The Cuteness is Too Much to Handle...

Last week, we traveled to New York City to visit our good friends, who had twins exactly a month before Avery was born.

Avery got to fly on an airplane for the first time!  And, it couldn't have gone any better.  She was an angel.

I love this picture because Avery's are so crossed ~ it cracks me up!

Noah, Ava, and Avery

On Friday, all 3 kiddos took a nap together in one of the cribs.  Avery slept awesome.  I think she liked having another warm body by her!

We walked to Madison Square Park one day and went to The Shake Shack.  Yum!

Okay, prepare yourself.  The following pictures are TOO CUTE.

Avery ~ what a big girl already!

Noah, a.k.a. Nathan Junior

Smiley Ava

Avery, Stephen, Me, Forrest, Katrina, Ava, Nathan, Noah

We had such a fun time in NYC!  It was an awesome time with our best friends.  Here's to hoping we continue sharing our lives together for years to come!

*All of the good pictures were taken by Katrina!

Time Flies...

I cannot believe how quickly a week passes.  I'm trying to do a better job of posting more often, but am really struggling with finding the time to do it!  I suppose once Avery starts napping on a more scheduled basis, for longer periods of time, I'll be able to make do on my goal.

Avery met her first cousin, once removed on Saturday.  Lissa is my cousin!

As you can see, she loved her!  But, everybody loves Lissa!  Thank you for coming to visit!

And now, I'll just show you a few shots I caught of Avery yesterday, her SEVEN WEEK birthday

She was helping me fold laundry and she was happy to be there!

Getting some Daddy love, while completely sacked out.

Tummy time, which she is not a fan of!

Today, we are getting ready for Avery's first plane ride to New York City tomorrow!

This is the only way I can work on anything for a length of time.  She LOVES being in my Moby Wrap!

I Heart NYC...

Bear with me. I am seven months pregnant. I found myself looking up the websites to some favorites of ours in New York City. Won't you indulge with me?

Desserts. In general. Desserts. Delicous, divine, delectable desserts. Yum. Banana cream pie. Strawberry rhubarb pie. Once, I had blueberry pie with vanilla ice cream. It was the best blueberry pie I've ever had. Clinton Street Bakery killed me because it is just down the street from one of our favorite sushi places that we'd go to because you can bring your own wine and there's no corking fee. After eating more sushi than you can imagine, we had to walk by the Bakery to get back to the subway. The couple of times that we indulged ourselves, we wished we hadn't. I literally thought I was going to explode. But I didn't. And that's what counts.

Then, there's cupcakes. Everyone always talks about Magnolia's Bakery for cupcakes, but I always thought they were a little dry and the frosting was too thick and sweet for me. But these? Yes, please. My favorite is the Snickerdoodle. When we were living in the City, my BFF, Katrina, was really good at organizing Crumbs stops. We would actually plan on where to go to dinner, based on if there was a Crumbs within a few blocks of the restaurant. Like I've said before, she is pregnant, like me, but expecting two little bugaboos, so I can only expect that her Crumbs need is twice as great as mine. My suspicion is that if we were still living in NYC, Katrina and I would be horribly influencing each other and gaining way more pregnancy weight than we should.

We'll stick to just sweets for now. Because that is what I'm craving. Okay, so you can go for a nice walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and on the Brooklyn side, there's this place. It's just good ice cream, I'm telling you!

And then, there's creme brulee, which you can get just about anywhere. The night we got engaged, we went to Bar Americain for dinner before we went to see Wicked. I think I got pork chops. I know we got creme brulee for dessert. However, when we had it, it wasn't pistachio creme brulee because if it had been, Huzz would've probably stopped breathing and we wouldn't have made it to Wicked.

That's about all I can think of for sweets. I'm typically not the biggest sweet eater, and neither is Huzz. Unless it's Key Lime Pie. Then, he'll order it, just to order it because he loves it oh so dearly.

