Dear Samuel,

Time is marching forward. Day by day. Month by month. How is it possible that we’re quickly closing in on your first birthday?

You are such a sweet little man, Sam. My love for you swells with your smiles and your neck squeezes, the way you pat my back and rest your head on my shoulder. I hope you are always so gentle and affectionate.

Of course, you are also a curious little boy who is into everything! Our house is your obstacle course. You open cabinets and drawers and doors. You bang on boxes and our leather ottoman and, sometimes, the glass storm door. You crawl under tables and chairs and occasionally get stuck. You cruise around the house with your push toy and love to ride in the laundry basket. And you are almost never empty-handed — from straws to ribbons to wooden spoons — you have mastered crawling with your hands full.

You squeal when you’re excited (like when we’re playing chase) and yell when you’re frustrated (like when you’re trying to pull apart your plastic rings). You babble and blow raspberries and snort while making the most hilarious “stink face.” Our little comedian.

We’re still working on the concept of patience. And how to remain calm and quiet when things don’t go your way. For example, when you run errands with Mommy, I often give you something to hold — like a box of cupcake liners at Michaels or a t-shirt at Old Navy. However, when it’s time to leave, and I take the item away from you to pay for it, you often scream. No tears. Just one really loud and really long scream.

We’re also still working to improve your comfort level with strangers. We don’t mind that you cling to us when you’re anxious, but we’re trying to encourage you to let go and explore. Interesting, though, that you are quire confident around other babies.

You and Mommy joined a local playgroup, and I love to watch you interact with your peers. You make eye contact and pass toys back and forth and ever so gently pat the tiniest ones.

We also started Kindermusik class this month, and we love it! You are the only boy in a class full of girls, but you don’t mind one bit. During our first class, you crawled right into the center of the circle and onto the drum. You bop your head to the music, clap your hands, and tap your knees. And we’re learning some baby sign language, which I can’t wait to practice with you at home.

In addition to our new weekday activities, we also did quite a bit of weekend traveling this month. We spent a few days in New York City with Uncle Andrew. You visited Central Park, saw the Empire State Building, and ate chocolate chip cookies from Bouchon Bakery.

Next it was off to Florida with Oma and Opa to celebrate the wedding of Daddy’s friends. You crawled across white sand, dipped your toes into the Gulf, and danced with Mommy at the reception. Then you fell asleep in Daddy’s arms, and I think it was his favorite moment of the entire weekend.

Speaking of sleeping, you are still quite a champ in that arena. In fact, you now understand night night. When you’re tired, you grab your pacifier and lay your head on your elephant lovey, and I think it is just the sweetest thing ever. You are sleeping about 12 hours at night and take two naps each day. Your schedule was very disrupted during our trips, but you fell right back into your routine when we returned home. Thank you, buddy!

Also, with all that traveling, we caved and introduced you to Baby Einstein. And guess what? You are so into it! You actually sit and watch intently and even smile at the silly scenes.

You’ve started to play more independently, too. You lift pieces from your puzzle, push beads through the maze, and flip through books.

You still have just two teethers on the bottom, but that doesn’t stop you from eating anything and everything. New favorites this month include honeydew, corn on the cob, scrambled eggs, and fruit smoothies. Yes, you like to steal Mommy’s smoothie and sip it from the big straw.

And you’re so good when we take you out to restaurants. We bring snacks to keep you occupied, and then you sit beside us in your high chair and enjoy bites from both our meals.

You’re still nursing 3 or 4 times per day, though we’re transitioning to just morning, pre-afternoon nap, and before bed.

And because Mommy can’t seem to mop the kitchen floors often enough, I now wash your hands with soap and water before all meals and snacks. And you think it’s hilarious. We sing “scrub scrub scrub” and you smile and squeeze the soap suds between your pudgy little fingers. You’ve also started to brush your teeth with your own banana toothbrush. It’s actually a huge help because it keeps you occupied while I change your diaper, which is much like wrestling match these days.

We moved you into the big boy bathtub this month, and you’re thrilled to have more room to kick and splash. Though we have to tell you to “please sit down” at least six times. Yes, you love to stand — in the water and in the grass, on the couch and on the sliding board. You take our hands and “walk walk walk” around the house, and you are so proud. I wouldn’t be surprised if you take your first independent steps before your 11th month.

Love bug, I look forward to your smiling face every morning and your warm snuggles every night. You make our days busier and happier and lovelier. Hugs and kisses.

