Wide Wide World of Wyatt

Easter Portraits

2009-07-19T01:25:00.002-04:00

Easter Festivities at Saint Vincent's

2009-07-19T01:17:00.003-04:00

Easter at Paula's

2009-07-19T00:39:00.005-04:00

Bluebonnets!

2009-07-18T23:15:00.004-04:00

Running Through Bluebonnet Tufts

Here I Come!

Wyatt Meets a Friendly Pup

Contemplating Nature?

Like Ferdinand, Wyatt Enjoys Smelling the Flowers

Exploring the Field

Wyatt and Mom Walk Off Into the Sunset

After The Bluebonnets, Wyatt Goes Down The Slide

2009-06-23T23:13:00.004-04:00

Good Times With Old Friends in Alpine!

2009-06-22T23:58:00.004-04:00

Like The Sign Says, People, "Grettings From Alpine!"

They Grow 'em Cactus' Purdy Out in West Texas

Old Friends Reunited!

Mae, Milo, Pruitt, Ada, Walt, Reese and Wyatt

Reese and Wyatt Kickin' Back

Stop Motion Mae

Reese and her Wy-Bear

Wyatt's Hair Resembles a Yucca

The Beautiful Sunset View from Amelie's Back Yard

Early Morning Trampoline Pow Wow

Joe Cool Toddler

Just Look At That Volvo Wagon With A Canoe on Top!

We all had serious vacation envy when The Pazurs took off for their

Santa Elena Canyon adventure.

A Final Family Portrait Before We Leave

Wyatt, Post Meltdown, Sleeping Like, Well...A Baby.

Marfa

2009-05-28T22:51:00.007-04:00

Hangin' At the Marfa Bookstore

FoodShark!

Mod Art

Tiny Gallerist

Diggin' Some Art

Walkin' to the FoodShark

West Texas Style Motorcycle

A couple of days before we hit Alpine, I found out that my old friend and former roommate Laura, and her son, Logan were going to be vacationing out in West Texas, not far from us, so we planned a little meet up in Marfa, Texas. We ate at Food Shark, caught up on the past three years or so, and then William, Wyatt and I toured around Marfa a bit to check it out.

Headed to Alpine, We Stop in Midland for Some Grandpa and Aunt Marianne Time

2009-05-28T22:14:00.005-04:00

"Ready. One...Two..."

"...Three!"

"Gillian" The Beloved Seeing Eye Dog Drop Out

"Hiya!"

"Yay, Grandpa!"

Sometime around the end of March, Wyatt, William and I were driving down to Alpine to visit my old friend Amelie and her family in Alpine. The Lackeys were coming, too and then our friend Karen and her family would be joining us from Albequerque, New Mexico. A whole NTSU/Bruce Hall girlfriend reunion! Along the way, were were able to stop in Midland for the night and visit with Wyatt's Grandpa, his Auntie MRN and meet Gillian, the wonderdog!

It was Grandpa Gary's 70th birthday and we celebrated with a buger cook out and some cake. Wyatt got to sleep in with Aunt MRN and that was very sweet. She gave him a little "aquarium" straight from Florida, which lit up and glowed and made him say, "Eeewww!" Like he does, stretching it out to about three syllables, when something particularly grabs his attention.

Carousel Fun

2009-05-18T22:45:00.006-04:00

So Much to Look At

Enjoying the View

Wyatt and I have some new friends. We're living in Arlington for now and I wanted to get in shape and I wanted Wyatt to have some other babies and toddlers to play with. I met a great group of ladies at Stroller Strides. Yep, we push our babes in their strollers as we as we huff and puff and jump and run around them. Wyatt gets a kick out of watching all of this craziness.

Anyway, one day after class, moms and babies headed over to the carousel and took a ride. Wyatt's reaction was similar to the reaction he had at the carousel he rode in Bryant Park when he was 10 months old. And that is: it all looks really pretty, but once that thing starts moving, I'm not so sure. In fact, make it stop. Poor lil' guy.

Dallas World Auquarium February 23rd

2009-05-16T00:32:00.007-04:00

Our Gang

Enjoying My Birthday

Wyatt's Second Penguin Encounter

Wyatt and Reese Gettin' Up Close to Penguins

Crazy Fish Above our Heads

Wyatt Meets Someone His Own Size

By some stroke of luck, Mae and Reese we off from school on my birthday, which fell on a Monday. So William, Wyatt, Michelle, Mae and Reese and I all took a trip over to Dallas to check out the Dallas World Aquarium.

Everyone loved it. There were amazing things to look at everywhere you turned. Reese impressed all of us with her amazing knowledge of all things reptilian, aquatic and mammalian. It was fun to see the penguins being fed and the kids were able to get right up the window and see it all close up. Even Wyatt.

Afterward, we all ended up at Grandma Connie's for pink birthday cake. It was a great day.

Baby Loves Disco (February 7th)

2009-05-15T23:25:00.005-04:00

Bubble Stompin'

Wyatt 'n Dad

Lawrence Welk's Got Nothin' on This Place

"Ooooooh!"

"Can I Buy You a Juice?"

When we lived in New York, we were always hearing about how much fun Baby Loves Disco is. What's Baby Loves Disco, you ask? Well, what happens is that a regular ol' nightclub, the kind that usually serves alcoholic drinks and that has djs spinning music so that men and women can get schnockered, get their groove on and hook up, becomes a daytime disco party where they spin kid friendly disco music, serve organic juice and hand out shakers, scarves and balloons. Wyatt loved it because it incorporated three of his favorite things: balloons, bubbles and music. He had only started walking a couple weeks before and he was already out showing off his new walking skills at the disco.

MLK Day at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens

2009-05-13T00:48:00.002-04:00

Mae and Reese Teach Wyatt the Concept of Feeding the Fish

Clapping for Fish

Wyatt lovin' him Some Reese

On MLK day, Michelle and I took the kids to the Botanical Gardens in Ft.Worth. Wyatt had a blast feeding the fish, although it took him a little time to figure out that you throw the fish food in the water and not put it in your mouth. And he had a great time hangin' with his best buds, Mae and Reese.

Happy Birthday, Mae!

2009-04-29T21:45:00.003-04:00

Mae Blowing Out Her Candles

Mae, Her Mom and Her Cousin

In The Leaves

Wyatt Havin' Fun with his Buddies

Baby Snugs

One of the best things by far about us relocating to Dallas/Ft.Worth has been reconnecting with one of my dearest friends from college, Michelle Garrison, now known as Michelle Lackey, since she married a great guy named Barrett Lackey about 10 years ago. They have two awesome kids, Reese and Mae. And since we've moved here they've been my saving grace. Reece and Mae absolutely adore Wyatt, and he feels the same way about them. At first Michelle and I would say, "Oh they love each other so much, they're like cousins." Well now, it would be much more fitting to say that they are like siblings. Except that they don't fight. Not yet anyway.

Well, Mae's 6th Birthday was in the end of December. William was in Midland taking care of his dad at that point, so Wyatt and I met the Garrison-Lackey clan out a fun park in Arlington, and we had cake, kids played on the playground and Wyatt got buried in leaves. All fun stuff.

Christmas Day: Secular and Non Secular Fun!

2009-04-29T17:54:00.006-04:00

Checking Out The Alter

Speed Crawling Toward the Nativity

Taking a Break on the Stairs

Wyatt Wonders, "Are These Christmas Presents or Are They Birthday Presents?"

Wyatt and Grandma Inside The Penguin House

It's a tradition on Wyatt's mom's side of the family to go to The Old St. Louis Cathedral under The Arch for noon mass on Christmas day. So that's what we did. Wyatt was 13 months old and still unable to walk, but he had gotten FAST at crawling, so when mass was over, that's what he did. He sped down the aisle to check out the alter, he sped down another aisle to take a look at the nativity scene. And that was just the beginning of his Christmas Day adventures....

In the afternoon, Wyatt, his mom, his Grandma and his Uncle Pat headed down to the St. Louis Zoo. Wyatt had already been to the Bronx Zoo, and this one really gave that one a run for it's money. The highlight was the Penguin House. That place must've had at least 150 little penguins splishing, splashing and jumping from rock to rock and into the water. At one point, Wyatt and I got too close and when one of those pengins took a belly flop into the water, we got splashed! Splashed with stinky, fishy, penguin water. Gross. But Wyatt thought it was fun.

