Dinnertime Smiles

Some Like it HOT

Andrew and I returned from Tokyo with a surprising obsession with indian curry. Andrew likes his as spicy as they can make it. He always asks for the hottest dish. I'm convinced that his taste buds have been completely burned off by now. On Sat. morning we were watching the show Man vs. Food on the Travel channel, where the host was taking on the challenge of eating the "hottest curry this side of the Atlantic". Apparently- the chef wears a gas mask when preparing this particular dish and 9 out of 10 people are unable to finish it. If you do- you get a free beer and a certificate of completion. Andrew was mesmerized and told me that wherever this place was, we were going to go there. Wouldn't you know, it was in NYC. Following a quick call to make sure they had highchairs, we found ourselves on a downtown bus to 6th street on the lower east side, also called "Curry Row." The restaurant was called Brick Lane Curry House and the curry was AMAZING. Definitely the best we've had in NYC.
Hmm, what to order.

The dish.

The fine print.

They aren't joking, that stuff is HOT!!!!!

A deep cleansing breath between bites.

Yummmmmm. But no he didn't finish it.

Afterwards, we stopped for coffee and a stroll through Washington Square park.



Look Mom, no hands!

Needless to say, Andrew had all sorts of stomach issues yesterday. While it was super yummy, I think we'll take a hiatus from curry for a bit!

Cool Guy

Connor has been really into combing his hair lately. He likes to carry the comb around with him, in case he needs some touch ups throughout the day.

What's up ladies?

Lovin' the four legged friends!

Given Connor's downright obsession with Puppy (who no longer is confined to the crib but is now carried around practically all day long), its no surprise that he's been on a real dog kick lately. On a warm day last week I took him to the dog park at one of the parks in our hood. He was out of his mind with excitement. He actually pointed at them and said "dog!" (of course try as I might I haven't gotten him to say it again since).

There was a big dog park and a small dog park- he preferred the small dogs.

Our favorite was a gorgeous Weimaraner puppy (who will eventually grow to be a big one!)

The park was right on the East River and I let Connor walk with me next to the stroller since there was no danger of him running out in traffic.


In an effort to slow him down I asked him if he wouldn't mind pushing the stroller for a bit.


When we got home, Connor opened a Valentine's day gift from his Nana and Grandad, which was a really neat book all about dogs- so perfect for my little dog lover!

Geoff and Lauren

On Monday we rented a car and drove out to Westchester to visit Andrew's best friend Geoff and his new wife Lauren. Crazy as it sounds- this was the first time we met Lauren and they met Connor. Geoff has been living in London for the past couple years while we were in living in Tokyo. Just as we've moved back to the USA, Geoff and Lauren are about to begin another adventure by moving to South Africa. They were briefly passing through NY this past weekend to visit Geoff's parents and we were so glad we were able to catch up with them while they were here! We were SO HAPPY to be able to (finally) meet Lauren- who we've been hearing such great things about for so long now. And I think they enjoyed meeting Connor too!
Andrew and Geoff's mothers have been known to show up to the same event wearing the same dress so it was no surprise that Andrew and Geoff had on the same navy blue sweater and button down shirt. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

Geoff introducing Connor to his (very old) kitty cat.

The gang.

Thank you SO MUCH to the Gursels (all four of you!) for hosting us- we always have such a great time with you!!

Connor the Artist

There's a paint your own pottery place across the street from our apartment. Last week Connor asked me if I would take him in to paint his Dad a coffee mug for Valentine's Day. It was a little difficult keeping Connor "on task" and from eating the paint but I think he really enjoyed it! Andrew absolutely loved his gift too!
Connor in his "work shirt"- a gift from my Mom.

I noticed that he was more comfortable painting with his right hand (also the hand he prefers to hold a spoon in)- sorry Andrew and Grandad- looks like we have a righty!!


The finished product!

Admiring his handiwork.

Testing it out.

I dig it!

Great Age

I know that I've said this about a few different stages of Connor's life but Andrew and I decided that this is our favorite age yet! Connor is 13 1/2 months now and he just couldn't be more fun. He really understands us now and is good at following basic instructions, like moving from one room to another or handing us something, etc. Our favorite is when we ask him for a hug or a kiss- of course we ask him for them constantly. Now he'll wrap his arms around you and squeeze tightly which is just about the greatest feeling in the world. It makes me laugh at how much he mimics us. Either with the remote, or a phone, or the other day I couldn't find him for a minute and finally discovered him in the bathroom giving Puppy a bath (he was bent over the tub washing Puppy with a washcloth)- unfortunately I couldn't get to my camera fast enough. He loves to read- either for you to read to him while he sits in your lap or he'll page through his books on his own. I never thought I'd see the day where Connor spends some quiet time on his own! One of his favorite activities is putting his toys away- is that awesome or what? Being a typical city kid- he loves to point out taxis. He's also very good at hailing one for us. He sees a taxi and automatically puts his hand in the air. It's very helpful when my arms are full holding him, a diaper bag and a stroller! And most importantly (haha) he's still a really good sleeper. As of about a week ago, when I tuck him in at night he says "night night!" - I just get such a kick out of it. I know it won't always be this great- at some point soon he'll enter the terrible twos when the tantrums and major limit testing will begin. In the meantime, I'm loving every minute (well almost) spent with him!

Editors Note: The above picture was taken just after we opened Connor's Valentine's Day gift from his Nana and Grandad. Connor is modeling the new jacket he received (thank you so much again!) - hence why it looks like our apartment has exploded behind us. It's not usually that messy!