Our weekend got off to an early and sort of rough start. Can you see how red Gavin’s cheeks are (and how sad his eyes look) in the photo? He had a nasty fever on Thursday and Friday with no other symptoms. We think it was related to teething, but it meant he had to stay home from daycare. I took long walks with him both days and worked a bit on Thursday afternoon when he took a monster 4-hour nap. We also went outside in the late afternoons and waited for Sweets to come home from work.

We wound up skipping our soccer class and cancelling Saturday brunch plans, because Gavin had a terrible night of sleep on Friday, meaning he was up from 1am-4am. So, when he finally fell asleep, we wanted to let him sleep as long as his body needed. By the time he woke up at 10am, he was feeling much better.

Sweets and I have been researching bike trailers for Gavin. We tend to buy bigger ticket sporting items from REI, because (a) they do a lot of research for us, so we can trust the products they sell and (b) they have an amazing return policy. We checked out one trailer at an REI store in the city, but it was on the (super) expensive side, so we decided to do a little more research and think about it a bit more before making the purchase.

Then came this weekend, when REI had a massive sale plus an extra 20% off one regularly priced item for members. We decided to travel to a suburban REI to check out another (much less expensive) model that they carry. This is Sweets’ domain, so I let him talk to the sales guy, while I picked out a helmet for Gavin (yes, that’s a big smiley face on his helmet!). After Sweets filled me in on their conversation, I left the decision up to him. We walked away with a new bike trailer, a helmet for Gavin and biking jerseys for Sweets and me.

We then headed out to Sweets’ parents house. Sweets spent a couple hours assembling the trailer. As you can see from the photo above, there are wheels on the front, too. Those wheels remain in the upright position when the trailer is attached to a bike, but can be easily switched down to make the trailer into a stroller (because, you know, we needed a FOURTH stroller to add to our collection!). Don’t let Gavin’s seeming indifference fool you, either. He actually LOVED the trailer, probably because we gave him a bag of Cheerios to eat while we rode.

Speaking of a ride, we went on a great 15-mile ride with Sweets’ parents on Saturday late afternoon. We followed portions of the Illinois Prairie Path and the Great Western Trail before finishing  up our ride at a local eatery for dinner (there’s nothing quite like a post-workout meal!). Although there were a few gaffs to the day—Sweets’ dad collided with another cyclist (thankfully both were OK) and Sweets made the trailer ride over the base to a lamp post (not once, but twice), forcing the trailer to do a wheelie each time (Gavin nervously laughed, but was fine)—overall, the ride was a blast and we look forward to more long rides this summer (let it be noted: since we decided to go with an expensive (to us) model, I told Sweets we are booking specific days each month for bike rides, to make sure we get as much use out of this trailer as possible!).

Sunday was a crazy whirlwind day (because, clearly Saturday was our relaxed day – ha!). We went to a huge neighborhood-wide garage sale looking for one thing (a tricycle with a post at the back, allowing parents to help guide the bike – they retail in the hundreds of dollars, which is ridiculous!) and wound up buying two things: said tricycle ($35) and a small collapsible chair for cookouts and camping ($5). I’d say that was a win!

After walking around the neighborhood garage sale, we raced over to a birthday party for one of the kids in Gavin’s class. They had a woman singing songs and leading activities for the kids, which helped divert Gavin’s attention away from the juice boxes (he’s never had one) and the cake (he doesn’t need it). Me, too! We left the party early, so we could go to Gavin’s music class. Apparently, a very tired Gavin = non-stop Gavin in class. It was a fun class. After lunch, Gavin crashed. Daddy did dishes. And Mama went grocery shopping. Near suppertime, Sweets went to play soccer and I took Gavin on a walk with our neighbor and her daughter to grab an early dinner.

Another weekend and another “where did the time go?!” come Sunday night. Seriously, I need a vacation. Good thing we have a long weekend coming up!!

Thursday, my parents flew from Boston to Chicago. On different airlines, arriving at very different times. My mom stayed with us Thursday night, while my dad stayed in a hotel. Weird, given they’re still married, still live together and are still on speaking terms. My dad stayed in Chicago less than 24 hours for a conference, while my mom spread out her stay until Sunday to see all her grand-babies.

