Day 72 (May 27)
Today was an outside day. New York City never felt better, and the girls were just too happy being strolled down the streets holding hands. We’ve spent quite a lot of time at this one park, where Anna has been able to grow in strength and confidence as the tackles the various climbing challenges. Haley, however, has to be in someone’s arms at all times. As I have mentioned, I’ve tried to be her personal jungle gym. And as you will attest, I’m not so very smart, because it’s taken me how many trips already to the park with haley to realize that she CAN experience things, as long as I take her. So, with Haley in tow, I took her on the slides, across jungle gyms, and on the swings. Of course, I didn’t touch a thing (which, although it doesn’t sound very hard, is quite difficult. Try swinging without holding onto anything but your kid the next time. I mean, try swinging until your child lets out a sound of glee.). Why it took me so long to figure that out, I will have no idea.
The girls have spent a lot of time together, and it’s been nice to see their close relationship get slowly back to normal.
Guests today were Jenny, Kil, Miles and Cole, who were up from DC (and my mom’s group) to say hello and report back to the group. Anna was very excited to see Miles and they shared a very bizarre game of catch.
Funny moment of the day was at the street fair on Broadway, Anna stopped at a guitar-strapped folk singer. She stood by his side for a half an hour and did her version of ballet. Then when his fainla song was over, she took a bow.
OK, how do you climb a jungle gym or a slide or swing on a swing without holding on? Haley must have really enjoyed this outing. It is great that you tackled the playground problem.
Applause for Anna! What a little performer! This blog needs some new photographs. We have to see Anna as Cinderella dancing away. Isn’t it wonderful that Anna and Haley are spending such quality time together! Hope the weather keeps cooperating. New York is certainly a wonderful place to be out and about and there are many child-friendly parks to visit and explore. Let the good times roll!
May 28th, 2007 | #
Tansy, how nice that you spent the day outdoors! I love that you figured out a way for Haley to experience the park. You’re amazing. How nice too that you had a visit from the Huh boys and their parents! I wonder if Anna taught Miles some ballet. I suppose that you probably would have mentioned it if she did. She really does love to dance, doesn’t she? How precious and funny that she took a bow.
I’m wondering whether you have or know about this carrier: http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/ I think this could help you with the whole Haley-attached-to-your-hip thing.
Thanks for the news that you had a nice day in NY with your girls strolling hand-in-hand! love, Dana
May 28th, 2007 | #
much, much better. good.
May 28th, 2007 | #
Dear Tansy, the reason you hadn’t figured out about the playground thing until now is that you have been in such a vigilant situation. Coming from the hospital environment back out into the world after an extended stay is tough for anyone, let alone a baby like Haley and her primary caretaker, you. You are right on schedule, amiga. What I’m sensing is that you are beginning to get into the flow of it all, and yet, that still has to be scary. Ditto to what Dana said. You don’t even know how amazing you are! We are all so proud to call you friend (or niece or daughter or sister, etc.) I think these Anna stories are great, too. It will be so fun years from now when she is an accomplished performer (dancer? singer? actor? talk show host?) and we can all remember back to that eventful summer in NYC when she helped her little sister get better and her mommy cope. xxooo cristina
May 28th, 2007 | #
yea!! What a nice day, and a nice change. In a few weeks, you and Anna will both be ready to perform in the Big Apple Circus (Renan can hold Haley). Anna will be a dancer, and you can be a tightrope walker, with all the balance skills you’re acquiring. I hope today is just as wonderful.
May 28th, 2007 | #