Did you enjoy this sweet walk to a few places in NYC? No? Now, you're just angry with me for helping you crave something fattening?

You're welcome.

A Night in NYC...

Our last night in NYC, we spent with Nathan and Katrina. We went for Korean food, which is always a good choice because Nathan knows what to order and we don't get spit in our food, since he speaks Korean. Just kidding...but, seriously. And, each time we go, Katrina knows more and more Korean and demonstrates it by saying something to the waitress. I have no idea what she says, but it sounds good to me! Good job, Kat!

After stuffing ourselves silly, we went to see the 2008 Tony Award-winning Broadway show, "In the Heights." It was SO good!

And, we saw, again, an effect of the economy: two big sections further down in the mezzanine section were EMPTY, so at intermission, they let us all move down.
I highly recommend it. See it. Do it. Well, do it, once you can afford to take a trip to NYC.

When we got home, we attempted several times to take a group photo.

We didn't do too bad, huh?

We love you, Nathan and Katrina! Thank you for the blast of a time in NYC. You are the best.

Lights and Trees...

Please bear with me... We have been so busy in Colorado, I haven't had enough time to blog, so posts that are 2-3 weeks old will be showing up over the next few days.

One of the days we were in NYC, Stephen and I had the day to ourselves. We went down to Wall Street to have lunch with a friend of ours who is a trader. When we said good-bye to him, it was snowing HUGE flakes and we took a stroll by the American flag lights and the Wall Street Tree.
The tree was pretty big, but not as big as....

This one...the Rockefeller Center tree. I liked this one better than last year's, for a couple of reasons.

#1 - I thought the shape of the tree was nicer.

#2 - I could actually get a picture of it. Actually, I took several pictures of it.

This was one area where we could really see the effect of the economy. There were still a lot of people at the Center, but not nearly as much as last year. Last year, you literally could not move. And, I only got one picture of the tree and it wasn't a good one.

No, I was not crying because I was overcome by the tree's beauty. My eyes were all watery because the wind was cold and blowing. Sure, Beth...

Stephen is posing in front of the wall of snowflakes that blinks to music. Last year, I didn't realize the snowflakes were programmed to music because there were so many people, you couldn't even hear the music. Those angels to the right were really pretty.

This picture just demonstrates how tall the Rockefeller building is.

Looking through the angels toward the big tree.

I love Christmas time in New York City!

Cupcakes in NYC

**UPDATE** Nathan and Katrina let me know the name of the bakery is Sugar Sweet Sunshine. Next time you're in NYC, you must go!

One of the nights we were in NYC, we were able to meet up with our friends, Matt, Lauren, T'Errance, and of course, Nathan and Katrina and then later with another friend of ours, Chris. With the first group, we met at one of our favorite sushi restaurants, Cube 63. The 63 is because that's its address and the Cube, my guess, is because it's about the size of a cube. HOWEVER, you can bring your own wine....

So, we did!

Dinner was delicious and quite affordable, for NYC standards. After dinner, we walked over to our friend, Chris' apartment. He wasn't able to join us for dinner because he had to study for a big final he had the next day. But, he is pretty much the nicest person, ever, and had gone and picked up cupcakes from a bakery and had them waiting for us when we arrived.

Here is the group. There's Lauren, T'Errance, Matt (the awkward guy in the background), Katrina, me, and Stephen. Chris took this picture, so we missed him in the moment.
This is me, pretending I am James Bond, and using my cupcake as a weapon.

Sometimes, I think I'm funny when I'm not. Stephen did not have too much to drink. He just likes to close his eyes when his picture is taken.

This is me, emphasizing that the cupcakes were yummy for my tummy! And they were. I don't remember the name of the bakery...Nathan, Katrina - help me out? But, the pistacio cupcake was my fave.

We Made It!

I am sitting at a borrowed laptop from NYU at 6:44 am. I am in New York City.

Finally.

I cannot tell you how happy I feel. I just feel like a part of me that has been missing for the past several months is now back in place. Where it belongs.

