Girls Weekend in NYC

So first of all, I have to share my big screw up that took place before we left. Two of my closest friends from my performing arts high school were in Broadway shows, which was the main reason for this trip. We planned the trip pretty last minute so when all the decisions were made and booking were needed my mom was in Europe. I went over available seats for both shows, confirmed with both my sister and my mom and booked. Being the organized, over-achiever I am I created an itinerary and sent it to my mom and sister about a week before we left. My sister's boss happens to be a huge Broadway fan and was asking her about the shows she was planning to see. My sister said Something Rotten (Alek's show) and On the....something....with Kristin Chenoweth (she couldn't remember the name of it, but knew Kristin Chenoweth was in it because all my mom had been talking about was how she was so excited to see Kristin Chenoweth and that she wanted to meet her). Her boss, Stephanie, said Oh On the 20th Century. Sabrina said, I don't think so, I think it was On the Town. So Sabrina pulled up the itinerary and on it was listed On the Town with the address and everything. So, I got a call two nights before we were leaving from Sabrina asking me if I had booked the correct show. I knew immediately I had screwed up! After getting the kids to bed I frantically searched the internet and could not find any tickets. Nothing. I think there was one seat available, but it required a large donation to Broadway cares. I had already reached out to Aleks regarding tickets to his show and of course to spend time with him after and had messaged Phillip about meeting up for dinner too, but really didn't want to ask for tickets. I was desperate though. So I messaged Phillip and he had to do some checking/waiting, but he ended up coming through for us big time. We had amazing seats a few rows back in the center. He totally saved my butt from ruining our trip! (on a side note our original show tickets were for a Sunday matinee which is very rare, most shows are dark on Sunday so we were extremely lucky that On the 20th Century even had a show that fit into our schedule). I guess I am not perfect after all and the major sleep deprivation is really getting to me. 

We left on a red eye on April 16th and arrived really early on April 16th. Even though I had confirmed the hotel with my mom before booking because I wasn't sure which one was the one she usually stays at-it was the wrong one. We had paid for an extra night so we would have a room ready when we arrived in the morning so we could all get some sleep after our red eye and then make it to our noon lunch at Per Se, but they had screwed up our room and expected us to check out at noon, then check back in to our new room at 2 or 3.This trip was not starting off on the right foot. After arguing with them about it (I had to bring up the issue of the refrigerator I requested that already had pumped breastmilk in it and how they were going to keep my milk cold and move the fridge if we had to check out, keep our stuff in the lobby, then check back in after our lunch). They agreed to move our stuff for us while we were gone. We took a nap, got ready then off we went to lunch. The 7 course lunch was AMAZING! One of the best meals I have ever had. We had Oysters and Pearls, Slow Poached Elevages Perigord Moulard Foie Gras (Crystal had the Endive Farcie Au Pain D'epice instead), Pave of Mediterranean Rubina, Butter Poached Nova Scotia Lobster, "Fricassee" of Pork Belly, Charcoal Grilled Miyazaki Wagyu, Jasper Hill Farm's Winnimere, and a seemingly endless supply of desserts to top it all off. Each course was showstopping! It was incredible!

At the end of the lunch, I was in so much pain that I had to hand express in the bathroom. Then we headed off to buy some macarons from Bouchon then we went to meet up with Sabrina's friend Brooke. Brooke's place was beautiful and it gave me some time to do a bot more hand expressing while they caught up.

From there, we went back to our hotel, where to our surprise, we had been given a closet size room on a very low floor that was super noisy as it was right on the street. I honestly didn't care, but my mom was less than impressed and insisted we be moved. They ended up moving us up much higher to a still small room, but one with a view of the Empire State building (it was much quieter being higher up I will admit).

I pumped, we all changed, then we went to dinner at Tao. We have always gone to the same one, but thought it would be fun to try a different location this time. It was really cool and a lot of fun. Afterwards we walked across the street to Chelsea Market. Unfortunately, most of the stores were already closed, but it was still fun to walk around.

Then we went  meet Sabrina's co-workers for a few drinks at the Standard. I had learned my lesson earlier in the day and brought my pump stuff with me in my giant purse this time so as soon as we got to the bar I snuck off to the bathroom to pump. We went to XES for a while too, but I was so exhausted, I didn't last long. 

