Green

We snuck out for a picnic a couple of weeks ago and the Little Man started a serious four leaf clover hunt.  I've found two in my life and he is pretty sure we need to enlarge that collection :)  He found a downed branch (er, tree?) and drug it around the meadow with us, climbing into it for his searches.  It being his "four leaf clover hunting vessel" and all...

Portland

P, at the only "class" he has ever loved on a (semi) regular basis: Book-group.  His adoration for Lily, I'm guessing, was a driving force there ;) Above, they stood side by side, saying nothing, just looking out the window together.  It was so sweet.  Fortunately, book-group just ended, so our leaving doesn't leave this behind...


P asked me today why we are moving.  Insert inner chuckle.  After all, it was the kid's requests that planted the seed a few years ago...

Back when I knew other mums that were talking of moving.  More space, a yard, easier... well, everything ;)  And I couldn't fathom not being in Brooklyn.  I love Brooklyn.

But easy it is not.  At least, not with a kid.  The level of creativity required to come up with indoor, fourth floor solutions to many of the child's wants is often beyond me.  Schlepping 20 blocks to be able to dig in some dirt and plant some seeds is unbelievably tiring in the summer sun.  Balancing boxes of groceries and a child on a scooter, uphill on ice, for 15 blocks isn't a breeze, either.  And trying to squeeze another toy into a one and a half (well, here, some call it a one and a half, where I'm from, that half is a freakin' walk in closet;) bedroom flat is sometimes just funny.  Never mind the fact that the child has no chance of existing in nature without a close-by watchful eye... and a lot of passersby judgement.  I can't even imagine my childhood without hours of independent time, digging in the dirt in our yard, unencumbered by nothing other than my little brother...

But I also can't imagine driving to the grocer.  Having lots of extra, resource gobbling space.  Living without farmer's markets.  Without walking, well, everywhere.  I love city living for the population density and all that it brings.  Except the lack of space, and green and freedom....

I've only known either/or.  But life is rarely either/or, if you look hard enough.  So we started looking.  We wanted to make the life we wanted, realize it, eventually at least ;)  And dreamers that we are, we started dreaming.

Walkable.  Green.  Both visually and environmentally.  (There's nothing worse than an uphill battle to do something as basic as recycling, never mind vermicomposting or backyard chickening.)  Nature. (The kind without hypodermic needles and condoms decorating it.  Not that we don't absolutely love our park!  But, still, if you're gonna dream...)  And you gotta be able to get to that Nature easily (rather than 3 trains and a hike along the highway, like we experience now.)  Affordable.  (Because NYC bleeds you dry like a sensual vampire).  Liberal enough that we don't walk around with round peg/square hole issues daily (I love it when I can ask about the origin of my food without anyone being confused or angry:).  Diverse.  Passionate about the arts.  Downtown oriented.  Heavily leaning towards independent businesses.  P's request: Beaches.  Oh, but who am I really kidding.  Walkable was queen for me.  Please, gawd, don't put me in a car on a daily basis.  Please....

Everyone has a different list.  My father is so very pleased with his location choices that he can't even fathom why anyone would choose differently (which is kinda cute;).  So this dream wasn't a judgement call on anywhere, just a dream of where we could be inspired and true.  We didn't know if we could ever get to wherever this would be, or even where this was!  But we wanted to dream of ways and look...

My first choice was a little city in Ecuador.  Picked through lots of research and reading.  E was sold... for a bit ;)  Sigh.  So we moved on.  Sticking to the US, our list narrows things down pretty effectively to the coasts.  And the south's (generally) more conservative nature and my hatred of freezing winters started swinging our search westward...

So we took our trip last summer.  It was, honestly, just a family trip.  But E and I admitted to one another it was, on some level, a scouting mission ;)  Something just to plant some seeds for someday.  We figured we were still a few years off from a change.  And we figured somewhere in California, probably Berkeley, lay our future, our little nirvana.

But we fell for Portland.  And Oregon's empty beaches.  And the fog.  And the mountains and the trees that called to us like only one other place we've ever been...  The setting was exactly what we wanted.  And the city, it was very, very homey.  Yards with chicken coops, situated on bike lanes and bus paths and Max line stops to little shops and green grocers.  A real downtown, that, granted, seemed a ghost town compared to Manhattan, but, give a small city a break ;)  And nature, everywhere.  Well, now we had a reference point for our dream...