I can't post any pictures at the moment because this computer is the only one that I can use to connect to the internet at the moment and it doesn't have a handy slot for my memory card. Photos will have to wait.

We arrived in New York, on time on Sunday afternoon. Our flight left the Big K at 4:20 am on Sunday morning. It was so hard for me to stay awake! But as soon as I could recline my seat to the flatbed option, I was out! I slept really well for the majority of that flight, which was exactly what I was hoping for. We were able to stay awake Sunday night until 10:00 and slept ten solid hours before waking up yesterday morning. But I woke up this morning at 4:00 and couldn't get back to sleep. Thus, blogging so early in the morning. Yes, I said Thus.

When we arrived in Frankfurt at about 6:00 am, we headed straight to the Golden Arches. I know...it's a sickness.

But, I'm telling you people, you don't realize how much you love those Arches until you don't have access to them. When I lived in the US, I rarely ate at McD's. Only when I craved it like nobody's business. But now, I just feel like I need chicken nuggets and sweet 'n sour sauce. It's just tasty.

Anyway, after some nuggs and Stephen scarfed down his Big Mac, we headed to the Lounge and I drank a decent caffe latte. Another thing I have been deprived of. Good coffee.

After a few hours, we boarded our plane, again on time! HE takes such good care of us, doesn't He? Stephen and I were just counting our blessings of His providence, as we counted down the minutes to setting foot on US soil.

Well, as the last of the people were boarding, guess who boarded the plane, TWO rows ahead of us???

I know.

I had the perfect angle to watch his every move, including when he went to the bathroom.

I think Stephen thought I was a little crazy.

He should count his lucky stars, actually. I was proud of myself that I didn't ask him for his autograph or a picture with him. I made eye contact with him at baggage claim at JFK and just gave him the nod, as if saying, Hello Hugh...Nice to see you again.

We are old friends.

Anyway, he was obviously on his way to NYC for the holidays with his family. It was he, his wife, and their two kids. And their two nannies. It's alright, Hugh. I will not judge you for your nanny-usage. The nannies seemed very nice and attentive and they all seemed relatively down-to-earth.

His wife is beautiful and very petite and was in bright blue leggings with gray and white striped Uggs and an oversized tunic sweater in purple. None of it matched, but of course, she looked pretty.

Wait, hold it.

While searching Google Images for a photo of his wife, I am realizing that one of the ladies that I thought was a nanny is actually his wife. I am slightly baffled right now.

Here she is. Her name is Deborra-Lee.

So, I don't know who the beautiful, petite brunette was. Must've been a nanny or something. Silly me for assuming...

The picture above is Hugh with his son, which must have been taken recently because his son looks just like this. Sorry about the picture of the clothes next to it. I don't have the time to remove it. Nor do I care.

Yes, I said Nor.

Here is Deborra-Lee and their daughter, Ava. Also must've been taken recently because she also looks just like this. In fact, she might have been wearing the same t-shirt on Sunday.

Quick little story about Hugh and Ava before I stop boring you to death about this celebrity and his family.

As they were loading up their two huge carts full of baggage at baggage claim, no further than 15 feet from ME, the two kids were running around a bit. I wanted to join them, as I was also slightly stir-crazy after the 8 hour flight. Well, they got all their bags and were walking RIGHT BY ME (and Stephen) and just as they were next to me, the little boy gave his sister a big hug (cute) and accidentally tackled her to the ground. When he realized that he had pushed her down and laid on top of her, he gave her a kiss and ran away. Ava just laid there, face-down, and didn't move.

Hugh to the rescue!

He bent down and whispered to her that she was a big girl and to get up. It was very motivating, and it worked like a charm, as she lifted up her head and smiled at her famous daddy. He scooped her up and carried her off to customs.

I witnessed Hugh Jackman having a fatherly moment. Aren't I so special?

Just kidding. Sort of.

Anyway, we are having lots of fun in NYC with our friends! We head to Colorado on Thursday for family fun for 19 days!

