Spring has sprung

High time for a thankful list!

Great weather. This week we've been able to get out and about and have loved every minute.

Girl friends. Getting together with Julia and Emma at Columbia's main campus for lunch. Getting together with girls definitely re-energizes you. Believe it or not - Julia is pregnant!
Good news. My little brother Mark just got engaged and will be married in June in Salt Lake.

A winner. Helaman's research won first place in last year's competition and he went on to present it in San Francisco's national dental meeting. This year, he was awarded the opportunity to present somewhere else.

One nap. Charlotte's mid-day nap is great - we can do things in the morning and in the afternoon.

Giving kitty "a kiss"

Wonderful counsel. I keep recalling Elder Ballard's talk he gave at our church's annual worldwide conference on Sunday directed to young mothers which I really need to hear.

"After observing and empathizing with three generations of mothers and thinking of my own dear mother, I surely know that there is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood.... There are moments of great joy and incredible fulfillment, but there are also moments of a sense of inadequacy, monotony, and frustration. Mothers may feel they receive little or no appreciation for the choice they have made."

Comforting words from an inspired man.

Countdown. To next week's house-hunting trip!

Deals. All of a sudden Charlotte outgrew her size 3 diapers, and there was a great deal listed on BabyCheapSkate for Seventh Generation diapers, which are supposed to be environmentally better than regulars. First, sign up for Ebates, which you should do if you ever buy anything online - it's cash back for every purchase just for clicking through their site. Then, find drugstore.com through the ebates site and buy the Seventh Generation diapers which are on sale for $31.32 (after $5 instant coupon). You will get $2 cash back from ebates plus their $5 sign up bonus, making the size 4 diapers .17 cents each - smaller sizes even less. Of course, you have to be a first-time user of drugstore.com to get free shipping. I was already a user - so I signed up Helaman and it worked fine. You also get cash back from drugstore.com, but you have to use it within a month which I never do before they expire so I didn't figure that in the calculation. The diapers came in two days, and they hold strong in the face of blowouts just as well as the others.

Girl's Night

Back when "24" was on the air, Helaman and I could always look forward to getting together every Monday night with Ellen, Julia, Andrea and their husbands for a night of sarcastic and/or witty commentary, treats and possibly a game. Good times! Since those days, "24" fell victim to the writers' strike, various babies started needing to get to bed before 10pm, Julia moved across the park (might as well be across the country!) and it's been hard to get together again. But we did it! And it was an extremely enjoyable evening, capped by Ellen's rescue of a disoriented elderly man on the subway tracks while Andrea and I cheered her on.

I will be so sad to leave these amazing ladies when we move to Texas! We've had a lot of fun together the last four years.

All dressed up for church, Charlotte took a walk in the hall.

Happy Birthday Charlotte!

Turning 1 is so fun!

Wow, that was delicious!

After finishing her first cupcake. We love you Char!

March 27, 2007

One Year Ago

One year ago today, I checked into the hospital with low fluids and a high aversion to getting on the subway to go to work. I can't believe how fast this year has gone!

We've been enjoying some nice weather at the local park. Charlotte practiced her cruising for a while but then reverted to crawling, to the dismay of her jeans.

100th Post!

100th Post!!

For this special occasion, I thought I'd stop my complaining about not having a dishwasher or any room whatsoever for anything in this tiny apartment and focus on the things I will miss when we leave New York City.

You become cool. When you tell out-of-towners that you live in Manhattan, they say, "Oh wow!" and you just know they think you live some sort of glamorous, G-rated Sex and the City life. I nod, smile and do not correct them.
Real diversity. You make friends with people of all cultures, and feel a little more unique yourself. I'll always remember going out west for the first time since moving here and being totally let down that everyone looked like me.

A Second Family. No one's real family lives out here, so you rely on your friends and generally get to know them better than you otherwise would through the car/subway/bus-pooling, close proximity, similar situations we are in and the holidays and special occasions spent together.

