WHAT DID YOU DO AS A CHILD

“What did you do as a child to make the hours pass like minutes? Herein lies the key to your earthly pursuits.” 
– Carl Jung

My free spirited boy. We took a stroll to Central Park and came across a group of little girls who were playing in the fountain. It started with toe dips then clothes started flying everywhere. I hesitantly stripped Lucas to his diaper so he could play. No less than one minute later I was being handed a soggy pull up from Lucas. For a moment I began to internally freak. Strangers staring! The fountain must be filthy! But then Lucas ran off with the adorable gang of giggling girls and he looked so happy. So free. My nerves softened and I was able to just enjoy the moment and allow Lucas to run and let it all hang out. Childhood is magic. Lucas is magic. What a perfect afternoon. 

SPRING AND NEW FRIENDS

Last week we had a bit of a cold front. A major, unwanted departure from the sunny warm weekend that had just passed. It put me in a bit of a funk to say the least. I contemplated chucking all my winter jackets and wearing nothing but sandals and tanks out of spite. But then I’d wake up sick and bla bla bla. So there we were, bundling up in scarves and hats..yet again. The weather man must have felt the bad juju vibes I was sending him and we had a little break in the middle of the week. Lucas and I met new friends for coffee and a park date and it was just what we needed. We still needed a few layers but I can deal with a denim jacket. It’s the faux-fur lined coats that have me all in a tizzy. Either way, Spring we can feel you. We want you to stay. We kinda, really love you. Thanks in advance for the warm, sunny days, play dates with friends, and iced coffee breaks. Also, I think I’m looking pretty good with two kiddies. Ivan, I hope you’re reading this. I kid. I kid. Sort of. Thanks Mary for amping my baby fever to turbo. Cheers, Spring!

hat (thrifted) | jacket c/o camp wolf | leggings c/o little cocoa bean | sneakers from converse

THE WEEKEND

This weekend was amazing, exhausting, and trying – all rolled into in. Yes, it really is possible to have an incredible weekend that you just can’t wait to be over. Trust me on this one. The mister was working late all week and had to work ALL weekend. He was off doing important job business and it was just the monkey and I left alone to our own devices. So here is a breakdown of what we did: took a few delicious naps (Lucas. NOT mama.), had a play date, took a few walks, and went to see abuela in Queens. Oh. A little person who shall not be named also decided to wake up at dawn on Sunday morning. Fun for everyone! But in all seriousness, although we missed daddy greatly, it was so nice to have a few days of one on one time with my boy. He really is the light of my life. Even if he hates when mami sleeps.

SATURDAY AND A TASTE OF SPRING

Saturday was perfect. The sun was shining and my boys and I had the day all to ourselves. We woke up and decided to take a walk through El Barrio, one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC. Spanish Harlem reminds me so much of the Caribbean. The gorgeous buildings painted in pastels – sweet pinks and pops of mint and turquoise. I could get lost just staring at all the beautiful colors and architecture! Back to Saturday. We got dressed and headed out around 10 am (not without Lucas’s beloved felt house, of course ;). We made our way uptown where Ivan decided to stop at his barber shop. Lucas and I played and patiently waited (someone decided it would be fun to roll around in a pile of hair not previously swept up. not pointing fingers or anything but it wasn’t me..). Afterwards we headed to Cotsco – NOT a good idea on a Saturday but we are family of rebels – and picked up just a few essentials. Body wash for Lucas, deodorant for mama, and protein powder for the hubs. Lucas started to nod off during the check out. I remembered a beer garden we had passed on the walk over and we jetted back to take advantage of nap time..sweet, sweet nap time. My love and I enjoyed a quiet hour drinking beers and discussing our upcoming trip to New Orleans (!). As we stepped back out to the curb, Lucas popped up. I couldn’t have timed it better if I had tried. The first official Saturday of Spring was so very good. I’m smiling just thinking about all the amazing weekends to come this season.                      beanie c/o no sweet | scarf and sweater c/o little boss shop | leggings c/o piccolini | sneakers from converse

BITTERSWEET GOODBYES

v1386738311.307017.IMG_68971386738327.186352.IMG_68921386738325.855196.IMG_68931386738285.882445.IMG_6905201312110025221386738324.487513.IMG_68941386738273.388127.IMG_69071386714315.974488.IMG_6813This week flew by. Between work, friends, and days in the park, the days seemed to pass in a flash. Today my dear friend Lauren and that beautiful kiddo of her fly back to to the sunshine state (my little Lucas is also flying to Florida with grandma today. I’ll save the sob fest that’s currently happening for a later post..). I’m going to miss them something fierce. With each visit and face time call, our friendship continues to blossom and is solidified in a very real, organic, beautiful way. Lucas and Dylan are brothers by way of their soul mate mamas and their friendship is something I’m so excited to see grow. The way Lucas yells for “Diiiaannn” and the way his eyes grow wide and bright when he sees his friends face is heart melting. On this visit they finally got to meet my other half and Ivan finally, finally, understands what all the fuss is about when it comes to the Noel’s. Ivan instantly bonded with Dylan and text me throughout their trip to check on them. Lots of mush and loving going on over here in NYC. Until next time my sweet loves. 

A DAY AT THE ZOO

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Saturday afternoon we headed to the Central Park Zoo to meet my lady love Lauren and Lucas’s Florida BFF, Dylan. Lucas was napping and I was certain that he was going to snooze throughout our entire zoo visit but as soon as he head Lauren’s voice he popped right up! He saw Dylan, his eyes lit up, and he immediately requested to get out of his carrier. Such love these boys have for each other! They became fast friends/honorary brothers on our Florida visit and we face time almost daily so he loves him some Titi Lo and Dylan 😉 BTW: he has been calling Lauren “titiiiiii” (aunt) this whole trip. Heart melting for sure. Saturday was a cold one and we did the best we could trekking through Central Park with the boys but at a certain point it was time to call it quits and head to Shake Shack for burgers and hot chocolate. After warming up we took the boys back to my apartment for a bath and a pajama party with my mister. Can I just say, I have the best man in the world. He willingly volunteered to take care of both boys so the mamas could have a night out to celebrate. Lucky lady right here. Disclaimer: our night out resulted in us restaurant hopping and stuffing ourselves to the point where I could barely breathe. No drinks necessary. It was the perfect Saturday. 

MUSTACHES AND TIGERS, OH MY

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Last Sunday was full of adventure. We got all dressed up in our Sunday best – tiger leggings and mustache loafers, clearly. To Brooklyn we went for a family dinner, beers, good laughs, and lots and lots of chasing after a toddler who shall remain nameless. I love our little trips to Brooklyn. There’s something so magical about that borough (hint hint Ivan ;). Little pockets filled with mom and pop shops, outdoors cafes, and rows upon rows of the loveliest brownstones. Lucky for us we happen to have loved ones that reside in one of those beautiful brownstones so we can visit as often as we’d like. Before heading inside to join everyone, we took our time walking, letting Lucas explore and check out all the pumpkins for sale. We ended the night with very full tummies and happy hearts. My favorite way to bid adieu to the weekend.

PARK DATES

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Oh how I love trips to the park with my baby and great friends. My girlfriends are my loves and this gem of a gal is one of the best darn ladies I know. Jackie loves my guy and Lucas loves her right back. We look forward to our weekly dates – coffee, chasing after the bub, and lounging on the couch after Lucas has whooped both our butts. Cheers to friends who love our babies! I think that in itself is pretty epic..and shit. 
 
mama: sweater from sparkle & fade | sneakers from bdg
lucas león: zip-up from h&m (similar here) | levis leggings c/o piccolini | moccs c/o freshly picked

STREET FAIR!

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Saturday night Lucas and I took a bubble bath and practiced the alphabet by drawing on the tiles with washable crayons. We put on our pajamas and Lucas waited by my feet while I warmed up his milk. Off to the couch we went to snuggle under our favorite blanket, the one covered in milk stains that gets softer with every wash. Fifteen minutes later I carried a limp, sleeping toddler to his crib and cleaned off the drool puddle that had formed on my chest. Just our typical nightly routine. Then Lucas decided that routine is boring. Dull! For the birds I tell ya! He woke up at 1am happy as a clam and ready to party. We boogied until 4am. I’ll spare you the details and just say that we all woke up Sunday not so refreshed and a little cranky.
Nothing beats the morning grumps better than a street fair. Lucky for us there was one two blocks from our apartment, because ya know, like I said, we were sleepy – and sleepy = lazy. We ate grilled corn, gyros, and mozzarepas (the best darn things ever). Lucas skipped and trotted (yes, he trots) his way through the whole fair and even tried his hand at hula hooping. I see a dance future for this boy! Also, against my better judgment, I let Lucas into a bouncy house. To be fair I asked the attendant if he was big enough and she gave me an enthusiastic yes. There were also about three other kids inside the same size as Lucas. As he sat there staring at me, not bouncing, my heart jumped with every kid who flew past him. One minute later I collected my son, all toddler parts intact. Lesson learned. Mom fail aside, it was a mighty fine Sunday for this little family.
top c/o little boogaweezin | leggings c/o sweet luka mo | sneakers from little vida

AN AFTERNOON AT THE PIER

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Sunday mama slept in. Oh yes she did! After the boys took a mid-morning nap (which by the way is just about the sweetest thing ever) and I had some coffee, we got the show on the road and headed down to Riverside. There was a little fair going on with treats and rides for the kiddos. To be honest I was expecting more of an old fashioned carnival but Lucas had a great time nonetheless. His favorite ride was the little car which was about 15 seconds of fun. If you happened to be there, we were the parents with a screaming kid trying to cut the line for more turns. This boy has a full blown obsession with cars! The swings were also pretty fun and that view – sigh – sometimes New York, you take my breath away. Hope you all had a lovely weekend!
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