April 5, 2012

Grammy and Remi are making new friends. Remi has “making friends” down pat. He greets passersby with a big “Hi” and usually gets a startled smile and “Hi” in return. Once the first “Hi” has been said, it will usually be followed by many iterations of “Hi again.” We met Cecelia that way today. She is his old waitress friend at the Purity Diner and was walking down the sidewalk just as we were emerging from the apartment. I didn’t notice her, but Remi did and needless to say, there was a barrage of “Hi’s” and “Hi again!”

Having lunch at Power Play

Gymnastics in the morning produced a new friend in Teddy, a rambunctious child who is usually being corraled by his mother. Teddy has been fascinated by the bag Grammy carries with Remi supplies and now appears to be fascinated by Grammy. Not sure what the attraction is, but he numbers one of Grammy’s and Remi’s new friends.

We headed to Prospect Park after lunch at Power Play, a quite long walk from 3rd Ave to 9th, mostly uphill. However, Remi scooted merrily most of the way with Grammy pointing out sites of interest (at least to Grammy), e.g., the post office, pizza place, grocery store, McDonalds, etc. Couldn’t get Remi interested in any of these. Guess he is a little young for stamp collecting. The tour spiel was really designed to give Grammy an occasional rest from the uphill climb!

Finally stopped at the supermarket whereupon Remi made a beeline for the popsicle bin. I could only imagine 24 popsicles dripping colored water all over the park playground, so we settled for two little cartons of Haagen Das ice cream–strawberry for Remi and mango for me. Once we reached the park and sat down, guess who got the mango and who ended up with the strawberry?

Ice cream finished, Remi abandoned his scooter and flew to the slide. Up and down repeatedly. But then he paused at one point high up as if contemplating the landscape and Grammy (down below) saw a little trickle down his leg. Oh, oh, Grammy forgot the potty routine before leaving gymnastics. Just then Mommy called. What timing!

At the top of the slide

You have to visualize the scene. Remi up high, Grammy below trying to coax him down. Remi rooted to the spot, then taking a few steps with legs spread apart like an old man with hemorrhoids. Finally got him down and as we headed toward the bathroom, he announced that his penis hurt. No wonder! Of course, this was the first time in three years that Grammy didn’t have spare pants in the “Remi bag.” Fortunately we had spare underpants so cleaned him up, planted him pantless in the stroller, covered his legs with his hoodie and headed home.

This was terrible timing! It was too early for a nap and I knew once we got home, Remi would want to “play trains” and probably wouldn’t want to go out again right away. However, my hopes for a nap soared when after a bit Remi announced he wanted a nap. We retired to Mommy and Daddy’s bed with a couple of books and Remi snuggled up against Grammy. This lasted all of ten minutes before he was up again. Grammy was sorely tempted to drift off in the comfortable bed following a late opera the previous night, but staggered back to the “train station” instead.

Eventually got Remi outside with the lure of a chocolate egg cream and more “scootering.” This time we went around behind the playground and Remi befriended a cute little 5-year-old, Charlotte by name, also on a scooter. The two played while Grammy chatted with the Mom, another new friend whose name I’ve forgotten. Charlotte seemed perfectly content to scoot behind Remi, the “railroad boss” who started and stopped frequently at imaginary train stations. Charlotte was probably used to being ordered around by her older brother who was also there on a scooter. In the meantime, Charlotte’s brother was having a great time showing off for Grammy who couldn’t resist asking him to perform figure 8s, much to the consternation of his Mom.

Then Jessica and Bella arrived and we all got to talk on the phone to Marissa, Jessica’s sister! By that time it was close to 5:00 and no nap yet so Grammy started to pack a protesting Remi into the stroller. Jessica helped by promising him some egg decorating later and off we went. Grammy did the slow stroll, but it took about 15 blocks before Remi nodded off. This time Grammy found a bench outside–no desire to hit the Purity Diner twice in one day (earlier egg cream). After an hour, the eyelids fluttered open and Grammy headed home arriving minutes ahead of Daddy. Even Mommy came home early, an unexpected pleasure!

One more note. Remi seems to be aware of sound-symbol associations, a prerequisite for reading. It won’t be too long before he is reading as he is already sounding out letters. He takes every opportunity to sing the alphabet song and is working on double digit numbers. What a kid!

