we took a quick trip earlier this week to new york city. a couple nights, less than 48 hours, and we’re back again. oh! and it’s snowing! (winter talk stops here.)
by the grace of god himself, tuesday was close to 65 degrees and we spent all of it outside, and in the sun as long as a tall building wasn’t blocking it.
let’s back up. steve has spring break this week so we decided, initially, to take a two-night romantic trip to nyc. finally! the two of us alone! husband and wife to themselves for more than a few hours?! what would that even look like? we couldn’t be sure, it had been so long. my parents were going to come to both visit and be with the kids while we were gone. all would be well! i was a little angsty about leaving parker overnight as this would’ve been the first time i’ve done it but in good hands! my parents, after all. parker being ever the astute little fellow, was acting especially clingy and like he wasn’t liking the direction this whole mom-dad-shebang was taking. i had told him, very casually, a few weeks earlier, about how mame and papa would come and be with him while mama and dada were gone for a little bit. no problem. but having it all come to fruition? he wasn’t as interested. the night before we left, there i am looking at steve: “we can still do this. if it goes really badly, we can come back after one night.” steve: “let’s just bring him. then we don’t have to worry. it’ll still be fun.” bless his heart.
romantic plan foiled. new york city, still a go.
i was equal parts disappointed and glad. i wanted to be able to say i did it, parker did it, and all went well. i really wanted some time off, just being with steve, being somebody’s wife and not a mom for just a little bit. but it didn’t appear that this would be that time. i think it all depends on the personality of the little person, and this guy is a homebody type who really likes being with us. i know it gets easier, i know it’ll happen eventually. next time.
so, back to new york. i booked hotel americano through jetsetter (highly recommend booking through jetsetter–it’s sort of a curated list of hotels/deals with various discounts all approved (mostly approved?) by jetsetter editors. locations vary.). not the hotel i would’ve booked if i had known parker would be joining but it was a great location, right in chelsea and stone’s throw from the highline.
first night, we arrived by dinnertime and, after hearing it recommended by many, i wanted to try ippudo. wait was too long so we went around the corner to the smith. a happy mistake… my chicken pot pie was delicious (if chicken pot pie is on a menu, ever, it will be what i order.) and steve got this chicken and mashed potato dish that he said was delicious. despite it being nearly 9 pm by the time we left, parker was keeping it together. then we went around the block to trader joes for a few snacks for the hotel room (i.e. the third wheel who decided to join us!) and the morning. a note to the people: trader joes, at 9:30 pm on a monday night, is packed. line to the door. it was outrageous. i told the woman behind me, “you new yorkers are just more resilient than the rest of us.” she laughed. we got the necessities: raspberries, two baguettes, cheese, hummus, carrots, cashews, apples. we took a taxi back to our hotel for the night.
next morning we took a harbor cruise around the city which was really cool. it had been years since i’ve seen the statue of liberty (except in an, “that speck in the distance is the statue!” way)… i think i was 7 or 8 when i climbed it (back when the crown was more accessible to the public!). that was really cool, as were the various tidbits the guy with the microphone would yell out as we cruised. even hollywood tidbits, if that’s your thing (it’s mine…).
back at pier 78, we walked to lunch at the standard grill and sat outside (another delicious lunch! order the burger.). then we ventured back over to the water where we parked ourselves for a few hours on a big turf field right in the sun. glorious, glorious sunshine. parker took a short nap and then we walked further downtown, down wall street, and to the brooklyn bridge. steve read plaques along the way (always reading plaques, that man), we walked through a few churches, took in the new freedom tower, and then began to cross the bridge towards pizza at grimaldi’s. i’m sure it’s not the best pizza in the city (what is, by the way??) but ever-the-tourists, we were content to play the part, not to mention have a little respite for our weary feet at that point.
the following morning, we had breakfast and coffee at our hotel and took off back to boston.
next time… it’s just me and you steve. 😉
You and P-man on the bridge. Yes.
sounds like such a fun little getaway…kid and all :).
I can't decide which picture is my favorite BUT I am going with the one with you and Parker lying on the grass in the sun….oh how I long for that warmth and sun (winter sucks)!! Sounds like such a nice little getaway and Steve gets some major props for saying "let's just bring him"….so so sweet! Next time is right, there will always be a next time but little P man will only be this little once!
you're right, liz!
These photos are just wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!!
You said right, Trader Joe's in NYC is outrageous! Lines out the door at all times of day! Just got back from Mexico for a week without my little guy (he's 2). I was really panicky before I left! next time!!
and how was it once you were there? were you able to relax?!
Those pants of his! So cute!
I love how you recognize leaving your child depends upon his or her personality. Maybe next time, maybe not. Looks like you made it an amazing 48 hours either way.
Aww…sorry your alone time didn't go as planned. But I mean Parker pretty much is the cutest third wheel ever. But I totally sympathize with you wanting to just play the role of wife for a day or two! I was actually telling my husband this morning we are in need of a night away…to which he replied "i know, a few more years and the baby will be older". The man said years and I almost cried! haha
i know the feeling, kelsey!!
Um Parker is so sassy it's killing me. I'm glad you still had fun with the little guy; definitely going to have to give this Jetsetter thing a try!
I feel like Trader Joe's is always a zoo, regardless of the time. Love all of these pictures, especially the one of your and Parker on the bridge!
I was in the city on Tuesday also. I went to a taping of The Chew. It was beautiful day. My two daughters (23, 19) live in NY. My youngest goes to FIT. Glad you enjoyed it. It would have been funny seeing you there! I am going in on Saturday night to meet my daughters and celebrate my husbands birthday at PATSY'S restaurant.
have fun!!
Going to look for you on Instagram!
Sounds fun, even with the little man there. And good mistake on the Smith! I love that place so much. Glad you were able to get away, if only for that lay on the grass in the sun. How glorious!
This might be random, but I just started reading your blog and every time I see a photo of your husband, I think he looks like Adam from Parenthood 🙂
you are not the first to tell us that 🙂
Looks like a great trip! You must tell where you got your adorbale polka dot pants!
f21! it was a long time ago though, but they've always got things like it!
Looks and sounds like a lovely trip! I think this is my first time commenting- usually hard to do when I read on my phone or – in years past- at work! I just want to say I totally relate to bringing the little man along. The other day I was feeling burnt out and wanting some solo time- but being a mom is hard- you WANT the time alone-or with hubby- but then you also miss your kid (and they miss you). I miss the days of just Kevin and I doing stuff- but now that Q's here, leaving to go do our own thing doesn't always feel as good as it did when we weren't leaving someone behind 🙂 Is there a way we can bring our kids, but sedate them or something? 🙂
amazing photos! nice blog 😉
where is parker's outfit from?! love those star pants — i have a pair for my son from the babygap line, but they are cream with gray stars and not great for wearing out of the house!
the pants are arrow and aspen's harem pant. they're awesome. and the top is h&m!
Did you bring a car seat for Parker? Traveling to NYC in May with a 2 month old.
we did drive in and park in the city–so we had our car seat in our car. but otherwise, we walked everywhere and took a taxi prob twice where he sat on our laps–it's crazy, but it's what everyone does in the city!