We had a bit of a crazy start to our next day. We got into the hotel elevator on April 19th, just the 3 of us, on the 28th floor and about one second into the ride the elevator fell than slammed to a stop-some of the roof particles and dust fell on us. We were obviously pretty scared, not knowing if we were done falling or if we were going to be plummeting down to the ground. I tried to remain calm and told everyone to grab the railing and sit down while Sabrina scooted over to the panel to press the call button. It was disconnected! Thankfully we had cell service so I called the lobby to inform them. It took forever to even get through to someone, then they nonchalantly said they would call someone to fix it and hung up! After waiting for what felt like forever (it was maybe 15 minutes) I called again and they still brushed us off, but assured us that someone would be there soon. I was not feeling very confident in them at that point, so I called the fire department. They said they would send someone right away. After waiting a total of 25 minutes, we finally heard someone outside the door. It was an elevator repair man and some other guy. They had to pry the doors open and were having trouble holding them so they shouted for us to hurry and get out. My mom, who was in the back corner rushed out first, haha. The elevator was on the 27th floor, but as you can see it was sort of in between floors. We were all pretty shaken up, but in a bit of a daze just started walking down the 27 flights of stairs. When we got to the bottom the entire lobby was filled with hotel guests and luggage and the fire department was there. Apparently, we just missed the fire department rescue, they must have been heading up the other elevator as we walked down the stairs. Talk about a disappointment-all that fear and stress and we didn't even get to be rescued my firemen. We did talk to the fire chief and got a few photos. The firemen were all really nice. The hotel staff on the other hand were not. They didn't really check if we were ok or apologize for the slow response time, lack of communication with us or for the fact that none of the emergency buttons in the elevator worked!

After that fun little morning, we grabbed a cab and raced to our reservation at the 9-11 Memorial and Museum. It was interesting, but oh so sad. It is something everyone should visit, but it is not something I could emotionally handle every trip. 

We went back to our hotel, where we walked up to our room because we were scared to use the elevator (the one we were in was still being repaired so only one was working), I pumped, we changed, then we were off to the Mandarin Oriental for afternoon tea. Then we walked through Central park and grabbed waffles and the Wafels and Dinges cart. It was such a beautiful day! The park was filled with cotton trees and was just so gorgeous. 

After enjoying the park, we walked down 5th Avenue to Rockefeller Center, through Times Square and grabbed drinks at the View, a rotating restaurant with stunning 360 degree views of the city right at sunset. Then we went to the theater where I had to pump before the show (I swear, I pumped all over this city! haha). I was so excited to see the show, Something Rotten (starring Brian D'Arcy James and Christian Borle)! I hadn't seen a Broadway show in so long, it was a brand new show with lots of buzz, and my friend was in it! I spotted Aleks right away (he has a very specific style) and he was so great! The show was fantastic. They got a standing ovation for a number of the show (and another one at the end, but I've never seen one at any other time before). It was honestly such a fantastic show, I could easily see it again and again. After the show, we met Aleks backstage, then we went to Max Brenner for late night snacks and desserts. It was so fun to catch up with Aleks! 

On April 20th, we went to the Top of the Rock. I've done the Empire State Building a few times before, but had never been to the Top of the Rock, and I have to say, I think I liked it better. It helped that it was another gorgeous day and that they had photographers taking photos of us. ;) 

After that, we went to the Shake Shack in Times Square to grab lunch before Phillip's show. While enjoying our lunch a crazy man came in and started yelling, attacking people, throwing chairs and using a paint canister as a bat. At one point someone yelled gun (thankfully he didn't actually have a gun) and a large crowd of us ran down the street and took cover. The male employees eventually jumped on him, holding him down until police arrived. My mom and sister were covered in paint (as was the store, sidewalk and nearby cars). A few people had minor injuries, but thankfully nothing serious. The staff were amazing and handled the situation so well. After the shock wore off I of course got a picture with the police officers to document the craziness. (The pictures don't fully depict the chaos and destruction as we had other priorities in the moment). 

After that scary experience, we walked to the theater, where I squeezed in another bathroom pump session before the show. Phillip had gotten us the most amazing seats and we were so excited to see the show (starring Kristin Chenoweth and Peter Gallagher). He had a featured role as one of four tapping Porters and he was fantastic! The show was much more old-school and so different from Something Rotten, which was more modern, but equally amazing and equally as funny. We loved it and all agreed that we could easily see it again. After the show we met Phillip backstage, where Peter Gallagher was giving a talk to a group of students. Then Kristin walked by and my mom got her photo, so that made her trip. Then we caught up with Phillip and his fiancee, Joy, over coffee and an Italian dinner. It was so nice to spend time with Phillip, it had been way too long, and it was a great way to end a fantastic (albeit crazy) weekend. 

Development Evaluation

On April 14th, Hudson had his developmental evaluation. Again he did well, but a few times he got frustrated and gave up. She did say he is a very sweet boy who is highly "stimulable". Some things he was ahead on and some he was behind, but a few he was behind on because I had no idea he should be doing them-such as getting himself dressed and undressed. I had no idea I was supposed to let him try and do that. It is such a challenge having two little ones that I quite often just try to do whatever I can to make my life a little easier. It was good to be made aware of some skills I should be helping Hudson master at this age. Hudson is 32 months of age and here are his scores from his evaluation:

Cognition 36 months
Fine motor 36 months
Gross motor 37-39 months
Self help 24 months (this is the one I have to take the blame for because I haven't really allowed him to attempt to learn these skills)
Social skills 30 months

She did also notice that he walks on his toes and favors one leg so she recommended a physical therapy evaluation. 