March 29, 2012

In the bubble pit

I guess you could say Grammy and Remi have been fortunate until now to have escaped injury, but today our good fortunate ran out. The day started nicely. Good weather, a leisurely trip to gymnastics arriving in good time for the last class of the winter session. A fun time for all the kids in a pit full of plastic balls followed by a raining down of soap bubbles from the ceiling (quite a trick that Mimi pulls)–the last event of each session. Only two happenings slightly marred the occasion. Coach Mimi had blown up one of those air-filled bouncy contraptions and all the kids but Remi delighted in jumping up and down in it. Instead, Remi stood to one side clutching Grammy’s hand fearfully watching the others. Mystifies me since he loves the trampoline. The second problem was a bit of a soap bubble landing in his eye, but these were merely minor mishaps compared with what was to come!

With gym buddies after a soap bubble in his eye.

We had lunch in the usual spot and then headed off to the Transit Museum. Grammy’s suggestion of the New York Water Taxi was ignored. We arrived at 9th St. just in time for the R train. So far so good. We walked up the flight of stairs to the escalator whereupon I took Remi’s hand in my right hand, turned the stroller around and grabbed the handle in my left hand so as to pull it up behind me as we started up the escalator. Unfortunately, the stroller wheels caught on the base of the escalator, I tried to jerk it free, but instead lost my balance and fell headfirst down the escalator pulling Remi with me. He started screaming as I was partly on top of him, but I couldn’t get myself up. We got nearer and nearer to the bottom of the escalator and I was getting desperate trying to get up and thinking that we both might get pulled into the escalator. I heard a shriek and suddenly a woman was beside me helping me get up. I grabbed Remi and held on while we rode to the top of the escalator. The woman retrieved everything and I half knelt and half sat on the ground holding Remi for a long time until he had begun to quiet. The woman stayed with us until I assured her that we were OK.

I saw that Remi had some scratches on his face, belly and hip and his hand seemed to be hurting. At that point it seemed as if it was his left hand. He could move his fingers and although he wanted Mommy badly, he had calmed so I carefully placed him in the stroller and we headed toward the front of the station. I noticed that my pants were torn and my legs were bleeding, but obviously was far more concerned about Remi. A subway attendant came rushing up and asked if we wanted “medical” pointing to my bloody pants but I declined thinking that Remi would be scared to death if we went that route. He helped us into an elevator to the street. I then had a helluva time trying to operate my cell phone to call Cindy. All technical ability completely deserted me. Finally managed to dial, but her cell phone didn’t answer and I didn’t have her new work number. Thank God, Derek answered when I called him. Had I not been able to reach either, I would have taken Remi to his dentist who was right across the street. However, I remembered that Remi’s pediatrician’s office was only a few blocks away. Derek gave me directions and I set out weaving in and out the pedestrians as I raced to the office blabbering all the while trying to be upbeat for Remi. I must have sounded like a total idiot.

The nurse met with us after I had plied Remi with lollipops to keep him calm. She, Kathy by name, a nurse practitioner (NP), was wonderfully gentle. Remi started crying again when she pulled off his shirt, but we think a piece of the cotton had scraped his eye, the same eye that had endured the soap bubble! When I told her that his hand was hurting, she got him to point to the “owie” with his good hand and it turned out the hurt was his right hand, not his left. So much for Grammy’s diagnostic skills! She palpated his stomach, saw the scrapes and bruise on his hip and advised us to go to LICH hospital to get an X-ray of Remi’s hand. She felt it was wise to be cautious although she didn’t think there was a break. She then looked at my leg and must have announced sixteen times that I needed stitches. By that time, I had realized the same and kept assuring her that I was aware that it needed to be sutured. I asked her to put a butterfly bandage on it and off we went.

The office called a car service and while we waited Remi told me one of his “stories.” They go like this… “I’m going to tell you a story. The N (R, A, C pick one) train was coming into the station. And that is the end of the story.” We went through several “stories” with a variety of trains until the car service arrived.

When the driver asked where to, I said Linch or Litch hospital. He asked, “Long Island Community” and I said, “No Lynch, only 5 blocks from here.” We went on in this vein for awhile until the acronym, LICH, finally occurred to me. I’d like to think my stupidity was trauma induced, but I expect not!