Christmas Eve

2009-04-28T23:29:00.006-04:00

Christmas Kids

The Family Stair Photo '08 (Sadly, Minus William)

Lots o' Presents

Hangin' with Cousin Reis

A Sleepy Wyatt Gettin' Hugs from Cousin Lauren

A few days after we arrived in Arlington, Wyatt, his mom, his dad, his grandma and his Uncle Pat got in an SUV and headed to St. Louis. About halfway there, we got a phone call from William's mom saying that his Dad, who lives in Midland, was in the hospital with a colapsed heart valve and he would need to have sugery asap*. What to do? What to do? Well, obviously, William needed to get on a plane right away and head down to Midland. But what about Wyatt and I? Should we go, too? It was a tough call. Stay together as a family for Christmas, or split up, Wyatt and I going on to St. Louis as planned? Well, William made the call, saying that we might as well go and have an enjoyable Christmas, let Wyatt see his cousins, etc. So that's what we did. It wasn't the same without him, but that's what we did. We scrambled to find William a cheap flight, backtracked an hour or so to Oklahoma City's airport and off he went to DFW. No direct flights into Midland until the next day, and luckily, our good friends Chad and James were heading to Midland earlier and could give William a ride.

Sadly, we ventured on to St. Louis sans William. Christmas Eve was the next day, and we spent the evening at Cousin Cathy, Dave, Dustin, Caroline and Reis's house with tons of other aunts, uncles, cousins and other relations and friends. The highlight was drunken carolling to a few houses in Cathy and Dave's posh neighborhood. Surprisingly, no one told us to get lost, even though they probably should have.

*Happy news to report: William's dad's surgery went well and he is now healthier than ever. He celebrated his 70th birthday in March 09.

An Early Christmas Present

2009-04-28T23:16:00.003-04:00

Well, we finally arrived in Arlington, Texas after our 5 day southwestern journey and boy, did Grandma Connie have a fantastic Christmas surprise for the 'lil guy - his very own pony. He was delighted as the little horse went "clipptiy cloppity and neighhhhhh" when you pinch his ear. Discretely. The horse's ear, that is. I don't think I'd ever seen a look on Wyatt's face quite like that before. He was absolutely thrilled and he kept looking around at everyone as if to say, "Is this really for me? You mean I really get to keep it?" What a cutie.

On the Road Again...in Texas (Mid December)

2009-04-15T22:58:00.007-04:00

Texas Sunset

"Speedy" Our Trusty Cross Country Mini-Van

These are a couple of shots that I took with my iPhone on the Texas portion of our Southwestern road trip.

Wyatt Stops in Midland and Gets to Hang With Grandpa Gary

2009-04-15T22:39:00.004-04:00

Wyatt and His Grandpa

The Philpott Boys

Our last overnight stay on The Speedy Express was at Wyatt's Grandpa Gary's house in Midland, Texas. It was a short visit, but worth the wait. Wyatt got to see his grandpa and meet Four-Four. We had to get on the road the next day to make it in time to hop on the St. Louis Christmas Express. Whew, that's a lot of road-trippin'.

Visiting Friends on Speedy's Southwest Express

2009-04-09T22:36:00.007-04:00

The Family in Santa Barbara

Mom and Kat and Wyatt

Wyatt, Dad and Chris

Around the middle of December, we drove Speedy, Cha- Cha's trusty 1994 Ford Aerostar, from Novato, California to Arlington, Texas. The goal was to get there a few days before Christmas, beacause then, the whole family would hop into another van with Wyatt's Texas Grandma and Uncle Pat and drive to St. Louis. It was a long road trip, but Wyatt aced it like a champ. We got to visit various friends along the way and that made it really fun.

Our first stop was in Santa Barbara, and we stayed at our friend Chris's girlfriend's house. The place was amazing and Kat was a fantastic hostess. I think Wyatt fell in love. Kat plays drums in a band and she sat Wyatt on her lap in front of the drum kit and together they just rat-a-tat-tatted, and drum rolled and banged away. Wyatt had a blast! He's alwayed been into the drums, but with Kat, he got to totally rock out!

We said our goodbyes the next day after a tasty Mexican lunch. Then we headed down the highway to L.A., where we stayed with our good friends Darrel and Lisa (not sure what happened to those pitcures. Sorry, D and L!). Tuscon was our next stop after that and then on to Midland, Texas, where we got to see Wyatt's Grandpa Gary.

Not Quite Sure About Santa

2009-04-09T22:07:00.005-04:00

First Meeting With Santa. Ready to Bolt and Run.

"I'm not so sure about this guy.

You're not going to leave me here with him are you?"

"i'm ready to get out of here now."

"Maybe if I don't make eye contact, he'll go away."

Later the same day we walked across the Golden Gate, we drove north to Mill Valley and got out to explore the charming little town. We happened upon a small holiday gathering in the town square, complete with hot chocolate, apple cider and a Santa Claus who happened to wearing a Fireman's hat. Hmmm...perhaps because the event was hosted by the Mill Valley Fire Department?

Well, this was Wyatt's ever glimpse at Santa as was not really sure what to make of him. He thought he was okay from afar, but boy, once he was plopped down on his lap he really got the "worried look".He didn't really cry, but his little eyes filled up with tears and it just about killed me. How can little kids look so cute when they look so sad? Poor little guy.

A Walk Across the Golden Gate

2009-04-09T21:59:00.002-04:00

On a beautiful and chilly December day, we took a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and back. Wyatt's a pretty well traveled litle guy. This being his second visit to the Golden Gate 'n all.

Christmas in Union Square (The West Coast One)

2009-04-09T21:43:00.004-04:00

Wyatt and Mom in Union Square

Tree at Sunset

One evening we drove into what Northern Californian's call "The City". That would be San Francisco to the rest of us. We just mostly wandered around Union Square looking at the Christmas windows. We wandered into Barney's, See's Candies and Macy's and even thought about waiting in that super long line to get Wyatt's picture taken with Santa. But it was getting late, and even at an hour that sleep was not impending, it would have been risky. At 7:00 pm it was 100% no can do.

Tree Lighting In San Rafael

2009-04-09T21:30:00.002-04:00

Who's Number One?

Wyatt and His Dad!

We went to a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in a town south of Novato called San Rafael. William's mom and Charlie used to live there before they sold their house. It has a cute downtown area and on this particular night, there was a Christmas parade that went through the town and tents selling little gift items and lots of people drinking hot chocolate and even a place where you cold hop on a sled and sled down a fake snow covered hill. The highlight was the lighting of a huge Christmas tree. Wyatt enjoyed riding backpack style in the Ergo and watching all the people.

Later that Day...

2009-04-08T00:31:00.005-04:00

In an attempt to make Wyatt's birthday last as long as possible, (and I do believe that all birthdays should be maximized to the fullest extent), we had one last birthday cupcake, one last round of "Happy Birthday", another chance to wear the First Birthday hat, more balloons and more clapping. Wyatt also had a chance to open some birthday presents. Happy Birthday, Wyatt! Thanks to you, your Dad and I have had the best year of our lives.

Ridin' on the Choo Choo at Wyatt's Birthday Party

2009-04-07T00:55:00.006-04:00

Comin' Round the Track

The Whole Gang on the Train

Tim, Maya and Otie

Simone and Her Dad

Why is a ride on an old steam train so exciting and so much fun? Well, I'm about to tell you, so here goes:

We all piled into the steam train and waited for the old thing to take off down the track. The whistle would blow and huge puffs of steam would fill the air, and then slowly....slowly, the train started creeping, going "chuga chuga chuga, choo choo!" And then it went a bit faster and then a little faster still and then suddenly, that little train was throttling down the track, literally going full steam ahead. Wyatt, River and the whole gang watched the scenery fly by as the train winded along the narrow railway and through the Berkeley Hills.

Wyatt's First Birthday Party

2009-04-07T00:24:00.012-04:00

Wyatt 'n Dad

Saying "Hi!" to Carolina and River

Family Birthday Portrait

River and Laurent

Happy Birthday to Wyatt!

Happy Birthday to You!

Wyatt and Otis Munchin' on Birthday Cupcakes...Mmmmm.

Nico, Sarah and Simone Join the Party

Otis and Wyatt Entertaining the Grown-Ups

Baby Cheerios Feeding Frenzy!

Bird's Eye Baby Blanket View

On November 22, 2008, Wyatt turned one! We were in Novato. Which is to say it was not the "home" that Wyatt and his parents were most used to at that time, which was on Orchard Street in Manhattan, and it wasn't our new "home-in-between-homes" in Arlington. But it was certainly a beautiful, fun place. Close to family and old and new friends, and a great place to turn one.

His birthday happened to be on a Saturday, so we called up everyone we knew in San Francisco (in other words, a couple of handfuls of people) and invited them to join us at Tilden Park near the historic carousel. Unfortunately, once we arrived, we found out that the carousel was closed for renovations and the beautiful, sunny, warm day was pretty darn chilly in the shade. Which of course, was where the only picnic table in the vicinity of the carousel, was located. But that didn't matter. Once Carolina, Laurent and River showed up, they got the party started, and soon after, our new friends, Maya, Tim and Otis arrived. Big shouts out to those three for coming, since we had only known them for a couple of weeks at that time. Later, the other ex-Brooklynites, Sarah, Nico and Simone, plus a friend, joined us in time for homemade cupcakes.