Friday evening, Sweets, Gavin and I grabbed dinner with a high school bestie, also visiting from Boston. Funny enough, our parents live across the street from each other. And my parents adore her. But, since they see her in Boston, there was no dire need to see her in Chicago. Trust me, though, my parents are likable people.  =)

Saturday, my mom joined us at Gavin’s soccer class. This was also the first time Sweets got to participate in class. Like last week, Gavin refused to complete one of the first activities, thereby exhausting Sweets (who did it for him). Other than that, it was a fun class and Sweets is glad we signed up. Once again, Gavin was exhausted by the end (so were we!).

We went to REI to go shopping without spending money (where’s the fun in that?!). We’re shopping for bike trailers, so we can go cycling with Gavin this summer. Gavin was immediately drawn to the bike helmets (no surprise, since he plays with Sweets’ at home all the time) and kid bikes (too bad his feet can’t reach the pedals). Did you know you can easily drop a grand on bike carriers? We’ve picked a model we like (hint: it doesn’t cost $1,000) and we’re waiting to buy it until next weekend when our 20% off coupon activates.

That afternoon, while Gavin was napping, Sweets and I decided to catch a quick nap. Assuming, Sweets would nap like he normally does (less than 30 minutes), I didn’t set an alarm. Bad move. Gavin woke us up over 2 hours after we fell asleep and, more importantly, 10 minutes before family and friends were supposed to begin arriving at our place for dinner.

Good thing they’re not a super prompt bunch. We managed to shower and clean up before anyone arrived. After dinner, we left Gavin and his cousins with a sitter, while the adults went to see a great rendition of Rent (so says the girl who doesn’t really like musicals)!

Sunday, Gavin slept until 9am (score!), allowing plenty of time for Sweets and me to clean the kitchen from our house full of guests the previous night. We met my mom, nieces and their mamas at my aunt’s house for brunch. It was a downright beautiful day, so we spent a bunch of time outside blowing bubbles, playing hide-n-seek and exploring the greenery. It was a fun chance to take out my camera for some official May photos.

After brunch, my mom came with us to Gavin’s music class, where he was essentially a non-participant until the teacher pulled out blocks for building (while singing London Bridge) and Gavin was the first kid to knock down the tower.

Our last stop of the day was Sweets’ parents house. We had a mid-afternoon cookout with them and lots more playing and exploring outside. I sort of checked out here and hung out inside by myself. I was utterly exhausted from coordinating and participating in all the weekend events. From there, we dropped off my mom at the airport, returned to the city and tried to get ready for the week ahead.

And that’s all she said. I leave you with a link (because I’m also posting today on Lisa’s Expandng blog) and a piece of Gavin from Monday morning, when I realized his new (to us) track suit fits well enough to wear to daycare.

Saturday afternoon, we had some friends come over for a few hours. Former neighbors who used to live downstairs came with their two (adorable!) sons and current neighbors who share the same floor with us came with their newborn little girl (also, way adorable!). When we first moved into the building almost four years ago, no one had kids. Now, there are four kids between three couples.

Everyone contributed something to the “finger foods and drinks” afternoon. As a result, even after everyone had a few drinks, our refrigerator looked like it belonged at a frat house more than it belonged to a family of three.

The unfortunate part of Saturday was Sweets started to not feel well midway through the day. He tried to power through our get-together with friends, but bailed to our bedroom before they left. I’m pretty sure he didn’t got out of bed until Sunday morning. So, I bathed and read a book to Gavin, tucked him in bed, walked the dog, made myself a cup of tea and read for an hour or so in complete silence. It was lovely.

Saturday night, sir Gavin woke up sometime in the middle of the night (which seems to be a theme lately – I’m chalking it up to a growth spurt). I pulled him into the guest bed. As he was getting comfortable, he looked at me and waved. Because it was dark, I whispered “hi.” He whispered a “hi” right back to me. So sweet!

