New York City: Upper West Side

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