At Play

The weather was beautiful during our last stay in Baltimore. Joaquin and I got out everyday and enjoyed the sunshine. He, like most little ones I am sure is happiest outside when he can run around and explore. These are just a few shots of JQ playing on the rooftop terrace at our building. I wonder how soon it will be before we visit there again? My husband is home now and has taken a year long position near our home in California. As is the saying, time will tell...

(Recycled) Plastic Playground of His Own

Joaquin LOVES the playground. The sandbox, the swings, the slide...and the other little ones. The play areas and parks here in Baltimore have been priceless to us while we are living in the harbor with no outside area of our own. While I love living in the city, not having a private, secure outdoor space has been a struggle for me. Joaquin is happiest outside (like his Momma). If I was lucky enough to have a green space in the city it would be an absolute oasis!
My hope is when we return home, to turn an area of our own backyard into a play area for Joaquin with a slide, swing, sandbox,...you name it. We have the perfect area that is for the most part unused. It gets plenty of sun and shade.
What I am not sure of is whether we will purchase a kit like so many of our friends have done or draw up the plans and make one ourselves. I love the idea of a "green" playset and came across Go Earthscapes website. These playsets are made from 99.9% recycled plastic. This may be the way we go...although we don't need or want a huge structure. Just something large enough for Joaquin, cousins, friends and baby sister eventually. Have any of you all seen or heard or great play areas?? I know a metal slide, steps etc are out. It gets way too hot in our area for that.

Waiting For Dad

Joaquin has started to wait for his Dad to get home by standing in the window overlooking the intersection. He will play with his toys and point people out to me but there is no doubt the second he sees Henry walking down the street. Joaquin will smile ear to ear and start waving and saying "Hi Da" (which is what he calls his Dad). Then he races over to the front door with a grin and waits to hear the keys in the door. Sometimes he even lets out a little squeal....so sweet. TGIF to you all,... we are headed to New York City!!!

Where We Are Livin

Harbor East in Baltimore, Maryland is where we are calling home for now and we are enjoying it! Check it out and come visit if you can!!!

Philadelphia..With The Works!

We took a day trip to Philadelphia which is only 90 miles away from Charm City. The history there is truely amazing. You learn about all this stuff in school but there really is nothing like seeing where it all took place.

What is amazing to me as well is how different these cities all are and how relatively close they are to one another! Philly certainly has its own style and feel...very different from Baltimore and D.C. Olde city is hip with lots of places to eat and go out along with all the historical sites a few blocks away! We drove in early and stopped in for some brunch at The Continental, a trendy diner and martini bar! It was a buzzing little place on the corner in olde city Philly. Our tickets to see Independence Hall were not until the afternoon so we took a quick walk to The Irish Memorial at Penns Landing before heading to Reading Terminal Market. This is an  indoor market just next to the train station. It reminded me of the indoor markets in Mexico...all the different vendors selling food, crafts etc. Worth a walk through or stopping for lunch and it is right on the way to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Train Station and City Hall.

We purchased some homemade licorice for Joaquin in the market which he loves thanks to my Dad who slips him some when we visit. Joaquin stopped and talked to the (dead) fish for sale which I thought was adorable but we got some strange looks...I must admit we did not walk to the Art Museum entirely because of me. We started the walk and then I remembered all those steps (flashback to The Rocky movies.) My pregnant self told me we had a lot more walking to do that day...So we turned around and headed back toward the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

 I took my time in the Liberty Bell Memorial Museum and read the plaques displayed there and I am so glad I did. This has truely been a symbol of independence and equality for the people of our country. This and the Lincoln Memorial have been the most touching, memorial to me so far. Independence Hall was next where we visited the actual room that the Declaration of Independence was disccused and signed as well as the U.S. Constitution. I also poked my head into a most intriging Charles Darwin Exhibit. After our history lesson we decided to get a late lunch. We had, ...no surprise here, Philly Cheesesteaks at Campos Deli. I am not a huge red meat fan but this was something I just had to try and I am so glad I did, it was delicious!! I had mine with The Works which is onion, bell pepper, mushrooms and provolone. Joaquin, sadly fell asleep on the walk over so he did not get to try any. By the time we had finished it was late afternoon so we headed back to Baltimore. It was a very full day but so worth it!

Dining Out with Baby

Being an Urbanite is something not entirely new to me. I have loved the atmosphere most cities evoke and spent time exploring and enjoying what they have to offer,...all before having a child. Now as a new mom I am learning how to enjoy city life in a slightly different capacity. I still love and enjoy the entertainment, history, culture and food!! I dont feel shorted or handicapped in anyway with my little guy in tow.  I guess the approach is just a little different. I want to enjoy what it is that Joaquin is seeing/doing as well as what I am seeing/doing...if that makes sense to you all (it does to me!!)