–Mommy

The reason for our trip to Clearwater was to celebrate the marriage of Greg and Whitney! Nick has known Greg since grade school, and we all knew when we met Whitney that he would one day call her his wife. That one day was 07-21-12!

On Friday night, I joined Nick at Beachcomber for a fantabulous rehearsal dinner. We enjoyed cocktails, crab cakes, and lobster tail, followed by key lime pie for dessert. And I got all teary when Greg gave a toast to the soon-to-be Mrs. H. I really love it when these boys get all sweet and sentimental.

Nick’s parents and Sam joined us later for the welcome party at the Hilton. Fortunately, Sam had a late nap and hung with us until almost 9pm.

He even had enough energy for storytime when we returned to our hotel.

The boys golfed on Saturday morning while the girls brunched (and the babies slept). Then it was time to get all fancy for the main event! And my Sammy in his plaid bow tie? Most definitely the cutest thing ever.

Sam was such a doll during the ceremony. He waited patiently for the beautiful bride to make her entrance, then occupied himself with graham crackers, bangle bracelets, and Daddy’s boutineer. (We may have left a few rose petals behind.)

The ceremony was short and sweet, and my favorite moment was when Whitney’s dad walked her down the aisle to a song he wrote just for her — and that nobody had ever heard. (He’s in the country music biz in Nashville.)

Then it was off to the Yacht Club to party! (Yes, Nick and Sam are wearing matching ties. My dapper gentlemen.)

The setting was beautiful — just the right amount of class and color.

They even had a cigar roller!

The lovely couple could not stop smiling during their first dance as husband and wife.

And the toast by Greg’s two younger brothers was certainly the most entertaining wedding toast I’ve ever heard. Those three are quite the comedians!

Just after cocktails and before dinner, the sky turned from bright blue to an ominous shade of gray. Then … it let loose! Rain, wind, waves crashing on the dock. It was pretty spectacular. And brought back such fond memories.

Baby boy was such a trooper that night. No matter that it was more than two hours past his bedtime, he wanted to dance! He was quite fascinated by the loud music and lights circling the ceiling.

But, finally, our little party animal passed out in Daddy’s arms. And we called it an early night. Gone are the days of after parties and cigars and celebratory shots. But we’re okay with that.

We were thrilled to share the day with some of our best friends. (P.S. Isn’t the bride’s party dress ah-mazing?!) Congratulations, Greg and Whitney!

We set our alarm for 3am on Thursday to pack the car, drive to the airport, and board a plane bound for Florida. (Please remind me to never again book a 6am flight.)

We failed to move Sam from his crib to the car without him waking, and he slept for less than an hour on the plane. He was just too excited for our getaway weekend and his first wedding!

And the bag of books and toys that I packed? Not necessary. Sam kept himself occupied with a plastic cup and the SkyMall magazine. I should have known.

Two hours later, we arrived in Tampa and were greeted by a very excited Oma and Opa. It had been just over two months since they last saw Sammy, which is more like two years in baby time. We hopped in their car (already packed with a car seat, pack ‘n’ play, and stroller, thanks to Nick’s brother and sister-in-law!) and drove to Liki Tiki Village, just outside of Orlando, for much needed naps before pool time.

Sam loved the kiddie pool — it was just the right depth for him to chill on the steps and watch the other kiddos kick and splash.

The next morning we headed west to Clearwater to meet up with the gang and kick off pre-wedding festivities! After a long and leisurely lunch at The Brown Boxer, it was time to take Sammy to the beach.

We barely got his feet into the warm, salty water before he was whimpering and clinging.

We only stayed out for about 30 minutes, which was fine by us considering it was 100 degrees with 100 percent humidity. Hello, Florida and frizzy hair!

Then we checked into our hotel and Nick hurriedly showered and changed for the wedding rehearsal (details of the beautiful event coming in Part 2).

We got in about one more hour of pool/beach time on Saturday before the wedding.

It was a quick trip, but we look forward to returning to the Gulf (hopefully next summer!).

What can I say. We’re a bit obsessed with Thai inspired dishes: pizza, quinoa, wraps. And this salad ranks right up there with the others. It’s simple and healthy and drenched in a delicious dressing of chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, peanut butter, ginger, garlic, and lime juice.

Also? I will never again shred chicken without help from my Kitchen Aid stand mixer. Try it. Then make this salad. You’re welcome.