Parents talked, babies played on blankets, and then someone had the bright idea to head to the famous steam train in Tilden Park for a ride in the choo choo. Tilden Park is BIG, so we all hopped in our cars, followed Tim and Maya, who actually knew how to get there, and ended up at the steam train for a really fun ride.

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!

2009-04-07T00:10:00.003-04:00

I guess I never realized that Wyatt had never seen a balloon before, but when we went to Trader Joe's in Novato and Wyatt took one look at those high floating, colorful pices of rubber, he was instantly made happy. He smiled, he patted his head, he reached for the sky. The wonderful thing about his newfound fascination with balloons was that, at Trader Joe's, they just give them away. That's right, give them away...to kids...for free! Yay! So we must have shopped at TG's at least nine times in the three weeks that we were there. Sure, it's a great store, but the free balloons make a little guy happy.

Smiles at the Playground

2009-04-06T23:57:00.002-04:00

Wyatt's Grandma and Cha-Cha lived just down the road from a great playground in Novato. These shots were taken on one of the first days Wyatt climbed on this "jungle gym" instead of just swinging.

Birkenstock Wearin' Grandparents

2009-04-02T22:57:00.007-04:00

Grabbin' Cha Cha's Nose

Havin' Fun

A "Walk" In The Woods

It's a Nice View from Over Cha Cha's Shoulder

"Crunchy" Grandparents

Do Grandma and Cha Cha look like "crunchy" grandparents? Hopefully, they do because that was the "vibe" we were striving for in this photoshoot that we produced for Getty Images. Let's hope these sell!!!

On a less capitalistic note, Wyatt had a great time enjoying all the attention from his grandparents and it was a really sweet day, seeing them all interacting and just lovin' on each other. (That part was definitely not staged). Everyone (Merlin included) did a great job and William and I love the end results!

Oh yeah, and the shots of Wyatt "walking" were staged for the benefit of the viewer. He's still about a month away from walking when these pictures were taken.

Grandma and Cha Cha Live in Novato

2009-04-02T21:37:00.006-04:00

The Trees We'd Walk Past on the Way to Peet's Coffee

Drawing the Scenery Atop the "Hiking Hill"

Lovely November Leaves

As I have mentioned before, Wyatt's West Coast Grandma and Cha Cha live in Novato. A suburban town in Marin County about 40 minutes north of San Francisco. By Northern California standards, it is a fairly bland suburb. New strip malls and chain restaurants line the frontage roads and there are tons of gated communities with names like "Tranquility" and "Serenity" filled with cookie cutter McMansions.

However, by my New York, and most recently, Texas, standards, it is a lovely place with a few places to hike and take nice walks. There was a skate park down the street (William would skate there and may have been the oldest by at least 10 years - but he's used to that), you could walk to Peet's Coffee and the Safeway. Novato also had a very cute downtown area with an old fashioned candy store....and best of all, a Trader Joes!!! Not the crowded kind like in New York, but a big, friendly one that handed out balloons to all the tots and had cheap wines, cheap veggies, cheap and yummy frozen foods and, well, just a ton of good-for-you cheap stuff! This is the place where Wyatt saw his first ever balloon, and then he got one of his very own. To this day, he still get's excited about balloons. He'll look up and pat his head. Another sign language geture that Wyatt made his own.

We also used to take Wyatt to storytime at the Novato Library. It was always super-packed and the same woman hosted storytime each week. She was a woman in her late 50's with long, grey hair she tied back into a ponytail. She always wore faded stone washed jeans, crocs and would sing and play songs like "Puff the Magic Dragon" on her guitar. She fit every hippie stereotype I could think of and despite this, I thought she was wonderful!

Some days we would hike this fairly long hike that would take you to the top of a hill that had a scenic view of most of Novato. One day I went without Wyatt and William to do a little landscape drawing and about an hour into it, they joined me for the hike down the hill.

Novato was easy and relaxing. Some days I wish we were still there.

A Baby Boy's Best Friend

2009-03-26T23:02:00.004-04:00

Kissin' Merlin

Grabbin' Merlin

Planning Their Escape

Merlin and Wyatt were like two peas in a pod each time we visited Novato.

Merlin would go into his crate and Wyatt would follow and shut the door. Or if Merlin was in his crate and Wyatt felt like hanging out with his buddy, he'd open the door and free him. (Wyatt was really good at that) At this point, Wyatt was still crawling and Merlin would steal his socks. They both played with the same chew toys (yuck!). And every morning, as we'd approach the door to Grandma and Cha-Cha's house (Merlin's home), Wyatt would bounce up and down in my arms, clap and say "Oeuf - oeuf!" Like "egg-egg" in French, but it was his own way of saying "woof-woof!" He's 16 months old now and he still says "oeuf-oeuf!" everytime he sees or hears a dog.

Another uniquely Wyatt quirk is whenever you tell him to "be gentle", which is pretty often when there is a fairly helpless pup around, he'll look at the animal and then rub his belly in a quick circular motion. It's a funny little sign language "word" he made up on his own.

Bolinas, California

2009-03-16T22:43:00.005-04:00

A Stroll and a Ginger Ale Settles A Tummy

Sunbeams on the Beach

Digging for Sand Ammunition

Yay, Bolinas!

Baby in a Backpack

There is a funky little artist/surfing community just off of Highway One, north of San Fransisco called Bolinas. William, Wyatt and I may never have known of it's existance, had Carolina not called us one Saturday to see if we wanted to join her for a little daytrip.

We met her in Mill Valley. She parked her car, then jumped in ours and did the navigating as William drove the car up and around turn after windy turn. I was seriously regretting the fact that I had no dramamine on me, as my stomach swished and sloshed and I felt my face turning green. The ride from Mill Valley to Bolinas, although in total was probably only 20 minutes, felt like about an hour, and I was grateful that upon our arrival, I found the dusty little 100 year old grocery store and in it I bought a yummy, old fashioned ginger ale to soothe my tummy.

Carolina planned to surf on this trip. She slithered into her wet suit and headed down to the water with her surfboard. There were a surprising amount of surfers, both young and old there. I had bought a large sketch pad a few days earlier and I brought some charcoals with me to draw with. This meant that William was going to wrangle Wyatt. However, drawing proved difficult as I was often sharing my small blanket with Wyatt and William.

This trip to the beach, Wyatt was old enough to enjoy the sand, and he loved scooping it up in his little hands and letting it squish through his fingers. He also decided it would be fun to scoop up sand and stand behind me as I sat on the blanket, and pour fistfuls of sand down my back. It was just about the funniest thing ever, as it confirmed what I have thought for a while: my nearly one year old child has quite the mischeivious sense of humor! In fact, as he was pouring little fistfuls of sand down the back of my shirt, he was giggling and chuckling and cracking himself up. That little bugger.

Hiking with New Friends

2009-03-16T21:43:00.005-04:00

The Hiking Group

Do we look like an ad for Ergos, or what?

Otis in Back, Wyatt in Front

Otis in the Ergo

Around the 11th of November, we left New York and headed to Novato, California to visit Wyatt's west coast grandma and Cha-Cha. An added bonus was that Wyatt also got to see his Brooklyn buddy, River, who moved with his family to northern California back in July.

Through River and his mom Carolina, we met a fantastic group of moms and dads. The first day we landed in California, Carolina called to see if Wyatt and I wanted to join her and River in Berkeley for mommy and me yoga in the park. We joined them the next day and had a great time. We did a little yoga, but mostly it was a chance to chat with other moms and let our babies have a little play time and get some fresh air. It also turned out that these moms do quite a bit of hiking in and around Berkeley, and there was a family hike scheduled for the following weekend.

So that Saturday we drove up hills and windy roads and eventually got lost, but then found our way again to meet up with everyone in the Berkeley Hills. There was Carolina and River (Laurent had to work that day), Maya, Otis and Tim and, oh no, what were the names of the other family???? Well, their baby's name was Kaiwa. I remember that much. Oh, and we brought Merlin, the dog, with us, too. Anyway, there were four babies and all four were worn on the front or back of their moms in Ergos. There should have been a film crew from the Ergo marketing department there. If you've ever watched the DVD that comes with the Ergo, it's pretty funny. Earnest Hawaiian hippies showing you how to "wear' your baby.

It was a fun day. Good weather, good people, good times.