And after a lot of hoping and dreaming, its finally happening.  Moving, of course, is far less dreamy than dreaming about moving, but that will pass ;)

For the child, it started with euphoria.  He dreamed of the things his parents had had and no longer wanted.  A car to ride in when the schlep is long.  A yard, to himself, that could be dug in without park's personnel pissing and moaning.  A  floor he could stomp upon when mad (rather than being a ceiling to those living below..)  He was dreaming of the possibilities.

And then a friend reacted rather badly to his exciting news.  Telling him all of the reasons it sucked.  I was too shocked to save him.  And the damage was done.  It was a couple of months before he stopped growling when the move was mentioned.  I was more than mortified anyone could be so thoughtless, but tried to be patient while he processed...

Meanwhile, E and I casually talked about the possibilities that excited us.  What we were looking forward to.  Sometimes the child seemed swayed by our energy, sometimes he was staunchly angst ridden.

Then, finally and most fortunately, we found a place to rent.  With a secret passageway.  And a cupboard under the stairs.... Just Like Harry Potter.  Brooklyn wha?

Just like that, he was golden.  The tides turned and he started dreaming and planning.  This isn't to say that he doesn't still fret a bit.  And when he thinks of a toy that is already in boxes, well, hell hath no fury....  But the future became a little bit less of a black hole that was senselessly swallowing up everyone he loves.

Cuz that part is hard.  I love to move, and its even putting some kinks in my mojo.  We've never lived anywhere this long, E and I.  Five years.  In the same spot.  Unprecedented.  (Our previous record was a whopping 3 years;)  And the rootless gypsies have become a wee bit root-bound, but in a good way.  Our block is our community.  The kids play ball in the street.  We chat with neighbors in the park.  Not to mention sharing a house with two other families!  These people, to P, are his extended family.  Then there is the homeschooling community that we so love...

But the three of us are kinda loners, a compact little self-sufficient clan.  So when I get wrapped up thinking about all of the people we are leaving behind, I stop and think about how often we actually see most of them.  Even our family here.  Not too darn often.

And when I get weepy about loosing the Brooklyn Bridge or the year round Farmer's Market, I think about how often I make it to either of those (E does the shopping since the child hates the schlep and hates me leaving;).  Ditto most of our amazing restaurants and museums.  Ditto the crazy extensive listings of possibilities for kids.  This kid likes to stay close to home more days than not.  He likes projects that take space and make large messes.  He likes exploring, just he, BB and I, in our "backyard," the park.  He likes HOME.  And that can be anywhere.

So off we go the the affordable, green, walkable (but not diverse, sob.  I mean, I guess after NYC, anywhere is gonna seem pretty lilly livered, but still, it will be quite an adjustment, and one that makes me nervous...) nature accessed, backyard sporting, beach and mountain hugged, downtown based beauty of Portland.  Hopefully this will take better than the last time we left NYC.  We made it about 4 months before we decided we had to move back... ;)

P, in his "studio."  Space is so tight, the child's art area is under our desk....  And our place isn't even small, by NY standards!  E and I are giddy with the thought of the space we are moving into, even though it is still staunchly resource responsible ;)

On the way back to the sub, just off Houston street, I saw this billboard.  We live in the most "kid friendly" area of NYC.  So much so that T-mobil used it as their byline.  But, its all relative, because nowhere in NYC is actually "kid friendly."  Its gonna be so weird to be somewhere where people aren't offended that you have a child...

The Last Hurrahs...

 We have been inundated (blessed, of course;) with visitors this Spring. The Little Man has been a tourist touring champ.  When Grandpapa and Uncle Blaine visited (for Uncle B's big b-day), P was in heaven with all of the men around carrying him.  I'm not sure if he even took in most of the sites the first day, he was so busy using Grandpapa as a human jungle gym....

The kid  took a brief break from Grandpapa's arms when he spied an artist's dedication to the 9/11 downtown and was wooed by the size of the crystal.  (Crystals, gold and diamonds being three of his favorite things ;)  We had to go in for a few moments of ahhhhs:

After that fun-stravaganza, Aunt Marielle and Chris came for a visit.  The child drug them all over town and they were the best sports ever.

Aunt Marielle and P in Central Park...