The boy is into everything these days. Our home is his obstacle course.

Which is why the gates are up! One at the top of the stairs and one at the bottom. (Cardinal gates with banister clamps, if you’re curious.)

But he’s also getting better at playing independently.

He wears himself out, and then does — what I believe is — the sweetest thing ever. He’s discovered his lovie!

And I’ve discovered cookie butter. In addition to Sam’s grahams, I’ve also had it on salty pretzels and apples and, of course, by the spoonful.

Home renovations continue. In fact, we spent part of my birthday at Lowe’s in search of a storm door.

Along with a desk for the office and pieces of wood — we had no room to spare.

And so while Nick was at work, and Sam was napping, I got out the power tools.

We’ve had to take a break from yard work because it has been way too hot. Perfect weather for popsicles, though.

And, oh, I am still dreaming of the dark chocolate creme brulee from Vallozzi’s.

My favorite thing about our recent trip to New York City? (Besides seeing my brother, of course.) The sweets! We seriously indulged, but it was worth every calorie.

Magnolia Bakery

I have wanted to visit Magnolia Bakery since watching Sex and the City marathons in college. We stumbled upon it by accident, really, during our Monday morning walk with Sam. So I grabbed an Apple Walnut Muffin to go, which we enjoyed with a cup of coffee back at Andrew’s apartment while Sam napped. The chunks of apple were seriously huge! And sweet. The muffin was moist and delicious and the best way to start our day.

During our visit, the Upper West Side bakery (the original location is in the West Village) was decorated appropriately for July 4th festivities, and the red, white, and blue perfectly complimented the rustic charm of the shop.

I shall return some day to sample their cupcakes.

Crumbs Bake Shop

Andrew has raved about Crumbs since first visiting it last fall. In fact, he prefers it over Magnolia Bakery. And so I went in with high expectations.

The ambiance is not nearly as charming at Magnolia’s, but — wow! — the selection of cupcakes is impressive. Red Velvet, Cookies and Cream, Blueberry Swirl, Butter Pecan, Cookie Dough, Mudslide, Milkshake, and S’mores, to name a few.

We selected the Peanut Butter Cup to share. And it did not disappoint. Chocolate cake filled and frosted with peanut butter buttercream and topped with peanuts, chocolate chips, and peanut butter cups.

Momofuku Milk Bar

Another shop on my “must try” list: Momofuku Milk Bar. Solely for its Crack Pie — an oatmeal cookie crust topped with a sweet, gooey, buttery filling. Apparently, people go insane for this pie. I must admit, though, I wanted to like it so much more than I did. It was just too sweet for me. I much prefer chocolate for dessert — dark and slightly bitter.

Bouchon Bakery

And the winner is … Bouchon Bakery! Our favorite sweet stop of the trip. We visited the location in the Time Warner Center, which overlooks Columbus Circle. (Also the location of Thomas Keller’s incredibly exclusive Per Se. We went upstairs just so I could drool over the menu.)

Inspired by the boulangeries of Paris, Keller’s bakeshop offers a selection of macarons, croissants, tarts, cookies, and chocolates.

I chose two petite and absolutely perfect macarons: chocolate and pistachio. Light and crisp on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. I could have eaten at least four more.

Nick and Sam went the more traditional route and chose a giant chocolate chunk cookie. Oh, man, was it good!

Sam could not stop saying “mmm mmm mmm.”

Good company. Great view. And incredibly tasty treats.

Financier Patisserie

Finally, a surprise dessert! And a very close second to Bouchon. Andrew brought home the Frasier cake from Financier Patisserie for an early birthday celebration. Layers of fresh strawberries, vanilla biscuit, and almond macaron with a mousseline topping and a touch of Grand Manier. Divine.

Nick and I agreed that this trip to New York City was our favorite thus far. Thank you, Andrew, for your fabulous hospitality! And thank you, Sammy, for being such a good little traveler.

I have a long list of places I want to eat in New York City: Babbo, Balthazar, Red Rooster, Spotted Pig, Craft, and Mesa Grill, to name a few. The aforementioned places, though, are ones I would prefer to visit without Sam. They are places that require my full attention without having to protect my butter knife and wine glass from grabby hands.

But. There are also plenty of places on my list that are suitable for a nine-month-old good eater like ours. In fact, I believe that little Sam tasted dishes and desserts that would make many foodies jealous!

