Weekend without The Baby

After 17 months and 2 weeks Craig and I finally went away for the weekend without the baby. We had grand plans to go to San Francisco but Craig's school schedule got in the way, instead we headed to The Jersey Shore, or Ocean City to be exact. My parents watched Max and after I wrote out a long list of what to do, and what not to do, Craig and I jumped in the car at 8pm and headed to the shore. Originally our first hotel choice was The Borgata in Atlantic City, but alas it was sold out. So instead we stayed at The Atlantis Inn - a charming B & B about 10 miles away. Friday night we walked up and down the board walk, got a slice of pizza and an ice cream and then headed back to the Inn. Saturday night we headed over to Atlantic City to check out the Borgata, the latest swanky addition the the AC strip (although its not on the strip) So off we went...we weren't able to get reservations for any of the famous restaurants because again we didn't book in advance..but we were able to see Joel Mchale (from the Soup perform) and he had a very funny guy named Rory Albanese open for him. Nice surprise..it's like the time I saw Mos Def open for The Pharcyde in like 1995 or around that time .I had no idea who Mos Def was, but his set was way more memorable.

So it was great getting away from it all. But truthfully I missed Max a whole lot. Especially since Ocean City is like the most family friendly place in the world. Craig and I oohed and ahhed at almost every baby that strolled on by. Sunday morning I woke up extra early even though I had meant to sleep in. Craig was a trooper and got us back to Philadelphia by 10:30 so I could see my little guy.

Date night with Jennifer Weiner

I have been out three nights since arriving to Philly in January (not counting nights with Craig). In January I went out for drinks with a few girls who were nice enough to invite me along. Then in April I had a date with best selling author, Jennifer Weiner. We met at the Continental, where I ate too many hors d'oeuvres and downed four diet cokes. Then we headed over to the Electric Factory to watch Rock Bottom Remainders (the band comprised of famous authors) perform. I might have just failed to mention that this "date" with JW was with about 40 other women too and she had generously bought everyone drinks and appetizers at the Continental and tickets to the show.

If you don't already know this about me, Jennifer Weiner is one of my favorite authors, and I have read almost all of her books. (I still have Little Earthquakes to read)

So last night I went to the Philadelphia Free Library to hear Jennifer Weiner's reading of her new novel, "Fly Away Home". JW was witty and engaging, I laughed, I sighed, I clapped. Then I stood in line with her new hardcover. The line started in a rather grand hallway that showcased an exhibit about quilts. I stood between two pairs of friends who vivaciously chatted and made future plans. I was alone so I read the blurbs about each quilt. Then I practiced what I was going to say to Jennifer Weiner. Something funny and witty of course. But instead I barely mustered the courage to say things like "saw you in L.A./my husband is at home babysitting/ have a baby named Max" (i know lame) and then JW signed my book and I walked home into the balmy night, past the Swann Memorial Fountain (which at night is beyond spectacular) and past all the bars and restaurants. I had a gait in my step. Philadelphia was alive last night and JWs talk was, as always, inspiring. Before I went to bed I read the first chapter of "Fly Away Home" and I'm already hooked. As I turned off the light and snuggled into my pillow I thought, "maybe I should take a quilting class."

Summer Daze

So it dawned on me about three days ago, that my son's emotional well being is as important as feeding him organic food and having him drink out of a BPA free sigg bottle ( which i can't believe I spent $19.99 on at whole foods) I have a slight idea about emotional well being, I read "the Happiest Baby on the Block" and I ask my friend Rebecca, who is based in Los Angeles about her RIE classes. (I miss all those classes in LA...so many choices on how to raise your child, it's as easy as ordering a burger with different toppings) But it really hit home the other day and I freaked out, helloooo having a baby is a HUGE responsibility... am I only discovering this now? Max is a year and a half!

On other fronts Craig and I have decided to try and maintain/ create a green kitchen. That means bye bye to our non stick pans, and storing things in glass containers. (it will be hard to get rid of my Tupperware, I might keep a few as emergency back up) Sometimes listening to NPR in the car..spells TROUBLE..like I need to worry about this..but now I am. And would I ever use the term "green kitchen"? No I would not..that's all NPRs fault. This car ride also led to the $19.99 Sigg bottle for Max. and later I fretted about his BPA free plastic sippy cups, the ones he has used for the past 6 months: were they actually BPA free, and how harmful is it, that every now and then I put these plastic sippy cups in the dishwasher instead of washing them by hand?

