NY, NY

travelling, originally uploaded by allthingssara.

So most everyone who reads this knows already that we made it to NY and back in one (well, three!) piece(s). We've been back for a week and I haven't had a second to record our trip. I was so nervous about taking Hank on a plane -- worried about how he would handle flying, whether he would fuss and pitch fits on the plane, worried that his ears would hurt him... As we boarded we got some Looks Of Death, but Hank turned out to be a model flier -- I started refering to him as the Diplomat of Baby Travelers. He was pleasant the entire time we were on the plane and actually seemed to be enjoying himself. I knew things were probably going to be smooth sailing when, while waiting to take off, Hank was glued to the window watching the planes in line before us take off -- he just kept watching them go. Very cool to see him take note of something like that. Lots of play time, a nap or two, and a couple of babas later we arrived in NY. Many of our fellow passengers congratulated us on our Nice Baby -- most of them seemed relieved!

We had a great time with Hank's NY Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Mike, too. We did a lot of hanging around the house, enjoying time with Hank. Maureen and Henry threw a big party on Saturday to introduce Hank to several relatives and family friends, and he handled that quite well, also. Everyone seemed to really enjoy meeting the baby.

Henry and I spent the next day driving down to NJ to visit my friend Kate and meet her daughter Miranda (to whom Hank is betrothed). Thankfully her surgery went really well the week before we got there, and she was home recovering. I'm not sure Hank made the best first impression on little Miranda -- during floor time he promptly knocked his head into hers, and she did not look kindly on that. I tried to explain that he's still got to learn how to treat a lady properly, and not to write him off, but we'll have to see...! Hopefully she won't hold it against him...

On the way back to NHP we drove around Brooklyn to see where Henry's grandparents lived when Henry was tiny, and we also drove around looking for train yards so Henry could get some pictures. We ran across a block that housed a large building that was covered in amazing grafiti. We saw really great views of Manhattan, lots of glimpses of the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings. It was a really cool day.

I spent a lot of time during our trip hanging out with Maureen and Hank. Baby shopping was really fun! Maureen seemed to have a blast picking out treats for Hank, including a funny little neon green mouse that vibrates and skitters across the floor. Hank LOVES this thing -- LOVES it. When it is buzzes he hugs it close and bites down on it. Too funny. Hank is also loving, loving, loving the green and blue blankie Maureen made for him. It is a hit at every nap time.

Anyway, gotta run... naptime is over and Hank is itching to be played with. Thank you so much for everything, Maurren and Henry, our trip was really so wonderful!