Tag in the Big Apple!!

The last weekend in May, Tag and I went with B's mom and Grandma to New York City to visit family. After a crazy turn of events, only one family member was in town, but we were hardly in want for activities while visiting the greatest city in the world!

This trip gave Tag a lot of early "firsts" for a 9 month old. His first plane ride was terrific! We left at 8 pm from RDU and had a direct flight to La Guardia. The plan was to have him sleep, since 8 pm is his bed time, and that plan failed, utterly. There were just too many new people to charm and things to play with--no way was he sleeping! Thankfully, my mother in law had an open seat beside her which gave us extra space to let him squirm and play. And when that wasn't enough he played with the people around us-- smiling and giggling, and even letting the flight attendant walk him up and down the isle a bit.

We tried to buckle him in, but that didn't last long!
This is how he spent most of the flight-- bouncing around my lap

And even Gram took turns when my arms got tired

Our hotel was in Murry Hill which was a great location for the things we wanted to see and do. We were able to walk across town via 1st or 2nd avenue and even catch the subway nearby.

Tag and Grams enjoying a delicious brunch at Benjamin's!

Tag taking a snack on the subway ride out to Coney Island

Me and Tag behind Nathan's.

I personally don't enjoy Nathan's... I'm more of a Bright Leaf gal. And unfortunately our day out to Coney Island was rainy and dreary. But we made the most of it by stopping off in Brooklyn to grab an early dinner and see the spot where B and I were engaged. The Brooklyn Promenade is so beautiful at night, and even during the day. Walking along it during the day with my baby made me think I could enjoy living in Brooklyn...taking Tag and Durham for walks, enjoying the awesome city parks! Too bad B's not up for Brooklyn. Whop Whop.... Oh, did I mention Tag enjoyed his first slice of pizza for dinner in Brooklyn?

So we had grand plans of waking up early on Friday morning and going to where the Today Show and Good Morning America are filmed, but we were slow to get going. We still went to Rockefeller Center and of course dropped by the location of our favorite Thursday night show--30 Rock!

On Saturday we met up with my brother in law, Sammy, and he took us to some of his family's favorite spots. First we toured his super sweet apartment complex and Tag got in a swing for the first time. He loved it! Then we walked over to a delicious breakfast spot called Pret-a-Manger where I had "literally the best ham and cheese croissant ever"(another Thursday night TV reference!). Next we stopped off at Little Eataly. It was so neat and amazing, but also lunch time on a Saturday-- crazy busy!

From there we walked to a park in Union Square where we rested a bit, let tag hop in another swing, tried some fresh milk, and I got roped into trying wheat grass juice (i think?). That was interesting to say the least. Then we got our walking legs back and headed over to Chelsea Market and by the time we got there (after various stops at shops and stores), we were ready for an early dinner. Sammy is a New Yorker, born and raised, so of course he knew how to get to an amazing restaurant in no time. We quickly moved into the meatpacking district and got a table at Pastis. He recommended I get the Steak Frites, and of course, I did. And it was mouthwateringly delicious! I can't wait to go back! YUUMMM!!!

First time in a swing!

Enjoying his new toy and the swings at Union Square

Sammy and Tag at Pret-a-Manger

Walking around with Uncle Sammy

Such a city slicker!

To make the trip as easy as possible, I didn't take the pack n play or car seat. Just our luggage and my super stroller. Tag slept in the bed, and though it took some work to get him to sleep, he really did so well! I went out with friends a few nights and came home to Tag fast asleep in a big 'ol king size bed nuzzled between his two grandma's. Sweet!

On Sunday I got brave and took Tag over to Brooklyn to visit a church in the SGC movement called City Church. I took the subway and that was so difficult alone! Not only was it crazy because I had a stroller up and down stairs in the subway, but then I didn't know that the city shuts down some routes on summer holiday weekends (Memorial Day weekend) because apparently people leave the city? Nevertheless, I made it to church right on time and it was such a great time of worship and sermon, but the trip was starting to take it's toll on Tag-- besides Sundays are ALWAYS tough! After church, I got a cab and headed back to the city so we could catch our flight. We got to the airport on time and wouldn't you know Granny got randomly searched. Like seriously... had a special female officer come over and everything! By the time we got to our terminal, we had about 10 minutes before it was time to board our plane. Tag was so exhausted, he fell asleep on the plane before we took off. He woke up just as I was walking off the plane at RDU. Can you believe that? What luck!

We had a blast and thankfully I had Memorial Day off to recover, but boy was I happy to be home! I missed Brentley so much. Something about having a baby just really makes me not want to be separated from him! Hard to explain, but I'll remember that next time!