Shake Shack

First up: the Shake Shack. A Manhattan staple and very kid-friendly. We visited the location in Battery Park City, near Andrew’s office.

Nick and I ordered the classic ShackBurgers — 100% all-natural Angus beef topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and ShackSauce — and Andrew got a Shack-cago Dog. We shared an order of fries and a Fair Shake.

The verdict? Delicious. Very comparable to my other favorite burger joint: In-N-Out. Of course, we have neither within 300 miles of our house. Which is probably a good thing.

Jacob’s Pickles

You can’t go to New York City without pigging out on pickles. At least that’s what Nick believes. Andrew bought two jars of Guss’ Pickles for the apartment, and we ate dinner one night at Jacob’s Pickles. Beer. Biscuits. Pickles. Need I say more?

We shared the New York beer flight while we entertained Sam with toys and snacks. He was much better behaved than the screaming toddler at the table beside us. Our boy will never, ever throw such tantrums, right? Please?

Not pictured: Andrew’s Spicy Brine Margarita — jalapeño infused tequila in a spicy pickle brine. Wow.

You know who else likes pickles? Sammy. He also enjoyed bites of the Honey Chicken and Pickles Sandwich and the Mushroom Gravy Smothered Chicken Sandwich — both buttermilk fried chicken served on a biscuit with a side of cheese grits. Let me re-state that. A small mixing bowl of cheese grits.

It was a lot of food. And it was heavy. But that’s to be expected in a Southern-inspired restaurant.

Eataly

Our favorite meal of the trip! It’s no Babbo, but it was perfect.

Eataly is located on 5th Avenue in the Flatiron District. The massive Italian market and eatery is co-owned by Oscar Farinetti, Mario Batali, Lidia Bastianich, and her son Joe.

The market carries fresh pasta, meat and seafood, over 400 varieties of cheese, artisan breads, olive oil and vinegar, wine, coffee and tea, gelato, and more.

After browsing — and drooling — we found a table at La Pizza and La Pasta located in the back corner of the store.

The three of us have been to Italy and decided that this meal couldn’t have been more authentic.

I ordered a simple spaghetti dish — cooked perfectly al dente — with olive oil, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and Swiss chard. Nick’s pasta dish had sweet sausage with Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino. And Andrew got linguine with rock shrimp, chili, garlic, and basil-pistachio pesto.

Sam got to try all three!

I believe Andrew’s dish was my favorite. The pesto was absolutely delicious.

We considered getting a bitter chocolate or sweet gelato for dessert. But, honestly, I think we all wanted to savor the taste of our dinner a bit longer. I highly recommend a trip to Eataly!

Francesco’s Pizzeria

Of course, no trip to New York City is complete without a slice or two of pizza. We chose Francesco’s on Columbus Avenue between 68th and 69th Streets. It was perfectly authentic — thin and slightly crispy crust, sweet tomato sauce, and ooey gooey cheese that slides right off when you take a bite.

Five Napkin Burger

Yes, we had burgers twice in five days. We were on vacation, after all.

Five Napkin Burger has locations across the country. So while it’s not necessarily unique to New York City, it was convenient to Andrew’s apartment. And it hit the spot!

Andrew’s burger: Italian Turkey with melted mozzarella, spicy tomato sauce, and vinegar peppers.

Nick’s burger: Avocado-Ranch with pepper jack cheese, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing.

Emily’s burger: The Original with gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, and rosemary aioli.

Cheers to our final night in the Big Apple!

See. It’s definitely possible to eat well with a baby. And I still have plenty of time to work on the rest of my list.

Next Up: The Sweets (because they deserve a post of their own!)

Despite the blazing hot temperatures during our trip to NYC (we’re talking 95+ degrees), we tried to spend at least part of every day outdoors. Of course, we opted for parks with green space and gentle breezes over the sticky (and somewhat stinky) streets of midtown.

We dressed Sam in loose and lightweight clothing, lathered him in sunscreen, and packed several bottles of water. He was quite a trooper!

Central Park

Central Park is just two blocks from Andrew’s apartment, and on our first night there, he led us on a two-mile walk through the winding Ramble and around the Reservoir.

We walked the perimeter of Central Park several more times during our stay because it has some of the best people watching!

Battery Park

On Tuesday, Andrew took us to Lower Manhattan to see his office, have lunch, and relax in Battery Park. New Jersey actually looks good from this vantage point!

