We’re still making the most of our, "Summer in the City" and just wanted to check in to share what we’ve been up to lately...
Working Out: It is probably one of my least favorite things to do, but I know it is so important. I realized I hadn’t really worked out since Lucie was born and although it was something I loved to do while I was pregnant, I couldn’t bring myself to do it anymore so easily. I had so much fun going to the gym with my baby bump, jamming to the Celia Cruz station on Pandora Radio while I worked out on the elliptical, but lately I felt paralyzed and frozen just thinking about it. I don’t really know why, it’s hard to explain, but I know there was a connection in my mind to my pregnancy that ended so abruptly and working out (even though that wasn’t the cause – in fact the cause is still unknown). A friend of mine suggested incorporating Lucie into my workouts now, at least to get started again. So, with a lot of encouragement from my Community Group and of course Rob, I started to slowly get back in to working out. Rob came up with some creative workouts that I could do on early Saturday mornings at the playground while Lucie played and cheered me on. (Keyword: EARLY – so it wasn’t as crowded! Lol!) I’ve also done some quick work outs in the apartment and the cutest thing in the world is watching Lucie try to copy what I am doing whether it’s squats or pushups. My favorite way to excercise has been walking home from work. While Lucie was at the daycare by my job during the month of July, Rob would meet me in midtown, we’d pick Lucie up and walk home. It’s about a two mile walk, and the nice weather made it so enjoyable. It’s still hard to find the time, but I’m glad to be able to feel good about working out again.
Twinsies: Ok, check out this picture of me circa 1986… Brunette Lucie, amIright?! (Wishful thinking, lol.)
My 31st Birthday: Rob and Lucie surprised me and brought cupcakes to my office to kick off the festivities. I took the Friday after my birthday off from work and we had a pool day in Harlem. Sadly, we have no pics but we had fun swimming in the big pool, throwing Lucie up in the air and splashing around A LOT. It was the perfect way to keep cool on a very hot day. We had a picnic dinner at Carl Shurz Park with friends later that night which is always a favorite. On Saturday, we went to the Met. We checked out the Fashion exhibit, the Rooftop installation and the Greek wing. Later that evening we had a Game Night at our apartment where we played like 20 rounds of One Night Ultimate Werewolf, listened to 90’s music the whole time (personally requested by the other birthday gal, Katie) and enjoyed Cookies and Cream ice cream that Robby made especially for me with “birthday Oreos”. DELISH!
Brunch and the Beach: We loved celebrating Jessa with Brunch at Sarabeth's and welcomed her to her 30's! Then we made our way to Brighton Beach to splash along the shore for the afternoon with the Beltrez crew.
FaceTime: Thank God for FaceTime. Lucie hears the high pitch FaceTime ring and comes over to us as fast as possible to see who’s familiar face is going to pop up on the screen. It’s such a great way to stay in touch with our families in Florida. Lucie loved getting to see her old pal, Luke, too.
Daycare: In July we had such a great time having Lucie in daycare by my job. It was a bit tough at first getting used to the new rhythm and my heart would break hearing Lucie whimper as I left, but by her final week she felt right at home with her buddies and would happily wave bye bye as she settled in for her morning snack. The way straight to this girl's heart is food. Her teachers would tell us that she ate non-stop all day! (Just like her daddy!)
Summer Colds: We were bummed because her last week of daycare she caught a cold and had a fever for a few days, so she wasn't able to finish out the full month there. After her fever broke, she had a rash for a few days and I caught whatever the little virus was too. When the dust settled we noticed a molar coming through as well, so the Goose was dealing with a virus and mega teething at the same time! What a champ!
Lucie let's us know when she's ready for nap time now. She reaches for her paci and blanket from through the crib and starts walking around the bedroom until we put her to bed.
Feeling much better!
Early Intervention: After gaining more information about what it could look like to have Lucie receive Center Based Therapy we were so excited to learn that Lucie was accepted to start attending a school starting in September. We are so thankful for the providence and provision that we continue to experience as we navigate parenting Lucie. God has been so faithful. It leaves us speechless to think about how every detail has come together so perfectly. For instance, we learned that there are very few schools that provide Early Intervention services anymore, and the one Lucie has been admitted to is just a few blocks away from our apartment! When the Director told us that Lucie was "in", we asked, is there anything else needed from us? An application, fees, etc.? She happily replied, "you just need to show up!" Wow! So, starting in September, Lucie will receive half of her therapy at the school that she will attend every day in the morning and the other half at home in the afternoons. Woohoo!
PT paying off! She climbs this chair dozens of times every day.
Up and down, up and down, again and again.
Painting in Special Instruction therapy.
We were so excited that we got her her first backpack which she calls her, "ba-pa"! What a sweet, big girl!
It’s already August, but we still have so much Summer to look forward to! We’re going to have a quick visit from one of Rob’s oldest friends, then a visit from his Mom, sister and our niece, Addi. After that we’ll be taking a road trip to Montreal with a group of friends! Yay, Summer!