Sights. I never get tired of seeing the Empire State Building from my window, or the amazing skyline. Yes, the Statue of Liberty is smaller in real life than in the movies - but no less inspiring. The bridges surrounding the island are my favorite and I never got tired of seeing Poseidon at the skating rink, but I also appreciate the lesser known sights like the Monopoly-esque brass figures in the 14th St. subway station, Cleopatra's Needle in Central Park, the bull on Wall Street and St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Big City, Small World. In a city of 8 million people, you don't expect to run into people you know. But since we've lived here, I ran into an old roommate on 6th Avenue, a girl I went to high school with 13 years ago in Florida on the subway, a friend from college at Rockefeller Center and innumerable friends-of-friends and church connections. A lot of people come here for a short time for either school or to start careers and it's a lot of fun to be part of that environment.

Much is required, some is given back. Though you pay a ton in city taxes, a lot of it is for free stuff you can do. I like to avoid large crowds and bedlam/pandemonium whenever possible, so we didn't do a lot of it, but was able to see Conan O'Brien and John Stewart's shows live, have thoroughly enjoyed Central Park's immaculate lawns, and have taken advantage of the "donation only" admission rates to many museums.

Opportunities abound. I think a lot of people come to New York because you can be and do anything you want - and I believe that's true as long as you are willing to work hard for it and you see people doing just that every day all around you. I appreciate the education and opportunities Columbia has given Helaman, and am greatful I was able to have a rewarding job myself with amazingly kind and generous employers.

I'm not publishing the things I won't miss in an effort to maintain a positive and family friendly blog:)

all for clean knees

Charlotte's started doing this weird elephant crawl around the apartment. Her little knees might be getting tired of the hard floors...! In any event, it is hilarious.

She's also working hard on getting some teeth. We can see a tip of one and it is quite exciting, as all of her contemporaries have several teeth at this point.

Helaman is scrambling around now to finish everything he needs to do to graduate and get licensed. They don't give those licenses away for free. Every day brings more fun surprise fees.

I spend a chunk of each day lately online looking at places to live in Dallas and waiting for pre-approvals to arrive. I can't believe we're going to live in a regular city soon. We're flying out in April to search for homes, which will also be a fun vacation for us with my parents watching Charlotte in Houston and reliving her glory days of having only one child. Soo.... we are also working hard on weaning Charlotte from breastfeeding which is harder than I thought. I've introduced whole milk a couple times and she's not as crazy about it as I imagined. It's so delicious! Like drinking ice cream!

11 months

I always feel a little out of the loop when I haven't posted for a while! I really enjoyed everyone's opinions about cloth diapers though. If you haven't weighed in on the topic, please do! At last count, there were two people in favor of using cloth, 3 maybe's and 5 emphatic NO's.

WANTED for attention stealing and killing with cuteness

The last week we've been in Phoenix soaking up the beautiful sunshine. We loved it.

Meeting of the minds

Charlotte and Ellie enjoyed getting to know each other while having a little snack together when their moms were in line.

Not our parents' diapers

At a baby shower this weekend, the subject of cloth diapers came up. I know it's kind of a hot topic, at least here, where I'm constantly inundated with "going green" talk. Later that day I saw this post on MommyKnows and was pretty impressed with the 21st century high-tech cloth diaper shown. This isn't the square cloth secured with safety pins as in our parents' day! The price is pretty hefty, but I think at some point I'd like to try cloth diapers. Not now - I'd never hazard doing so without my own washing machine, but I think it would be nice not to have to chase diaper sales/coupons and do my small part in NOT contributing to those HUGE piles of trash on the sidewalks on Thursday nights in my neighborhood. So momfriends, what do you think? Would you ever use cloth diapers?



MommyKnows and www.thebabymarketplace.com (a great place to shop and learn about cloth diapers) are hosting the bumGenius 3.0 One-Size Cloth Diaper Give Away.Go on over and comment and be entered to Win one of two bumGenius 3.0 One-Size Cloth Diapers.

Snow Dump 08!