June #2

So, after moving out of our apartment, we moved into our treasured friends' place downtown, Nathan and Katrina's. Nathan & Katrina were in my class in high school and they are the lifelong friends that everyone wishes they had in their life. They put up with us for a week and a half! We have been having tons of fun, the four of us. The memories we have been creating will definitely be a huge comfort to Stephen and I when we are missing "home" soon.

Here is an awesome view from Nathan & Katrina's balcony. This is the Brooklyn Bridge!

One of the fun things we did was go to a taping of the Conan O'Brian. Here is a picture of us sporting our awesome wristbands, commemorating the event.

Again, showing them off.

The night before we left for Colorado, we stayed up late playing Catch Phrase. This is Forrest, wondering why we aren't in bed yet.

June #1

Well, we have been in the middle of a complete whirlwind and will be in one for the next week and a half or so. So, that is why I haven't posted in awhile and why I might not, once we are in the Big K for a little while.

June began with Husband and I moving out of our first home together: our humble 375-ish square foot studio with "sprawling views" of 2nd Avenue and a "short walk" (4 long blocks) to Central Park. These may seem like disappointing things, but they are the things we loved about our place. We will miss it.

After our moving our stuff ourselves from DC to Bethesda, we vowed that from then on, we would be hiring movers. If you remember that story, you can sympathize, I'm sure. If I haven't told it to you, I should sometime.

Anyway, here's what we did while the movers hauled our things down 5 flights in the super tiny elevator and down the narrow 5 flights of stairs for things like the large couch.

After sitting from our perches, directing what was going in the truck to Colorado, for only 2 hours, the apartment was empty. Except for the desk (in the pictures) that we deposited in the basement and the coffee table, which a wonderful friend took for us.

Although this kitchen saw more cooking in the last 8 months than it had seen in the prior 2 years before I showed up, I will not miss its lack of counter space and dishwasher. Plus, the burners on the stove were awful. Plus, there was no garbage disposal, so cleaning the drain of food escapees was a usual and necessary occurrence.

We will miss you, little home! You were a great comfort to Stephen, as a bachelor for a while and we created you as our first home together. You'll be a

good story when we tell our kids how good they have it. I'm sure one day we'll be telling them that "everyone" should live in close quarters when they first get

married. They'll "appreciate" each other so much more!

PS - I am losing my patience with blogger and pictures. It's driving me crazy! What you are seeing is not what it looks like in my "compose" window. Grrrrrr..........

Pope-a-licious...

Stephen and I were walking at about 85th and 3rd-ish over the weekend and had to take a double-take at this sign hanging over this German meat market...

Yes, apparently they were selling a Popewurst to celebrate the Papal visit, here in New York. We thought it was hilarious! Anything to make a buck, huh? Just thought I'd share.

Oh, and we also saw the actual POPE MOBILE on our way to the Park! If I had known it was going to appear around the corner, I would've had my camera ready. It was kind of cool, I guess. The funniest part was the 50 people chasing after it!

The Belgian Experience

A few weeks ago, we went out to dinner with our good friends, Nathan, Katrina, and Pablo. The point of the night: to celebrate three years in New York City (for Stephen, Nathan, and Katrina). Pablo grew up just outside the city, and well, you know how long I've been here. We decided to take everyone to the "B Cafe," which is this Belgian Beer Cafe, just around the corner from our place. We had been there a few times for beer and frites (fries) and love the atmosphere and since the frites were so delicious, we wanted to give a whole meal a try. Stephen got the Belgian traditional dinner: Moule Frites. They bring this pot of steamed mussels out and frites on the side with 3 dipping sauces. Stephen was in mussel heaven! After noticing a man at a nearby table, drinking the mussel broth from his pot, Stephen decided to give it a try. He said it was delicious! We will definitely be back to the B Cafe for dinner again sometime. This is one of the many things we love about the city -- lots of eating experiences that you can't have in most other cities.