Sunday, Sweets still wasn’t feeling well. So, Gavin and I went grocery shopping together. We then went to music class without Sweets. It was an insanely full class. Every student from our regular class. Plus two students coming in for make-up classes. Plus, a handful of grandparents (on top of the fact that most kids come with both parents to class). On top of that, there was a substitute teacher (who we generally don’t like, because we are THAT loyal to Gavin’s current teacher), but as it turned out the kids LOVED her (they were flocking to her in droves by the end of the class – she had one of those really annoying squeaky voices that parents hate, but that kids apparently love!).

Gavin took a 3½ hour nap on Sunday afternoon. I actually woke him up, because it was 4:30 and I was afraid that he’d really mess with his nighttime sleep if he slept much later or longer, for that matter. Parents everywhere say, you don’t mess with children’s sleep and there’s a reason for that. Here’s what Gavin gave us in return for waking him up:

And, that’s pretty much how our weekend ended. In the blink of an eye, it was over. But, not before a family walk to a local, old school ice cream shop for some dessert. Mama had Italian Gelato; Sweets had a Pretzel Sundae; and, Gavin had nothing (nor did he ask for any of ours, which was just fine with me – he doesn’t need dessert just yet!). Did you have a nice weekend?

Moving right along. The flight to New York was just what we expected. A 2-hour flight with a toddler that did not sleep. However, we were armed. And he was entertained. And well fed. And had his own seat. And flirted with the women in the row behind us. And next thing you know, the plane was landing. And we survived.

Friday, we arrived in the afternoon, went to lunch with my brother and parents and settled into our digs for the weekend – a sweet penthouse apartment in Greenwich Village, thanks to my parents’ friends, with views of the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building.

Gavin settled right in, too. My parents brought toys and tried to entertain him. He was mildly amused.

Saturday, my brother started the day by exercising for all of us. After he returned from his run, he proceeded to stretch. Gavin was fascinated and tried to do some of the same stretches he had seen my brother do mere moments before. It was kinda an awesome bonding moment.

We then had brunch with some of my parents’ friends who were visiting from England. Sweets wore his Arsenal t-shirt, which prompted plenty of nasty comments from the peanut gallery (my dad cheers for Liverpool, his friend for Chelsea). Little did we know this t-shirt would be kinda like a gateway drug. More on that momentarily.

After brunch, Sweets, Gavin and I took the subway up to Grand Central to meet a college girlfriend who was taking the train in from the suburbs. Her son just turned two, so we planned a little playdate for the kids. I found a business that caters to kids by providing open play spaces (for a fee). This particular space had a small room with lots of toys and in a separate room, there was a huge water table and a treehouse. Gavin and his buddy played together in a sort of parallel way and made new friends in a sort of parallel play kinda way.

The treehouse was a big hit. Gavin loved walking up the stairs (with help) and looking out the windows at the top (including the window in the floor that looked into the trunk of the tree. Once he tired of that, he’d go down the slide (with help) and start all over again. There always seemed to be something new to discover or to master. The treehouse never got old.

So, back to Sweets’ English Premier League soccer t-shirt. At this facility (which really wasn’t that big), there were two dads who started talking to him, because of this t-shirt. One was a fan of another EPL team, Tottenham. And the other was also an Arsenal fan. What are the odds that some random British soccer (I mean, futbol) t-shirt would become our opportunity to meet other parents?!?

As we were getting ready to leave, Gavin discovered the automatic hand dryers lined up against one wall (smart facility realizes a water table translates to wet kids!). At first, he was surprised by the hot air. But, soon enough, Gavin learned how to turn on the hand dryers and was laughing up a storm. He even got his friend interested in them, too.

Saturday night, we got a babysitter and went out to celebrate my mom’s birthday. The babysitter was an incredibly sweet recent college grad (who came recommended by one of my brother’s friends) who kind of fell in love with Gavin. By the end of the night, she was thanking us for the opportunity to hang out with him. And I mean, seriously thanking us – after she left, she texted me to let me know what a good time she had. We clearly paid her too much. ha.

Sunday, we woke up and walked to Chinatown for Dim Sum. It was alright. It’s a cool meal, if you haven’t ever had Dim Sum before (I had), but the food wasn’t my favorite. And we realized that even though there are advantages to getting there early (plenty of seating), the disadvantage is there is a lack of diversity with the food offerings. As we were leaving, we saw all sorts of dishes that hadn’t been offered when we were there. Boo.