We Just Can't Stay Away from New York

2009-01-18T23:16:00.007-05:00

Lauren, Wyatt and Mom sharing laughs at a diner in the East Village

Mother and Son United in Plaid

Wyatt (with Finn in the background) at Madison Square Park

Fall in Central Park

Bundled Up

The first week of November, the family took a trip back to New York. I had a freelance gig lined up that week, so we decided the whole family should go back and see friends and have a good time. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, the job was cancelled, like all jobs lately it seems, due to the crappy economy. In a way, it was fine. This way, we had eight days to just play and enjoy ourselves and spend time during my favorite season in New York: Fall.

As I mentioned in the last post, our computer crashed about a week after this trip, and along with it went all the lovely photos, but I'll try to remember some of the highlights. The phots above were taken in Central Park on our iphones, since that particular day, our camera's battery died (thank God) and we were forced to use back-up.

First of all, we arrived in New York on November 4th. Election Day. I was absolutely obsessed about what the outcome might be. I had voted early in Texas as I knew I would be out of town on Election Day. From the minute we landed in New York, I was keeping track of how it was going down on my iphone.

If you are going to be anywhere on election night, especially if you voted for Obama, New York is an exciting place to be. Unfortunately, I had gotten only 3 hours of sleep the night before, was fighting a cold, and had travelled all day, lay overs and flight delays not with standing. I really wanted to go to a local bar and be with the throngs of election junkies and Obama supporters and fellow New Yorkers, but I was simply too exhausted. We were staying at our dear friend Ann's apartment in the East Village and it is a television free zone. Therefore, getting all comfy on the couch and tune into MSNBC wasn't an option either. So we kept up with the returns on our iphones, and finally, at about 10:00pm when I couldn't stay awake any longer, the three of us curled up into Ann's bed and fell asleep. At 11:00 on the nose, we we're jolted out of bed to the sound of horns honking, car alarms going off, gunfire (yes, that's right, gunfire), fireworks and people shouting "O-bam-a!, O-bam-a! O-bam-a!" I turned to William and happily said, "Well, now we know who won." And then drifted back off to sleep. We woke up the next day and watched all the speeches on Hulu.

On this trip, Wyatt also had his 1 year exam with Dr.Hops. We love Dr. Hops so much, I have been in denial about finding Wyatt a new doctor in Texas. I can't imagine it will be very easy to find a holistic, integrative doctor who is open-minded about implementing a slower vaccine schedule and all the other cool things Dr.Hops is okay with. Not in the area of Texas we are living in anyway.

During his exam, Wyatt weighed in at 20 pounds on the dot and was how long??? I can't remember, but he's in the top 90th percentile for height. Pretty cool, but who knows if this is any kind of precursor for his height later in life. He got a vaccine while he was there and was tested for anemia and lead (and both tests came back negative, yay!)

Wyatt also got to spend some good quality times with his buddy, Finn. Finn had his first birthday 2 months before Wyatt, so Finn was 13 months old and Wyatt was 11 months during this visit. One day, we met Lisa and Finn at Madison Square Park and the boys played on all the equipment. Slides, tubes, swings, a big catterpiller. It was so amazing to me how much they've grown just since summer, when it was all about the swings and that's it. We also had a playdate at Christen and Michael's, where we were staying, which is only a couple blocks from where Finn's family lives. We also met Finn at story time in the East Village (it had been a traumatic day - Wyatt burned his finger when he opened up my suitcase and found my still semi-hot flat iron - OUCH! Luckily it went down in a few hours and never blistered.) Then, on the day of Wyatt's Dr.'s appointment, we met Emma and Finn down the block from Dr. Hop's office on 5th Avenue to watch the Veterns Day Parade. Now THOSE are the photos that I was particularly sad about losing. I love a parade and I am particularly partial to one where two little guys are dressed in their warm fall clothes and are waving little egg shakers and maracas and smiling at the marching bands and the men and women who have served our country. I get all choked up in these situations. I really do. We got a good view of Mayor Bloomberg as he walked down 5th Avenue, too.

We also went to a House-Warming-Obama-Won-Engagement party at Natalie and Josip's new apartment in Brooklyn. I was givin a button at the door by Natalie that said "OBAMA MAMA" and I wore it with pride. I was the only mama at the party. Wyatt was there, of course, and provided much entertainment for the guests. It was great to see so many of our friends all in one place.

A very heart warming moment on this trip came on Thursday morning, when Wyatt and I went to the Mulberry Street Library, just like we used to, at 10:15. We strolled up to the door, and Susie storytime was standing just inside, her face lit up and she looked very happy to see us. She asked if we were visiting and I said yes. Storytime started, and everyone was sitting in chairs in the semi-circle. As we went around the circle and sang the "Good Morning" song to each child by name, Susie stopped just before it was time to sing to Wyatt and said, "And next, we have a very special guest, Wyatt, who is visiting us from Texas!" I beamed. I just love that Susie Storytime.

It felt so good to be back in New York, I had second toughts about our move, of course. Still, it kind of felt good when we left, too. Perhaps thoughts of our next destination, San Francisco, softened the blow...

Wyatt Goes to Back to NYC for a Week, then Flies to San Francisco and Stays for 5 Weeks, and then Takes a Road Trip from San Francisco to Texas.

2009-01-01T22:25:00.010-05:00

...and that's why there have been no blog updates for 2 months. Sorry, Everybody! I was going to do some updating from the road, but about a week after we left New York in mid-November, William's laptop died. It made a cartoonish sounding noise and then was no more. We even took it to someone who supposedly has had very little trouble resuscitating these things from the dead, and he was unable to revive it. The real bummer is that we had ALL our photos from our New York trip on it. I nearly cried. There were wonderful shots of Wyatt having a blast in Madison Square park with his buddy Finn. More pics of Wyatt, Emma, Finn and William and I at the Veterans Day Parade, with 5th Avenue as a backdrop and the boys waving as marching bands and trucks with folks waving the American flag passed by. We also had lots of pictures of friends and glorious photos of Central Park in all it's beauty during the height of the the Fall leaf peeping season. The only saving grace is that ONE day, (the day we were at Central Park, actually), the camera's battery died and we took the rest of our pictures from our iphones. Thank Goodness.

I have a LOT of catching up to do, so check in over the next few days and hopefully there will be plenty of new posts documenting our travels to New York, Northern California and the Great Southwest, as well as our Christmas road trip to Saint Louis. My head's been spinning from all this travel, but it feels good to be back to where we started from.

Tiny Elvis

2008-11-04T01:58:00.006-05:00

Thank you, thank you very much!

Miss Flower is unsure of Tiny E

It's Good To Be The King

So Wyatt was Elvis for Halloween. I had fun making his costume and even more fun watching the transformation from little Baby Wy-Wy to Tiny Elvis. I think he really got into it.

That night, we went to our friend's Jeff and Karen's Halloween bash. There were tons of other little kids and very nice grown-ups, too. We enjoyed the festivities at their place and then most of the group went across the street to the coolest house I'd ever seen done up for Halloween. There was a spooky maze, a fortune teller, lots of people handing out Halloween candy, fog, ghosts, goblins and it seemed like people had come from all over to see this crazy thing for themselves. Since Wyatt was too young to actively participate in much of what was going on, we, along with a few other Halloween revellers from Karen and Jeff's party, strolled our babes around their cute Little Forest Hills neighborhood. Wyatt's stroller had been transformed into a pink Cadillac by his dad. Although sadly, I have no good pictures to show of it. It was a busy day for Tiny E. He fell sound asleep in full costume on the ride back to Arlington.

Good Times at Robinson Ranch

2008-11-04T01:39:00.005-05:00

Wyatt sez, "I'm hangin' on Oscar, in case this thing takes off!"

Father and Son enjoying nature...and a Shiner

Wyatt and his new buddy Sweetie

Wheelbarrow Ride!

Hey, Let us in!

A few weeks back, our good friends Loren and Robert invited us down to the family's ranch (the same ranch William and I got married on almost exactly two years earlier) along with them, baby Oscar (he's 4 months older than Wyatt), Liam (just turned 7), Loren's mom and dogs Brutus, Sweetie and Milo all came, too. We had a blast. It's good clean livin' out on A. Robinson ranch. Well, if you don't count all the beers and margaritas. It's just southeast of Austin and the land is beautiful and you don't have to see anyone for days if you don't want. Anyway, Wyatt got a taste of the country and it suited him just fine.

Rockin' It Baby Style

2008-10-28T00:41:00.002-04:00

After our afternoon at the Arboretum, Wyatt, William and I went over to Jeff, Karen and Alexander's house. Jeff is a talented drummer and he plays in the band Pleasant Grove. Naturally, Alexander has a mini drum set and he was nice enough to let Wyatt try it out. Wyatt loves to bang on things, and you can see that he was givin' it all he's got.

