A Monday in Central Park

Last week when the weather was gorgeous I had a moment where I realized that at the end of the day I am going to be exhausted no matter what I do so I might as well spend some days really wearing myself out in Central Park.

Yesterday morning we headed over to my visiting teacher's apartment and she ended up feeding me lunch (how awesome is she!) so I called an audible and Declan and I headed to Central Park afterwards. There are no pictures to document this outing because I didn't have my camera but in the end I probably would have forgotten the memory card even if I remembered the camera so its a moot point. We entered around 72nd, passed through the quiet zone of Strawberry Fields and paid a short tribute to John Lennon. Then we scooted across to a bench near the pavilion above Bethesda Fountain. It was fun to make this trek because these were some of the exact steps that I took with Danny on our wedding day. I of course have walked through these parts millions of other times but our wedding day will be one that I will never forget. I sat on a bench, fed Declan and had the best seat in the house for people watching. By the way, what do all these people do for income? There were TONS of people out and about in the middle of a Monday afternoon.

While Declan and I sat in the shade, I read the plaques on the benches next to us. People can donate money to the park and I believe $75,000 can get you a dedicated park bench. I've always told Danny that if I were rich that's one thing I would definitely do. One of the benches was dedicated in memory of a lady who I imagine loved Central Park and it read "Unforgettable She Was". What a beautiful sentiment. 

I find it important to mention here that while we sat and watched the amazing characters that NYC has to offer I downed 6 homemade chocolate chip cookies, complements of my other visiting teacher. (did I mention how lucky I am?). Declan and I hung around the lady of the fountain for a little while and then strolled down Poets Walk. There were musicians out in abundance and one man was playing a song on his saxophone that I swear was in a movie set in NYC. By this point, Declan had fallen asleep but I got this crazy idea that it would be super fun to take him to Heckscher Playground and push him in the swings. I ended up only checking out the playground because I realized it was silly to wake my sleeping boy to basically place him in the swing because we all know I really wouldn't be doing too much pushing. Plus maybe his first time on the swings should be with the whole family.

We exited the park at Columbus Circle and immediately I felt tired. Something about being back on the street helps bring reality back and the dread that the 3 hour detour might not have been the best decision. In the end I got back to our apartment and napped for 2 hours. All in all another day of falling in love again with the city.

Surprise in my Boot

The other day I was putting on my boots to head outdoors and I felt a sock in the toe of my shoe. When removing my boots I often leave socks in if they happen to come off during the removal process. So I reached deep down to the bottom to retrieve the sock and what did I find? 

To my delight I found one of Declan's teeny white socks. I have no idea how it ended up there but it was too fun!

Have I Done Any Good

Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone's burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?

Then wake up and do something more
Than dream of your mansion above.
Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,
A blessing of duty and love.

 There are chances for work all around just now,

Opportunities right in our way.
Do not let them pass by, saying, "Sometime I'll try,"
But go and do something today.
'Tis noble of man to work and to give;
Love's labor has merit alone.
Only he who does something helps others to live.
To God each good work will be known.

 

 

 And bonus! Hiya Baby.

 

 

 

My Boys

Hanging with my boys this weekend!

Too Good to Stay Indoors

The weather today was too good to stay indoors so Declan and I packed up the stroller and headed north. We hit up Central Park and the UWS. When we got back home it just felt wrong to be in the apartment so I strapped Declan in the Ergo and off we went to meet Danny at his office and walk him home from work. Since Declan fell asleep on the way, Danny and I grabbed some dinner at the new Steak 'n Shake. All in all a beautiful day. Of course I have no pictures of any of this but I do have pictures of what we did the rest of the day.

 

Naked Baby Time

It's hot (50's) in our neck of the woods plus we used the oven and the heat was on today - so we're loving some naked baby time.

Weekend Report

Between a baby that won't go to bed until 4am and seeing a mouse in our apartment - it has been a physically and emotionally exhausting weekend but we still made some great memories. 

