Shifting Gears

We knew that we were having a baby. We'd decided to have another one so when my doctor confirmed that I was pregnant last fall we were thrilled but not surprised. I hopped up on the table for what would be our first ultrasound and our doctor started moving the transducer over my still flat belly.

In that moment, Erik and I were honeymooning. Big time. We were holding hands punctuating our excitement with the occasional hand squeeze; I was gazing at his face while he looked at the ultrasound monitor for the first glimpse of our second baby. Until I heard Erik say in a bit of a panic "Wait! Wait a second! Was that TWO?"

Long story short: Doctor said "yes"

I said "WHAT!?"

And the colour drained from both our faces.

***

We left the office that day in a trance, hugged by the subway entrance and each went back to our respective offices to mull over the news in our own way. I stormed in and shouted "I'm fucking having twins!"

After the initial face-smack of the news stopped stinging and the cycle of laughing/crying/forgetting/remembering slowed, our lives went more or less back to normal. Until now. I'm now 34 weeks, roughly the size of Jupiter and as of Tuesday, February 15 I was placed on bed rest. I began my maternity leave last week. It's about to get real.

I started this blog ages ago with the intention of aggregating all the wonderful things to do with kids in the NYC but, I got busy, stopped and ultimately forgot about Momnotony. Classic Kim - project collector. Now, facing weeks of bed rest, Momnotony takes on a new meaning.

Am I Lazy or a Genius? You be the Judge

Ahh, the eternal question of what to do with children on the weekend. This has long vexed me as my son is now 3 years old and incredibly active.

Many parenting websites are populated with crafting ideas, games to try and new venues to check out. These are usually large ideas requiring forethought, travel time and energy on behalf of the parent; the confluence of these things all occurring in the same weekend is unlikely.

Coincidentally, I believe I may have solved this issue while trying to stay busy in New York City last weekend. It was the weekend of July 4th and I packed everyone up on the Q train and headed out to Coney Island.

It took over an hour to get there.

It was not my first trip to Coney Island, nay, I've been there many times. That is to say, I am familiar with the demographic on the beach. But when we stepped out off of the train platform that day, all I could say is wow... July 4th is truly a special holiday.

We paraded up and down the overheated boardwalk looking for a Nathan's Hot Dog Stand without an epic line up. Lined up anyway. Then we lined up to by tickets to the carnival rides. Now, stay with me. This is where is gets interesting.

My three year old rode on all the kid rides, the train, the boat, the monster trucks. We stood off to the side and he would wave as he saw us. When we would see him, chug, float or zoom by we would jump up and down and scream for him to wave. Judging by the expression on his face that day, I was surprised to see that he was Bored! After everything we had DONE!

The next day I switched it up. We went to the playground across the street armed with a few cars, some balloons left over from a birthday party and some bubbles that have been sitting around here for, like, ever.

We got to the playground and our boy immediately located a kindred spirit. A child who also liked to race cars down the slide? Amazing. They ran, jumped, swung and pretended they were being chased by giant spiders while I got to sit in the shade, relax and listen to my favorite sound in the world, my son laughing.

The key takeaway is this: think small. Planned family activities are overrated and over complicated. Find a patch of grass somewhere close by and just play. If you don't know how, I'm sure your kids can show you what to do.

Rainy Day Fun!

photo by James Ewing - Park Avenue Armoury

Well, it looks like we aren't going to be hitting up the concert series at Madison Square Park today. Sigh. How about that storm last night? I found what I think may be an awesome alternative though, I think it looks like a blast and will expose the litttle ones to the art scene in an exciting, non-stuffy way. I think its better to do these types of things during the weekday anyway. Beat the Crowd!

Ernesto Neto’s Anthropodino is on view at the Park Avenue Armory through Jun 14. Hours: Tue-Fri noon-8pm; Sat-Mon noon-6pm. Tickets: $10; ages 18 and under free.