 I am not sure if it is the area in which I have lived in California most my life or if it is just the west coast lifestlye that for me, has offered an issue free experience eating out with Joaquin. My husband and I have not had one awkward experience back home when bringing Joaquin with us to dinner, not one. I cannot say the same for Charm City. Baltimore has offered the good and the bad as far as dining out with a toddler.I must mention that JQ is not a screamer and we don't leave a disaster under the highchair! So why the cold shoulder??? I think it has to do with the atmosphere these establishments want to portray,..not that they actually exist. Indeed these "hooty tooty" establishments may have done us a favor. As a result of our not so fabulous experience inside your doors we have moved on to some really great spots in our own neighborhood.  Harbor East and Fells Point have some hoppin eateries with really great food and atmosphere. These are the places you enjoy for a lazy Sunday Brunch or just the typical weeknight dinner. The crowd is younger and friendly. There is some trendy, tasty stuff out there and we plan on trying it out, all three and a half of us! Cheers!!

Federal Hill Park

We meet a great couple this past weekend on Easter. When I mentioned Joaquin and I had walked to Patterson Park for the playground they suggested we check out Federal Hill Park on the other side of the harbor which is a bit closer and shaded. So earlier this week in the 88 degree weather JQ and I headed out in late morning for Federal Hill. During my visit in February we had walked to through this neighborhood and despite the snow covered sidewalks and freezing wind, found a great market Cross Street Market, and all around hip little community.

No surprise that the park there is great too. It was clean and shaded with large trees. The actual playground was super clean and seemed to be geared toward smaller children, Joaquins age to 5 or 6. There was a mix of mommies and nannys and lots of busy little ones. Everyone seemed to know each other so I felt comfortable right away. Joaquin went straight for the sandbox area, where most of the other children seemed to be. Then he ventured to the playground area with stairs, a bridge and slides just right for his size. He did not need my help with the slide which was awesome! We ended the hour or so with a nice swing...the breeze felt so nice and I thought JQ might even fall asleep! I am so happy this park was mentioned to us. We will be visiting it often and even bought a sand toy for Joaquin to bring.

Sprig: Fabulous GREEN Toy Find

There a couple of really great Children's Boutigues just 'round the corner in Fells Point. The Corduroy Button http://www.cordbutton.com/ for everything baby from clothes to furniture and a fun toy store, aMuse http://www.amusetoys.com/. After our trip to Federal Hill Park earlier this week I was looking for a small dumb truck or toy that Keeners could use in the sandbox area. I found the perfect all in one sand toy truck in aMuse. It is made by a company called Sprig a company out of Emryville, Ca (where else!!). Thier toys are eco-friendly and kid powered. The particular toy I purchased is made from reclaimed sawdust and plastics and is multifunctional. It is not only a truck but also a shovel, bucket and rake, perfect for the sandbox! I am in love with this company and what they stand for and Joaquin really likes the toy. Check them out. http://www.sprigtoys.com/index.html

Farming in The City

For Easter, in our home away from home, Henry and I decided to take Joaquin to the Baltimore Zoo. It would be his first time and I couldn't wait to show him all the animals. I imagined him seeing the Chimpanzees and giraffes, pointing nd smiling and waving hello, which he did, of course. To my delight, within the Zoo they have a small farm like petting zoo for the smaller kids. This was a very pleasant suprise because Joaquin likes to explore and run around and he likes animals.

As soon as we entered the farm area Joaquin saw two cows, so he proceeded right up to the pen and attempted to climb in!! The boy has no fear. He looked at the cows and then back at me with a smile.  I love that he enjoys animals so much and that he is not afraid. It is always strange to me to see a child cry and step or run away from animals. I think often this is something they are taught, conditioned to or perhaps it is just that they have never been allowed to experience animals???!!!

After the chickens, donkeys and a goose we made our way to the goats, which are in an open pen so that you can walk amongst them,...and pet if you like. And yes, JQ pet the goats, talked to the goats, tried to feed the goats hay and even tried to give them hugs (he hugs his dogs at home). It was the cutest thing ever!

After a good long visit with his hairy friends and a good hand washing we made our way over to a play area where they had sit on, diecast tractors. JQ's feet could not reach but he was so happy to just sit atop the tractor with his hands on the wheel. He has a small car that is the sit on,push sort at home and he loves it but has almost outgrown it. This tractor or something like it would be a great replacement I think. The fact that it has real rubber tires and not a stitch of plastic on it is awesome. This was just an hour or so of our day at the zoo but a very memorable one. I will post more photos from the day soon.

Patterson Park

We finally made the walk to "The Best Backyard in Baltimore," Patterson Park. It was about a 40 minute walk from Harbor East but wow, what a huge park! There is a fenced kid park area with jungle gym etc, a lake, sports fields...and we didnt walk the whole think. I was a little pooped by the walk (which was not flat). Otherwise we would have taken more of a strole.

Joaquin loved the play area and really wanted to use the slide. Being so pregnant I didnt want to brave the slide this time,...but tried to send him down from the halfway point a few times and I don't think he knew the difference. I hope to make the hike to Patterson Park at least once a week. It is one of very few places that I can actually set JQ down and let him run.

Lttle Man Visits D.C.

One trip we were able to make during our last visit to Baltimore was to D.C. None of my travels had ever taken me to Washington D.C or the East Coast at all. Although it was a bit chilly we had a blast. This is my favorite picture from the day.