At LICH.

Derek had said he would meet us there and sure enough, by the time we had signed in, he arrived, followed not too long after by Cindy. And then the wait began! First Remi’s exam and X-ray, then a long wait for me to be stitched up. There was only one NP handling the entire emergency room and she was harried to say the least. When she finally got to me, she called in an “associate” who persuaded me to have an X-ray. That done, an orthopedist arrived who announced that my knee might be “compromised.” I argued, but he won out. He stuck a needle into my knee joint, filled the whole area with saline to see if any of it leaked out through the laceration. Sounds awful, but it really wasn’t too bad although he was bearing down with enormous pressure and I was afraid he was going to snap the needle!

In the meantime, Remi, in a cute little hospital gown, had seen a “picture of his bones” and announced that he was all fixed. However, he did note that my leg was “blooded,” but unlike an adult, he seemed merely curious. Cindy nursed him to sleep while I waited and waited… Finally, Susan Fraker, the NP sewed me up. Derek assisted by holding a lamp over the suture site while at the same time averting his eyes so he wouldn’t pass out! Out of compassion, Cindy relieved him. Women are made of much stronger stuff! I got a tetanus shot and Remi and I were both “fixed.”

In retrospect, despite the injuries, we were very lucky. I shudder to think what might have happened if that woman hadn’t arrived to pull me up. I’m going to be wearing pants for a long time and my workouts will be limited to upper body for quite a while, but small price to pay. From now on, I will fold up the stroller and secure it tightly before riding another escalator. I hope that Remi, in turn, forgets this whole episode! Only when he is old enough to read may he have occasion to remember through Grammy Day’s blog.

March 22, 2012

Power Play Gymnastics

Have been slacking off again, but there haven’t been too many interesting happenings in Grammy and Remi’s days. Remi did start gymnastics at Power Play on 3rd Ave. & 8th St. at just about the same age as his Mom started at the YWCA in NJ.  There are roughly 7 kids all around three years who are sheparded by Coach Mimi. The place is up a daunting two flights of stairs and boasts miniature balance beams, a full size trampoline, bars and lots of padded objects to climb into and on.  Coach Mimi does a fair job of keeping order although the kids are a pretty rambunctious bunch.  Remi is particularly adept at forward rolls and he both exercises and proclaims this skill often and loudly.

The sessions last from 10:15 to 11:00.  The first day we went, I allowed only 15 minutes to get dressed and get there.  Big mistake!  Takes a full half hour and that is with Remi in the stroller and me walking a fast pace.

Remi on bars with Coach Mimi

After the session, we have lunch at a little table and chairs on the ground floor next to where the “big kids” do gymnastics.  A bathroom is conveniently nearby.  Remi is quite the “pee by himself” expert at this point although it does take a reminder and sometimes a bit of a hoist up to clear the bowl.

The Transit Museum is still on the agenda and Henry is still always delighted to see Remi.  I try to time the nap so we are near the Purity Diner.  I park Remi asleep in the stroller while I have a cuppa and read the latest thriller on my IPod.  As the weather gets warmer we’ve been able to go to the park where Remi scooters like a champion.  He really has a good sense of balance.

On one such park excursion, we hit the sandbox just like old times!  Grammy could not resist a teaching moment to explain the function of a funnel.  I think we sifted most of the sand in the box and ended up with a wealth of smooth stones and shells.  No telling what one might find in a sandbox.

 

Remi tooling around on his scooter

February 16 and 23, 2012

The new lego play area at B & N

Sorry to say that after the previous two weeks of frenetic sightseeing and new experiences, these two were quite tame. About the only item of interest was finding a new play area at the Barnes and Noble store on 7th Ave. There are three lego “stations” placed around a table each with a child sized seat and enough legos to go around without causing a ruckus. We found this area after visiting the usual Thomas trains department and settled in for a happy hour of building.

When one is hard pressed for entertainment, B & N is quite the solution. One can happily ride the escalator, visit the restroom and play with the air dryer, examine all Thomas’s train friends, have a snack at the coffee bar, check out the latest Curious George books and now play with legos. Not surprising that there is a special parking area for strollers for all the children and their nannies who frequent the place.

