Shameless Plug: I Need Your Help

Harlan has been nominated as the Big City Moms Cutest Kid of the Year.  The top 3 winners will get a photo shoot with Suzanne Cohen Photography and gift baskets filled with treats.  The first place winner will also receive a class at Kidville and  bedroom set from Delta Children's Products.

Will you please go to Big City Mom's Facebook Page and "like" their page.  Once you have done that please find the photo album titled "Cutest Kid of the Year 2010".  Please leave a comment on that album that says "Vote Harlan #23." 

Votes on their wall will no count any longer, it must be done on that photo album.  It will only take a few minutes and we would really appreciate your vote.  The voting ends on Sunday.

Thank you for your support!

Finding My Reason for the Season

As the holidays started to approach I was so nervous that I wouldn't get into the Christmas spirit because I didn't have my big house to decorate or all of the Christmas ornaments that adorned our artificial tree in Tampa.  Part of what I loved most about the holidays was decorating making my house inside and out making sure it was with the holiday spirit. 

My "fake" sense of Christmas is all so apparent to me now.  Now that we live in this cramped apartment with less than half of the stuff we had back in Tampa, I am feeling the Christmas spirit more than ever.  Christmas isn't just about hanging decorations or making my house smell like  cinnamon or a Christmas tree. It's about all of the wonderful things that are happening around me that I've never come to realize.

These past two weekends we have spent time touring all of the wonderful things the city has to offer around the holidays. 

MacKay's office had a holiday party on Friday and it did not disappoint.  Mickey, Minnie, Spiderman, Mary Poppins, and The Grinch were just a few characters to make an appearance at this wonderful gathering.  Although Harlan seemed to like them from afar and would wave at them with a smile on her face, when we took her up to them she quickly turned into a very scared little lady. Santa also made an appearance and she was quite scared of him as well.  It was so funny to see her reaction this year as opposed to last year.  She really doesn't like St. Nicholas man this year.  She did love the little characters that were displayed in the front of the room {probably because they were her size} She spent a good 15 minutes pointing at the and talking to them,

The next morning we decided to pay another visit to Santa, but this time at Macy's Herald Square.  We made the trip last year and absolutely loved it.  They have a wonderful set up there and it you go early enough there is no wait.

Even if you do have to wait, the set up before Santa is amazing.  They have toys and lights and Christmas trees galore. 

 It's amazing how much can happen to our sweet little girl in just a year.  Last year she was admiring all of the Christmas lights with a cute little smile.  This year she still has the cute smile, but now wants to talk to all of the lights and teddy bears she saw in line.


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 We also made a trip to see the puppet show in Macy's.  Harlan  has a fascination with puppets and I knew she would be amazed with this show.  The show had real marionettes that told us the story of Miracle on 34th Street.  Harlan was in awe the entire time pointing at everything ,saying "woah" and even getting up to dance during the musical numbers. 

MacKay and I went back to Bryant Park after Macy's just to enjoy the shops while Harlan took a nap. We strolled along looking at local artists showing off their work and local foodies cooking up their food.  It felt so amazing to be out admiring everything and everyone. As much as I can find tourists annoying this time of year, it is so great to see so many people gather together in this city to celebrate this joyous time of year. 


We got home and MacKay had to go out and do some more Christmas shopping so Harlan and I had some time to ourselves.  We turned on Christmas music and danced around the living room.  Dancing is one of her favorite things to do and I love to watch her spin around.

As I sat watching her dance around the Christmas tree and saw the grin on her face, I quickly realized that this is all I need. Although the only decorations we have right now are our tree and stockings I looked at Harlan with her sweet smile and felt complete. This is what the holidays are all about.  The amazing warmth and butterflies that I get inside when I see her full of joy.  No amount of decorations can replace that.



Had to include this one. The look on her face from Hudson laying on her shoe is priceless.



It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Many people associate New York City with Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, but since moving here I find myself rarely visiting those places.  I have all of it right in my backyard, yet I am confining myself to my neighborhood. 

Last Saturday we played tourists for the day and visited all of the hot spots.  The city is so beautiful this time of year.  It gives off such a heartwarming vibe that even with all of this frigid cold weather {that I haven't had a chance to get used to yet}I am enjoying getting outside and exploring. 



