Another Birthday? Yikes!!

Our group is steadily growing, as is the opportunity to buy another "1st Birthday Present."

Since it's fun to shop but sometimes overwhelming to decide or difficult to choose a gift for the kid who has it all, I'd like to share a few sites for gift ideas. 

If you are in the area, check out the Metropolitan Museum in the City. If not, check out this link. 

Again, the city boasts the well-known FAO Store (which is TOTALLY fun to go to on a snowy Saturday with the fam) but their site also breaks down gift-buying by gender, age, and top toys 10 of the year: FAO. 

Another NY Native to the toy scene: MT. I love their whimsical characters. Hunter likes their chewy bits. 

For sweet, soft gifts and cute clothes, parouse the pages of TinyMcSmall.

Need a practical gift that travels light? Little Jet Set is your site! :) 

Most of you know my predilection for Plan Toys' eco-friendly gifts. 

For buying on a budget, you can never go wrong with a good book! I LOVE receiving Children's Books for Hunter. Some classics are listed here and new releases each month are highlighted here. 

You're welcome. ;) 

Also, I don't condone being a die-hard trend-follower for our little ones because usually it's just silly stuff us Moms do to attempt to impress eachother. However, there are sites that I once in awhile visit to find a new "gem" of a product that I think is an unusual or unique gift. Here are two of those sites for your viewing pleasure: 

TotTrends

ChasingFireflies

I could post shopping sites for hours, but it's time for Preggy Mamas to go to bed. Tomorrow is a busy, blustery day and I have a lot to do *as we all can relate to*.

It was great seeing a few of you in the Playroom today! :)

Good Friends

I've said it before on here and I'll say it again ---> I'm lucky to have such good friends within our Mommy Group.

This may sound silly or trivial but I'm going to share anyways.

Last night, a friend offered me a rather large, delicious Red Velvet Cupcake even though she knew I "had leftover Birthday cake at home." 

It was EXACTLY what I needed and I'm still smiling, thinking about how perfect the timing was of that little treat. That little gesture made my evening. 

Thank you!!!

Playroom Schedule

**Updated**

Just wanted to extend the offer out there to all you Mommas: you should really come try out the Playroom downstairs in Bdg 25. 

All residents of both Riverbend and Hudson Club have key fobs that grant access. 

It's a great alternative to an energy-zapping evening alone with your littles. 

Hunter and I frequent it in the evenings for about an hour or so at least 3 times per week.

It's also great when the weather is icky and you want to go "out" without driving on black ice. 

Come play with us! 

*But be forewarned: Hunter may eat your snacks and possibly tackle your toddler.*

Recipe of the Week - Minestrone

I made this today and it was yummmmmmmy! :) ** Btw, I added WAY more salt and also some fresh ground pepper to give it zest.**

Minestrone Soup I
"All the food groups are represented. Serve this hearty soup with lightly toasted bread to get every last drop. Recipe can be doubled."

INGREDIENTS 
4 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1 (19 ounce) can cannellini beans
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed fire-roasted tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 1/2 cups cubed potatoes
1 quart vegetable broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch fresh italian parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup elbow macaroni
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS
1. Melt butter or margarine in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots; saute for a few minutes.
2. Add beans, cabbage, tomatoes, tomato paste, potato, stock, garlic, parsley, and salt to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat. Simmer for approximately 1 hour until vegetables are barely tender.
3. Add pasta, and simmer for 30 minutes more. Correct seasoning, and serve hot with grated cheese.

My Monkey

This is reassuring... :)  LINK 

I've always said Hunter's a little monkey. 

Damn You, Groundhog!!

6 more weeks of Winter since Phil saw his Shadow... :(

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY, MONCHICHI!

"Sitting there in your pajamas & all the time in the world & if I could keep any moment it would be this: watching you & holding my breath with the wonder of it all." (sp quote)