Fall Fun

2008-10-27T23:58:00.003-04:00

Stephanie, Wyatt, Karen and Alexander

Contemplating Gourds

The Pumpkin House

What is it about babies and pumpkins? Why do all parents feel the need to find a patch of pumpkins, plop their tots down in them and take pictures? It's such a cliche, but dammit, it's just so hard not to! We spent a lovely October afternoon at the Dallas Arbortetum with our friend Karen and her son Alexander. And yes, we took lots of pumpkin pictures.

Flying with Friends

2008-10-22T15:55:00.004-04:00

The Set Up

The Balacing Act

The Hold Steady

The Breakdown

The Aftermath

Upon leaving New York, we stopped in Maryland to visit one of my oldest and dearest friends, Megan and her family. We had a fun time and Wyatt has a new fan in his life - Alaina. Her daddy is Irish and therefore she's always saying cute things like "Mommy, can I hold the wee baby Wyatt?" or if we slept in late-ish, we'ed hear a small wispering voice outside our door saying, "Mommy, when is the wee baby Wyatt going to wake up?" So cute. They have a nice, big, backyard with thick, green grass. This is a very fun thing for a baby from New York City. The photos above show an airplane ride that went awry. Not to worry, though, everyone landed safely.

Oh, These are the People in Your Neighborhood

2008-10-20T22:22:00.007-04:00

Gettin' Alex Kisses

Orchard Street Regulars

One, the Dog, Danny, Alex and Wyatt

Wyatt, Teresa and Katherine in Front of 72 Orchard Street

This is the street that Wyatt was born on - Orchard Street. Where he's spent the first ten months of his life. And these are the people (and animals) that he saw nearly everyday, right outside his front door. There is the adorable Alex. She works for DJ Honda, the Japanese hip-hop DJ who occupies the storefront next door to 72 Orchard Street. She walks his dogs, One and Boy, everyday and if you need to know about anything going on in the neighborhood, she's the person to ask. Then, there's Danny. He's sort of the mayor of Orchard Street. He's our Super, plus he does odd jobs for lots of people on the street, walks dogs, sells stuff, you name it and, oh yeah - he's also the guy to go to if you want an apartment on Orchard Street. He's always got the low - down. Abdulio, the Chilean carpenter, works for our ladlord, Joe, and can fix or build anything you need him to - fast. Next, there is Teresa. My stylist partner-in-crime and good friend. We started assisting some of the same stylists when I moved to New York back in '00 and we slowly started moving up the ranks together, always helping each other out. She's one of the sweetest people I know. She moved into our building a couple of years ago. The day Wyatt was born, I was so excited to be going into labor that I went downstairs to chat with her and didn't come back up to our apartment for another three hours. Katherine is her dear friend and who is moving to L.A. and then Austin, TX about the same time we're moving.

Sacked Out at Jazz Fest in the East Village

2008-10-20T15:08:00.005-04:00

On our way home on a Sunday afternoon, we happened upon the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in Thompkins Square Park. We found out one thing that day: Wyatt finds Be Bop to be very tiring.

Eatin' Cheerios (and Leaves) in Central Park

2008-10-20T14:52:00.005-04:00

"Mmmmm....leaves and Cheerios, what a great taste sensation!"

"No really, Finn, you've got to try this!"

Finn says, "All right then, lemme have 'em."

"No way, man. Go find your own," says Wyatt

"Okay, then. Whatever."

On one of our last days in New York, Wyatt and I took a little time out to hit the last Bowery Babes picnic in Central Park. These pictures were taken just before the gathering dispanded.

Bye-Bye, Babycakes!

2008-10-17T00:55:00.006-04:00

Sabrina Loves Her Some Wyatt

Wyatt's Not Sure What to Make of His First Taste of (Vegan) Chocolate

Gettin' the Babycake Lovin'

What can I say about Babycakes? This charming little cupcake shop opened around the corner from us a couple years back. We immediately fell in love with their tasty cupcakes (they're vegan, but William and I swear they're the best tasting cupcakes in Manhattan) and we also fell in love with the girls that run the place, Erin and Sabrina. I'd come in when I was pregnant, and they'd slip me an extra cupcake in my bag, which I would wolf down before I'd even make it back to the apartment. Places like this make New York special. We went in one day in late August to say our good-byes. (notice Wyatt rockin' his Babycakes t-shirt) We love you, Babycakes!

After a Long Day in Central Park

2008-10-11T12:59:00.004-04:00

Wyatt, Christen and Michael chill out on the blue cookie monster rug after much birthday fun in Central Park. Even Wyatt is captivated by the spectacle of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Fun in Central Park at Katherine and Deb's B -Day

2008-10-11T00:49:00.008-04:00

Hi!

Make Some Noise!

Wyatt and Aunt Christen

"Who Me? Well, Shucks."

On one of our last weekends in New York, our friend Katherine had a big, fun birthday party with her friend Deb on the northern most reaches of Central Park. Lot's of music was made, frisbees were thrown and much eating and drinking ensued. Plus, Wyatt was able to hang out with one of his most favorite people on the planet...his Aunt Christen. It was a great day.

Rooftop Pool Party at Finn's

2008-09-12T22:41:00.009-04:00

Loungin' Poolside

Finn is "So Big!"

Hangin' With Their Moms

Finn, Your Pool is Cool!

Pajama Time!

Wyatt Thinks Frank's Hilarious!

Bowery Babes Picnics and Madison Square Park

2008-09-09T23:17:00.009-04:00

Finn and Wyatt Rock Out at Madison Square Park

Wyatt, Finn and Emma Enjoy the Music

Lisa, Finn, Wyatt and Emma

Finn, Hunter, Celestine and Wyatt picnicing at Madison Square Park

Bubbles!

Wyatt and Mateo at the Picnic at Stuyvesant Park

Wyatt sez "Hello" to Varik and Neelam

The Boys Hanging Out

Wyatt Sez, "Finn, I want that ball!"

This post is basically a lumping together of all the Bowery Babes picnics Wyatt and I attended this August, plus the concerts that we went to at Madison Square Park.

On Tuesdays and Thursday mornings, we would often meet up with Finn, Lisa and Emma and enjoy the bands that played in the park. Some were rockin', some were folky, some bands wore costumes and others were down right hokey! Oh no, please forgive me for that line. I'm a parent and sometimes that makes ME a little hokey! Anyway, Wyatt and Finn would bring their tambourines, maracas and egg shakers and jam right along. This was certainly one of the highlights of summer.

Then starting in August, the Bowery Babes would have a picnic at different parks on Tuesdays around 10:30. We attended the ones at Stuyvesant Park, Madison Square Park and Central Park. It's so much fun watching all the babies interact. Wyatt loves to interact with other kids and I know he's going to miss that until we find a new group to hang with once we get settled in. It was fun for him and fun for me. Lot's of great people we're going to miss.

A Day at the Bronx Zoo

2008-08-24T23:36:00.003-04:00

It's Been A Loooong Day at the Zoo

Looking for a Camel Hiding in the Grass

In the Babboon Section

Finn and Wyatt are 'Lil Buddies

Watching for Sea Lions

A couple of Wednesday's ago, Wyatt, William and I went to the zoo with Finn, Emma, Finn's caregiver, and new friends Hunter and Trudie. Wednesday is "pay what you want day" at the zoo, or as I like to call it, "free day". Well, we weren't the only ones who decided it would be fun to go to the zoo on this beautiful day in August. I guess a lot of families decided that there wen't too many free Wednesday's left before school starts, so we mingled with a crowd that exceeded the population of many medium sized college towns. But we had fun. We all enjoyed the monkey house and inside the childrens zoo we saw an otter up close and personal, prairie dogs, lambs, kangaroo and donkeys. There were lots of animals to see, but I think the babies were just as interested in watching all the little kids running around in gaggles, each with their day camp logo plastered on their matching, bright colored t-shirts. By the time we left the zoo, all three were fast asleep. Zonked out in their strollers.

More Adventures in Bryant Park

2008-08-22T21:01:00.003-04:00

After hanging out in front of the New York Public Library with Patience and Fortitude, the famous NYPL lions, we went 'round back to Bryant Park where there is lots of grass, plenty of seats to sit and pass the time in (Wyatt ate lunch and then kept a beat with his new tambourine) and a great Alice-in-Wonderland-style carousel, which we hopped aboard and enjoyed great European-style Edith Piaf carny music as we rode round and round.

Patience and Fortitude

2008-08-21T00:57:00.004-04:00

Wyatt says, "Grrrr!!!"

All You Need Is...

