While Nana Was Here

It's been almost a week since my mom left, and I still haven't recorded all the fun we had that week. It was a busy week. We...

• attended Lenny's surprise party to celebrate his 75th birthday! His office staff had organized a beautiful party at a restaurant near his home. His sister had driven in from Connecticut. There were about 20+ people there, and Len was totally shocked and surprised by it all. It was great.
• On Saturday we met up with our friends Andrew, Isaac, Dave, and Robyn at the Museum of Natural History. It was Tess's first time inside that museum, and she really enjoyed the animal exhibits. We went to Central Park after lunch, and then walked around the upper west side in the cold wind while Tess got a much needed nap in her stroller.
• Sunday we made a delicious vegan feast for Len. He came over for brunch.
• Monday morning, our usual routine began. Tess went to Sandra's and I went to yoga. That afternoon we caught up on cooking and cleaning.
• Tuesday my Mom and I took advantage of our 3 1/2 hours without Tess to run into the city for a little spring/summer clothes shopping. I had great luck and great encouragement. So much better than shopping alone! We grabbed a quick lunch and then rushed back to pick up Tess. That evening I also made it to the chiropractor's since I my Mom could watch Tess.
• Wednesday is music class day, and in the afternoon we hosted our neighborhood playdate at our apartment. My Mom played play dough with Tess and two of her friends for almost an hour! The three girls sat around the table entranced.
• Thursday morning we spent the morning at a new friend's house. (Pictured in the previous post.) During nap, we prepped dinner, and then in the afternoon we went to a neighborhood friend's birthday party. The party food was amazing. There was a beautifully frosted homemade cake, orange blossom and saffron pot-de-creme (custard) "for the kids", french macaron cookies held together with chocolate, Prosecco for the adults and juice for the kids. Can you tell the mother is French, and quite a good cook? That evening I had my final writing class, but Len came over to eat with Eric and Carol. We had made stuffed peppers for dinner.
• Friday morning we stayed home and Nana packed her suitcase. We were all exhausted after that busy week. She left at noon, when Tess was sleeping, and then that afternoon we went to another neighborhood birthday party! That's three cake opportunities in one week! Tess was in heaven!

There was also lots of skyping Baba that week. A fun week to say the least.