FIRST FRIENDS

ELLEN, ANNABELLE, BRADFORD

I mentioned in a previous post that meeting new moms is a lot like dating.  You meet, you click, you ask for the their digits and call to arrange a second meeting.  Easier said than done.  I am happy to report however I have ventured beyond the meet, click and ask for the digits stages and have actually met some fellow new moms which I now hang with.  Being that I will be on maternity leave for six months (with sadly less than 4 months left), I knew I needed to meet some mommy friends in the city so that both Annabelle and I could have social interaction throughout the week, whether it was through classes, play dates, or afternoons in the park.  My post-natal yoga class was canceled due to lack of interest, so I began to research other avenues. 

I discovered that my pediatrician's office was offering a brand new 5 week series for new moms looking to connect with other moms, and have discussions facilitated by a childcare professional which would cover "the emotional, physical, and logistical differences you’ll experience as a mother."  Sounded right up my ally.  Unfortunately the class was not free, so I struggled with whether I should pay the price to meet new moms.  Somehow it felt very sorority - pay your dues, be placed in group, and potentially meet friends.  After discussing with Nathan and Ade, I decided to take the leap and do it.  Classes with professional instruction most likely come with a price attached and the other women in the group would be in the same situation as me - looking to meet other moms.  I clicked "purchase" on the enrollment page of the website and kept my fingers crossed.

On the day of our first class, I arrived to find that there were only two other new moms in the class.  Disappointed, I seriously considered whether the class was worth my investment.  The instructor said typically they cancel classes with less than five attendees, however given this was the first time they were offering the series they would go for it.  Hmmm...  Only two potential new mommy friends - what if we didn't click and I ended up dreading the class.  Fortunately that was not the case.  The class ended up being quite good with lots of sharing and good advice from the instructor.  I really liked the two other mommies and both of their babies shared Annabelle's June 4th B-Day, such a coincidence! All three of us moms come from really different backgrounds, however we all share the common mommy bond.  I found myself really looking forward to getting to know the new mommies more at our next class.  Sure enough, the second class was even better than the first and as we left the building we had exchanged cell numbers and emails.  Now that the class is over, the three of us plan to still meet weekly.  It has been so fun to see our three little cubs grow together since they have been hanging on a regular basis since they were 4 weeks old.  Here is a pic of Annabelle with her first friends, Ellen and Bradford. 

BLOCK PARTY

I am attempting for the first time to upload a video from my iPhone to my blog...forgive me if this doesn't work.  Though you might want to check out Annabelle in action. 

JULY IN REVIEW

Time seems to be flying by...can it be that sweet Annabelle is already 2 months old?  Where does the time go.  At 9 lbs. 8 oz. and 23 1/3 inches long, she is a happy and healthy little baby.  July was a whirlwind of activity. The weekend following the 4th of July Holiday we received an invitation to stay at our friend, Justin's, vacation rental on Shelter Island.  Not to be confused with the movie, Shutter Island with Leonardo DiCaprio, Shelter Island is located in the sound between Connecticut and the northern tip of Long Island.  It is a tiny, quiet island of homes with wrap around porches and sprawling lawns leading up to the sea.  Away from the crowds of the Hamptons, we were thrilled to venture for some relaxation and good conversation.   We sipped wine on the porch, read, sat on the shore, watched the boats go by, Nate golfed and we enjoyed a dinner at the country club.  It was the perfect first weekend away with our girl.  Annie E. had her first road trip, beach day and sleep away from home.  Aside from pulling over in parking lots along the way to feed her, she did great at all three.

The following weekend we were thrilled to have Adrienne come for a visit.  We did not make many plans other than relaxing and catching up, which was exactly what we did.  The first night, however, we had tickets to see Modest Mouse play at Williamsburg waterfront.  We took the L train to Brooklyn and scouted out a seat on the grass ready to hear some tunes from one of our favorite bands.  Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate and an incredible lightening storm broke out over Manhattan.  After just three songs, the band was forced off the stage by the park officials since the lightening posed a safety hazard.  Fortunately, the Mouse is cool enough to return for a make-up show in September as not to disappoint its fans.  By September, Annabelle's hearing protector ear phones should fit her small head a little better!

 

Aside from the Mouse show, Ade, Annabelle and I spent our time picnicking in Central Park, going to movies (another first for Annabelle), taking walks, shopping at the Chelsea Market, cooking great meals, experimenting with our camera settings, and hanging tough at the apartment.  I was so thankful to have  quality time with my sister and so glad that she could get to know her little niece.  Annabelle is quite taken with her Aunt and looks forward to seeing her again at the end of the month.

 

Other July happenings included - watching the World Cup, a visit from Matt Johnson, and my first run since October!  It is going to take me awhile to get the old body back into running shape, but it certainly felt good to be out there again!  We also experienced Annie E's first smiles, which melt my heart every time she flashes that toothless grin. We have been getting into the groove of being new parents and love watching Annabelle discover the world around her.  Looking forward to an exciting August ahead.

FUNNY FACES

Annabelle

Adrienne

Our little Annabelle is full of funny faces that keep us entertained for hours.  Friends keep asking whether I think she looks like more like Nathan or more like me.  It was not until my mom pulled some of Adrienne's baby pics that I am now convinced Annabelle looks like the most like Aunt Ade!  The shot to the right was taken at around the same age Annabelle is in this photo.  Can't deny there is definitely some resemblance!

JAGGER S.W. LEVINE

Congratulations Katherine and Josh on your brand new baby boy.  Jagger is just precious! Can't wait to meet him.

Jagger S.W. Levine

July 29, 2010

7 lbs. 8 oz.

BATH TIME

Adrienne and I got a good laugh from this bath time photo of Annabelle.  For some reason with the lighting her face looks extra orange like an oompa loompa and her body like the dolls we used in baby CPR class.  Anyhow, she is a water baby and enjoys the tub, particularly the scalp massage with the nozzle rinse.  Don't you wish someone else would wash your hair everyday!

WISDOM

At my new mom's class this week our instructor shared some words of wisdom that hit home.  She said, "Enjoy this time.  Chances are some of the best friends you will ever have, you will make behind a stroller, slightly sweaty, with your ponytail falling out and looking like you could use a nap."  I can already relate 7 weeks in.

IN LOVING MEMORY

Yesterday Nathan's Aunt Susan passed after a long battle with cancer.  We celebrate her life and will remember her always with the joy, love and hope she brought to the world.  May she be at peace with the angels above.

THE AMAZING ADELEE

Today I celebrate Adrienne - my older sister and my oldest friend.  Wishing you birthday love from the NYC.  I hope you are enjoying your day while in Big Sur.  I cannot wait to see you on Friday.
XO,
Your old buddy Bert