31 Weeks

On April 14th, Luc turned 31 weeks old. Luc has two front teeth poking through. He hasn't been sleeping well lately and we are hoping that is why. Luc started wearing size 4 diapers this week. Luc weighed 18 pounds 14 ounces before a feeding and 19 pounds 3 ounces after. He is a big boy who loves his mama's milk!

Disneyland

On April 13th, Hudson and I had a special date. We met my friend Ashley and her daughter, Avery, at Disneyland. It was so fun! Hud and I went on Nemo, then we met Ashley and Avery at Dumbo. After Dumbo we rode the Casey Jr. Train. Then we went on Small World then went to Toontown to ride the roller coaster. Avery and Hudson loved the coaster so we went on it a few times. Then Ashley and Avery had to leave so we took a few photos in front of the castle then said goodbye. Hud and I had a bit more time so we went on the teacups and Buzz Lightyear before heading home. It was so fun to watch Hudson and Avery together. They had so much fun! It was great for me to catch up with Ashley as well. I love when we get together!

New Car

On April 12th we finally said goodbye to Nic's Highlander and he got a Subaru Outback. We loved our Highlander and we were sad to see it go, but this car will be much more practical for Nic's commute and will still be able to fit the whole family in when necessary. 

Speech Evaluation And Random Fun

On April 9th, Hudson had his speech evaluation. It was really fascinating to watch. The speech therapist said he is really smart and is doing some 3 and 4 year old level stuff. He had trouble answering questions, but she said that is a 3 year old skill. She said his articulation does need work though, especially because he gets frustrated when we can't understand him. She thinks the ear problem might be to blame. He is missing a lot of sounds and replaces a lot of sounds. I wish I could have video taped some of it. I didn't even know he knew some of the stuff. Then other times I would think he'll get this and he wouldn't and I would want to jump in and help, lol. I was really proud of him and am hoping we can get him the help he needs. 

I didn't take any pics of Hudson's speech evaluation, but here are a few cute pics of the boys from April 11th. Luc looked so cute in his little outfit, Hudson showing off his decorated Easter eggs, Nic and Hudson giving me a heart attack by standing on the roof, a walk, and a treat from Coldstones made for a fun day!

7 Months

On April 9th Luc turned 7 months old.Luc weighs about 18 pounds 13 ounces. He is crawling now! He still doesn't really say anything. He just smiles, laughs and screams. He also calls me over night with an ehhh ehhh sound instead of crying. Luc's rough schedule currently is as follows: up at 9am. Nap 1 at 11am. Nap 2 around 3 (depends on nap 1). Bedtime between 7 and 8. Then he is up every 2-3 hours. Luc has been fussy lately, but two bottom teeth appeared so we think that is why. Luc had his first Gymboree class this month and he seemed to really enjoy it. 

Luc's 1st Gymboree Class

On April 8th, Luc had his first Gymboree class. Miss Amanda was his teacher. She was Hudson's first Gymboree teacher as well. Luc was definitely the youngest one in the class and everyone was impressed with his crawling. He seemed to like the class and I'm excited to start this tradition with him. It will be nice to have something that just the two of us do together. 

30 Weeks

On April 7th Luc turned 30 weeks old. Luc crawled! He did at least 3 crawls in a row multiple times on April 2nd. Luc has also been doing downward dog, pushin up onto his feet. He has also started pushing to sitting a few more times. Luc weighs around 18 pounds 13 ounces. I think he is starting to cut a tooth on the bottom right. 

Easter

We celebrated Easter on April 5th. My parents were in Europe with Tyler and Justin, so it was just Nic, Sabrina, myself and the boys. I was still somewhat on my diet, I added in egg that morning, so I made a special casserole, salmon pate (I had to use fake cream cheese and couldn't stomach eating it), deviled eggs, hot cross buns, sun butter chocolate eggs, and fruity pebble rice krispy treats. I was excited to eat eggs for the first time and Hudson was excited about all the delicious food he was able to eat. Both boys loved opening their Easter Baskets. A few highlights were Hudson's camera, the books and the bunny rabbits. Hudson named his Hoppy and he is obsessed! 

After baskets and breakfast, we had an egg hunt in the backyard. I found special eggs that were filled with confetti that Hudson absolutely loved. Every year he is more and more excited about the egg hunt, which is of course super fun for us as parents to watch. 