 

 

Bicep Workout

Someone has forgotten how to fall asleep without the aid of a stroller, rocker or swaying in grandparent arms. I'm getting mighty buff putting this 14+ pounder to sleep.

Celebrating

Lots of celebrating going on around here:

4 months old

Danny's Birthday

Valentine's Day

Bring in the Reinforcements

My Mom and Dad came to visit this weekend. We did a lot of eating, staying warm and of course playing with our cute baby. Danny and I even left Declan for 12 hours straight! I'm sure they were exhausted by the time they left but we're glad they came to take care of us (aka - came to NYC on vacation). 

 

 

 

 

 

Hermana Proffit

It was 6 years ago yesterday that I entered the LDS Missionary Training Center to learn Spanish before serving the people in California and teaching about Christ. I wouldn't have even remembered had I not been tagged in a picture on Facebook.

 

I don't talk much about my time as a missionary because it brings up lots of emotions and was such a sacred time in my life. When I told Danny about how it had been 6 years, he asked if that realization was a teary moment. It surprised me that I could honestly tell him no because I'm really happy where I'm at today. I feel like I've done some really good things in my life since that day.

Like many Prophets have said: Everything good in my life can be traced back to my decision to serve a mission. 

While I may not make perfect choices every single day, I am grateful for the opportunity to strive to do better the next and to be able to look back with satisfaction on the experiences I've had, lessons I've learned, and who I've become.

Love this Little Boy

The Guy Has No Heart

One great thing about having a husband with a desk job is that he's at the computer all day and I can chat with him online whenever I want.

The other day I found some size 1 diapers in a changing pad that we don't use frequently. Declan is currently wearing size 2 (one size bigger) so of course I ran to the computer to let Danny know that a weep fest would shortly ensue. Can my baby really be growing up this fast? NO!! As I relayed the tragedy to Danny of course his response was, "Can he still wear size 1?" Oh my sweet husband was trying to find a remedy to my deep despair by showing me that our little baby could still wear the smaller size! (Declan does fit the smaller size because sizes overlap in weight). When I told him that he could indeed still wear them he concluded, "Good, because I almost weeped over possibly wasted diapers."

The guy has no heart.

Sleeping Arrangement

Declan has been sleeping in the closet for the past two months. We decided he was finally too big for his bassinet so he got a new bed and moved into the kitchen corner.

 First night in his new space - 3.5 months old

 

First night home - 4 days old 

Saturday Happenings

When we finally decided that I would stay at home with Declan I never realized how much I would still look forward to the weekends. I just imagined every day would kind of be the same. I was wrong. The weekends are even better than when I was working Monday-Friday. Granted I don't get to sleep in, take naps or take a break from my "job" but I get to have my whole family together.

Here's a little glimpse into our Saturday:

Declan did some light reading in the morning while Mom and Dad finished chores

We went for a long walk in Central Park

and Declan had so much fun he fell asleep playing with his toys

The Stare Down

Cat vs. Baby

Labor and Delivery

Danny was a champ. Of course he didn't prep at all but in the end he couldn't have been better.

I was in the hospital a long time. Sunday was the best as it was the first whole day with Declan and we just hung out together as a family.

Some advice I would give to other Mamas-to-be:
1. Stick close to this motto - "Bring nothing, Take everything." Danny and I may have taken this to the extreme but in general you'll need an empty bag. The only thing I really liked having was my own pillow.
2. Ask your nurses lots of questions. If you ask the same question a million times you will get a million different answers.

 

Drowning in Trash

I wouldn't say it's a new hobby, but as of late Danny has been focusing his time on selling our old and unwanted things on eBay and Craigslist. The biggest problem with this is while this junk remains unclaimed it sits on the floor or kitchen table in our apartment. Now this wouldn't be so bad if the eventual outcome were big profits but we're talking like $10. Total. Can I pay him $10 to throw this stuff away and get a new hobby? 

Until then, Declan and I will be drowning in Danny's trash.

Cheers!