Greenmarket Farmer's markets in New York

Farmer's markets locations in NYC - Click here to get the full map

I've already mentioned this in past posts, but one of the aspects that I really like about New York is the occasional "small town" feeling that we get while living in this big metropolis. I already have my "neighborhood" habits established. I buy cheese at my local cheese store, fish right next to it, flowers at the corner of my street and do my groceries a few blocks from my house. I'm always passing by someone I know (sometimes, just from the neighborhood, we may not have met properly but we always greet each other). Each neighborhood is like a mini town, with its local coffee shops, supermarkets, dry-cleaners, restaurants, shops, and sometimes even a local open air market. 

The most famous one is in Union Square, but there are others all across town on different days of the week. There you will find only local and seasonal produce coming fresh from farms located in the region. The one closest to my house has a very nice European feeling, with its fresh flowers, seasonal fruits and vegetables picked a few hours before, the freshest fish that was just caught during the night, baked good, jams, home-made granola and so on. 

If you are curious to know more about the Greenmarket Farmer's markets in New York, check their website. 

It goes without saying that this is another great activity to do with kids. And since we are on the subject: coming soon, a trip to a local farm!

The resurrection

A friend just asked me if I had "resurrected" my blog. And I realized that it really feels as if it had died. I think I might have even missed the "first year" post (has it been one year already?). 

Sorry for the absence. Lack of time would be a good (and true) excuse, but, mainly, it has been a lack of willingness to write that has kept me far from this space. 

I'll try to come back. 

Life has been as good as always. Some galleries and museums visits. Some puppet shows here and there. Some nice rides. Some nice outings. Some birthday parties organization. 

Lots to share, indeed. 

Three curly years

These cute curls just turned three today. Three years of pure loveliness and joy.

If with the oldest I was always looking forward for the next milestone and always looking into his future, for the second one, I've just been enjoying his "babiness" for the past three years. I've been so happy with our little arrangement of having a little boy and a baby at home, that I've actually never realized that someday I would be having two little boys and no baby at home.

He's been insistently repeating to me that he's not a baby anymore. And as much as I know that he's right, I've been insistently telling him that he'll always be my little baby.

Happy, happy third birthday my sweet baby P.

Strolling on different wheels

Now that P is going to preschool everyday, I have the mornings to myself. So, given that I have the time now, I've decided to explore the city on different wheels. With my new red bike. 

I've been doing some other interesting things with and without the kids, but I haven't had the time to come here often (as you've probably realized). I'll try to catch up this week.

Have a great week!

Simpler sometimes is better

The other day, P and I went to this tiny, little park, close to our apartment. There is no playground for the kids to play. Just a sandbox. Well, lately, this is one of P's and F's favorite places to play. 

I was sitting on a bench reading (yes! reading! I have time to read again!) and from time to time watching P who was either chasing some pigeons or looking at the boats passing by. This all reminded me that sometimes we try so hard to entertain our kids, when all it takes to make them happy is some space to run around and little pebbles to throw in the water.

I'm not saying anything new here. But sometimes we forget that children can have fun doing things that we take for granted as adults. For instance, a trip to the supermarket, a ride on the bus/subway or just a walk around the block can do the trick. If you haven't already, try it for a change, you'll see how much fun the kids will have.

Let's try to keep it simple!

P.S 1: Also, being bored sometimes is also fine.

P.S 2: Here in the U.S., the supermarket chain Whole Foods has a new kind of cart with a seat in front of it, for a toddlers to sit in. It's a great idea, because the children can really participate in the whole shopping experience, by looking at everything (picture below).

Sorry about the blurry face.
P was actually having lots of fun and had a big smile on his face. 

The Weekender - "a play date with Mommy"

GROSSE PLÄNE from Irmgard Walthert on Vimeo.

F had a busy week. First full week since classes started again. Several play dates and some new after school trial classes. So he was quite tired when he arrived from school today. On the other hand, P had just woken up from his nap and he wanted to go the park.

F telling P he doesn't want to go to the park: "P, I'm too tired to go the park. I just want to have a play date with Mommy".

And so we played all afternoon (I'm now exhausted from my play date).

Have a nice weekend.

Back to the routine

Here and there are some new signs of Autumn to remind us that our long and busy Summer is almost a distant and pleasant memory. 

F started Kindergarten last week. Although it is in the same school he's been going for the last year and a half, I somehow felt a door had been shut and a new phase was starting. He left home with a big smile stamped on his face, his new tie around his tiny neck ("Just like Daddy" he kept saying) and his huge backpack on his back. When we arrived in front of the classroom he suddenly felt shy, held my hand a little tighter and clearly retained his tears. I did the same. 

This week was also P's first day of Preschool. Some tears rolled down. But he's slowly adapting. My little baby is not a baby anymore. No more diapers, no more bottles and (almost) no more pacifier. He's also part of a group now and becoming aware of it. He's slowly letting my hand go, gaining his independence, but always looking back for me.