The big day finally arrived - meeting my favorite baby in the whole world! After many video chats, I couldn’t wait to see the little cherub in person. He comes complete with chipmunk cheeks and all the baby chub you could ever want in a neat little 14 lb. package of cuteness. I sent his mommy and daddy out on a date while Corin and I had some bonding time of our own. However a handful of 30 minute naps throughout the day is not conducive to staying up late when you’re only 11 weeks old, and he fell asleep over dinner. At 7pm. I guess my bro has a few things to teach his son about dating etiquette! Despite the faux pas, I am totally in love, and there will be plenty of other opportunities for us to chat and get to know each other. In the meantime, here are some of the highlights of our fabulous weekend.

Our first self-portrait

Having a chat and singing songs in the bouncy chair

Side conversation with mommy and daddy

That’s hilarious!

Deep thoughts require a little fist chewing.

Auntie Jen also tells funny jokes!

Check out those ham hocks, er, legs.

Spa time!

“Hey paparazzi, do you mind? I’m trying to relax here.”

Everyone loves a chubby baby!

Brushing my hair and getting handsome for my date with Auntie Jen

Mommy and Daddy cashing in on their coupons for babysitting and dinner.

The next morning, getting ready to see the grandparents.

At a family friend’s party, Mom fed Corin. Now that she’s retired, this might be her new hobby!

Rai (pronounced “rye”) is Ashley and Maciej’s latest adventure. He was born just before my nephew, and he’s my newest little buddy in SF. At 3 months, Rai can already sleep through the night. Lucky for mommy and daddy! Shhh, don’t tell my brother and sis-in-law…

Summer’s delayed appearance in NY was as good an excuse as any to get the girls outside. Heather volunteered her rooftop, with views looking down Manhattan and across the Hudson River from the UWS. This group of girls is my other monthly restaurant crew. We meet on the third Thursdays of the month, and while we typically try out different restaurants, sometimes it’s fun to mix it up a little. A few bottles of bubbly, some snacks and Thai takeout are the perfect ingredients for a lovely summer dinner with friends.

Heather, Cheryl, Nicki, Einat, Nicole, me, and Lori (missing: Paige and Emily)

Looking towards midtown and lower Manhattan

Sunset over New Jersey

One of the best things about NYC is the range of cultures. You can go around the world with just a subway card in your pocket, from China, to Italy, to Greece, to Korea, and many more. Our second 4th of July adventure was Brighton Beach, also known as Little Odesssa. My first impressions were that it’s not so different from Chinatown, with its open storefronts selling produce, specialty markets, and surprisingly, a handful of sushi restaurants. The most noticable differences were, obviously, the signage and the spoken language. Thanks to Bret for planning a fun Russian adventure!

Mmm, dried and cured fish

Beer

Chocolates in giant boxes

Baked goodies

And fried yumminess

Piggy-shaped salami

Coney Island, just up the beach

Cookbooks

Romance novels

Fur coats aplenty

Arthur Ave. in the Bronx is upper NYC’s Little Italy. It’s a mere handful of blocks of cafes, shops filled with deliciousness, and of course, restaurants. I’d love to go back to shop for goodies, but our initial visit was for dinner. Of course, I had to take a few pics so I can remember what to go back for!

Fresh oysters, streetside!

Fancy goods

Salami

Tomatoes!

Infamous Mike’s Deli

Meats hanging over Mike’s

Giant 3 foot sandwiches of goodness

Cigar making thingy

Racks and racks of cigar thingies