Sam absolutely loved crawling around on the grass … and towards every stranger in sight. Fortunately, he got lots of friendly smiles.

Andrew’s office overlooks the Hudson River — quite a view! I’m surprised he gets any work done.

The other side of his building overlooks the World Trade Center Memorial. Not many people get to see this sight from above.

Riverside Park

We strolled along the Hudson River after dinner on our final day in the city. There is a fantastic paved path that was packed with joggers and bikers.

And strollers. Andrew looks like such a natural, right?

Did I mention that Sam learned to yell during our trip? It sounds a bit like “HEY,” and he directed it towards almost every person we passed.

Next Up: The Food!

We were long overdue for a trip to New York City to visit my brother. But we were waiting for Sam to reach an age that he could appreciate the Big Apple and its sights and sounds and good eats. Well, I think our nine-month-old enjoyed our recent trip as much as we did!

Seriously, Sam was such a good baby during our five days in the city. Of course, it helped that Andrew lives in a kid-friendly neighborhood and that we stayed close enough to his apartment to take advantage of the air conditioning and pack’n'play for all of Sam’s naps.

So, yes, we had to slightly alter our schedule to suit Sam. And we were in every night by 9pm. But we still did everything we wanted to do. And, honestly, it was more fun with our mini sidekick!

The Neighborhood

Andrew moved to the Upper West Side last October. He had previously lived in Brooklyn, Queens, Hoboken, and London. (What a life, right?) But he decided that he was finally ready to make the move into Manhattan.

He lives in a fourth floor walk-up with ten-foot ceilings and hardwood floors. And I was so impressed by his furniture, artwork, and plants. He’s living like an adult! When did that happen?

We loved being able to walk out Andrew’s door (after the four floor decent, of course) and into the action. He’s just two blocks from Central Park and three blocks from the Hudson River. Sure beats having to take the subway into the city!

Andrew jokes that he’s constantly dodging strollers in his neighborhood. So we fit right in!

Markets and Grocers

On Sunday morning, Andrew took me out for a quick foodie tour (while Sam napped and Nick stayed in the apartment with him). We meandered through the Greenmarket, browsed the aisles at Zabar’s and Citarella, and shopped at Trader Joe’s (my first time! and the cookie butter is every bit as addictive as it claims to be).

American Museum of Natural History

On Monday morning, while Andrew was at work, Nick and Sam and I walked up the block to the American Museum of Natural History.

Nick liked the dinosaurs, and Sam liked the elephants. Two of a kind!

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

We had intended to visit the Children’s Museum of Manhattan — because they have exhibits for babies, cool! — but we ran out of time. Next visit, for sure.

West Side Kids

West Side Kids is a sweet little toy store on Amsterdam and 84th Street. Sam wasn’t quite big enough to enjoy the train table (or, fortunately, to beg for every cool toy in sight!), but we had fun checking out the puzzles and books and airplanes.

Around the Apartment

Despite being immersed in the hustle and bustle that is New York City, Andrew’s apartment is cozy and comfortable and, mostly, quiet. Except when his squealing nephew visits! Sam especially liked to listen to his echo in the stairwell.

Andrew insisted that he cook dinner for us one night: turkey tacos! And, as usual, Sam wanted to be in the kitchen.

It was incredibly hot during our visit, but Andrew kept his bedroom very cool for us. Thanks, bro! Sam especially appreciated the comfortable accommodations. He had a difficult time napping in his stroller — despite sidewalks packed with sleeping babies — but he passed right out in the cool, dark room.

After spending our days out in the humidity, we returned to the apartment every night for cold showers. Or, in Sam’s case, sink baths. What happens in New York City stays in New York City, right?

And after the kiddo went to bed, the three of us settled in for movies and games and s’mores ice cream sandwiches. Who cares that we were just blocks from cocktails and live bands. This is my kind of “night life.”

Next up: The Parks

Oh, three oh.

Old enough to appreciate the opportunities I have been given and the life I am so fortunate to live. My boys, my beautiful home, my health. Old enough to be patient and listen, really listen, and to admit my mistakes. To value true friendships. To let go of insecurities and laugh at myself and enjoy three birthday cakes, a peach cobbler, and dark chocolate creme brulee — with no regret.

And yet still young enough to run and play and wrestle and giggle. Young enough to take risks and chase dreams. To fall in love every day.

Thirty feels so good.