Jane's Carousel

For some reason we decided to make a big deal of taking Gwen to Jane's carousel for the first time. Classic new parents. So we took a windy walk from pier 6 to pier 1, got on the carousel, tried to get a picture of Gwen looking like she enjoyed it when she really didn't, then sat on the grass to enjoy the view and eat some snacks. I think I'd do this every Saturday.

Uncle Matt

Matt was in town for a quick 24-hour work trip. Lucky for us he squeezed in a perfect afternoon at the park and gave Gwen everything an uncle ought to.

On my mind on a Friday night

Which is worse: germs or chemicals? I have tried some all-natural cleaners and they don't get things clean the way I like things clean. But I also don't love scrubbing a tub out with bleach and then putting a baby in there. Do I need to lower my cleaning standard or up my chemical tolerance?

On a similar note-
Which is worse: eating 1/2 as many (organic) fruits/veggies or eating lots of (contaminated) fruits/veggies? I can't handle the price of some organic produce, not to mention the regulations are iffy and it often doesn't look/taste as good.

Tell me what to do.

Eight Months

Oh Gwen.
This month she: cut her first tooth, grew a few more strands of hair, started playing with the other babies at church, ate real/un-pureed food, had a preference for her mama, became tolerant of her stroller, learned to growl, stood up by herself for up to 4 seconds, met her Aunt Julene, traversed every inch of this apartment, found the tupperware drawer, learned the beauty of people-watching at the park, had her first trip to the Met, decided to take longer naps, polished up her bedtime tumbling routine, stayed so sweet. I love this girl!

Easter in Maryland

As is becoming tradition, we spent Easter weekend in Maryland. As is also becoming tradition, I changed my return ticket after we booked them so that I could stay a few days longer. When will I learn to just do this from the get-go? We took the train down this trip and it was a major upgrade. Plus I need to start earning some Amtrak Rewards points if I want to remain in good standing with my extended family. Anyway, we had a great time as always. The ipad entertained the kids and the kids entertained Gwen. Win-win. My favorite part may have been when we got to play catch and pull weeds in the front yard. I miss yards.

Easter Egg Hunt:

She thinks she's a big kid:

Told you:

Bunny ears:

I really wish this one weren't blurry:

All the gells:

























Walking to Eastern Market to see Hannah and eat delicious breakfast:

Sorry about that sun, Gwen:

There we go: