baby's 1st trip to new york city...

We were lucky enough to have a family photo session with the immensely talented Tara Leigh this morning in Central Park - a perfect reason for G's first trip to the city.

We sailed down the highways with no interruptions, landed a meterless parking spot one block from the park entrance, had a happy baby on our hands and even had time to walk to Starbuck's for coffee before our session. And, the rest of the day followed suit. Tara was incredible to work with - so laid back and at ease with what she does (and was sweet and gracious enough to give me a few hints to push me into using my camera on manual). We cannot wait to see the proofs and have a feeling we'll have a hard time deciding which which shots will be enlarged and framed.

After the session, our little family took a walk around the west side enjoying the weather and G's reactions to seeing the city for the first time. He is absolutely a people watcher!

After a oh-so-good lunch at BBQ's we headed back to the park for a little playtime before making the drive back home.

Hoping you are enjoying your Memorial Day weekend, whatever your plans. I am grateful for an extra day with my husband at home and we are making the most of every minute.

My thoughts are also with two very special service men in my family this weekend - thank you to Jon and Brent for all that you do each day so that we can continue to enjoy the freedoms of the USA.

much needed updates...

I just typed out a looooooong post and my computer ate it, grrr! So, here's a short version for now...

The belly. At 16 weeks (7/24) my belly finally popped a bit so, I was inspired to try for a photo. Not the best from my iPhone but it's a start. Mr. B took several more that weekend and we'll likely take weekly shots here on out for Baby Boom's scrapbook.

Commuting to the far end of NYC in the summer is not fun, especially with my current aversion to heat and humidity. Steaming subway stations and molten asphalt, anyone? But, I am occasionally required to work out of our Wall Street office. At the very end of Wall Street, past the stock exchange and trough the throngs of warm weather tourists. And, here's proof - taken after crossing the street from the #4 Wall Street station. Check out the crowded chattle line on the left...yep.

But, the commute home is never bad when accompanied by a treat or two. The picks this date were and Iced non-fat Chai Latte and a black & White from Junior's. Yum!

On the scrapbooking front, I finally flung myself back into my beloved hobby after a 4 month hiatus (yes, my last page was completed in March!) at an all-day crop. Not my most productive crop ever but, I had a great time with friends and went home with 4 completed layouts. As soon as I can get motivated to scan them in, I'll post a couple here.

And, about that diaper bag decision. It's on-going:

1. #3, the Petunia Pickle Bottom has gotten some pretty terrible reviews about the fabric wearing poorly and a couple of other things (the need to purchase stroller clips for an additional $20 you say?). And, a lovely reader offered her mom perspective that the messenger bag flap was sure to drive me mad (thank you!!!).
2. #2, the Rowdy seems to be eternally out-of-stock or selling for twice the recommended price if one should manage to come across it. In the end, while pretty, I"m not sure it would be large enough for all the baby goods.
3. #1, the Skip*Hop Studio is definitely still in the running and I'm also considering another of their models that, like the Rowdy, has a detachable small purse for mom (and is in a very chic fabric).
4. Now, am looking at a #4, Fleurville. Love that they use eco-friendly fabrics that that they wipe clean.

-- posted from my iPhone