2008-08-21T00:55:00.002-04:00

B is for Bathtime and Bubbles

2008-08-15T21:06:00.009-04:00

Wyatt loves the water and he loves taking a bath. No matter how tired and fussy he might be, a nice, warm, soapy bath that he can sit and splash around in makes him very happy. Initially, I thought that an evening bath would be part of a relaxing wind-down that would then lead to post bath slumber. I was wrong. All the splashing and crazy-armed water slapping, just winds him up and it takes a four ounce bottle and much back rubbing to send him off to sleep.

First Watermelon!

2008-08-11T23:33:00.003-04:00

Last Monday, we were invited over to Ben's girlfriend Jami's apartment. It was a gathering of mostly Southerners - Texans, Alabamans, Floridians and a couple Northerners who'd spent time in Austin. So it was fitting that Jami cooked us up some tasty chilli accompanied by jalapeno cornbread. Chips and real Texas style guacamole were served as an appetizer. After everyone was finished with their hearty main course (as we were all pulling up chairs to the table for a little game of Classic Rock Catch Phrase), our lovely hostess, Jami, came out of the kitchen with a refreshing summer treat - a big plate of watermelon slices. Wyatt couldn't resist. They were cool, juicy and a great texture to sink your teeth into.

I Love New York

2008-08-11T11:17:00.004-04:00

Since we have only a few more weeks here, we have taken it upon ourselves to be tourists in our own city. And what tourist can pass up a photo of a couple of New York's Finest on mounted horseback? They were very nice policemen and when I told them of my desire to document all things New York because of our impending move, one of them asked where we were moving to, and I said San Fransisco, then Texas. "Please take me with you," the one on the right said.

Funny, here I am missing New York already, not quite able to comprehend how I'll survive without a daily dose of my beloved city, and this guy, a life-long New Yorker, just wants to get the heck out of here. It's all relative, isn't it?

Thursdays are Fun Days!

2008-08-11T09:35:00.009-04:00

The Parachute Gang: Anna, Matteo, Wyatt and Sophie

Wyatt and His Good Buddy, Mateo

Wyatt and Sophie Under the Ribbons

Wyatt Brushes Off Sophie's Playful Advances

Wyatt's First Crush: The Adorable Juli

About a month ago, Wyatt and I traveled to Brooklyn to meet up with friends Neelam and Marte, two wonderful girls that I met in pre-natal yoga, and their little guys Varick and Mateo. Neelam had just moved into a beautiful new apartment in Fort Greene and had invited us over for a little get together. She also told us about a new class in her neighborhood that she'd seen a flier for and asked if we all wanted to go. Sure, why not, we thought. So we headed down the street and arrived at Dancewave in time for class. We were the only moms and babies there, and didn't quite know what to expect, but the class teacher, Juli welcomed us with her warm, animated smile...and then, the fun began. Babies were placed under a big, colorful parachute and then the moms got in a circle and lifted and lowered the parachute much to the delight of all the babies. We sang songs, we swung babies over head. We played soccer, this was done by taking a beach ball and having the moms swing their baby and the baby would "kick" it to another player. All babies had a BIG case of the giggles when that game was played.! We were all constantly moving, running around the room with babies and singing and spinning. Everyone had a blast! I honestly thought that because we had trecked all the way out to Brooklyn, this class would be a one off. But Wyatt loved it too much not to come back and Neelam and Marte and I all agreed this would be a regular Thursday date. Over the course of the month, we got a few more mom and baby friends to join us and Wyatt and his dad even went together one day when I couldn't make it. William agreed it was well worth the trip to see such a happy little guy.

Wyatt Explores the American Museum of Natural History

2008-08-03T21:23:00.001-04:00

In the Jaws of a Dinosaur!

Diorama Mama!

Lions and Tigers and Bears!

Admiring the Great Bison

This might be news to some of you, but sadly, we are leaving the great city of New York soon. Perhaps I'll leave the pertinent details on that subject for another post or for a conversation that we can have in person. But that being said, the Philpott family is on a mission to experience as many of the highlights that this city has to offer as we can fit into the next 30 days. And if it's free or nearly so, all the better.

A few weeks ago, Susie Storytime at the Mullberry Street Library anounced to those babies and parents in attendence that the children's library had complimentary tickets to the Museum of Natural History and to pick some up before they were all gone. So I did, and last Thursday we hiked up to the Upper West Side to take in all the dinosaurs and dioramas that we could possibly stand in one afternoon. It was fun. It was educational. We expect that Wyatt's IQ went up at least 100 points just being there.

Just a Swingin'

2008-08-02T23:10:00.003-04:00

Wyatt looooves to swing in the swing. And the place where is is most often found doing just that is at Thompkins Square Park in the heart of the East Village. Hardly ever a line, lots of great people watching and lots of time to just swing and swing and let out big ol' belly laughs. Oh yeah, and as an extra bonus, there is a great dog run where you can enjoy watching tons of East Village dogs chase each other freely.

Wyatt and Simone Picnic Together in Fort Greene, Brooklyn

2008-08-02T22:28:00.006-04:00

Simone Reunites with Old Friends and New!

Wyatt and his Dad Havin' Fun with Friends

Wyatt Sez: Hello, Momo!

Momo Sez: I am Going to Squeeze You, Wyatt!

They Come in Close

They Hug!

I know most of the photos on this post look kind of similar, but please indulge me. This super-sweet series showing Simone and Wyatt hugging, smiling and sharing such nice moments together just kills me. There were even more, but I somehow had to edit out about 3 or 4 pictures from this series. It was hard.

Anyhow, Simone, "a.k.a Momo" and her family, Nico and Sarah, were in Brooklyn visiting their old neighbors in Fort Greene. Their old apartment was right across the street from Fort Greene Park and I remember heading over there last year about this time for Momo's 2nd Birthday and Going Away Party, as they were departing for San Francisco within a few days.

This time, they rounded up some old friends for a relaxing afternoon in the park. As the day came to an end, it was nice knowing that we will be seeing them in a couple months out in San Francisco.

Back in Texas! First time in the Pool.

2008-08-02T21:31:00.008-04:00

Wyatt Gettin' Some Love From the Barry Girls, Bailey and Beverly

First Day in the Pool

Joined by Cousins Dave and Lauren

Good Times

At the end of June, Wyatt went down to Texas for his third visit. His Mom was working there for a couple of weeks, and unfortunately, his Dad had to stay back in New York to hold down the fort.

The weather was sunny and hot, like it usually is down there in the summer, but we had a way to beat the heat. Wyatt's Grandma has a swimming pool and so we hit the water almost everyday. His first day in, Wyatt took to it like a little fish, splashing and slapping the water and smiling from ear to ear. When extended family came down to celebrate the 4th of July with all of us, my cousin, Dave, his wife, Bridget and their baby, Lauren (who just turned one), brought some fun swimming supplies. This little floaty tugboat, which Wyatt loved to be pushed around the pool in, was one of them.

It's Summertime: Time for Picnics and Friends

2008-06-16T21:21:00.012-04:00

Wyatt Sez: My Futures so Bright I Gotta Wear Shades!

Wyatt and River...Reunited

Ben Plays Songs for Wyatt

Wyatt Gets Held by Susie Storytime

It was barely June, and already, Wyatt had been to two picnics at Prospect Park in Brooklyn! The first, was a spontaneous one that William got invited to by his friend, Ben, after an afternoon of skateboarding. Wyatt and I were back in Manhattan hanging out with our friend Teresa in Thompkins Square Park when William called and said, "C'mon over to Brooklyn. I'm at a picnic in Prospect Park and Susie Storytime is here!" How exciting, an actual Susie Storytime sighting!

Susie Storytime is the storyteller at the New York Public Library's Mulberry Street Branch in our neighborhood. Since Wyatt was two and a half months old, we've been taking him to "Book Babies" each Thursday, a great hour of fun where Susie reads to the babies, bubbles are blown, songs are sung and then there is a little playtime at the end. Susie is so cute and really captures the babies' attention. She has become a celebrity of sorts, to us and to see her at the park, drinking beer and hanging out with age-appropriate friends, we were beside ourselves. So when Wyatt and I arrived at the park, we immediately went over to say "hello" to Susie and got our picture taken with her, like it really was some kind of celebrity sighting. Boy, your celebrities change after you have a kid.

Later, at the same picnic, we sat next to Ben, who sang about a hundred songs and substituted most of the lyrics in each song for the word "Wyatt". Wyatt was loving it., laughing, smiling and generally having a good time.

A couple weekends later we attended another picnic at Prospect Park. We hung out with William's surfing buddy, Carolina, her boyfriend, Laurent, and their adorable baby, River. Wyatt and River have met on many occasions. It's always good to see old friends, ones you've known your whole life - even if that's only six months.