I LOVE when it's snowing and I don't have to go anywhere outside. Right now we're getting some huge flakes. I was tagged by Ellen to list the first ten songs on my mp3 player shuffle. I got a Zune for Christmas, with speakers, which is essential for me since I rarely walk around listening to an mp3 player anymore. Keeping track of pacifiers, diapers, phone, hairbows, coupons, metrocards, Cheerios, stroller shields and my own sanity while I'm on the go is enough for me, though I admit having it with me on the train between 59th St. and 125th St. would probably make that eternal stretch much more bearable.

1. Girl Like That - Matchbox 20
2. American Girls - Counting Crows
3. You've Got a Way - Shania Twain
4. I Asked When - Brett Dennen
5. What Kind of Love are You On - Aerosmith (Armageddon soundtrack)
6. Invisible City - Wallflowers
7. One Good Love - Rascal Flatts
8. Come Down - Toad the Wet Sprocket
9. Ride a White Horse - Goldfrapp
10. Backseat of a Greyhound Bus - Sara Evans

I tag Lachelle and Heidi.

Extra Extra

We love the shuttle bus, which operates every now and then when there is subway construction on the weekends. Though we can't take the stroller on board, it is a free and quick trip to church. Charlotte has been doing great at church, playing with friends and entertaining the gospel essentials class.

She's also started waving hello and goodbye, especially to Helaman when he comes and goes.

Things I'm Grateful for this Week:

Valentine's Day! Helaman always gives me the best cards. I found him a jar of Jelly Bellys at Columbia's bookstore. I also found a soda-bottle-shaped container of jellies, all Dr. Pepper flavored. Nice I didn't have to go all the way to Dylan's Candy Bar! We got to go out to eat too, and came home to find her giving her babysitter a hard time about going to bed by banging on the walls and bouncing around her crib.

Chipotle. We bought a $10 giftcard and in doing so scored a free burrito for our next visit, which was the next day. When H reminded them about the free burrito, they said they'd give both burritos to us for free.

Cinnamon Rolls. I made some using brown cinnamon sugar as suggested by Bon Appetit magazine and was very pleased with the result. Not so pleasing: waking up this morning to find only one left.

Sleep in Sunday. Helaman gets up with Charlotte on Sundays, which is heaven, and the only reason I forgive him for eating all (but one) of the cinnamon rolls.

Young World. Disappointed with The Children's Place in our neighborhood and its lack of sales, we stopped in Young World and I was very impressed at the variety of baby stuff they had despite the reggae tone music blasting. Who knew? We got Charlotte a sippy cup she learned to use immediately.

FreshDirect. Recently they started selling Earth's Best Organic baby food for cheaper than the regular stuff at our local grocery stores. Particularly tasty: Split Pea Soup and Butternut Squash Bisque. A nice change from plain ol' Chicken Noodle Dinner, not that Charlotte was complaining...

Building Playgroup. With the nasty weather we had this week, it was great to not have to leave the building to hang out with other moms.

Boxes. Found some awesome big, clean ones in the trash room. I'm collecting them for our move.

Other people's blogs. I love them!! Keep it up!!

adventures in new york

Anyone ever watch the game show Shop 'Til You Drop? I really felt like I was on this show on this week! Two friends and I rented a car to go shopping at Costco and a grocery store one evening. We had to have the car back in 3 1/2 hours, so after traffic that left just a small portion of the time you really need actually in the store for shopping. It was hilarious pushing those monster carts around like a madwoman, swerving around old ladies and people lackadaisically gazing at the yogurt - all to hunt down the real treasures like deli meats and diapers. Ah... good times. Disclaimer: I've never actually seen the aforesaid game show, but I have heard of it and did feel like dropping once I got home.

Charlotte loves being up on her feet lately...

...but hasn't quite gotten the hang of her walking toys. Don't you love the socks and shoes yet pant-less look? Me too.

sleepy girl(s)

too tired to complete the escape attempt

This year we have 1pm church. Yesterday, we got home at 4:45pm (yes - it takes 45 minutes to go 2.4 miles on weekend subways) and Charlotte went to bed and slept until 7:30am! She did get up at 5am for some quick milk. The late church has made me a little more organized though, in making dinner before we leave because when we get home I'm exhausted. Yesterday I made some yummy Turkey and Artichoke Stuffed Shells that I saw Giada make on the Food Network. They are delicious and are perfect for making ahead of time or even freezing.

Top Ten Restaurants

Top 10 Restaurants I've Been to in New York City (not really in order). Please keep in mind we are far from high rollers and live in the neighborhood of Washington Heights which has a huge culinary shortage.

Tao - could be considered a chain because there is one in Las Vegas and is decidedly tourist-ridden, but the food is delicious and the prices are high, but not out of this world for a special occasion.

Carmine's - Family-style Italian - always go with a group and don't miss the lemon butter chicken which isn't on the menu and the "tugboat" which is a scaled down version of the "Titanic" ice cream dessert. I've been many times, usually when friends or family is in town, and each time is very fun and memorable.

before sinking the Titanic

Shanghai Joe's - I don't know if I can forgive Joe's bathroom, which was one of the worst disasters I've ever seen in my entire life, but the food was good Chinese smorgageboard. You sit with complete strangers at your table, but it seems to work out fine.

Ollie's - the Upper West Side location at 86th St. seems to be the best. All of the locations do their menu slightly differently but the General Tso's chicken here is my favorite in the city. Service is very fast and prices are cheap.

Saigon Grill - We tried this place because it was in Columbia's Guide to the City and went back many times for the lightning fast service, amazing spring rolls, yummy Vietnamese dishes and the ability to accommodate large groups at a moment's notice.

Yu II - I had to include Yu II because it's my favorite Washington Heights restaurant though we don't go too much because it's sushi and you can't eat that every weekend.

Citrus Grill - We went here for Valentine's Day and were subjected to a special overpriced menu. It was still really good though, but is better on regular days for half price.

Ruby Foo's - I just love Asian food. Good service and atmosphere.

La Vela - Inexpensive Italian restaurant on the Upper West Side. I've tasted several of the dishes and love them all, especially the Pollo Al' Forno.

Max's Soha - I loved that the employees were willing to move heaven and earth (and all of their other customers) to fit Charlotte's stroller in this tiny restaurant near Columbia's main campus. The prices are amazingly low and I've been back a couple times for the rich, lasts-for-two-meals lasagna.

**Had to leave off some of the great restaurants I went to during working lunches. I think everything tastes great when you're not paying, don't you?

Dishonorable Mentions:

Mars 2112 - Where do I even start? We went here with friends several years ago and I still vividly remember the sickening "ride" you HAVE to take to get to the eating area, the absolutely overpriced terrible, alternating rubbery and rock hard food, non-existent service (yet a 18% automatic tip added on) and the rat that Helaman spied in the corner.

Maxine's - No one in my family appreciated the huge portions of semi-frozen entrees or the fact that you were subject to a "sharing fee" if you wanted to split it with someone in this Times Square joint.

Roxy's - Owned by the same peeps as Maxine's featuring $20 sandwiches with absolutely nothing but meat on them (not even a swipe of mayonnaise) and never-ending fees.

dislocating my jaw to get a bite

Honorable and Dishonorable Mention:

Serendipity III

The Good: We've had many good times with visiting friends and family here eating the delicious, rich ice cream and amazing frozen hot chocolate. I've loved our girls' mornings out here chatting in the rain and freezing temps while we wait.

The Bad: Employees of this restaurant are complete snobs and the service reflects it. They also don't allow strollers (even folded up ones) though once some of our friends coming straight from the airport brought about 200 pounds of luggage and there was no problem with that. There is usually a 2-3 hour wait to get in, though once you get in you notice that a LOT of the tables are empty. Last but not least - we all know about the closing due to roaches.

taking the good with the bad

Details

So yesterday Helaman got an email at 8:45 am telling him that he was matched to the University of Texas-Southwestern/Parkland Memorial Hospital located in Dallas, TX for his oral surgery residency. We are VERY excited to move there for the next 6 years, especially since it is just 3-4 hours from Houston, where my parents and two brothers live. He graduates in May, and then will start the residency on July 1. I'm so proud of Helaman, who has worked super hard since Day 1 of dental school to get to this point.

