Quick Trip to NYC

We are back from a weekend train trip to NYC. It was great. I regret not taking more pictures, because the city was beautiful with all of the snow. Henry pointed out that people would pay a lot of money for postcards of the sights we were seeing, the day after one of New York’s biggest snow days ever: families sledding in Central Park, snowmen on the sidewalks and snow-covered church lawns. It was spectacular. The first shot is above Columbus Circle at the southwestern corner of Central Park.

While in New York, we ate lots of delicious food. My waistline has expanded despite all of our walking. After all of our yummy food, including pork loin at Salumeria Rosi, fried chicken with wasabi honey at Blue Ribbon Sushi and Bar, BBQ rib sandwiches and fried sprouts at Momofuku Ssam Bar, and three desserts from the Momofuku Milk Bar next door, I am back to strict dairy free and I’m also giving up soy. I had at least two dreams were I could see Lucy’s raw pain from her allergies. I can’t explain it, but I’m saying it’s more than guilt. I would rather play it safe. Dairy, we will reunite in Vegas in April. But only if you are VERY tempting and delicious.

Lucy had a great time in New York and made lots of friends. She petted people in restaurants and even coughed to get someone’s attention. While I think she most enjoyed Slash: Paper Under the Knife at the Museum of Art and Design, Henry thinks she liked the Jazz at Lincoln Center Hall of Fame. (In truth, we’re probably both a bit biased.) She is a true extrovert to the fullest. We quickly discovered from Lucy’s new friends that everyone we met knew another Lucy. It has to be one of the most popular names. So I’m starting to throw in a few more Lucia’s every now and then.

As for the favorite animal debate, we have a winner: Kitty. She came with a little book prescribed by Lucy’s doctor during her nine month visit. It’s called “Counting Kisses
,” and you use it to count kisses as they learn various body parts. Counting and kissing at the same time can be challenging. It worked out well when I counted Henry’s kisses. Kitty is smaller than Yupik, so we are pleased.

Although tonight we read Cat in the Hat since tomorrow is Dr. Seuss’ birthday. However she did not seem interested. Typically within minutes of opening a book, she is ready to nurse. Tonight was no different. So I have started reading to her anyway. She had her arm draped over her eyes like a hot sun was glaring down on her. Once I started her favorite, Baby Animals, she was paying full attention by page three. Then she held the book in her arms as I rocked her to sleep.

It’s nice to be back. I was disappointed a fairy hadn’t cleaned our apartment while we were out. But we are cleaning up now and I hope to return to my tents tomorrow. I have No. 9 ready to be photographed and posted. No. 10 is in my head. I folded four on the train and decided they were quite slanted. Can’t wait to see what slant they will take.