The Rest of September and The Month of October

Since living in Brooklyn we've been warmly welcomed by some local friends (Jeff, Lorena, Nyles and Carolyn) and family (Natalie, Sharone, David, David, and Chelsie). We've made a few trips to the Union Square farmer's market in Manhattan, only to discover that we had our very own smaller version farmer's market just two blocks away—ha ha! Anyway, those who are unfamiliar with NYC this meant we had to take the subway to make the journey to Union Square—I say journey because going on the subway with a toddler and infant is a bit of an ordeal. My cousin David had us all over for lunch in his beautiful new apartment and after we checked out the annual pickle festival in the Lower East Side.

As resident New Yorkers we gave up our car and became Zipcar members. During our first adventure out with the zip car to IKEA we got in a hit and run accident.  No one was hurt and the girls slept through the whole thing, although Sage and I were definitely traumatized—emotionally and then financially since we had to pay for the damage.

We then had a quick trip upstate (ha ha... to Westchester) to Deb and Tim's to celebrate Nora's baptism. We actually used the Zipcar again, but with much caution! My cousin Kristen stopped by later that same week and it was so great to see her! Deb, Tim, and crew came our way for a few hours to see our new place, I thought that was really awesome! Finally, a low key weekend came along and we just went to a Cooper Park (local park) for a kids Halloween festival. Sophia was completely uninterested in the events, but really liked being outside and of course she as liked the playground.

Sophia and Dylan chowing down at our apartment

Nora and Rylan hanging out at our apartment

Sophia and I at Cooper Park

Here I am with Rylan at Cooper Park

The month ended with us celebrating Halloween. Sophia dressed as a cat and Rylan as a pumpkin. We celebrated by attending a Halloween party hosted by one of my playgroups at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah. Sophia had a blast at the party and she loved her costume. I was so surprised! Most the time she hates getting dressed, but she insisted on wearing her cat costume three days in a row, meow!

Bye 9 Nursery Lane, Hello Brooklyn

Recently, I've been an extremely delinquent blogger, but I guess I'll attribute it having a second baby, selling our house, and moving Brooklyn. Yes, it's been madness! 


The last week in June we put our house on the market because Sage accepted a position as an Interactive Art Director at a small start up-company in Manhattan. Two short weeks later our house was sold. Then, 4 days later little Rylan Avery was born. We officially moved ourselves and all of our belongings out of 9 Nursery Lane on August 15th. At which time we became temporary residents of 6916 Shalimar Way—Mimi and Pop-pop's abode.  Thank you both so much!!! I have such great parents! 

Thankfully, Sage's new job did not begin until the first week in October. This gave us some time to find an apartment and move.  We moved the old style way with the help of friends and family—thanks to everyone who helped! Then, on September 19th it was "bon voyage"... we boarded the Amtrak train one-way to Penn Station.

In between that time, lots of other events happened. Sophia turned two! Grandma and Grandpa Long visited for her birthday weekend—great seeing you guys! Ari started his first year at college. Jenna started her senior year. Brian, Chantal and Marcus came to visit and meet Rylan. We meet our new niece Nora (Tim and Deb's new addition), who is two weeks older than Rylan. We celebrated  a few Jewish holidays. We celebrated both Nonna Penny and Pop-pops' birthdays. I may have missed a few things, as it was a very busy time, but I think I hit most of the highlights.


Bloopers: Pop-pop boarding our train to NYC with Sophia and going to another car. First of all I really didn't even know he boarded the train with her—I thought she was still on the platform with the gang (Les, Jen, Dad, and Ari). I was distracted with  trying to organize ourselves, the car seat, stroller, Rylan and find possible seats. Anyway, the doorman gave warning that the train was to go and I asked for Les, Jenna, and Ari to pass Sophia to me. Then it really started getting crazy! We were all frantic and yelling, calling Pop-pop to get off the train and give us Sophia. It was like a scene from a Woody Allen film. I laugh now (it all worked out). Pop-pop made it back to us, handing over Sophia and jumping off in the nick of time.  


Side note: Aunt Jenna, your rock! Thanks for being my summer Nanny. I can't possibly tell you how much this meant to me and how much you helped me survive this period of time!!! During this process I've really felt all the love in our family and it's wonderful!

9 Nursery Lane

Sophia's old room

Grandma and Rylan

Sophia and Marcus in the bath

Sophia in her new big bed from Grandma and Grandpa

the view from our apartment