Weekend Update
We’ve had a lovely weekend with Tracy’s sister Jennifer visiting for a few days. Since both of our families have visited a few times over the last year, we more often than not skip out on the touristy activities in favor of more laid back options. This time was no different - we filled our days with copious amounts of Miller-snuggling, hour long walks in the Park, and great meals (both at home and out on the town).
On Saturday night, Jennifer was kind enough to babysit Miller as we had our monthly Supper Club with friends. It was great fun for us to have a night out, and Jennifer certainly was a big fan of the alone time with Miller.
It was fantastic to be with such great friends during a night filled with much laughter great food, and a little silliness (as seen below) . And when we got home, our little man was fast asleep in his crib, content after a night of fun himself.
Skating in the Park
We’re getting a real treat this week as Tracy’s sister Jennifer is visiting for a few days. After an adventurous trip up here, Jennifer was able to settle in yesterday afternoon and got a little cuddle time with Miller. Somehow she found the time to whip up a delicious dinner, which we were all able to share while sitting at our dinner table (aka the coffee table in our living room!)
Of course, the highlight of Day 1 was last night when we told Jennifer we had a little activity planned. We all bundled up and started walking towards Central Park. We almost made it to the entrance before Jennifer figured out the surprise - she and Tracy were going ice skating!
While the girls skated, Miller and I chilled/watched and took a few pictures and Flip videos. We had earned that right by paying the egregious $5 spectator fee, a usurious charge only Trump could think was appropriate (as the rink is owned or at least named for Trump). Regardless, it was money well spent as the girls had a blast on the ice.
It should be a fun few days.
One of the most fun things for us as parents is seeing Miller interact with our niece and nephew and his cousins, Jacob and Jensen. We made this “video postcard” for them and the pictures are just too cute not to share.
Presidents’ Day Fun
Today was Presidents’ Day. Which meant Dad was home!
About noon the three of us set out on a walk to get some lunch, but hit up a few stores along the way. By the time we made it to Qdoba for a burrito, we each had picked up a new item of clothing.
After we all ate lunch, there was time for a little impromptu Miller photo shoot. In the span of a couple minutes we saw:
Fascinated Miller
“I may have just tooted” Miller
and Million Dollar Smile Miller
and to top it off, a little story time before bed. Days just don’t get much better than this!
First in Flight
We used to write often about our New York “firsts”. A year and a half into our big city adventure, we have fewer and fewer Big Apple firsts, but have had a ton of new parent indoctrinations to keep us busy.
We’ve gotten used to changing diapers, bath time, and even have figured out a “tired cry” from a “something’s wrong cry” (at least most of the time!) Still, we get excited about trying new things out with our little guy.
That is, unless the new thing is flying in an airplane for the first time. This “first” scared us a bit, as we’d grown accustomed to the ease of traveling on our own and weren’t sure what it would be like to be those people with the baby on the plane (c’mon, you know you think it!)
Alas, the super affordable last minute tickets to NC we found were too good to pass up, so we embarked on our inaugural airport experience with Miller a little over a week ago.
The first (and perhaps most daunting) obstacle in our path was the dreaded security line. It’s painful enough for a savvy business traveler - so try taking your baby through the line, especially when you’re trying to avoid the bag fees by carrying on 2 overnight bags as luggage.
Once we figured out the rules, we devised a plan, which consisted of sending our bags through while I carried MIller, with Tracy escorting the stroller and car seat through the x-ray machine. We made sure to let the lady behind us in line to jump ahead once we knew she was in a rush - because if one thing’s for certain, it’s that we were not going to make it through expeditiously.
We made it through with relative ease though - thanks in large part to the TSA employees who went above and beyond the call of duty to make our lives easier. Often these folks get a bad rap as government employees with little regard for customer service (and it’s generally a rap that comes well deserved!) But in this case, the TSA team provided first class service, and with smiles too!
The fine service from TSA was simply a precursor to the continued care we received throughout the trip. The US Air gate agents and bag handlers helped get our bags to the tarmac and fellow travelers were there to pick up a dropped pacifier or to simply open a door when needed.
And to live up to his end of the bargain, Miller returned the favor by hardly letting out a peep during either flight segment. He was content to lay across our laps and caught a few zzz’s. Even when we had to exit the commuter jet onto a cold and windy boarding area, Miller stayed calm and collected - certainly a treat for anxious first flight parents.
The reward for the big day of travel? A comfy bit of snuggling with Aunt Jennifer and plenty of priceless time with our entire family.
It was a fun trip and the first of many for Miller. In fact, he’s already booked for St. Louis in March!
Rhett and Link do t-shirts
Rhett and Link have outdone themselves. This is a couple days old and already has more than 200,000 views on YouTube. But it’s too good not to share. This may be the most creative Rhett and Link video yet.
I’m a proud owner of a Rhett and Link t-shirt (see pic below). Perhaps it’s time to get a new one!
The Game is here
We made it back from North Carolina last night - just in time before the blizzard hit here in NYC. We’re expecting 6-12 inches today, which is just fine by us because a) we have the beauty of subway transit to get us around and b) UNC and Duke play tonight, giving us all the entertainment we need.
Of course, given the recent form of our beloved Heels, it might not be a pretty picture at the Dean Dome. Still, as I’ve written before, the UNC-Duke rivalry is something special, and as the old cliche goes, “you can throw out the records in this rivalry.” (You know, phrases become cliche because they’re so often true…the famous Jeff Capel buzzer beater game came in a year in which Duke was 13-18!)
Regardless of the outcome, it should be a fantastic night. It’s a rivalry so big that my buddy Zeke Smith has started a new blog devoted entirely to Duke-Carolina, and even got some link love today in the NY Times.
I’m hopeful we can pull out a huge win tonight, perhaps even turning the season around. If only we can channel a little of the Marvin magic from 2005.
Miller made it through airport security for the first time with flying colors (and we have to say, TSA employees were very helpful). Now, let’s see how he likes the flying part…
NBA meets Avatar
I have not seen Avatar, but have seen enough of the previews and buzz to know the general storyline. I don’t think you have to have seen the film to appreciate the awesomeness that is NBA millionaires dressing up like the Avatar characters on their team flight and making a video. Thanks Steve Nash, Leandro Barbosa and Jared Dudley - great vid.
Goodbye January
The first month of 2010 is behind us, which means a few things:
1) We’ve survived one of the coldest months in NYC
2) The “January Blues” (as referenced in 30Rock) should be behind us
3) The little man who entered 2010 looking like this:
Now looks much bigger, like this
We’ve had a lot of fun in January. Here’s a pictoral recap for your viewing pleasure
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