Packing and Traveling

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I recently shared how I pack for our trips as a family of four and with Ava’s allergies in mind. I’ve gotten requests on how to find items so I thought a master list would be great to make. Traveling with young children is definitely exhausting and daunting at times. Whenever I find myself hesitating to plan another trip, I think about how we often light up talking about the good and bad of past adventures.

A caveat - I’m not a light packer, full stop. I’ve been teased countless times that I “move the house” every time I travel. I’m a consummate planner that loves reading reviews and researching. So I personally feel more prepared when my packing list leans towards the exhaustive end of the packing spectrum. I also have a sweet husband who has embraced his role when we travel. I pack and plan, he moves everything. This is what works for our family and it may not be precisely what fits yours the best. I hope either way that our experiences (both successes and failures!) can inspire other families to bite the bullet and explore with their children.

Packing:

  • Travel folder

    Contains our travel itinerary as well as print out records of flight reservation, car rentals, activities, etc. Everything is in plastic protector sleeves. I’m also working on creating a master checklist of what we pack so I can keep track of what to repack.

  • Packable travel duffel bag

    These have become our go to duffel bags over the years. I like how they have trolley sleeves.

  • Packing cubes

    Packing cubes are a game changer because you don’t have to dig through your luggage for your clothes. Every person in our family has a specific color. Even the kids can find their clothes easily. I usually pack outfits in one cube and underwear, socks, and pajamas in another cube.

  • Luggage scale

    Because the times that Mitchell has picked up a luggage and accurately declared that it either weighs over or under the airplane luggage weight limit has sketchy at best. This one also tells you the temperature in the room.

  • Carryon spinner

    We find this size to be handy and haven’t had issues on any flights (both international and domestic) regarding its size. The price seems to have gone up since we purchased so maybe just use it as a guideline in purchasing your carryon.

  • Hard side spinners

    Ditto for the price increasing since we purchased these hard side spinners. We do live in NY so I’m glad for hard side spinners.

  • Clear toiletry bags

    I find it easier to have bags be somewhat transparent and even colored so I know what’s in what easily.

  • Hanging travel toiletry bag

    Our go to travel toiletry bag.

  • Passport wallet

    Having everyone’s passports in one location is handy. I like putting our luggage tags in there as well. Don’t forget a pen when traveling abroad in case you have to fill out passenger locator forms.

  • Plastic mesh zipper pouches

    Another bag I like using since it’s somewhat transparent and comes in different colors

  • Cosco car seat

    The foldable base and slim lines of the Diono car seats were so appealing when we first got them. I imagined them to be the best travel car seats. Then we traveled with it on one trip and said never again. Schlepping around a car seat with a steel core isn’t the most fun thing, foldable base or not. Cosco car seats are now our go to travel car seats.

  • Electronic organizer

    I got this as sort of a place to put all of our electronic gear. I have a hate-love relationship with it because it’s rather bulky once everything is in it. I have yet to find a great way to pack and organize our electronic stuff though. If you have a method, I’m all ears!

  • First aid kit

Traveling with Allergies

  • Allergy folder

    All information regarding Ava’s allergies are in a red folder that stays with us when traveling through airports and on flights. It contains a complete list of her allergies, her pediatrician’s information, an emergency care plan, a print out of how to use epipens, a letter from her allergist stating that she must travel with her own safe food because TSA has tried to take her safe milk away at times, and allergy cards. I also have a list of hospitals within our destination vicinity that takes our insurance. Everything is in plastic protector sleeves.

  • Index cards

    I used these to create allergy cards for Ava. She has a lot of allergies so I wanted a card bigger than a business card so that everything could be really legible. Avery has a template that’s free and easy to access. It was super straightforward to create and print out on both sides.

  • PackIt freezable lunch bag

    This lunch bag has become our go to throughout the years. The ice packs are sewn into the sides so there’s no forgetting to pack them along with the lunch box.

  • Yumbox bento box

    Our go to bento box. The insert pops out easily and we’ve never had any leaks. Yumbox also makes reusable lids that you can use with the insert.

  • Kids utensils

    Restaurants usually don’t have kid friendly utensils and I was getting tired of asking servers for smaller sized things to accommodate the kids. I got these and they’ve been great. I chose to get the in a bright color so it’d be easy to spot what’s our stuff amidst the restaurant’s utensils. TSA has stopped us because they saw the knives on the x-ray machine. I’d take them out when flying.

  • Tiny bites foods shears

    No issues with packing in our carry on. We use the red scissors for Ava’s food only.

  • Kids’ chopsticks

    We’ve found that chopsticks with the finger loops are the easiest for our kids. You can often find these at more affordable prices at your local Asian supermarket.

