We had such a full Summer. I don't mean that we were busy all the time, I just mean that we filled up our time this summer doing things we loved, spending time with people we love. Reminiscing about it fills me up with such sweet satisfaction.
“... summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”
Reunions & More Farewells: In early August we had the chance to get lunch with Lucie’s primary nurse from Mt. Sinai. Lucie was as comfortable as could be seeing her old friend who supported and encouraged our family during such an insanely scary time. We hadn’t seen Jess since Lucie’s NYC birthday celebration in early January. It’s hard to believe that much time had passed because it’s so easy to feel connected through Facebook and Instagram, but sitting down in person and spending time together is priceless. Later that week we bid farewell to another family that we have come to love and appreciate so much in this city. Saying ‘farewell’ is part of the rhythm of the City. It doesn’t make it any easier though. We miss you, Lyons Family! Side note: I feel like the transition to becoming true New Yorkers must be complete, because I remember actually feeling the intenseness in the air as we walked to meet up with everyone and thinking, “Whoa, it is SO humid!” At this point, you would never know that I grew up in tropical Puerto Rico and swampy South Florida.
Lucie's Primary NICU Nurse, Jess.
Ran into Roman and Sean at the playground.
Lucie and her pal, Roman.
Bess: Bessy was our only other constant companion for 4 years before Lucie was born. She has a very playful, but sometimes very sassy personality. She likes things like playing tug of war and catch and she loves napping in sunny spots in the apartment. She hates loud sounds, specific dogs on the block, and too many people ‘all up in her space’. All that being said she has gotten way more playful with Lucie. She loves when we blow bubbles in the apartment, and tries to pop every single one. She is understanding that Lucie ‘ranks’ above her in this family and that she needs to listen to her. Lucie helps us feed Bess every day and gives Bess the ‘release’ command so that she can eat. It's fun seeing them become buddies :)
Playin with Bess!
Visitors: We got to host Todd, one of Rob's oldest friends for a night, which was so much fun. The next day Crystal, Addi and Donna arrived. Bob and Crystal surprised Donna by planning a girl's trip for them to visit us in New York to celebrate her birthday in mid August. We spent a lot of time outside and walked everywhere. Lucie and Addi ran circles around the city playgrounds, we had a Central Park Adventure and walked the entire length of the park from north to south and Lucie had her first taste of Mister Softees! We took the ferry to Governors Island and rode a surrey around the island and said hello to lady liberty... and had some more Mister Softees! On the last morning we had brunch at Jacob’s Pickles and walked home through the park from the Westside to the Eastside.
Our brother, Todd. Walking around Central Park.
Lucie, meet Mister Softee's.
Hidden playground in Central Park with a fun slide! Addi loved it.
We made it. This is after our walk from the North to the South.
On the East River Ferry heading to Govenor's Island. Check out this storm chasing behind us.
Lucie and Addi getting ready to go for a ride on the Surrey.
A view of Manhattan from Govenor's Island.
Riding the Bus with Titi Crystal.
Bedtime stories with Grandma.
Montreal: At the end of August we took a road trip with Katie, Scott, Jessa, Richard and Elle. We drove up to Montreal for a few days and it was a fun adventure! I made a game (by myself) of trying to read and understand all of the French signs. Even though we were only a couple of hours away it was a great getaway. I think my favorite part was ending each night having dinner in the apartment with everyone. Especially the night we got all of our ingredients from the fresh market. #MontrealTheWayFromNYC]
Downtime in our apartment in Le Plateau-Mont Royal.
Historic lookout from the Chalet du Mont-Royal.
Walking around Old Montreal
Where'd baby Elle go?
Le Marche Jean-Talon (an open-air food market).
We tried Poutine, a traditional comfort food dish from Montreal. It was very savory and flavorful.
We love ice cream!
Lucie and Uncle Scottie.
Picnic lunch at Parc Outremont with food from Lester's Deli.
A stop in Lake George at an ice cream/ candy shop.
Sweets!
Lake George is now officially on our list of City Escapes. I would be fun to spend some time here on a long weekend.
Early Intervention and School: Lucie started going to school in the mornings. Her special education teacher is really nice and is great at helping her "At-School" therapists continue to get to know Lucie and the whole team of "At-Home" therapists. Lucie gets half of her therapy at school now with new therapists and the other half at home with the team that has been working with her this past year. She's talking more, starting to feed herself and galloping about. She hasn't really watched Sesame Street but she's played with an Elmo toy that she loves and so she can spot Elmo anywhere! Sesame Street really knew how to design their characters to appeal to kiddos, right? One more integral addition to Lucie's all-star team is her babysitter who spends time with her every afternoon, Aly. She has been such a huge help, and answer to prayer and we are so thankful for how she cares for Lucie and helps us to keep everything moving along while I'm at work and Rob is coaching.
Lucie's first day.
It went great!
Looking in on her class.
I just love getting to watch Lucie grow and discover new things each day. Getting to spend so much time out and and about this Summer was great. We're looking forward to the Fall and have already started a new wishlist with things to do, like Apple picking :).
On the way home from the playground.
This was during the 92Y StreetFest in mid-September. Rob's company, Huddle Up NYC had a tent at the event where he was able to advertise a ton and do football drill demos!
Lucie loves Camila 💗
Acting like silly tourists!
So much joy!
I had a couple of client meetings in Rochester, and this picture was taken on the final day of summer, on a small beach along Lake Ontario.
This was my incredible view on the way back from Rochester.