I am back here so soon because I have the ideal opportunity to document a day I always have wanted to but never had the time to. Quietly sitting at end of a long day and due to a certain gust of inspiration- energy and time- here I go.
We have had many days like this but usually they leave me fairly drained and uninterested in writing. Plus writing is really hard for me. But about that another time.
So that morning I finally used our juicer for an incredible green apple- pomegranate- lime combo that sent a stream of energy to my brain and a with that the desire to get out there in the world and explore with my 19 month old daughter.
Delightfully, I discovered that Ava likes pomegranate. She likes okra also. Pomegranate and okra. Quite Middle Eastern.
I had to super quickly make a plan for the day because it was getting closer and closer to 10. In a hurried frenzy I dressed myself and Ava and I then looked up the usual multi-layered route for buses, train lines, transfers and elevator locations. Going to the City with a 19month old is not easy. But it's awesome. There is so much to learn on the bus and on the subway and while people watching. Communication with others truly enlivens us and makes our time rich with learning.
Of course we had to trash the apartment first. Why do women go through all their clothes before deciding what to wear? I certainly do, but in this case, I do it at maddening speed. Ava usually refuses to be dressed, but I pursue her relentlessly and in the chaotic ball that ensues, toys, coins, socks and shoes swirl around and land each according to their own gravitational pull at a new spot on the just-cleaned-you-this-morning-floor.
I wish it did not take us forever to leave the house, but it does. It always does. I always make a list and I always forget something. Here was the list I made the other day:
WHAT DO I NEED FOR A LONG TRIP OUTSIDE?
- MONEY CASH
- METRO CARDS
-WATER FOR HER
- SNACKS FOR HER
- DIAPERS
- CLOTHES if colder than expected
- FOOD, ENOUGH FOOD THAT SHE LIKES FOR LUNCH
- MILK
- DISTRACTION FOR THE SUBWAY- FOR ME, FOR HER
- CHOCOLATE TREATS, PREFERABLY WRAPPED
- LIP BALM (!!!! don't forget it like last time)
- A SPOON
- HEALTHY SNACK TOO
- HER BEAR OR MONKEY OR A CAT BOOK
- EVERYTHING ELSE I MIGHT NEED.
Taking the long trips that I do with Ava on public transportation requires lots of patience, perseverance in tough moments, enjoyment of the peaceful moments, ability to bribe and physical strength. First we get on a bus to take us from our little corner of the world to a bigger corner of the world where we can take the subway. To get on the bus, one has to have the carriage collapsed, the child securely in arms and the Metrocard in an easy pocket or better yet, in one's hand.
Ava can't and won't go up the stairs of the bus yet. And I wouldn't won't her to.
So, as for me, the above operation would be best performed with three arms, yet having only two, I always fall into a bit of a chaotic ball of strain as we mount the bus. Some bus drivers are really nice and then some are sort of not in the mood. Most though will let me settle before having to swipe the card.
So, as for me, the above operation would be best performed with three arms, yet having only two, I always fall into a bit of a chaotic ball of strain as we mount the bus. Some bus drivers are really nice and then some are sort of not in the mood. Most though will let me settle before having to swipe the card.
Ava likes the bus! It sways, swerves, accelerates and stops, people get on and off, the card reader beeps, there are announcements, and lots of interesting people to watch. The crowd on our bus is Latino+Asians + African American so it feels like a Sophie Blackall drawing. It gets challenging when she feels comfortable enough to start exploring. That's when I have to establish the boundaries. Like, no, you can't touch the old man's bold head. Or, no, don't pull the lady's hood of her coat. But there are things she can do. Smile, wave, study.
Same thing goes for the subway. She is fascinated with it, most gazes attentively as we descend via the escalator, then swipe our card and go through the service entrance door. Yes, there are no easy ways for mamas and children and carriages to get in, but for that another time.
We love visiting Dumbo. We love Pomme! The bookstore down the street from Pomme, the other bookstore by the new fancy coffee shop and of course the highlight of highlights, Jane's Carousel.
Ava finds running in circles around the big enclosed carousal so much fun. it was a super cold and windy day, but did not make the least bit of impression on her. Which is an interesting observation I have made- she rarely ever shows or complains about being cold. If there is something exciting going on, the cold doesn't matter.
We sealed it off with a hot latte for mommy and a fancy cookie and a meeting with a friend to marvel at how she has quadripled in size since he last met her.
Same thing goes for the subway. She is fascinated with it, most gazes attentively as we descend via the escalator, then swipe our card and go through the service entrance door. Yes, there are no easy ways for mamas and children and carriages to get in, but for that another time.
We love visiting Dumbo. We love Pomme! The bookstore down the street from Pomme, the other bookstore by the new fancy coffee shop and of course the highlight of highlights, Jane's Carousel.
Ava finds running in circles around the big enclosed carousal so much fun. it was a super cold and windy day, but did not make the least bit of impression on her. Which is an interesting observation I have made- she rarely ever shows or complains about being cold. If there is something exciting going on, the cold doesn't matter.
We sealed it off with a hot latte for mommy and a fancy cookie and a meeting with a friend to marvel at how she has quadripled in size since he last met her.
No comments:
Post a Comment