The Littlest Cowboy in Cowtown

2008-05-30T22:54:00.006-04:00

Wyatt Loves his Uncles Chad and James

On Top of Longhorn

Lil' Cowboy

Three Men and a Baby

Ride 'em Cowboy

On our last trip to Texas, the whole family got to hang out with Chad and James, a couple of our very favorite friends who recently relocated to the DFW area from Chicago. We had a great day touring around Cowtown, Ft. Worth together and enjoyed remembering all the great things you love and miss about Texas when you live far away, like in New York or Chicago.

Seein' Some Texas Friends

2008-05-30T22:46:00.007-04:00

Wyatt Meets Karen Ryan

Wyatt's Lil' Buddy Oscar

Loren, Robert and Wyatt Sharing Smiles

Wyatt's New Favorite Town: Austin

2008-05-30T22:34:00.004-04:00

Wyatt Visits His Third U.S. Monument

Backyard Bottle

Peaceful Austin Morning

Hangin' Around

Baptized with Texas Water!

2008-05-28T22:09:00.004-04:00

Wyatt and Aunt Marianne do a little bonding

Wyatt meets his Grandpa Gary

Just Before "The Dunk"

Godparents, Grandparents, Monsignor Johnson, Wyatt, His Mom and Dad

The Whole Gang After "The Dunk"

Wyatt and his Uncle Pat

So Wyatt went back to Texas a couple weeks after he returned home from his maiden voyage. This time he got to meet his Aunt Marianne and his Grandpa Gary who came up from Midland, TX. He also got to meet Monsignor Johnson, and Chad and James. He got dunked in Texas holy water and now he is officially a Child of God. Afterwards, we had a big party for the little guy on his special day. Lots of people stopped by Wyatt's Grandma's house and much fun was had.

Spring Has Sprung in Central Park

2008-05-25T23:23:00.012-04:00

Kickin' Back on Dad at Central Park

A Lovely Day on Sheep Meadow

Bright White Trees

Loungin' on a Towel

Wyatt Goes Flying in Central Park

On a beautiful day in April, we packed our blankets and some snacks and headed up to Central Park which was bursting with all the colors of spring. First stop: Sheep Meadow, where folks sit around on slightly wet grass and sun themselves and play Frisbee and snack and check each other out. We did most of those things. Later, we wandered around, took pictures and then happened upon actor Adrian Brody crouching down, taking pictures of squirrels.

Wyatt Leaves Texas...For Now

2008-05-25T22:31:00.003-04:00

Wyatt Goes Through DFW Airport Security

Easter in Texas

2008-05-25T22:24:00.006-04:00

Wyatt and Uncle Pat Take a Nap

Wyatt in His Spiffy Easter Outfit and His Grandma

Wyatt and His Mom Next To the Perrenial Bunny Cake

Wyatt's Mom had work down in Texas, so he and she headed south for three weeks in April. It was Wyatt's first trip to Texas and he had a lot of fun hangin' with his Grandma Bohn, his Uncle Pat and Sammy, the first dog he ever got to pet. Wyatt was transfixed. Sammy was barely tolerent and had justifiable concern about her fur.

There were plenty of fun baby gadgets at Grandma Bohn's house, thanks to Grandma's friend Marilyn Smith, whose own grandbaby recently outgrew all the things that Wyatt was able to enjoy during his stay. There was a fun swing (kept Wyatt happy for countless minutes) a little Bumbo Chair (looks like a mini Barko-lounger for a baby and the sight Wyatt in this made us all laugh). There was a car seat.....thank goodness, since car seats are pretty obsolete in New York since you walk or stroll everywhere. And there was a little floormat play area thing, all bright colors and little jungles critters that hung down over him. I think mostly Wyatt was amazed at the amount of S P A C E there was down in Texas. And all his toys were spread out all over his Grandma's house.

Wyatt went to Easter mass in his brand new Easter outfit, thanks to Grandma.

There was also one day that Wyatt and his Uncle Pat were able to do some serious bonding while I was at work and my mom left them together while she drove to Dallas to pick me up. For his first time watching his nephew, Pat did a fabulous job, calming down a wailing Wyatt. When we arrived home, we found them both sleeping in the favorite reclining chair. So cute.

Wyatt Meets a Whole Mess o' People in Texas

2008-04-16T23:53:00.012-04:00

Wyatt Meets his New Favorite Nutt...Steve

Wyatt Gives Miranda Some Sugar

Docia Lovin' on the Little Man in his Easter Outfit

Wyatt Meets the Legendary James "Big Bucks" Burnett

Wyatt and his Mom Are Given a Shower Hosted By The Golden Girls

Fun Hangin' with the Dubbe-Herberts

2008-04-16T22:13:00.007-04:00

On the other side of this bald head is a smiling Wyatt, enjoying Darrel's guitar virtuosity.

Wyatt, Looking Like a Tiny Football Player, and his Aunt Lisa

On the last leg of our California tour, we continued down the 101 to Los Angeles. There we stayed with Darrel and Lisa, who were generous enough to let us take over their guestroom for a couple days.

Santa Barbara, Baby!

2008-04-14T22:40:00.006-04:00

We bombed the 101 down to SB from the Bay area to see one of my oldest friends Chris and his super sweet GF Becka. Chris introduced Wyatt to the world of mountain biking when we put the car seat in the back of his Vanagon. Wyatt saw several cool bikes and Chris invited him to ride with the Matadors bike club when the training wheels come off.

Wyatt and Stephanie on the "beach" at the old lady of California, Rincon. This was Wyatts first true warm weather and we had no hat for him since it was still winter in NYC. Wyatt didn't know what to make of being outside in only one layer.

A proud father introducing his son to waist to head high surf at Rincon. It was a perfect 75 degrees and glassy. Wyatt was decidedly less impressed by it than his dad who was sad to have to go back to the Rockaways. A side note: When I was a kid "back in the day" there was a lot more beach at Rincon. One of the old-timers told me that a new dam on the Ventura River was stealing all of Rincon's sand. It's sad, since the great waves could be even better with more sand.

Wyatt Meets Momo

2008-04-14T22:24:00.003-04:00

We spent an afternoon in San Fransisco hanging out with our friends Nico, Sarah and their adorable daughter Simone, a.k.a Momo. They recently settled into a new place, after moving to S.F. from Fort Green, Brooklyn. They made us breakfast and then we all wandered around their winding, hilly neighborhood. Momo on her tricycle, the rest of us on foot (and in Baby Bjorns).

Beautiful Day at The Golden Gate

2008-04-14T22:12:00.003-04:00

Wyatt Visits his 2nd U.S. Landmark

Wyatt Squished Between his Parents in Front of Alcatraz

We enjoyed a sunny, warm day taking in the sights at the Golden Gate Bridge. Wyatt had never experienced such nice weather in his entire young life.

West Coast Tour Feb '08

2008-04-14T21:06:00.006-04:00

Quite Content on Grandma

Gettin' Some Love From Cha Cha

United in Plaid

Wyatt sez: C'Mon Folks, Take the Picture!

On a chilly day at the end of February, the Philpott Family hopped on a plane at JFK Airport and landed 6 hours later in San Fransisco. At the airport, we took a bus to Navato, where we were picked up by Wyatt's West Coast Grandma. We spent five relaxing days with Grandma and Cha Cha, where we got lots of sleep, thanks to our own little "apartment" and big comfy bed. Wyatt logged some nice Grandma and Cha Cha time, and William and I even got to enjoy a night to ourselves. On my birthday, we went to a quaint restaraunt, deep in the heart of Marin. The atmosphere was homey, right down to logs in the fire and the rustic menu. We returned home, sleepy from the satisfaction of good wine and good food in our bellies and found Wyatt asleep on a very content Grandma. It was so nice being out amoungst adults, and yet it was twice as nice to get back and see our sleepy little guy. It was our first time being away from him for more than an hour or so and everyone survived!

The next night, my actual birthday, we had a delicious birthday dinner at home and per my request, my "boys" showed up in matching plaid. Sorry Wyatt, I know this is fodder for embarrassment when you become a teenager. But hey, I'm a mom. It's my job.

As our trip to see Grandma and Cha Cha was winding down, we were sad to leave, but needed to cross the Golden Gate and head to points south.

Wyatt Makes the Soho Art Scene

2008-04-12T21:24:00.004-04:00

Mom's and Babies Strolling Through Soho

Checkin' Out Horse Art at Robert Dutesco Gallery

Stefan Stagmeister at Deitch Projects

On a chilly day in the middle of February, Wyatt and I headed down to our Bowery Babes mommy friend Neelam's apartment in Soho. There, we met up with about twelve other mom's with their babies and we headed out to check out several galleries featuring very baby-friendly contemporary art.

First stop was a gallery on Wooster Street that featured HUGE canvases covered in sequins made by two Hatian artists. They were bright, fun, sparkly and eye-catching. The babies loved it!