Phoenix has a longstanding (and not fully explained) issue with police officers.  Chris, is a police officer.  He did more for P's bias in those few days than E and I have been able to manage in the last four years.  In short: the child adores Chris.  Just look at his face here...

He was also enamored with C's size.  At one point he looked adoringly up at Chris and said, "You're taller than the Empire State Building!"  And after the child was carried upon those cloud grazing shoulders, he was putty in Chris' hands.

And, really, what's not to love about someone who encourages you to fling yourself willy-nilly from high spots?

While on our walk in Central Park, P had a brainstorm....

The adoring Aunt and the hamming child...

So, so sweet, Aunt Marielle allowed herself to be pulled through the Museum of Natural History.   I couldn't get a meaningful shot of the two of them, as the child appeared to be giving a speed tour (notice the blur, below...)  Just his favorite highlights!  And she, sweetly, laughed and listened and did without lingering, the whole time.

The next morning brought us brunch with the fam, a rare and happy occurrence, and one of my favorite photos, eveh.  The child was fabulously happy to be surrounded by Uncles and their broad, babe carrying shoulders as we schlepped back from brunch. For some reason, when Bric took his turn, the child turned to hair pulling.  I am laughing now, remembering the sound my sweet brother made ;)  Of course, everyone's laughter just encouraged the child, who very well knows better than to pull someone's hair... and doggonit, if his ornery little face doesn't look like sheer bliss below:

The Torturer and the Torturee... Pleasure and Pain.... (Is it sick I giggle every time I see this pic?  (We love you Bric!!!))

 (And notice, the dear Bric is actually trying to tie the child's shoe while carrying him.  And how is he thanked?  Oy;)


Once to our flat the child somehow conned everyone into putting on his Harry Potter costume and running around with brooms between their legs.  Proof positive of why his Uncles and Aunts are the World's Best.

 (hehe, Ian reminds me of something out of The Dark Crystal here;)

And last but not least, we just had a dear, dear friend of ours visit before she heads back to Brussels to her amazing ministry work.  The child took to her and didn't let go for her entire stay.  She, too, was lovingly given the speed tour through the Natural History Museum.  And excitedly introduced to P's fave, Pinkberry.  And most excitedly taken to Dumbo for a sunset walk.  I was a bit disappointed that our big "ta-dah" was a wee bit underwhelming due to the enormous amount of construction occurring in the area (and all over the bridge), but our guest was gracious and said she prefers a little grit ;)  Ahhh, old friends :)

Of course, lots of home (recovery) time has been required between these marathon touring sessions.  P seems to need this to find balance.  During which time the child has been excitedly packaging his life as he knows it into cardboard boxes and playing, seemingly non-stop, with BB.  Not a half-bad send off to the city we love....

More Florida Fun '11

Just some shots of P's happy times...  Above, with the fish he caught when with Gramps.  He was very proud of it.  Wanted to cook it and feed everyone dinner ;)   I've gotta admit here, it was very hard for this recovering vegetarian to smile through her son's show and tell while the fish.... was gasping for air (er, water) with its little gills moving! He was so earnest though, it was precious.

Happening upon ice cream, a happy time with Grams.  But it was a serious departure from our winter weather, they actually had to hide in a corner from the ice cream eating sun...

A little shop had an aquarium that P fell in love with.  The kid was just sure the puffer fish inside was in love with him :)

The Little Man got his first golfing experience (twice, actually) with his grandparents, and it was lovely.  He seriously enjoyed it (heck, he went back a second time!), though we played pretty loose with the rules ;)

I had long wondered if the child would enjoy a ceramic store stop.  Come to find out, just as my mother predicted, he loved it.  After rushing through his first piece, he moved more slowly through his next, getting the hang of the layers and order.  He would have very much liked to paint one each of the entire inventory ;)

Florida Fun '11

Ok, so this was a while ago now... but not as long ago as Christmas!  Slowly getting there... ;)

P and I had a fantastic trip to Florida earlier this spring.  He's finally old enough that... its just kinda easy, which is kinda fun ;)  He could play in the pool semi-solo, could run outside to pick seashells while I finished making breakfast and was happy to spend time with his grandparents while I finally lazed about nursing my third month of nausea.  After a couple months of tough luck in the kitchen, it was beyond fabulous to have my mother there to pick up my tummy reeling slack.  And when I needed to lay down in the afternoon, it was actually possible.  And the child could still enjoy himself!  Yes indeedy, this family visit felt like a true vacation!

