And Now...

1- Did you hear? There was an earthquake in Chicago. Apparently it caused quite a stir for some people down in Elgin, Illinois.  It measured out to a whopping 3.8. Now, I can't deny it is unusual for an earthquake to occur in the midwest, but people, come on now. Haiti was less than a month ago and we are quaking in our shoes over an itsy-bitty tremor that Chicago proper didn't even feel. I was in Chicago the night of the earthquake and I didn't feel a thing. Can we all just relax? Check out the store here.

2- Did you hear? The un-storm of the century didn't hit New York City on Wednesday into Thursday. Yes, Newark, Laguardia and JFK did close down for a few hours, and yes, most every airline cancelled their flights, including mine. So do you want to know how many inches the city got? EIGHT! That's it. Eight. You want to know about my flight back from Chicago to Laguardia Thursday afternoon? We departed on time, arrived early and there were 20 passengers on board my 80 person jet. Believe you me, I'm not complaining as I got a whole 6 rows to myself but I would find it infuriating if I was trying to get back to NYC today and couldn't. Check out the story here.

3- Did you hear? Bill Clinton is sick! This pervy President is in the hospital with yet another heart condition. I truly hope he gets better because he's the only normal, past President we got. I mean, the Bush crew can't exactly save the children Haiti on their own. Remember how they mistreated the children of N'Orleans? Besides, how else is Hillary Clinton going to run for President against Fairy Princess Palin in 2016 if Bill isn't around to help her? Check out the story here.

4- Did you hear? MTV re-designed their logo. Now in my 30's I proudly continue to watch too many shows on the Rock of Love sister station. The Hills, Jersey Shore, and the Real World Wherever. I'm so confused as to what they would change about the station let alone the logo that I grew up with.  But, it's not really THAT different. They claim they had to redesign it because there is a whole new generation  involved now. They also claimed that music was still at the center of what they do. So explain me this- I'm totally happy watching a marathon of Jersey Shore but what's that got to do with music? See the new logo here.

5- The first official S'mores for Breakfast contest ends today! Thank you for subscribing and following and tweeting and commenting! Feedback is my most favorite thing in the world so let me know what you're thinking! I'll announce the winner on Monday!

Have a Great Weekend!

I'm Leaving, On a Jet Plane...

Today is going to be a test of survival. Only the worthy will make it out alive.

There will be delays.
There will be angry passengers.
And there will be moments of hunger.

But I.
Must.
Remain.
Calm.

This afternoon I will be traveling from Chicago back to New York City. No biggie right? Well, the problem is there was a blizzard last night on the East Coast and hundreds of flights were canceled including ours. Delta rerouted us along with 50,000 other passengers and now instead of traveling on a cushy non-crowded flight, I am stuck on a sold out one. Normally, I would just wait an extra day or two to travel, but this time I can't. We are going to see Sesame Street Live this weekend and I couldn't deprive Oliver of an event he is sure to love. While I have traveled countless times with Oliver before by myself, the past two flights have made me realize that traveling with a tot is very different than traveling with a baby. 

1- Babies sleep during the flight. 
2- They stare in wonderment at the call button. 
3- They sit contentedly in your lap.

Fine, they might cry because they are teething, but that's nothing that a little Motrin can't fix.
Toddlers on the other hand are a completely different animal:

1- They don't sleep anymore because they are down to one nap a day which they will decide not to take for any given reason.
2- They don't stare at the call button, they want to press the call button over and over which really tends to piss off flight attendents. 
3-They don't sit happily on your lap, they want to run, jump, and explore which directly contradicts the whole "fasten your seatbelt we are an active runway" type of thing.

I'm already empathizing with the poor soul forced to sit next us.

There is a bright side. In just a few months Oliver may not be 100% compliant, but at least I'll be able to bribe him with toys and candy. I'm counting down the days!

So, the moral of the story is if you happen to be traveling tomorrow on the Delta shuttle and you see a Mother losing her mind trying to calm down a crazy tot, be sensitive because I'm doing my very best. And, if you play peek-a-boo with Oliver, I'll buy you a shot on the plane and give you a set of earplugs. 

Home Sweet Where?

Right now, my husband and I are finding ourselves smack dab in a conversation we encounter every February.

It is not romantic. It is not sexy. It is not fun. It has absolutely nothing to do with Valentine's Day.

See, we live in Manhattan. When we moved here we were positive we would be New Yorkers for 1 year and now 6 years later we still aren't sure if we want to leave.

Understandably, we fell hard and fast for New York City when we were a freshly engaged couple. Who wouldn't? The bright lights, manic pace, sophisticated vibe...I mean, who can deny the bagels! 

But now with a toddler in tow, we question whether Manhattan is the right place to raise a child.

The Pros: We have access to the best children's facilities, parks, museums, theater and cupcakes in the country, possibly the world.

The Cons: The price, the price, the price. Oh, and the small apartments.

So then I think, okay, we'll move back to Chicago.

But is it really much better there?

The Pros: Growing up in the Midwest ups the chances of Oliver becoming a polite and empathetic child by tenfold. Owning a home. My family is there.

The Cons: The weather. The winter. Having to buy a car.  Not being able to walk everywhere and anywhere. Not having someone want to deliver me anything I want, even tampons, at 3:00 in the morning. The weather. The winter. No Zabars or Duane Reades.

We have to make a decision soon. 
Anyone have any insights on where is best to raise a family?

To Grandmother's House We Go!

I'm in Chicago visiting my parents for a few days.

Day 1: Oliver is shy.  Walks around the apartment curiously, respectfully, and slowly.

Day 2: Oliver is charming.  He giggles, engages everyone, and is still curious, respectful and adorable.

Day 3: Oliver has the lay of the land. He climbed onto the ottoman and pretended it was a trampoline.  We all laughed.  It was funny.  My son is a monkey!

Day 4: Oliver owns the apartment. He opens every drawer, climbs on every chair and discovers the fireplace. Uh-Oh.

Day 5:  Oliver is dressed to the 9's.  He has to be because if he's gonna cause trouble he should do it looking beyond adorable so we can forgive him instantaneously.

I'll let you know about tomorrow. I might need help

Teach Your Children Well...

I love to read.
No, I take it back.

I LIVE to read.
I devour books in about 3 days.

It melts my heart to see this early on a Sunday morning:

Because of this I scour book stores for the best illustrations and stories. It helps that my mother is a teacher and one of her dearest friends is a children's librarian.

My most favorite book is by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury and it happens to be Oliver's favorite book too. It's called Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little toes.

Also, Mem's other book, Hello Baby! is equally adorable. The illustrations are just as stunning, vivid and dear, but this time Mem uses animals to drive home how precious baby is.

Read to your children.
Even if they were just born and sleep all day. 
Even if they 16 months and aren't talking yet. 
Even if they are disabled and have a hard time focusing.
Even if at 10 years old they only want to read about insects and that grosses you out.
Even if they are 16 and hate you.
Even if they are 25 and have left home.
Even if they are 33 and happen to have their own children.
Read to your children.
Read to your children.
Read to your children.