The boys were cracking us up. They kept looking in the same direction and making the same faces at the same time. 

We were all so happy that Auntie Beena could celebrate with us. 

That afternoon, we went up to the Mercier's house. Luc and Rochelle played together and were just the cutest little things! I tried to get a video of them crawling for Easter eggs, but little miss advanced took off and Luc refused to cooperate so it didn't work out that well, haha. I can't wait to watch these little munchkins grow up together. 

Hudson, Jackson and Cameron had a blast together during the egg hunt and on a tractor ride with Ryan and Chuck. We are so blessed to have friends that treat us like family when most of our own family can't celebrate holidays with us. 

Egg Hunt and Egg Decorating

On April 3rd, the boys had an egg hunt with my Mom's Club group. We had a bit of a rough morning- a diaper change needed as we were heading out the door, lots of stalling by a certain toddler, etc. As we pulled into the parking lot, I could see the hunt just beginning. Of course Hudson didn't have his shoes on yet and they were the most difficult shoes to get on! By the time I finished and got us over to the park area the race was over. I felt awful! I didn't want Hud to get upset so I quickly prepared a hunt for him and in an excited voice started him on his hunt. Thankfully, it worked and he didn't even notice that he did his very own egg hunt. After the hunt, Hudson played with his friends and Luc went in the swing. It was a bit stressful of a start, but it ended up being really fun. 

That afternoon, we went over to Lindsay's house to decorate Easter eggs. Hudson was really into it this year! His friend Lucy came and the two of them had a blast. 

Underwood

On April 2nd, Hud and I had a special little outing to Underwood Family Farms. I love spending time just the two of us and I definitely notice a big improvement in Hudson's behavior when he gets one on one time with me. We had so much fun. We went in the petting zoo, Hudson rode the train, he did a pony ride and of course we visited with the Easter Bunny. It was a really fun day that I am so happy I was able to spend with my little man. 

29 Weeks

On March 31st, turned 29 weeks old. Before his morning feed on the 29th, he weighed 18 pounds 4.5 ounces and 18 pounds 10 ounces after. He has been extra fussy overnight lately and sensitive, fussy and clingy during the day. By the end of the week, he was up every 1-2 hours overnight again! I'm convinced a tooth must be coming, but so far I don't see anything. Luc is getting really close to crawling. He pushed up into position and moved one arm then one leg before launching forward onto his belly at the beginning of the week and by the end of the week he was popping up easily into position, moving both legs then falling forward to his tummy-really propelling himself forward. Luc looked at me when I called his name this week. He is wearing 9 month clothes and a lot of the clothes he is in now are things Hudson wore when he was 1 1/2. Luc had his second food this week. Homemade organic zucchini. :)

Easter Bunny Photos

On March 29th, I made Hudson a special Easter breakfast. I am obsessed with pancake molds and just love how they can transform a breakfast into something extra special. It is so fun to see how excited it makes Hudson!

On March 30th, Nic met us at the mall so the boys could get their photo with the Easter Bunny. The photographer commented on Luc not smiling and I just laughed and said as long as the older one is smiling and both are looking I'm happy. My kids are not big smilers. haha. After the bunny visit, Hudson couldn't wait to tear into his jelly beans. I think he was more excited about the jelly beans than the bunny. The back of the Easter Bunny's house was so cute so Nic put the empty plastic jelly bean wrapper in his pocket and grabbed Luc for a photo. While I was taking the photo I noticed Luc's eyes were watering and he was acting funny, as if he was choking. I rushed over to check that he was ok and couldn't see anything in his mouth. I decided I was just being paranoid and it was probably just him drooling from teething. As I went to take more pictures though, it definitely seemed as though he was gagging and a glimmer caught my eye. I raced over again and really started hunting around in his mouth. I scooped out a corner of the plastic jelly bean wrapper from his mouth. It was terrifying. 

Here is the 2015 Easter Bunny photo:

Here is a little comparison photo from 2013, 2014 and 2015. I can't believe how much Hudson has changed and I can't believe how much bigger and older Luc seems in his first photo compared to Hudson in his first photo. 

Miri's Baby Shower

On March 29th, I took Luc wth me to the OC for Miri's baby shower. It was such a fun afternoon celebrating the beautiful mama to be. A bunch of my sorority sisters were there including Carlie and Rochelle. Luc and Rochelle played on the ground "together" for quite a while. Jody and her little boy Stepan came and Katie and her little girl Annalee. Rochelle, Luc and Stepan are all just a few weeks apart which is fun. I'm so blessed to still be so close to so many of my sorority sisters (as well as the new friends I've made through them) and feel lucky that we live close enough to spend time together throughout the year. I am especially excited for Miri to meet her little man and join the mom club. She is going to be such an amazing mother and I can't wait to cheer her on in her new role.