Our first stop was Rockefeller Center to see the fabulous Christmas Tree.  Even though we saw it last year, it still takes my breath away.  To think that something that beautiful can be found in nature is amazing to me.  Harlan was amazed at the colorful lights that covered this beautiful tree.  She just kept saying "Woah, Woah" at the enormous tree.  It was such a different experience than our trip to see the tree last year.  She has grown so much and is so much more aware and fascinated of the world around her now.



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We then walked over to watch the ice skating in the rink and I think that Harlan liked that the best.  Something about watching people glide across the ice was very interesting and amusing to her.







We ate a quick lunch in midtown which gave us a chance to warm up a bit before going out and braving the cold weather again. 

After lunch we bundled back into our winter gear and headed over towards what is now Harlan's favorite part of the city, Times Square. 



She was in awe of all of the lights around.  I have never seen her so mesmerized by anything.  She looked at all of the signs and pointed at every one of them.  Babbling away as each light twinkled and flashed. 

 And of course no trip to Times Square would be complete without a chance to see the Naked Cowboy.  How he does it in these freezing temperatures is beyond me.

The sun was starting to set as we made our way over to Bryant Park.  Neither MacKay or I have ever been. It is so great to see it at holiday time because there are so many things to see and do.  Harlan had a great time throwing pennies into the fountain.  She attempted to get in a couple of times and retrieve the pennies after she threw them in.  She didn't get the concept that we have to leave them in there. 

  They have holiday shops set up all around the park.  My favorite shop that I saw was a Grits store that made any type of grits that you can imagine.  Being from the south, I miss my good southern comfort food.  I didn't try it that night but I plan on going back and getting some!  It looked and smelled amazing.

 The park also has an amazing ice staking rink where you can skate for free.  Harlan was amazed yet again with all of the skaters and was thrilled she got a front row seat on the action.  She would reach her hand out and try to touch every skater that would come by.

The park also has another gorgeous tree that is dressed in blue and white lights. It was an amazing site.

We made one last stop at Grand Central Station before taking the train home.  Harlan worked up an appetite from our big day and snacked the entire ride home. 

It is such a joyous and spirited time of year and we had such a great day celebrating this wonderful city that we can now call home.

A Star for the Day

Two months after moving here I was given an amazing opportunity to be a part of Parents Magazine Holiday Makeovers.  I was thrilled!  I would have never had this type of opportunity in Tampa.  I also needed a makeover for my self esteem.  I just moved to this new city that is a fashion mecca.  And fashion was something I had been lacking. 

I swore to myself that becoming a mom wouldn't make me less stylish.  I promised that I would do my hair and makeup everyday and actually get dressed in the morning.  My promises for myself soon went out the window when I found out my husband was moving across the country and I decided to stay in Tampa with Harlan to finish out the school year teaching.  This makeover was the perfect start to our new life in New York City.

When I got to the studio for the shoot, I felt like a star.  All of the crew knew who I was and welcomed me.  They had breakfast and coffee set up and told me to eat whatever I wanted.  The other two makeover women quickly showed up and we all took our before shots.  I'll admit, having my picture with no makeup in a national magazine scared me.  Who wants to show the world their black circles under their eyes and blemishes?  The beauty editor assured me that the before picture would be small and the makeover picture bigger.

We soon sat down and they spent hours on our hair and makeup.  The stylist would come over and show me outfits to see if I liked them.  I felt like a movie star.  All attention was on me and I was being pampered like never before.  It felt like a dream! 

After getting my hair and makeup done and getting my outfit on it was time for the photo shoot.  I am no model and I don't pretend to be one, so I had no clue what I was doing in front of the camera.  Thank goodness for the awesome photographer and great crew.  They made me feel so comfortable and kept telling me how beautiful I looked.  Who doesn't want to hear that? 

I left the shoot feeling so confident and beautiful.  Something I hadn't felt in a while.  I came home to my husband who had a huge grin when he saw me.  It made my heart melt. 

The magazine just came out and I couldn't be happier with the results.  It is very weird to see my face in a national magazine, but I am taking in every moment.  After all, it's not everyday you get to be a star.

Thank you to Tracy Perez and the rest of the staff and crew at Parents Magazine. I had a wonderful time!