The other delight of the day is to visit the Red Horse and order a strawberry ice cream cone. Remi has a wafer cone, Grammy has a sugar cone, all for $2.00. We sometimes splurge for a fruit drink.

After a morning spent with Bella on the 23rd, we headed to the Park for the first time since last summer. Remi scootered the entire uphill route taking great delight in racing forward and then operating the brake while Grammy huffed to keep up . We repeatedly passed an older woman, as Remi alternately sped up, and slowed down. Each time we passed her he pointed out with great pride his braking prowess. Fortunately, she made the appropriate noises of wonderment at his accomplishment.

Nothing much has changed in the Park. The sandbox is still the biggest draw and I am still astonished that children seem to respect each others’ toys at least for the most part. It was warm enough for street vendors and so we had the requisite ice, yellow, of course. Then off to the aforementioned B & N.

Grammy did the sleep inducing stroll on the way back from B & N timing it so as to arrive at the Purity Diner just in time to park Remi and settle down for a late afternoon hot chocolate and good read on the IPod. Daddy found us there just as Remi woke up and we headed home for dinner.

February 9, 2012

Still determined to have adventures! Unfortunately, Kidflix seem to be the morning entertainment these days so didn’t get out very early. Have to say, however, that Grammy doesn’t half mind watching “Dumbo” and other assorted animated flicks. Brain is definitely turning to mush.

This day we set out for the Staten Island Ferry. Grammy seems to have a thing for boats these days. This time it was Remi’s favorite R train that took us right to Fulton St. and the ferry. Now I haven’t been on the S. I. Ferry in years so I suppose I shouldn’t blush too terribly when I admit to asking someone how much it cost. What transportation is free these days? How extraordinary!

We boarded without too long a wait and found a seat by a window. That lasted a few minutes before we headed out the stern door and into the open air, then back inside, then outside, back inside… This might have gone on the entire trip until Grammy, feeling foolish running back and forth with the empty stroller, put an end to it. Wanted to buy us some popcorn, but the line was too long.

We disembarked on the Staten Island side, then rushed around to board the boat back to Manhattan. Wasn’t the most exciting ride, but we did identify quite a few different boats–Remi kept correcting me by saying “ships.”

Since it was fairly late in the afternoon after our trip, I strolled around Fulton St. until Remi fell asleep. Took awhile to find a suitable spot to park the stroller, but finally alighted on the Dubliner. Tucked away in a darkish corner I treated myself to an Irish coffee while Remi slept on. What bliss!

The only downside was jostling the rush hour crowds as we headed home, but we managed.

February 2, 2012

Grammy was determined to make this day active, interesting and productive. Generally met the first objective, but questionable about the latter two. Mommy had been pushing “Bounce U”, an establishment on Fort Hamilton Pkwy for some time so there we started. Called to make a reservation and headed out via car service. Figured 10 minutes or so, but closer to 30. Lots of time to discuss the new taxi legislation with the cabby who is bent on buying medallions and running his own company. A worthy endeavor for a guy who seems way on the short side of 30. So who cares about debt nowadays?

Losing pants at Bounce U

Bounce U was tucked away in a warehouse-like area and consisted of giant blown up enclosures. One must have been 25 feet high with a nearly 90 degree slide that I wasn’t about to try. Remi steered clear of that one, too. The others were more typical, but Remi found it was more fun to stand on the outer rim about 2.5 high and jump to the floor…repeatedly. The only other delight was a Mike and Ikes candy dispenser–irresistible to both of us. A quarter gave us a sizable handful which we shared throughout the afternoon.

The monster slide

Next stop was the N train station which looked like a real train station as it was open to the sky and on ground level. Remi was delighted by all the tracks and switches. Changed from the N to the R and got off at South Ferry. (Grammy felt quite nostalgic about navigating Brooklyn as I used to in the old days!)

We climbed a mountain of stairs and finally emerged near the South Street Seaport. By this time, however, Remi was nearly asleep so I wandered around until I found a suitable eaterie to park the stroller. It was a soup place with a back area that led to an office building. I found I could wedge the stroller just inside the exit door away from the crowd. Only problem was that the area seemed to be frequented only by the restaurant staff none of whom paid any attention to us. I was dying for some hot soup, but I couldn’t leave Remi so I had to settle for lemon flavored water in a nearby pitcher that was probably for the use of the staff.

