A Winter Walk on Orchard Beach | Sundays in My City {photos}

Earlier this month, we took a long winter walk along Orchard Beach (in The Bronx) and I wrote about the poignant moments between fathers and sons I witnessed that weekend. Today I wanted to share some of the photos I took during our walk. 

From a distance, we saw a boat washed ashore from the storm. It was pretty crazy seeing a boat on the beach.   

What would a walk on the Beach be without looking for seashells? 

And of course, we have to hit the playground. On a cold winter day, it's a nice treat to have the playground to ourself.

Lower East Side #NYC (Sundays in my City)

Before I was a mother, I used to spend most of my time was spent wandering around Lower Manhattan.  And in the years before The Boy, The Husband and I walked hand in hand up and down streets with no destination in mind. But in the recent years, there just hasn't been to wander, roam or window shop. I had miss the richness and the history of those streets.

Earlier this week, we three found ourselves in the Lower East Side. It was too cold to roam. But I am longing for the warmer weather. So that we can all walk hand in hand up and down streets aimlessly. 

What 4am At Our Home Looks Like

It's 4:49 am. And we've been up since 3:55. It's Monday. So today should be really fun.

Some morning when The Boy wakes this early, I lay in bed with one eye open. And when the alarm goes off at 5 am, I put the snooze button to work. This morning, I couldn't do it. 

And like the saying experienced moms like to tell new moms, "Sleep when the baby sleeps" - I wake when The Boy wakes. 

I've washed last night's dishes. I took these snazzy pictures & tweaked them on my iPhone. And now I'm going to have a cup of coffee while I put the final touches on an article that's due later today.

So what does 4am look like in our place?  

Coffee waiting to be brewed. Dishes in sink waiting to be washed.
Laptop open & ready to go.

And while I washing the dishes this is what The Boy was doing! 

And as I'm typing this, the Boy sits beside me. Puts his hand on my shoulder and says, "Hey Momma. What's up?" and then kisses my cheek. And maybe just maybe I swooned a little bit.

Happy Monday!

Captain America Mask & Shield is Great for Pretend Play #HasbroHoliday

I remember when The Boy was initially going through the evaluation process. The doctor handed The Boy a toy car. Instead of "driving" the car and/or making "vroom vroom" sounds, The Boy, held the toy car close to his eyes and started spinning its wheels. And the doctor said, "I see he has no pretend play skills."

It's pretty hard to imagine a kid with no pretend play skills. It's the kind of thing many parents take for granted. Pretend play needed to be taught to him. And four years later, it is still something we work on.  (Though I am happy to report that The Boy has a collection of cars that he "drives" all over the apartment.)

But lately, The Boy has taken an interest in Super Heroes. And since The Husband is a huge comic book/super hero fan - I love that they have that shared interest. 

We were really excited to receive a this cool Captain America Hero Mask ($8.99 - 5 years & up) & Captain America Triple Blast Shield ($19.99 - 5 years & up) from Hasbro.

The Boy really loved putting on the mask and looking at himself in the mirror. The cool part about the mask is that it adjusts to fit adults - so Mom & Dad can get in on the fun too. He ran around the apartment with his mask and shield pretending to be Captain America. The Husband set up some action figures on a book case and The Boy was able to use the Triple Blast Shield to knock them down. He really got a kick out of that. And it was great to see how far he's come with his pretend play skills. 

For more information be sure to visit www.hasbro.com. They have super cool holiday gifts for kids of all ages. 

I am also really excited to host a great giveaway*. 

One of you could win this Captain America Mask & Triple Blast Shield too. And I'm making this super easy. All you need to is leave a comment below telling me: 

Which Marvel hero toys and action figures are 

YOUR kids requesting this holiday season?

* Giveaway is open to U.S. residents
* Must be 18 years & older to enter
* Giveaway ends Friday, December 14, 2012 11:59pm EST
* Winner will be chosen randomly via random.org & I will email the winner by Sat 12/16 

This is part of a product review campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Hasbro; complimentary products were provided.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Family Day Fun! A Very #FurryChristmas at Sesame Place

Yesterday was the grand opening day of A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place! 

And we were invited to join in on the one-of-a-kind family-friendly celebration with our favorite furry friends.

Growing up, I never got the chance to go to Sesame Place so I get really happy to do things like this with The Boy. And once we convinced him that it was too cold for splashing water fun and showed him all the water attractions were closed - he had a blast.

The last time we went to Sesame Place  The Boy refused to get near any of the characters, even though he loves so many of them. This time was different, he sought them out - walked up to them and got lots of sensory furry hugs.

The Boy asked for specific rides, waited patiently on lines (the park was manageable enough that we didn't need the disability pass) and used lots of language through out the day. He was really happy being part of the holiday fun.   