After a decent nap on the way back to the apartment and even for a bit after getting back to the apartment, Gavin was ready to go. So, we went to a playground in Washington Square Park (which is in the middle of Greenwich Village). Gavin did a lot of exploring and observing and independent play.

Gavin was very serious on the playground, taking it all in. Watching others. Focusing on tasks. That is, until he discovered the slide and rope tunnel. And then, the goofy smiles and tongue-wagging commenced!

Oh, and I almost forgot. Remember a few weeks ago when a parent thought it was just fine to let his son run over much smaller children, including Gavin? Well, fast forward to hanging out at this inner-city playground. Not only did one mother remind her child to be careful of younger/smaller children, but another group of unsupervised kids decided the playground had too many small kids there and took their roughhousing elsewhere, without intervention from an adult. I sort of brim with pride that these inner-city families are raising kids to be respectful of others!

All in all, it was a great afternoon at the park.

Sunday night, we stopped by the store to pick up supplies for dinner and had a quiet night at the apartment.

Monday morning was a lazy few hours getting our things together before heading to the airport. Our flight home was another success. Gavin was exhausted from his big weekend in the Big Apple, so he actually slept for the first hour of the flight. After a quick snack, Post It Notes provided ample entertainment until we were close to landing. And then, Gavin glued his head to the window watching us circle over Lake Michigan and make our descent into the airport.

And, one last thing before I go. There is a tram that runs between the long-term parking lot and the airport in Chicago. From his comfortable stroller seat, Gavin started holding onto the railings (because he saw others doing this). He did this when we went to Vegas and did it again on our way to/from New York. It was freaking adorable, because he took this role very seriously, like it was his job!

Oh, and let me note one more thing. I realize that 90% of Gavin’s photos include a pacifier in his mouth. This is not our normal mode of operation. At home, he gets a pacifier when he sleeps, when he needs to self soothe himself out of a tantrum and when he’s sneaky and discovers one in his stroller. Otherwise, we try not to use them. On trips, though, it’s a different ballgame. Our rules are relaxed and as a result, our kid stays happy. It works for us (though, I hate looking at all these photos with orange pacifiers – it gets old!).

And there you have our trip to New York. This trip was meant to celebrate my mother’s birthday. But, as you can tell, most of the activities were about friends and grandsons. Hey, if that’s what makes the birthday gal happy, who am I to judge?!? =)

]]> http://somispeaks.com/2012/02/22/nyc-2/feed/ 10 http://somispeaks.com/2012/02/21/scary/ http://somispeaks.com/2012/02/21/scary/#comments Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:00:18 +0000 SoMi's Nilsa http://somispeaks.com/?p=5582 Last week, Sweets had a dinner date with his brother. He stuck around for our normal routine with Gavin: Sweets bathed him; we both read him a book; and then Sweets turned down the lights and closed the door to let me put Gavin to sleep. While I was lying down with Gavin, I heard Sweets’ phone chime, stating he got a text message. I figured Sweets got word that his brother was at our place to pick him up and that Sweets quietly left through the back door (Gavin’s room is near our front door, so Sweets often leaves through the back whenever Gavin is sleeping).

After Gavin fell asleep, SoMi and I meandered towards the rear of our condo. I saw a pair of dirty socks on the floor, so I was kicking them down the hall and checking my phone for emails. As we made our way into the mostly dark kitchen, I heard a quiet cough. Wondering where the noise came from, I looked up and saw Sweets sitting at our kitchen table, which was in the shadows.

HE SCARED THE LIVING SHIT OUT OF ME!!!

I’m pretty sure my heart stopped. I lost my breath. I put my hands over my face, trying to calm myself. Then, I started uncontrollably laughing and trying to contain tears at the same time. I was seriously freaked out that he was still in the house. I wasn’t expecting to see him there. It took me quite a few minutes to calm down.

I don’t think I’ve ever really felt scared like that before. I mean, I’ve felt anxious when watching suspense movies. And I’ve felt trepidation when I’m doing something I consider scary (zip lines in Costa Rica come to mind!). But, I’ve never felt the fear I genuinely felt when I unexpectedly saw someone sitting in my kitchen.

Have you ever been so scared that you react in a physical way?