Craig is back at school, which means one on one time with Max. This is all fine and dandy. I love spending time with him, but recently Max has pushed his bedtime to 9pm! I used to count down until 7pm..but 9 is just too much. He just yaps away in his crib, no crying..he's just hanging out. But how am I supposed to really relax when watching re-runs of the Real Housewives of Somewhere..I think he stays awake because his room is too bright, we need black out shades, which can't happen soon enough.

I Changed the Title of my Blog

After 5 months I have changed the title of my blog from Greetings From L.A. to Greetings From Philadelphia. It's about time to admit that I've moved. The colors of my blog have changed as well, from California pink to city blue,black and red. I'm sure there is a sports team reference too, and if there is, it is purely coincidental.

The title change was inspired by the fact that I've gotten to see more of my new city recently. My mother treated Max, Craig and I to a day at The Please Touch Museum, which was indescribably magical and is housed in the most incredible building. Max rode on the carousel, the look on his face was of pure ecstasy. It's true what "they" say, that you re-discover your childhood through your child's eyes. Max wandered through the museum and we followed behind. He explored miniature neighborhoods, a gym, a supermarket, and ran down the ramp to see Alice in Wonderland. There was even a floor piano from the movie "BIG" but Max was wasn't heavy enough to light up the keyboard. It was great to be in a place were I didn't have to say "no, don't touch that" and where he could run around safely.

I've also explored my city through my taste buds. My father in law treated Craig and I to some delicious steak and soft shell crabs at The Prime Rib, and the next night to mouth watering Greek food at Estia, where the trick is to order a bunch of appetizers and share one main course, like the lamb chops. Sunday night Max and I ate dinner at The Falafel Factory, which serves up baked falafel. And Craig and I managed a date night and went to Dimitri's, a reasonably priced Greek establishment, on 24th and Pine, which was disappointing (not the date, the food). Since moving, I've gotten a hunkering for a good soft pretzel ( a Philadelphia staple) and for 65 cents I go to the Philly Soft Pretzel Factory. Mostly though, I spend my days wandering the various parks and playgrounds. My goal is to keep Max outside and get as much fresh air as possible. I have another goal too and that is to stop spending so much money on cold drinks. Since when is an Ice Tea $2.47? Between my Dunkin Donut's ice coffee and my Cosi Ice Tea and Kinder hazelnut bar, I'm raking up a cool $6.50 a day.

By the way did I ever mention I saw Bradley Cooper jogging down Walnut Street? Wowza..he's so dreamy. I believe the big deal Hollywood film crew has left town. Farewell Bradley...it was nice having you around.

A Ray of Light

Max was hospitalized again (for the third time). Like the two previous times before, the ordeal started with a small sniffle and progressed to rapid breathing within a couple of days. So Craig and I packed an overnight bag and headed to the hospital. This time we knew the drill and took shifts watching Max, packed snacks, bought food vouchers at the hospital cafeteria, and brought a change of underwear.

But it was horrible seeing my little guy working hard to breathe, and not to mention frightening, when he was administered oxygen upon arrival. Even though he was surrounded by a bevy of medical staff in a top children's hospital, a small part of me worried that he'd worsen instead of get better. But thankfully he was released after a two night stay. I walked in Thursday morning to see him playing in the hospital crib. (craig slept over) I can't explain how amazing it was to see Max perform this regular activity. I felt a thousand times lighter.

So now that this episode is behind us, life is back to "normal". Craig has been on summer break and therefore helping me around the house. He takes Max to the park, and makes him dinner, today he gave him a bath. I in turn have been writing and getting the apartment together.

Tonight Craig told me he was bored. That he needs more mental stimulation.

"So you don't like being a housewife?" I asked.

He smiled and said "no"

Craig is dying to go back to school. I understand.

We've also made a pact that we need friends in Philadelphia. I've met a few really nice girls here. I know everyone has their lives and its hard to suddenly insert yourself in someone else's friendship pattern. These things have to happen naturally, and naturally can take years. I think its easier to become a self made millionaire than make good lasting friendships.

But we will try :-)

This weekend it seems everyone is headed to The Shore or The Cape or the Poconos but we're staying in Philly. Maybe the city will be nice and quiet, like New York on holiday weekends.

One day I'd like to have a weekend home. Or live in LA, where your regular home is like a weekend home because it truly is always sunny in Los Angeles.