A New York City Weekend

It is always amazing to me some of the things that go on in this city and even more amazing that I can take part because I live here.  This weekend was another one that did not disappoint.

A few months ago I won a gift certificate with Pawparazzis .  Jonathan Lattif, the photographer, recently started this business and I was amazed at the work that he does.  I am a sucker for photography.  I spent months finding the perfect photographer for our wedding, and for my maternity and Harlan's newborn session.  I love more natural settings rather than anything posed.  And what would be greater for a more natural and relaxed setting than Central Park.  Just the thought of having our pictures taken in Central Park makes me giddy.  It is my absolute favorite park in the city and it also the most beautiful.  

We took Jon on our routine walk around the park which includes The Mall, The Boathouse and East Green.  These are some of our favorite spots to eat and let Harlan run around in.  Saturday was very crisp and cold and a little bit overcast, but that did not take away from the amazingly beautiful landscape.  Some of the trees had turned this deep orange and yellow color.  This is really the first time that I have seen anything like this.  In Tampa, the leaves went from green to brown.  There were no beautiful colors in between.  

One of the coolest parts of this photo shoot was that we got to bring pups along.   For those of you that don't know, our dogs are our other kids.  They were our first born.  Here long before Harlan.  We treat them like our kids and they are definitely a part of our family.  Family pictures without them, doesn't truly represent our family.

Jon sent me a sneak peak of our pictures from Saturday and I can't wait to see the rest.  If you are in NYC and looking for a reasonably priced photographer please email Jon.  He was amazing to work with and is always willing to listen to your ideas.





Here is a pic I took with my phone from our Saturday trip at the park.  Perfect fall day in the city.

Sunday morning Harlan and I spent some quality time making a fort and playing in it.  The pups seemed to like it too.  She has been so into tunnels and tents lately, that I figured I might as well let her have some fun here.  She spent all morning and evening underneath this thing.  At one point I really thought she was going to fall asleep in it.

Sunday was also the day of the NYC Marathon.  Part of the course was only steps away from our apartment, so we decided to go and check it out.  I  really didn't want to go at first.  What could be so exciting about seeing people run by?  Boy was I wrong.  I don't think I have ever seen anything more inspiring.  It made me want to go out and start training for next year's marathon.  Seriously.

I have never been a runner, but seeing them run and knowing that they are running 26.3 miles, makes me want to get a jogging stroller for Harlan and start running around the park.  MacKay thinks I'm crazy.  I probably am, but I would still like to do it anyway.  

The crowd of people standing on the streets cheering for people they didn't even know gave me such a warm feeling.  It was a great thing to be a part of. 

Women leaders

Men leaders

I hope everyone had a great weekend. And now looking forward to a great week!

Up, Up and Away!

When Harlan started walking, I was ecstatic, as any mother would be.  I was lucky enough to get the video and you can hear the shock, amazement, and excitement in my voice when I see her take her first steps into toddler-hood.  She caught on pretty fast and before we knew it she stopped the crawling all together and wanted to walk everywhere.  She hated being held or being in her stroller.  She had learned this new task and she wanted to conquer it.  She was Miss Independent.

She continues to form a great personality and is as independent as can be.  But along with this independence, came something that I would have never thought.  Climbing.  Call be naive, but I really only thought that boys were the ones that climbed on things.  I didn't think that my little girls that I put in pink and bow and dresses, would want to climb on top of everything! 

She has tried to manipulate almost every piece of furniture in our apartment so that she can climb on top of things.  I knew that we had to baby proof things when she became a toddler, but how can you baby proof your furniture from a climber? 

I let her walk out of our elevator to go into our apartment and instead of heading for the door, she heads straight for the stairs.  She even tried to climb out of the crib the other day! Thank goodness for all of the classes that we take, because otherwise I might be in a little bit more trouble than I already am.  She gets to climb on as many baby friendly things that the can in class.  I even try to take to her as many open plays as I can so that she can get this out of her system.

Don't get me wrong.  I love that she enjoys this stuff, it's just caught be a little off guard.  I am now in the market for some great climbing toys and play tents and tunnels for Christmas.  If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

For now I am off to get my little Tarzan from climbing into her baby's stroller.