When Remi woke up we headed out for the Seaport. Unfortunately, it was quite cold and windy so we didn’t stay outside too long. Remi is a great sightseer, though, and was entranced both by the boats that were docked and those navigating the East River.

South St. Seaport

We finally scurried inside and wonder of all wonders found a toy store! A toy boat perhaps or even a train? No. It seems that airplanes are now capturing his interest, especially one that had doors that opened. Grammy could have done with a hot chocolate, but all fooderies at the Seaport looked quite posh and expensive so we headed home.

January 19, 2012

Chance to sleep in today! Hallelujah! Suffering from bad cold so extra sleep very welcome.
Met Daddy and Remi at the dentist’s office on Court St. Dr. Jackson is amazing with children somehow managing to carry on a conversation with Remi all the while cleaning his teeth. Should have taken a photo–he looks so small in the dentist chair– legs sticking straight up, talking nonstop about visiting the Transit Museum–what other topic is there?

When done, he was offered an illuminated, very cool toothbrush. A slight pause and then, “Akshally, I want a yellow lollipop!” Wise in the way of toddlers, Dr. Jackson slipped Grammy an extra for later on.

Next stop, the T.M. of course. We showed Henry Remi’s special #10 train shirt and then immediately to the gift shop, this time for a windup three-car train. Grammy picked out a couple of books as well.

Nothing much to report at the T.M. other than the usual exhibits and lunch in the lunchroom. Grammy fighting the while to stay awake with a head feeling like a watermelon about to burst. Even Remi began to yawn. Fortunately, he stayed awake long enough to climb the subway stairs on the way home. His latest delight is to roar in the 7th Ave. underground passage with the sound reverberating off the walls. Causes quite a few chuckles from passersby.

Displaying the Smiley Face and wearing two bandaids for a 3-week-old owie!

Snuggling him into the stroller, I began to walk and walk, and walk until he fell asleep. Not making the mistake of previous weeks trying to get him up the stairs only to have him wake up, I parked him in the Purity Diner and ordered myself a pancake short stack. Worked wonders! I felt better and Remi slept for two hours. Had my IPod charged for once and read “Steve Jobs” happily until Remi woke up.

Ordered a chocolate egg cream while Remi licked a grape jelly packet. He’s preparing for life on the streets! Grammy was very firm about allowing only one jelly packet, but found it a little tough to explain the ethical reasons. We then went home to watch “Dumbo”. Tried to make some supper, but not too successful. Mommy is definitely the better cook!

Holiday Photos

The Yellow Apron

The Yellow Apron

We visited the Christmas Tree at Rockefellar Center just before Christmas and then hit the Lego Store. Remi knew just what to do while clueless Grammy looked on. One grabs a bag and fills it with legos much like one might do at a candy store. There are all sorts of bins to choose from so we got an assortment of colors. We then headed to Sony Wonder where Remi enchanted all Derek’s staff. The craft of the day was to design an apron. Remi dutifully picked a yellow apron then pasted on some felt ornaments which promptly fell off. Didn’t faze him in the slightest. He was simply delighted with the apron.

He fell asleep in the seating area just outside Sony so we sat for the remainder of the afternoon. What to do then? Derek had to attend a corporate party, but it was nearly time to go home. So we simply went to the party with Derek and then met up with Cindy afterward.

Visiting the Xmas Tree at Grand Central

Visiting Grand Central
Coming back from a visit with Daddy at Sony Wonder where Remi created his very own Christmas apron (yellow, of course, the current favorite color), we were on our way to the train store at Grand Central.

At the Grand Central Transit Museum

The Transit Museum at Grand Central
The train display is amazing! Definitely the place to shop for Christmas presents for toddlers. Got a “bendy bus” for Remi here. Met Mommy and we all dined at the Grand Central Oyster Bar, a favorite of Granddad’s. Found some mango ice as well for both Remi and Grammy.

Showing Off the New Engine at the Brooklyn Transit Museum

The new diesel engine

Back to the Brooklyn Transit Museum where Grammy was talked into buying a new diesel engine which Remi is proudly displaying. The appeal is as much the train as the color. Yellow rules!