643 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10065
(212) 616-3930

Patrisha Holly Zabrycki of Time Out New York says: "Equal parts exhibit, amusement and play space, the Park Avenue Armory’s first-ever commissioned art installation, Ernesto Neto’s anthropodino, completely reimagines the cavernous drill hall. Once a site of military masculinity, the landmark has been transformed by Neto’s sci-fi-styled environment into an incredible playground for the senses. Made up of a series of interwoven tunnels crafted from translucent polyamide tulle and plywood, the sculpture resembles an alien world. As your kids explore the space by running their fingers along the gauzy cloth (yes, touching is encouraged!), they discover that the large fabric sacks dangling from the vaulted ceiling also engage their sense of smell: The bags are filled with aromatic spices like cloves and turmeric. Interactive diversions are sprinkled throughout this labyrinth, including a giant beanbag to climb on, a lucid green pool of balls to dive into, and a padded lounge scented with an intoxicating bouquet of lavender and chamomile.

This one-of-a-kind installation begs to be pinched, poked and, most of all, played on, not just by kids but by adults too. Some activities require bare feet, and the old wooden floor is a splinter hazard. Still, these are minor issues. If you’re looking for indoor entertainment during these rainy spring weekends, anthropodino offers a marvelous (and affordable) alternative to an afternoon at home."


Sounds like EXACTLY what we need today!

This one is for the MOMS!!!

Free
From Now until June 15


Get-Glowing Mini-Facial from Origins! Make sure to pamper yourself and friends with the help of Origins skincare experts.

You can choose from a menu of fabulous treatments including Firm and Lift, Relieve Redness or Hydrate and Repair. Following the customized mini-facial, you can take home a sample of an Origins expert skincare product.

To book your appointment, call or visit an Origins store near you.

In New York go here:

ORIGINS
Grand Central
62 Grand Central Terminal
New York, NY 10017
212-808-4141

Bronx Zoo - Tuesday Toddler Fun!

Toddler Time Tuesdays Presented by Fisher-Price®
Apr 21 - Oct 27

Take a zippy tour of the zoo each Tuesday using our Toddler Time map. With the purchase of an adult limited admission ticket, each parent and up to two children receive free entry to the Children’s Zoo, where Wildlife Theater Players entertain. Children can also bring their teddies to meet our brown bears, learn how to bark like sea lions, and look way up high to meet giraffes. The Toddler Time map features fun facts, sing-alongs, and play tips from Fisher-Price® to help families make the most out of their visit. Information on places to eat, diaper changing stations, and stroller access locations is also included.

Schedule of Events

Two-Hour Tour

Use your Toddler Time map for a self-guided tour through various indoor and outdoor child-friendly exhibits. Highlights include the Monkey House, Baboon Reserve, Mouse House, African Plains, and the World of Reptiles.
Time: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Location: Throughout the Zoo

Wildlife Theater

See the Wildlife Theater Players and their puppet friends perform “Barnyard Babble” and other musical shows geared for toddlers.
Time: Every 20 minutes from 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Location: Children’s Zoo

Festival of Young Artists Block Party

Prices

Tickets: Free


Description
Aspiring superstars crowd the East Village for the culmination of Downtown Art’s three-week celebration of youth performers. Small stages and booths set up along the block will showcase live theater, dance and music (all starring tykes and teens); also look for visual exhibitions and crafts activities for little ones. All ages.
When
Today 1pm–5pm

Storytime Mondays - Free

I think this looks amazing - A place to play and chat and make a difference all in one!

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe

Tickets: Free
Description
Little ones will read stories, sing songs, and enjoy special playtime in the bookstore. Any money you spend–on a cappuccino, a book or otherwise–goes directly to help homeless New Yorkers. Ages 6 months to 3 years.
When
Mondays 11:30am Through Jul 27.
126 Crosby St (between Houston and Prince Sts)
Soho | Map

212-334-3324

Subway: B, D, F, V to Broadway–Lafayette St; 6 to Bleecker St.

http://www.housingworksbookstore.org