Getting adjusted

I expected things to be different here, but it's so disorienting when everything is sooo different. No car, super hot & humid weather (I felt better when I heard New Yorkers saying it was hot on the radio - means it's not just me!), no concept of where I am in relation to anyplace else. It's a lot of figuring out new stuff, like how to greet the doorman, access the laundry room (sometime you have to use two elevators - um, ok), get the kids used to sleeping in the same room. The first day, Shay was asking to go back to his other house. I kind of felt the same way, but then we just got out and experienced things, and we both started feeling much better!

There are a few play areas right downstairs in the main plaza.  One of them has sprinklers that the kids can turn on and off.  Perfect for sweltering summer days!  I think that we will be visiting that area often.   I hear that there are also family events that take place on the plaza periodically.  I have seen lots of moms, babysitters/nannies, kids, and strollers, and have been gathering tips from everyone that I can about local  activities, schools, stores, buses, subway: basically, everything New York.

Shay shows the view of the East River from the plaza

Rockin' out on plaza stage

View from the plaza

One of the play areas

Mila has been doing well.  She loves exploring all the new environments. As long as we keep her fed and relatively well-rested, she is a happy baby.

Mila at playground (pre-water); loves to climb on things that she can fall off of

Mila exploring the playground with water sprinklers in our complex

I'm also trying to wean Mila - looks like it's going ok

It wasn't the best idea to schedule a school tour (at Manhattan Nursery School) the day after we arrived, but it went pretty smoothly.  My dad came to visit to help out, and he watched Mila for the first time.  Which caused us to be late, since I had to explain where the bottles were, how to make the bottle, etc.  She really took to him, though; my mom says it's because they have the same birthday.  I pushed Shay at least 15 long blocks in the hot and humid weather.  Although we arrived late, the administrators were so gracious.  Shay wanted to stay and play, which was a good sign.  I think he misses the structure and social interaction of school.  The teachers seemed engaged and the classrooms were well-equipped.  As may be typical of Manhattan preschools, they don't provide lunch and don't have an outside space.  They do have a big playroom with a climbing structure and take outdoor field trips.  We have a few more tours next week, then we will decide.  Our options are limited, since many of the preschools only admit for September-June and have already closed their enrollment for this fall.

Getting frozen yogurt and bubble tea after school tour

Walking to dinner with Grandpa Rob