Next stop was at Deitch Projects were we saw a giant inflatable gorilla, an entire wall covered in bananas (what a smell!), and some nice photos of objects that spelled out messages.

The last stop was at the Robert Dutesco Gallery, where we were treated to a very interesting talk about the horses of Sable Island by the gallery owner. The photos of the horses were gorgeous and larger than life.

It was a fun day getting together with the other moms, looking at art and watching the babies enjoy the art and each other.

Wyatt Parties and then is Pooped!

2008-02-10T20:49:00.000-05:00

Wyatt and his lovely Tia Lorena

Father and Son konk out!

Not only is Lauren Wood is a really good friend, but she's one of the coolest chicks we know. So when she told us she would be having a party on Saturday to celebrate her birthday, we knew we wouldn't miss it. Wyatt was excited, too because his mom (that's me) had made him a very special shirt that he was pretty sure would bring a shining smile to his Tia Lorena's face. And sure enough, when he wriggled out of his furry blue bear jacket (thanks Aunt Marianne!) to reveal his shirt that said "I heart Lauren" in blue felt letters, she smiled and laughed a hearty laugh. Many photos were then taken and mommy and daddy sipped adult beverages. We all had a good time, stayed out late (well for us anyway) and came home a tired little family.

Baby Culture

2008-02-10T17:10:00.000-05:00

A garden of babies

Hey, give me my leg back!

Wyatt and his friend Varik soak up the tunes.

Sometimes it's not easy having a baby in New York City. Everyone lives in small spaces and on top of each other, and in our case, it takes four flights of stairs to get there. Getting on the subway is a constant test of the kindness of others. Will they or won't they grab one end of the stroller and hike it up to the platform with me? Good news, most people are happy to help. Things are expensive here and winters are coooold, at least to these transplanted Texans. But with all that is difficult about having a baby here, sometimes there are shining glimmers of light that make it not just bearable, but downright sublime. I experienced one of those glimmers last Wednesday.

I recently joined a group of very cool moms called Bowery Babes. The group consists of a singer, a photographer, a couple stylists (including myself), a clothing designer, a yoga instructor, a web designer, a doctor, a nutritionist, a couple of photo editors, a theatrical stage manager, a lawyer...you get the picture. In other words, a pretty normal cross section of women living in downtown Manhattan. We email each other with our concerns, ideas, and experiences and try to think of fun things to do with our babies. So far Wyatt and I have been to two Baby Story Times at the Mulberry Street Library (more cuteness than you can shake a stick at). And Wednesday Wyatt went to his first concert. Maybe not as well attended as the recent Led Zepplin Concert in London, but the crowd was enthusiastic, none-the-less.About 15 pairs of moms and babies piled into the apartment of Mr. and Mrs. Errico, a large, well appointed but homey residence in Soho. Mr. Errico is an accomplished concert pianist and his daughter, Melissa, is in our group and had organized this concert for newborns. As her father began tickling the ivory, Melissa suggested that us moms gather our babies under and around the piano (they had laid down soft sheepskin rugs for this purpose) so they could really feel the music. One by one, babies gathered under the piano and soon it looked like a garden of wiggling newborns. The babies were transfixed by the music and with each other. Wyatt wound up being plopped down next to a little baby girl who couldn't get enough of him. As they laid there on the rug, she wrapped her arm around his leg. It was a magical half hour of music. Perhaps it was too short, as most of the babies began piping up with skwacks and tears as the twinkling melodies evaporated from the room.

A friend sent me this video clip (mostly of her daughter) check it out with the volume turned up for maximum effect. Click here:

http://www.intermogul.com/movies/MVI_2052.mp4

Me and My Monkey

2008-02-10T15:22:00.000-05:00

Wyatt got this adorable plush monkey from his Aunt Marianne. He especially delights in it when it goes "ooh ooh wah ah ah ah ah" again and again.

Lazy Days

2008-02-10T15:04:00.001-05:00

Honestly, this posting finds us in our most natural habitat. It seems like we spend about 50% of our lives in bed these days. William (and Wyatt) sleep late since William's work schedule is still very late night. Sure, Wyatt wakes up a couple times a night to eat, but he's really good at going right back to sleep, which means we can all get a lot of shut eye and sleep in on these cold winter mornings. (Not sure how long that's going to last). Usually, I wake up first and try to get a little work done while William and Wyatt snuggle. Usually the sight of them doing this is so cute I can't resist this photo op. I now have tons of pictures in this snuggle position. The one above is one of my favorites.

City Stroll

2008-02-10T14:50:00.000-05:00

Wyatt and Stephanie wait as William orders a coffee at the walk up window at one of our favorite local cafes.

Pass it along

2008-02-10T13:51:00.000-05:00

One never knows what or who you will encounter upon walking out of your apartment door into New York City. I took our laundry to the neighborhood drop an fold and on my return i bumped into skateboard legend and well known artist Mark Gonzales doing some stroller time. The Gonz, as he is know, is a neighbor and the proud father of William (a cute little guy a few months ahead of Wyatt) with the super cute and nice girlfriend Heather Mary. I asked if Mark had any Krooked (his skateboard company) kids stuff and he and Heather Mary happily hooked me up with some cute onesies. Heather Mary also was kind enough to invite me up to their apartment and then sent me on my way with a bag of great baby clothes that William (Mini Gonz) had outgrown. The Black Flag onesie she said came straight from the source Glen Freidman.. so it is muey appreciated. So big thanks to Heather Mary, Mark and William ...now if we could get the Gonz to paint our stroller...don't think that is gonna happen...

That is the best thing about baby clothes is that everyone is so willing to pass along the coolest stuff. We are getting ready as Wyatt hits the 3mos stage to give a big bundle to our friends Carolina and Laurent for their newborn River. Keep the cycle going....

Stroller Therapy

2008-01-17T14:59:00.000-05:00

Wyatt looooves the new stroller that Miranda gave him!

Wyatt is thinking about how good he has it in his new stylish
Bugaboo bee. So good that sleep is inevitable.

Old St. Louis Cathedral

2008-01-17T14:41:00.001-05:00

Wyatt visits his first landmark.

So we were in the St. Louis Cathedral you see..and there was a crying baby in the manger..so we took it!

2008-01-17T14:19:00.001-05:00

Mom, Grandma and Grandson

Wyatt just sprung from Christmas jail. Grandma made bail.

Notice the cute reindeer butt ... it's Wyatt (center back)

After years of anticipation, Connie Bohn (backrow center) gets to pose with the other grandmas in the annual grandmas and grandkids picture.

Family photo with Grandma Bohn and Uncle Pat

Wyatt's First Christmas

2008-01-17T13:50:00.000-05:00

Flying with an infant can be dicey, especially during the holidays. Is he hungry? is his diaper dirty? Are his ears hurting on take off and landing? But despite a five hour delay in New York it all went rather smoothly. Wyatt slept through it all, making us new parents look like rock stars. It doesn't hurt that we live on the noisy Lower East Side of Manhattan, where the nightly rumblings of trash trucks, drunken revelers, who traveled through bridges and tunnels, and shrieking car alarms are the components of his urban lullaby.

So the Philpott family took a trip to St. Louis so Wyatt could meet his cousins. He met a whole mess of them at the annual Christmas Eve party at Cousin Cathy's, where he was passed around like a hot potato. We would only catch glimpses of him in the arms of various relations as they sped from room to room.

On Christmas day we visited the Old St. Louis Cathedral under the Arch. It is a cute Georgian church where the first radio broadcast of a Catholic Mass was produced in the ENTIRE world. We know this because the priest pointed it out in his homily.

Time For Your Close Up

2007-12-22T22:54:00.000-05:00

Yes, we are finally getting used to the sleep deprived haze of parenthood. We even had time for a little photo shoot. As you can see, he is more than just a little burrito in someone's arms. He has wisps of blond hair, big blue eyes and tiny little fingers and toes.

And we still haven't left the house

2007-12-13T23:00:00.000-05:00

Wyatt is attracting fans from many states. Stewart drove up from Philly and picked up Rich in Jersey City to meet Dos. We all enjoyed watching Stewart who is 6'7" holding Wyatt who is only 21.5 inches.

You are getting very sleepy...

2007-12-12T20:10:00.001-05:00

under the spell of Wyatt.

Welcome to Wyatt's Blog!

2007-12-12T19:32:00.000-05:00

Howdy Everyone,

Welcome to Wyatt's blog. We will be posting pictures and stories about Wyatt, his parents and the adventures they encounter as a new family. We will try our best to post on a regular basis, but frankly, this new parenting thing is kicking our collective ass. We hope you enjoy this glimpse into our little world.

Love,

William, Stephanie and Wyatt