Check out some of our pics: 

Christmas Tree at the Entrance

 Pictures cannot do this tree justice. It's just beautiful.

 

Picture with Santa

Don't ask how many photos it took to get this one right. But we got it.

Hold on to your cookies Norrin

This is the money shot of the day - The Husband captured a great moment.

The View from Snuffle's Slides

I was worried about whether it would be crowded, but it was quite manageable. We didn't even request a disability pass. And The Boy did a great job waiting on the lines.

Grover

With the water attractions closed, we got to see the parade. One of my favorite parts of the parade was when it started to snow. It really added to the festivities.

 

Spectacular lights

We left before it got really dark  but even at dusk - the park looked like a Winter Wonderland at lit up.

Father & Son

We'll be back soon! 

More pics to be posted later in the week

***

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place is open select dates November 17th – December 31st. The fun starts with 3 special Christmas shows, dry rides (weather permitting), awesome music and twinkling lights all around. Sesame street glows with festivities and come to life at night with our illuminated Neighborhood Street Party Parade. And the fun continues with a special Christmas menu, super holiday shopping and, of course, a visit with Santa.


Disclosure: I was invited as a member of the media and provided with complimentary admission to the park. All opinions are my own.   

I'm Stranded in Texas, My Heart is in New York #Hurricane Sandy

It's been rough couple of days - the mom guilt is kicking in full force. I think I've cried all over Texas. I want to be with The Boy right now. And I can't. I am stranded in Houston, TX. My flights have been cancelled...

And I'm glued to CNN watching the news.

There is so much I want to say about the excitement of LATISM'12. How happy I am to have won an award. How grateful I am for everyone's support...how inspired I feel by being surrounded by so many amazing Latinos.

But right now - I just can't. I'm thinking of my family and friends in New York and all over the east coast. Stay safe. I'm praying for you and love you. If it's one thing I love about my city is how resilient we are. How we have the ability to come together in moments of crisis. We will be okay. We can get through this.

Please STAY SAFE. Stay where you are. Stay off the roads. Listen to the instructions of the Mayor and Governor.

Hopefully I will be home soon.

Thank you to all my friends in the blogging community - especially, Juan and Ariana (my new Houston friends) - your hospitality and generosity will never be forgotten.

There are a few I want to thank personally but I know you do not want to be thanked publicly. Please know, I am extremely moved by your words and support.

The Elephant in the Playground [Sundays in my City]

I love taking The Boy to the playground early on Sunday mornings. 

This morning, we were the only ones there. I was able to sit on the bench, relax and just let The Boy have the run of the place.  I didn't have to worry about him hurting anyone or anyone hurting him.

And I got to practice my photo skillz. 

Toy Boat Workshop @MaritimeAqua

Sesame Place Play Date

I grew up watching Sesame Street.  It's as much of my childhood as the home I lived in.


And that's what I love about motherhood.  Sharing special parts of my childhood with The Boy.  And seeing the joy on his face as he experiences it for the first time.  


As a kid, we never made it to Sesame Place.  So being able to take The Boy is special for me.  I know The Husband feels the same way.  We went last year for the first time and  walking along Sesame Street, was like having part of childhood come to life.  


So when I was invited to Sesame Place for a Blogger Play Date - I couldn't say no.  We were planning on going again this year anyway.


The Boy was just as excited.  Especially about the "water splashing fun" and the "rollee coaster."  I was pleased to hear that he remembered our trip and that he was looking forward to going again.


We got there right as the park was opening and immediately went to the Welcome Center where we requested a ride accessibility band (see below it's the orange band around his wrist).  This band allowed us to enter some rides without waiting on long lines.  We used the band at our discretion - we assessed each line and decided whether or not it was something The Boy could wait for.  The staff was incredibly accommodating to The Boy's needs.

Waiting for Grover's World Twirl  - See how I have hold to on tight?  
He had his cup all picked out.

    

Father & Son getting ready to ride the Vapor Trail

I don't really do roller coasters...I don't care if it's appropriate for kids 3 and older.  

I'm more of a Flyin Fish kind of gal

Last year we used the map to get around, this time we used the FREE Sesame Place App for iPhone to navigate the park.  If you have an iPhone - you have to download the app.  It just makes life easier.  Some of the features include: 

• View a full park map on your iPhone.
• True GPS navigation that provides a highlighted path to your destination
• Interactive park map with search that allows you to find the nearest restroom, dining location, ATM and more.

By 2pm The Boy was all played out and wanted to go.  He has no interest in meeting the characters and taking pictures.  I tried.  Trust me, I tried.  And once he rode a (dry) ride, he isn't interested riding it again.


Not when there's "water splashing fun" to be had.  But I didn't bring my swim suit (I'm not feeling swim suit ready) and while it was warm, it was still breezy.  And when it comes to the water rides - we really need 2 sets of hands to help with The Boy.  And since it was just me, The Husband and The Boy - it was kind of hard for The Husband to do on his own.  