Quack, Quack

Baltimore is quite friendly this time around. In truth I really did not care for it last time, however looking back I believe it was the weather talking....not the city. Now with longer days and sunlight left for a few hours in the evening Joaquin, Henry and I can enjoy the outdoors together during the week. This week we have taken walks along the water on our way to dinner. Walking everywhere is something I really enjoy and I think Joaquin likes the fresh air and people watching. We stopped along the harbor last night so that Joaquin and Henry could feed some of the ducks that hang out there. Joaquin of course thinks all animals are like dogs in that you can talk to them and give them hugs. Needless to say the ducks weren't interested in hugs but rather the slice of bread we brought along with us to feed them. I am looking forward to many more evenings like this during our time in Baltimore

Sunset on Dean Way (for now)

And so we have left California again and landed safely back in Maryland. It was hard leaving our home, harder than it was before. (I only cried a little during take off.)It was a long day filled with airports but once again Joaquin was a great traveler. He slept on and off and looked out the window, threw some melon on the floor and shredded the foam coffee cup from the plane. I couldnt have been luckier, seriously! He was my entertainment.

We woke to cherry blossoms and sunshine which was a delightful suprise. A long walk thru Fells Point neighborhood and along the harbor. It was just what the little guy needed to sooth him into a nap...and me too. I am looking forward to these six or so weeks. We have a lot planned, baseball games, The Zoo (Joaquin's first time) trips to Philly and New York. ...I am also looking forward to being back at home, having my baby girl in July and lazy summer days next to the pool.

Baby it's Cold Outside

Snow!! Wow what a change...but we are enjoying it. We are equipped with extra undergarments and outer wear. Joaquin has ear covers, mittens,, blankets, a hat and now a snow suit! We are expecting 13 to 20 inches of snow tonight and tomorrow. Aside from hampering any weekend trips on the road we really don't mind it. Luckily the jogging stroller has proven to maneuver well in snow too! There are plenty of museums, an aquarium, shops, restaurants etc to duck into and warm up all within walking distance or a quick bus ride. Joaquin doesn't seem to mind the cold weather or all the bundling up. Baltimore really is a beautiful city...so much history here. It is happy hour night tonight with friends,...we will see how we all do in the falling snow!

Joaquin's 1st Birthday

Can you believe it,...my baby is a year old!! He continues to amaze me everyday. Just a day or so ago he started saying "oh wow!!" It is the cutest thing ever. He is busy all the time with his toys, people watching and nonstop eating!! The boy has an appetite. We were lucky enough to celebrate his birthday with family in California before leaving to MD. He had a blast playing with his cousins and running after balloons we had blown up. We of course had to take him straight to the bath after he demolished his very first cupcake!! Now that we are in Baltimore for his actual birthday, the 29th we celebrated with friends at a restaurant with dinner and cake. He is always a sweetheart and enjoyed all the attention from not only our friends but from the entire restaurant waitstaff!They loved him. Joaquin was born one year ago,..he was so tiny and now he is 30 inches tall, walking, feeding himself, (baby) talking and weighs 24 pounds!! It snowed for the first time the very next morning, the 30th. Brrr!!

Born Traveler

Well, Joaquin and I have made it safely to Baltimore and my little guy proved to be a wonderful traveler once again. This being our first flight alone (without my husband etc)I was just a bit unsure on how we would do on a five hour flight. Joaquin was an angel. We had no seats in front of us and a bit extra leg room which made a difference as well. We played, read a book, ate, slept and had at least two bottles! He was fascinated by all the people and the plane. We were both pretty tired when we arrived at 11:30pm and SO happy to see Henry in the baggage claim area waiting for us. We are happily settling in to our new surroundings. Baltimore is a busy place and certainly runs on a different clock than home in California. Joaquin has already adjusted to the time change and I am hoping to follow suit any day now!! Morning sickness has seemed to gone away and the preggo belly has no doubtingly arrived!! More to come from Maryland ya'll..!!

Holidays - Check! Baltimore- Here We Come!

Well we have made it through the holidays with the exception of New Years just days away. This Christmas we had more family together than in many years past. It felt good to have everyone under the same roof, chatting, eating, drinking, laughing. The children racing around, Joaquin laughing and crawling after them. He had a wonderful time ripping off ribbons and bows and tearing through paper. But I must say he was more interesting in the ripping and tearing than he was at the actual gift, at least initially. Now he is discovering each of his toys and really loving every one! It is hard to believe next year we will have two little ones for Christmas. Ah yes people...we are expecting another baby in July. My husband leaves for Baltimore in a few days and that too has had us busy. Joaquin and I will join him at the end of January and I cannot wait! Although we are going to freeze our hineys off it will be awesome to explore the East Coast and enjoy our place in the Harbor. By the time we head out that way I am confident Joaquin will be walking. he has taken a couple steps without knowing, and a couple tumbles too. So there will be many posts and pictures to come of Baltimore, 1ST birthdays and a new baby belly! Happy New Year everyone!