Change

No kisses this morning, Mama.

Ok.  Have a good day.  I love you.  (Stepping back before he noticed the tears in my eyes.)

Lately he's running ahead on our walk to school and dashing into the building.  Sometimes he turns around to give a quick wave and sometimes he pushes into the pack and gets involved in conversations with his buds.  This morning we were there early but the message was clear that he had shifted into his role of Freddie, Independent Cool Kid, and I was not needed for company and conversation.

I love you, Freddie.  I am proud of you.  And I am always here for you should you need a kiss.

A Date

All dolled up...

It had been a while since Freddie and I had been on our last date.  Some one on one time was much needed.  

We spent time on the island checking out some murals and then off to lunch.  Freddie picked Subway.  

Apparently we need to eat out more often and develop his culinary tastes.  We pass Subway almost every day but never dine there, so there must have been a certain mystique calling Freddie.

He had pizza, chocolate milk, and a cookie.  What's not to like about Subway, right?

Down to the F train

Then we were off to the Lincoln Center to hear the New York Philharmonic perform Beethoven's 9th Symphony, Ode to Joy.

Exploring Avery Fischer Hall

When the musicians began, Freddie got a big smile and turned to me and said, "This music is so pretty."

He enjoyed watching for the different instruments to play, especially the drums and the triangle.  He wanted a better view of the French horn.

Our seats were ok, especially for $12.  We subscribed to the children's concert series so our seats have been assigned based on the price point I selected.  Next time I may opt for a bit of a better view.  

He did well for the first 40 minutes.  The final 20 minutes were a bit tough, but thankfully the chorus signing in the finale engaged him.

Afterwards we explored a bit around Columbus Circle and found a spot to enjoy a waffle.  Freddie suggested we keep the waffle a secret because Dada would be jealous.

Throwdown Waffle with chocolate sauce...yum!

Having just him meant we got to have conversations about things which interested him without distraction.  He seems to have some heavy topics on his mind, specifically death and wondering about the boy who is lost (flyers are plastered everywhere and I am possibly regretting answering Freddie's questions honestly about the flyers).  Makes me realize how important it is to have this time to connect with him.

A great afternoon with my guy.  He held my hand a lot and gave me lots of kisses.  A perfect date.

He loves street musicians

We have at least one date a month between now and February.  Looking forward to getting more time together.

Mama Initiation

I'm spending the day washing linens, treating heads, and itching.  Hopefully this initiation into the Real Mamas Club doesn't have a sequel anytime soon.  Or at least until we have a washer and dryer in our home. 

A date

Freddie and I had a date over the weekend. We headed to Carnegie Hall's Family Concert showcasing Mambo music. Freddie was definitely interested when I mentioned there would be dancers. "When are the dancers coming out, Mama?"

 

We arrived early for the educational presentation where some musicians spoke about their instruments.  Freddie like hearing the baritone saxophone.  

He seemed rather impressed with the percussion, especially when the timbales player pulled out glow in the dark drum sticks.  He pretended to play the trumpet for most of the performance, but when I asked if he would like to play the trumpet he asked for a piano.  Of course, as soon as we move to a house.  I say that once a day it seems.

After the concert we strolled through the city, looking at this and that....sculptures, window displays, cracks in the sidewalks.  The city is easy with only one child!  He chose McDonald's for lunch, even at my listing nearly 10 other selections.  It has been quite a while since he's had "Old McDonald's" chicken nuggets. 

I loved my time to focus on just Freddie.  He seemed to like it too.  He's better at being just with me, not wondering what Hans and Dada are doing without him.  In addition to being amazed at how easy having one child is, I was amazed at how mature my baby has become.  I lose sight of how much he is changing in the chaos of our days. 

An added bonus of the date:  Freddie's been requesting Tito Puente when we turn on the music!  And we've found Puerto Rico, Honduras, and Cuba on his world map.  Arriba!

In case you are wondering about Carnegie Hall's family concerts:

• They are awesome.  I highly recommend them.  It is a perfect introduction to music and all things involved with watching a concert performance for young children of all ages.  They are truly family friendly events.  Freddie is definitely on the younger end of the range in ages, but you certainly don't have to worry about your child causing a scene, talking too loudly, or bothering anyone. 
• Reasonably priced with tickets as low as $9.
• I love being in Carnegie Hall.  Nothing like the grandness of an old theater.
• You can select your seats from an interactive seating chart.  I appreciate being able to do this so I can get seats on the front row.  The balcony works for us, and Freddie wasn't quite as scared of the edge this time around.  Not sure if that is a plus or minus.

Sweet Sleep

Not a day passes that I don't watch each boy for a few minutes after they've fallen asleep.  I don't imagine this will stop any time soon.