Results are in.... we're going to....

07 Roundup

I've enjoyed reading so many other year end round up posts from other bloggers I thought I'd throw together my own, before January is over.

January 2007: Helaman put together Charlotte's crib and we squeezed it into a corner of our bedroom. I got a great raise at work which I thoroughly enjoyed for the next couple months.

February 2007: We went to one of the many New York restaurants that has a "special" (read: way more expensive) Valentine's Day menu. It was delicious. Spent most of our weekends at Coldstone Creamery.

March 2007: Charlotte arrived two weeks early. Subsequent panic set in and my mom came to our rescue.
April 2007: Charlotte's first everything. Pete came for the weekend to help with a 2 hour Ollie's run.

May 2007: Phil and Jen visit for Memorial Day weekend. A mediocre season of 24 ends. Parent payoff in the form of more frequent smiles.
June 2007: Charlotte and I spend the month in Houston getting spoiled while Helaman does externships.
July 2007: A rained-out 4th. Many trips to Central Park.

August 2007: Visited the Ericksons in Salt Lake and spent a lot of time in Park City.

September 2007: Charlotte tried baby food. We create a bedroom for her out of the hallway to sleep at night to save our sanity.

October 2007: Pete visits again, he couldn't get enough of the subway. We carved a lot of pumpkins. Charlotte got several Halloween costumes and then ended up going to bed early on the big night.

November 2007: In Houston again while Helaman interviews for Oral Surgery residencies all over the nation. Took a family vacation to the Massachusetts Berkshires for a week to experience our last New England fall.

December 2007: Trekked to the Brooklyn Bridge to take our Christmas picture. Spent Christmas in Houston.

three of my favorite things

Charlotte in the bath. She's graduated from her baby tub and enjoys the backstroke.

Can we get on with breakfast?

Thanks to mom for coverting this dish towel into a full coverage bib and making her cute new pink bow since I lost the last one. I try to always have Charlotte in a bow out in public. I know it shouldn't bother me, but I can't take any more "He has such big eyes!" comments.

Making an escape in a sleep sac. Watching her scoot around the living room in this is great entertainment (since there is no good TV on). Note to self: wash wood floors asap!

on the move

Thanks Jen and Phil for brightening up an otherwise post-holiday "blah" month with their new baby Wade. Hopefully we can get a picture of him with his eyes open soon!

Charlotte has become mobile at long last. Once she saw kids younger than her at playgroup scooting around, she decided to get off her diaper and start moving. Just crawling for now, but as you can see she is anxiously training for her first steps using her grandparents' Christmas gift to her.

Helaman is now studying for Part II of the Board exams (he took Part I two years ago), and waiting for Match Day on the 28th.

rising up out of a sea of toys

9 months

We enjoyed our Christmas in Houston very much. Charlotte was very excited with all the presents and people around to give her attention.

The weather was awesome, so we took a trip to the zoo.
Charlotte didn't know what to make of the carousel when it started going up and down.

She also got reacquainted with her aunt Katie and uncles Mark and Steve. Shy at first, but warmed up quick.

Cutest kids ever

The cousins had a lot of fun playing together. Helaman and I enjoyed the warm weather, being able to drive places, and grandparents who loved taking care of Charlotte. We were able to go to a performance of "It's a Wonderful Life", Helaman went to a Rockets game with my brothers and mom, set off fireworks on the driveway on New Year's Eve, and ate as much ice cream as possible. Vacations are always too short!

Today Charlotte went to her 9 month checkup and flu shot, weighing in at 17 lbs. 2 oz. and measuring 28 inches. I'd have thought she'd weigh a lot more since she has been eating everything she sees, but apparently it is going straight through her! She's trying her best to crawl but gets discouraged easily. She's certainly missing all the attention she got at Christmas!