. We popped in to see Kerri, Steve, and little miss Caroline. Oh my gosh, she's the cutest. She's just turned 2 and already into the princess phase ... all I can say is watch out Steve, she's a knock out! The girls played together so well, how could they not when they have the princess sisterhood in common (pics to follow soon)? Julia climbed all over the perfectly childproofed play room ... and we got to catch up quickly over scrumptious paninis and mixed green salad. Thank you so much Kerri and Steve ... when I left I couldn't help but think ... remember the nights of 24 and appletinis! Ah, those were fun times. We look forward to getting together again soon.

All in all, it was a great weekend ... I got to spend time sharing stories with friends and Rob got to be a bachelor (well you know, he got to wake up with out having to change any diapers or get breakfast ready) ... he did however go to Foxwoods and play Let it Ride for hours and walk away with some money in his pocket. He is good ... he makes a plan and stick to it! I would not be so disciplined.

And ... I was informed that there are some new readers to the blog ... welcome, hope you enjoy and feel free to leave comments :)