Which means - we'll be heading back to Sesame Place before the summer's over.  And swim suit ready or not - I'll be participating in the water splashing fun.


I was kind of bummed that I missed the actual Blogger Play Date and the opportunity to meet other bloggers.  (I did get to see my friend Rachel White aka The Digital Latina  and meet her family.)  But as you know - when your kid is ready to go.  You go.  As quickly as you can. 

Needless to say, The Boy was knocked out the whole ride home

And even though he had a nice long nap, that evening he slept.  And GET THIS - he put on his own pajamas.  No prompting.  No asking.  ALL. ON. HIS. OWN.  He's never done that before.  


Yeah, he put his pajamas on backwards but who cares.  A Sesame Place influence? I'd like to think so.      
  

Disclaimer:  We were provided with complimentary admission to the park.  The opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.    

The Big Bad Annual Meeting [cue scary music]

It's that time of year for the annual meeting.  Our meeting is Friday.  And there is a lot at stake.        

I know, I've said it before.  But I'm learning that with every meeting - there is always going to be something on the line.  Last year, I thought the Turning 5 meeting was The Big One.  (That meeting was pretty hilarious.  I can laugh about it...now.) 

But this one that's coming up?  This is the big one.  The one that could make us or break us.

I am the kind of person who believes that people will do the right thing - especially when children are involved. 

I want to believe that the powers that be, will do the right thing by The Boy.

We will see.

   

Feels Good To Be Glam #MaryKayGlam

I can't tell you how often people tell me:  You look really tired.   As if I didn't know.  As if I didn't look in the mirror every day.  As if my tube of under eye concealer goes untouched.  As if the exhaustion is fighting its way through my make up.


But truth be told - I look tired, because I am tired.  I don't get much sleep.  (Just see the labels - Lack of Sleep or Exhaustion.)   


And even though, I go through the motions of applying under eye concealer, pressed powder, blush and painting on enhancing my eye brows.  And on a good day - curling my lashes and brushing on mascara.  I stop there.  


Even though I am a lover of lipstick.  I don't take the two extra seconds to put it on.  I apply clear lip balm to keep my lips from chapping.  But lipstick?  Not really.


And my reasons are silly.  Usually, I just forget.  Or I think, it will just come off while drinking my coffee.  I'll have to reapply it when I get to work or after lunch.  I think - what's the point?  Or - who am I trying to impress?  As if looking in the mirror and impressing myself is not reason enough to make the effort.


But it's amazing what a little lipstick can do?  


While attending the LATISM Top Blogueras Retreat, we were all pampered by the fabulous ladies of Mary Kay.


And we clustered around the Mary Kay Beauty Bar, giddy with girly excitement, trying on glosses - ohhing and ahhing over the products.  Every bloguera left with a sweet swag bag of Mary Kay products.  


I'll be honest, I've never used Mary Kay in my life.  But once I tried on their Rock n' Red
lip gloss - I was hooked.

photo courtesy of Latina Bloggers Connect
Mary Kay nourishine plus lip gloss in Rock n' Red

  
It felt light and natural.  It wasn't sticky - which I love.  And the best part?  It made me feel better about how I looked.
        



au naturel - not wearing a stitch of make up
#MaryKayGlam - feeling fab in Mary Kay nourishine plus lip gloss in Cream and Sugar

  Will a smear of lip gloss take away the exhaustion?  Probably not.  But if I can look in the mirror and feel a little bit brighter and a little less worn out - that's good enough for me.  

I think as moms - especially as special needs moms - we put ourselves last.  We forget to make the effort.  We forget to put on the pretty dress that's hanging in the closet with the tags still on because we're saving it for a special occasion.  We forget to put on some blush or lip gloss or paint our nails or brush our hair (please someone agree with me, don't let me the only one...) because we're always running someplace, because we have a never ending to do list.  As moms, we make sure our kids have everything they need while we walk around looking like a hot mess.  (Or is it just me, that's a hot mess on most days?) 
So ever since coming back from DC, I've been taking those 2 extra seconds to apply a little lip gloss. Because the person I'm trying to impress, is me.  And I've decided I'm worth the effort.
What will YOU do to feel glam?

 Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post.  I was provided with complimentary Mary Kay products, the opinions expresses are my own.  

Look At That Punim

Yesterday we took the 2 hour train/bus ride out to Brooklyn.   From The Bronx.

Yeah...it was um, interesting.

Beach Bums & Wanna Be Kite Runners

  

YAY!  My 1st time flying a kite

Me & The Boy have some BIG feet - Eeesh!

 

Photos taken by myself & The Husband with our iPhones

What's a Sunday like in your City?   
Unknown Mami wants to know!  
Go on over to Sundays In My City.