Tuesday, September 02, 2008

So far, so good!

So things are definitely looking up. First of all, as I am writing this, I am sitting on my balcony (and when I say balcony, I mean the slab of cement that juts out about a foot from the window/doors from the living room, but a balcony nonetheless!) overlooking Columbia University and the city. I still can't believe I live here. But yeah, today was the ward's play group, which was at a park on Riverside. The parks here are so cool... most of them have these fountains that run all summer long that kids just run through and play in, to beat the heat. Asher was in heaven. The girls in my ward are so great. We all just sat and chatted the hours away... some are veterans of city living, so it was great to get advice on how to live in the city with kids. Others were just as new as we were. There is a good mix of students, as well as families that just live here. We are really lucky, and actually live in a fabulous neighborhood. The upper west side is really the best place to live with kids, as it is so close to both Riverside and Central Parks (we also have Morningside Park to the East), it is quieter, and really beautiful. I love the look of the buildings and the tree lined streets. It is just like all the cute neighborhoods you see in all the movies. I love it. However, if you walk about 5 blocks north of our street... ghet-to!!! Seriously, I was walking back from the grocery store today with Asher, and was coming from 125th, when I looked around and realized that the area I was in was a little shady, and as soon as I hit 123rd, every thing was all of the sudden nice and clean. It was kind of weird. So, note to self... north= a little scary and very dirty and smelly, south= picturesque. 

We have been able to walk around and explore our general area, which has been really great. We walked down to Central Park, then got on the subway (which Asher loved, by the way) and got off at the Time Warner building, where they have a HUGE Whole Foods store, and tons of other great stores (ie. banana, borders, and tons of others that I can't think of at the moment). We spent some time in Riverside Park, where Asher found the sand volleyball pits, where he was entertained for over an hour. And then we have just walked up and down Broadway and Amsterdam, where there are tons of shops, restaurants, markets, and other cool stuff. Nate spent a few hours last night looking at menu pages.com, which shows all the restaurants in the city, no doubt mapping out his plan of attack on the world of eating in Manhattan. What can I say, the boy loves food. 

I have also met a bunch of girls from our building. One couple is in our ward, also moved from Provo, but pretty sure we are the only 2 families that are members in our building. Everyone is SO nice and friendly. There is a family that lives right under us with 2 boys as well, one is Asher's age, and they are twins from different mothers. Both little monsters that must have their own way, and enjoy screaming and hitting and pushing and stealing toys... it is pretty hilarious to watch them together. All of our exploring, and talking to new people, has gotten me super excited again about living here, and all of the possibilities available to us.

We are still not really unpacked or set up, seeing as how most of our stuff has not arrived yet. So that's still a little annoying, not being able to feel comfortable and be able to just relax. It definitely doesn't feel like our home yet, but I am confident that it soon will. I get more used to cooking in a closet each day. Ok, so maybe that's stretching the truth a little bit, but I am working on it. Ok, so this post is already super long, and I didn't even talk about what I meant to blog about, which was Sayer, as he is 6 months old today!! Can you believe it? But I will save that for later, when I have taken some cute pictures of him, and when I find the cord to upload the pictures. But just thought I would give a little update. Sorry for the lack of pictures. Coming soon, I promise!

Oh, and more good news, my Phil and Ted Sport arrives tomorrow (imagine me saying this in a lovely sing-songy voice!!)  Can't wait.

14 comments:

mj said...

yaaaaay! so glad things are going well thus far. and i can NOT believe sayer is 6 months already! time flies. what a cutie.

Lant Family said...

Oh good , I am so glad things are going good for you guys there. I think meeting people and getting out there is Key to getting to know and like a new place! It also helps tons that you are getting to know and have friendly people in your ward. I am glad you are so postive about living there. Look forward to the pictures :)

The Lambs said...

Parks are life savers! I'm glad you made it safely- I saw a Phil and Ted today at the mall and thought of you- you do good marketing! Hope your stuff arrives safely and soon!

Lisa said...

I just imagined you saying your stroller arrives tomorrow in a sing song voice and that cracked me up! You are such a go getter, already going to ward play dates and walking all over the city! Way to go!

Trent & Emily Davies said...

I am so glad to hear that things are starting to fall into place and it isn't so hectic! I can't imagine having to move across the country with two kids...you're amazing!!

I saw your family pictures on Allie's blog...they all turned out so good! I can't believe how big Sayer is getting!!

Amanda said...

Hey, Keep an eye out for a Melanie Williams and her daughter Scarlett. I think they're living in Harlem in housing that is for the teachers, but they lucked out as some was reserved for business students. Her husband just started his MBA at Columbia.
They're fun. we like them.

Bethanne said...

Sounds awesome. I guess doors have really opened! I'm glad you have tons of new ladies to help you get the feel of the town and enjoy your new home.

BTW, I ended up not paying attention when coming home from church there once...and I, by myself, ended up getting lost in the middle of Harlem. Only white girl around and in church clothes. I couldn't even find the subway for probably half an hour. Luckily that was the only time I ever felt scared in NYC though! :) I love some of the cute "Sesame Street" neighborhoods. Oh, and the food. Awesome!

MYHowderFamily said...

WOW! Can you say life change. From Utah to New York! Welcome to the east side of the country. Your right above us! That is a huge change. Enjoy the City you should have a ton to do there and see. Your babies are growing up fast.

Britney said...

Congratulations on making it across the country! :) I'm glad all is going so well for you. We are so excited for this great big new change in your life and can't wait to keep hearing all of the glorious details! Look at you, you big city gal!

Michal Thompson said...

so how is the phil and ted- I envy you!

Josh and Michelle said...

So exciting Morgs I cant wait to hear all about everything. I wish we could come be your neighbor.

Heidi said...

I love NYC parks! That is great you already are making so many friends and meeting your neighbors. city life seems to encourage that kind of thing I think.

Dan and Marci said...

Good luck in the big new city! You are a brave woman. It is nice to hear you are already making friends and have some great places to play. Enjoy!

Jessica said...

Good to see you are getting settled. I hate moving, but meeting new people is always fun.