January 4, 2012

It’s been quite a long while since Grammy Day updated Thursdays. Have some photos to post, but nothing terribly memorable in the last several weeks. The holidays interrupted Thursdays in any case and before that it was business as usual at the Transit Museum.

This Thursday was not one of the more interesting. Remi still avoiding getting dressed so we missed a freebee gymnastics class which was scheduled for 10:15. Futsed around, cleaned up a poop in the pants, and then had the usual PB&J for lunch with Remi helping to spread the P.

One new development goes like this: “I have a question.” “What’s your question, Remi?” “I have a new train” or some such utterance.

Finally managed to get Remi dressed and outside promising an ice cream cone at the Red Horse. That done, we headed for the market to buy some wipes (Grammy had had to clean up three poops with disintegrating toilet paper) and a few other needed supplies. Once there Remi fell asleep in the stroller so I raced home and lugged him up the stairs. He is getting quite heavy. Just as I put him down, he awoke and announced that this was Remi’s room and Grammy wasn’t allowed! He also wanted ice cream at the Red Horse, apparently having forgotten all about it or maybe he had been dreaming of ice cream.

The rest of the afternoon was spent playing with the trains and watching the Polar Express. Remi was torn between not wanting to see the scary parts, but glued to the screen all the same. Unbeknownst to Grammy, he also painted the wall with markers which went undiscovered until Daddy came home. Fortunately, the markers were washable.

The “poop in the pants” business is quite frustrating and may account for why Remi is reluctant to go outside. Once the odor is noticed, he will consent to sit on the potty to complete the job, but he won’t go by himself before the “poop” begins to emerge which seems to happen throughout the day. Where is Rosie when we need her?

The day finished up with a wonderful lasagna that Remi and Mommy had concocted.

Storm Follow Up

Thought it might be interesting to see the dogwoods both during and after the storm before launching into my “Day with Remi”. Quite amazing especially when you consider these photos were taken about a week apart.

Dogwoods laden with snow

Dogwoods freed from the snow

Now for Remi last Thursday, November 10.
Once again, not the most exciting of days although it is a tad exciting when dressing proceeds without incident. However, have to say we dawdled long enough to miss art class so headed directly for, you guessed it, the Transit Museum. This time the object was the Number 2 train.

“Akshally”, it was a good idea as it turned out because there is a new exhibit with lots of simple, interactive displays. Not quite up to Sony Wonder standards and my guess is that some of the exhibits may not stand up well to pummeling by the public, but it was a refreshing change.

We are now quite the advertisement for the T.M. We are great friends with Henry, the ticket-taker who delights in engaging Remi in conversation. This day Henry was talking with two well-dressed ladies as we passed by on our way out. Henry pointed out Remi as a “regular” and the ladies, both with deep south drawls started asking Remi all about the Number 2 train which he was clutching fiercely to his chest. Remi obliged and one of the ladies seemed to be dumbfounded when she learned that Remi was not yet three.

We are practicing with X words at the T.M. It all started with “Express” trains. Remi loves to say “Express” with great emphasis on the second syllable. He has a bit of a lisp (like his grandmother) so it sounds really cute (not like his grandmother.) The lunch room at the T.M. has all kinds of signs on the walls so we worked on Exit (no “P” in Exit.) He is getting the idea.

Remi on the "Balance Beam" like his Mommy, the gymnast!

After leaving the T.M. we went in search of a chocolate egg cream. No such beast exists apparently in Cobble Hill–way too gentrified. I walked for miles, but the only thing I accomplished was to put Remi sound asleep in the stroller. He has gotten too big for me to carry the heavy McLaran stroller with him in it. Rain was threatening so I had to bump him down all the stairs to the subway. Got a little help from passersby, but there was a lot of bumping nonetheless.

When we emerged from the train, I wheeled him into the Purity Diner, our old haunt, and had my fill of a chocolate egg cream while Remi slept on. He did manage to wake up in time to polish off the remainder of the egg cream and we then headed home.

Remi, Bela and the IPad

Remi and Daddy

Bela soon joined us wearing one of her fantastic assemblages. I love the pink party dress with the black patterned tights! The two became engrossed in the IPad until Daddy arrived with Thai food. Blessings on him!