Downward Dog….everywhere

Yep, you’ll see us out there. Out on the grass on the Hudson River Park Pier, in downward dog or feet straight up attempting headstands. Aria usually somersaulting over and laughing like crazy or climbing all over me when I get into a plank pose (or another asana where she can gain access.) It’s my favorite time of the day…late afternoon sunset yoga (kinda)… just the two of us.

In honor of National Yoga Month, Aria has been doing yoga everywhere. Even retail. Check out the quick video below.  And if you’re interested in getting your own OM on, now is a great time. Learn about free yoga classes and events around the city HERE.

ps– Could someone please start a yoga studio with child care? Or better yet, maybe a studio where we could drop our little ones in a yoga play class while we do our own yoga in another studio? If some yoga studio out there wants to do it, I’ll even teach it (how bout it karma kids?). Much to my chagrin, I’ve yet to even find any NYC yoga studio with child care (boo). I’ve even debated joining Equinox again or the Y on 14th who both have a playroom/child care for kids (the Y is even free.) For now, Aria and I will continue to get our OM on all around town… and, of course, here.

Darkness & Light

Twelve years later, I still find it hard to reconcile. As a parent now, I think it’s even more difficult to deal with the events of the morning the world got turned upside down as I jogged along the East River.

I’m happy that I don’t have to explain September 11th to Aria just yet. She already looks at me questionably with her big eyes when I tell her she can’t go too far, or that it’s not OK to just run up and cuddle everyone she sees on the street.

She’s so full love. So full of innocence. And suddenly I am so keenly aware of all that surrounds her that is not. It’s sometimes a tough thing to live in a world that’s not always fair or friendly, especially with something so precious at my side.

At night, quite often, I walk back into her room to see her asleep in her crib. I look at her peaceful little face and ask God, the universe, the powers that be, to watch over her– to keep her safe and happy and sweet. I know life is life, and hardship will come, but I still hope that all of the exuberant happiness that is so evident in her now doesn’t get too hampered along the way; that her light, and all that love, will always prevail, even when the dark times come.

A Little Jar Of Lux: Baume De Rose

It’s fashion week here in NYC, and since I am no longer runway hopping (although thank you to those who still sent invites), I figured the least I could do was pay tribute by doing a beauty post. These days, I’m far from in the fashionable– unless a standard outfit of rotating Lucy & lululemon yoga gear can suddenly be counted as stylish (Mom-Style or Healthy-Style perhaps). With days filled with running after a toddler on the playground and wiping off sticky fingers (that have usually first found me), sometimes I need to remind myself that there was a time when I got blowouts, regular mani-pedi’s and hit Bloomies more than buybuy Baby. 

 

A small reminder sits tucked away inside the pocket of my diaper bag, and when I need to add a little luxury  to my day, a small dab does the trick. Terry Baume de Rose  is by far my favorite lip product out there. It’s ultra rich & creamy, and leaves a long lasting natural gloss that instantly makes me feel just a little more glamourous (or maybe I should say a little less un-glamours.) It’s got a hefty price tag (I usually would never spend so much on a lip product), but a small dab goes a long way, and as far as I’m concerned it’s a small price to pay to add a little beauty to my day. Baum de Rose: My little jar of LUX. 

Month 2 With Baby: Smiles & Lots Of Activity

Another video finally making it online. Here’s a look back at Month 2 with baby and a few of my favorite pics.

We’re in month two and getting the hang of this mommy-baby stuff. Smiles and activity are abundant, but we still have some challenges. In this video, find out my mustela go-to’s to deal with baby acne, why colic calm is still in my baby arsenal, what to expect with baby’s first vaccines and the essential items for month two.

Trying to train her early to hold the bottle. (Dr. Brown’s is the best btw)

New Smiles

Activity gym is key. Miss A hates tummy time though.

Bundled and walking at the lake house.

Tough Girl. Flex.

Road Trip: 7 Essentials For Baby In The Car

So, riding in the car with baby/toddler is not always the easiest of experiences. Unlike a lot of NYC dwellers, we actually are in the car quite often.  Our recent road trip to Saratoga (a 3+hour ride) made me realize some things that were downright essential!

1) The Perfect Car Seat:  Ok, so there may not be a perfect seat, but some are better than others. For our infant car seat, I went with the Graco Snug Ride. It is safe, lightweight, versatile (fits in the snap and go travel system which is key for travel) and has an adjustable shade (essential). I didn’t like it’s infant insert, and definitely recommend buying one like this to keep baby snug and comfortable. When it was time, we also bought Aria a convertible (front facing) seat. She actually has a couple different ones but by far her favorite is the Britax she has in Oma’s car. It’s extra cushy and she sits higher which allows her to see out the window better.

2) Window shades: I can’t tell you how essential these are to keep the sun out of the baby’s eyes and off baby’s face. UV rays can still filter through window so these shades protect and keep your baby comfortable. I first bought the White Hot Safety Shade by Munchkin, but they totally don’t stick well or cover as much window area as my second (and much better) purchase by Safety1st. 

3) A Mirror (when still rear facing): A mirror allows you to look into your rear view and see you little one’s face. Some argue it can be a distraction, but I think a quick glance is much better than trying to bend behind the seat to check in on baby.

4) Tunes: Baby’s love music. One mom friend gave me a baby’s CD as a gift and said it’s “like crack”, meaning her baby was totally addicted and instantly gratified.  Aria too chills out when her tunes get on (not to mention now she asks for “Muffin Man” the second she gets in the car). My mom gave me CD of baby songs early on and I was like, “hells no, we’re not listening to that all trip,” but that quickly changed when I realized Hickory, Dickory, Dock is much better than a screaming baby.

5) Entertainment: Small books, stuffed animals and even soft little dangling toys for infants do make a difference. Now that Aria’s a toddler (and obsessed with Barney) I’ve also been guilty of passing back the iPhone when super desperate for a peaceful ride.

6) Snacks:  Again, some people would say this was a big no no (choking hazards), but, if you choose the right snacks (bottles, pureed fruit pouches, puffs that dissolve in their mouth, etc), I can attest that it makes for a much easier time.

7) Pacifier:  Again, a “love em or hate em” for many parents.  For us they’re  a lifesaver quite often (and I’ve cursed myself the times I’ve realized I’ve left the house without one). Aria def prefers Avent.

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