The Big Apple, and Apple Sauce

A long weekend in New York City is surprisingly delightful with a tiny human in your arms. Whereas a few years ago I would have enjoyed some solid party-going; this trip I took the time to visit a few real gems in this great city and fit in a little work as well. I had some meetings for the acting side of my world and since I have family in the city, I decided to bring my tiny girl with me to enjoy some touring and visiting with her auntie Leela and her soon-to-be husband, Marc. Sharing New York in the Springtime, with a young couple about to start their life together, is pretty darn special.

We wandered through Brooklyn, Central Park, Soho, Greenwich Village and Little Italy eating and chatting with people everywhere we went. It's delightful how travelling with children opens you up to strangers young and old. Being a parent is so universal, it is something so fundamental we have in common. We all love our kids, and we appreciate that in others I think. From the Hasidic gentleman who offered his seat on the subway, to the young Latina who brought us our world famous pizza, I found kindred spirits all over the great NYC. Folks who would smile knowingly at my squirmy baby as she nose-dives into my gourmet cupcake.

I'm constantly amazed by how well my little girl adapts and how much fun I have showing her new things. New York was warm and mild compared to the freakishly cold Spring in Montreal. We walked for miles and took the trains from sun-up to sundown. My dainty girl gazed calmly from her cozy spot in the Ergo baby carrier and waved at strangers, flashing her smile and making friends everywhere we went. Having kids can make the world seem like a scary place - your heart crawling around with a mind of its own, tiny and vulnerable. However, I prefer to see the friendlies everywhere; the majority of people; moms and dads; brothers and sisters who hold the door, give up their seat and laugh with you when your baby showers her date with lemonade.

The Big Apple is full of friendlies.

This was the expression on her face throughout the museum!

Sharing a Room

I may be crazy...

I have this wild notion that my kids need to learn to appreciate, tolerate and communicate with one another. We decided that our little ones will share a room (when Harriette moves out of ours that is...).  I have no doubt my kids love each other, but I think it's a wonderful opportunity to learn a great deal about managing relationships. Kids who share a bedroom space are given an opportunity to practice so many skills and virtues, and I think they'll be closer and better for it. We'll see how it goes.

Here's the "everyday" photoshoot we had on a sunny afternoon, playing in the KIDS room.

You can click the photo to see the whole shoot and check out my making-it-lovely-on-a-budget decor ;)

dainty girl

 

My daughter, Harriette. Happy, sweet and chubby. In love with her big brother and papa. A tiny ray of sticky sunshine. She's just starting eating solids. It's my favourite show right now. I've called her dainty girl since she was tiny because she has these little precious feet and graceful ways despite her roundness. I'm so gaga for this girl.