And boy did they make sure the child enjoyed himself.  This blow up raft brought him such joy - I was, honestly, shocked by the level of enjoyment there...  As well as by how long it took us to blow the damn thing up....  

 Happiness is...

Before we bought the pirate ship, he paddled about on the boogie board.  After months indoors, the sun and water were magic.

Heehee.  Once he got the ship, the inner pirate came out.  Don't know if you can make it out here or not, but he has BB stranded in the waterfall and he is in his own little world, shouting out to BB...

Alligator "hunting" is one of P's other fave Florida attractions.  And we found one... just across the road from the house...

We were, actually, a little too close for my comfort here.  And the child wanted to press the boundaries (of course!) But, trusting me, he decided to push the damn boundary... with BB.  Poor pink monster.

Grams, P and I headed to the beach one afternoon.  So lovely.

And then we went to Harry Potter World.  OMG.  My mom discovered this possibility and the child was thrilled.   Though too short for many of the rides, he was able to walk through the world he has been reading about for the last year.  And drink a butterbeer (too sweet) and get a horntailed dragon (too awesome!) 

And see his favorite song performed!  He claimed the live singing as his favorite part of the day.  Mesmerized doesn't even begin....  I was super surprised that he walked up to them (by himself!) for a picture.  This is waaaay outside of his usual comfort zone and totally attests to how jazzed he was with the whole situation.

Though the rollercoaster with Gramps came in a close second...

Too short for the ride (ask how many times he has been measured in the last month, checking to see if he is tall enough yet for the ride next year - go on, ask!), the kid was able to walk through the inside of Hogwarts.  This made for a very. happy. kid.

Waiting for a Dr. Seuss ride (that had a lot more swirling than they admitted, to those that were already swirling just from pregnancy;)

The Hogwarts Express.  Holy moly ;)

(Don't worry, Dad, there's more to come for Florida!)

Christmas '10

Its so much fun having family living nearby (something we will mourn as we move West...)  Phoenix lists the Uncles (and Aunts;) as his Best Friends.  When categorizing interests or sibling status or whatever of his friends, I typically list the stats of his play-pals... and P, inevitably, starts adding the details of his Best Friends, the Uncs. And honestly, who could compete with such playful, devoted, energetic friends that love him this much?!  

No one :)

And so the child is in heaven at the holidays when the Schultz boys (and their gals) come out in full force, with their lovely, playful selfs.  They are the kings of crazy simple made-up games, and this, the child loves.  We spent forever hiding a bottle cap and laughing.

 Those not hiding had to hide their eyes...

Then, P made up a game.  The rules were vague and the point system seemed semi-random... but basically, he'd toss the bottle cap into the air and everyone would try to catch it.  Then he would give out pennies from his piggy bank.

Bric brought the balloons, a big hit every freakin' time.  (Seriously, it seems we can play with balloons every time we get together;)  These ones were fabulously noisy flyers, but a bit tricky to blow up.  This, of course, did not stop the fam from trying to blow an aneurism.

Oh the good times of holiday fun;)

New York Botanical Gardens Train Show

This is still catch up, bear with me ;)

On one of the coldest days this winter, P and I (finally) ventured to the Train Show at the New York Botanical Gardens.  To avoid a frostbitten schlep from the sub stop, we took the big train north from Grand Central (and hit the little train show there, too.)  So the day was, officially, full of trains :)  

We'd heard it was beyond amazing.  We'd also heard it was beyond crowded in the afternoon and on weekends, so we had to go on the rare day the child was willing to leave the house before 2pm...  It paid off.  It was pretty empty and we lingered there for hours.

 After watching me snap pics during the first hour, the child decided to document his opinions and took over the camera for a bit.  I love watching his concentration and seeing what he is drawn to.

 The kid was seriously impressed.  So was I.  Everything used for construction came from natural materials.  It looked amazing and smelled divine.  And it was a shocking departure from the freezing outdoors :)

 He spent long hours, patiently waiting for trains to come through areas he particularly enjoyed.

 The trains even went over the raised bridges.

 P claimed this house as his favorite.  He knelt in front of it for forever, imagining we (and BB) were very small and lived there.  We jumped on the train that passed its front door.  We played on the rooftops.  The scenarios were long and lovely.

New York landmarks in bark.