  • Stashers half gallon storage bag

    We keep all of the kids utensils and scissors along with a bib in a clear, reusable bag. We then put all soiled utensils in a red Stashers sandwich bag when we’re done with our meal.

  • Ava’s medicine bag

    • Epipen

    • Hydrocortisone ointment

    • Several quart size zip baggies

    • Travel sized tube of Solarcaine aloe gel

      One time Ava had an anaphylactic reaction, her skin broke out in a dark red, extremely itchy rash allover and she was miserable. The pediatric ED attending poured diluted lidocaine on her skin to take the bite out of the itch while we waited for the injected medicine to kick in. He was the one who suggested we use Solarcaine in case it happened again.

    • Eye drops

    • Powder Gatorade

      This flavor can be handy since it’s clear so it’s easier clean up if there’s vomiting.

    • Chewable Benadryl

      This is the appropriate dose for Ava’s age and weight. Please double check to see what works for you.

    • Chewable Zyrtec

      This is the appropriate dose for Ava’s age and weight. Please double check to see what works for you.

    • Pepto Children’s

      This is the appropriate dose for Ava’s age and weight. Please double check to see what works for you.

    • Rescue inhaler

    • Change of clothes in a gallon ziplock baggie

Getting there:

  • Bungee cords

    Helpful in securing our duffel bags on top of our spinner luggage, securing our car seats to our stroller or luggage, and securing luggage on the airport luggage carts

  • Compact trash can

    The flight path we do the most is JFK to LAX so that’s a 5+ hour flight one way. I always hated having to stash the trash we accumulate throughout the flight and found it super handy to have a dedicated trash can. The kids also know where they can throw away their trash so they can help themselves instead of handing all their trash to me throughout the flight. It’s easy to just tie it up and hand it to the flight attendant when they’re making their final way throughout the cabin to collect trash. This trashcan fits easily and securely on the seat pouch in front of you.

  • 1.2 gallon bags

    What I use for the trash can.

  • Bevledge

    Helps keep the kids’ drinks within easy reach without having to use the seat trays.

  • Munchkin 360 cups

    The airplane cabins are pressured. This means all kids’ straw cups will essentially leak like crazy when you first open them in-flight and can lead to annoying messes. I prefer using Munchkin 360 cups so the kids can’t spill anything and we avoid pressurized milk spills. These cups fit in the Bevledge too.

  • Cares airplane safety harness

    This harness is the only one approved by the FAA to use on airplanes. You can’t use this harness in cars. It’s handy to keep your toddler securely seated.

  • Airplane blankets

  • Brita water bottle

    Our go to travel water bottle.

  • Anker portable charger

    We have different reiterations of Anker portable chargers. They all work great.

  • AirFly Duo

  • LilGadgets Untagled Pro

  • Portable footrest

    I’m super short and a 5+ flight often leaves my lower back sore because my feet are dangling while I’m holding a sleeping toddler. Having a footrest helps.

  • TravelJohn

    Super handy to have when traveling with young children.

  • JuJueBe Be Quick wristlet

    The most handy thing to have when traveling with kids that are still in diapers. Instead of taking your entire diaper bag in to the Lilliputian airplane lavatory to change your child, just grab this wristlet. You can secure the strap to a rail guard that’s always in the lavatory and have it open so you can access everything with one hand while you do a diaper change.

  • trtl Pillow; trtl Pillow junior

    I prefer these travel pillows because they’re not as clunky. They can get warm to wear so I do like to keep our air vents open. I also pack eye drops to help with dry eyes.

Entertaining Kids

During Your Stay

  • BabyBjorn travel crib

    Our go to travel crib. I compared it to the Guava Lotus travel crib and chose the BabyBjorn. Ours is almost as old as Ava and is still in great shape. I just check it in the bag it came in. It was even accidentally tagged to go on a flight to China instead of DSM to LAX one time. The airline located it and sent it back to LAX. It was a little funky from the flight but I was able to wash and clean everything and it was as good as new.

  • SlumberPod

    A lifesaver when we were at Disneyworld for a week.

  • White noise machine

    Another lifesaver for when we have to share the same hotel room.

  • Soft earplugs

  • And a third lifesaver for when we have to sleep in one room.

  • The Shrunks kids air mattress

    Comes with a powerful, reliable inflator. We own several and have never had issues with leaks.

  • The Shrunks bed rails

    Comes with a hand pump. You can definitely use a rolled up blanket, towel, or pillow as makeshift rail guards but I find that these bed rails stay in place more and are longer. Plus many hotels and Airbnbs provide just enough things so there’s often not extra items to use as bedrails.

  • Travelers Security Lock

    Price has more than doubled since we ordered it. Clunkier than Addalock. Doesn’t work with all doors.

  • Addalock

    Doesn’t work with all doors. When it does, it’s great!

  • Wedge door stop alarm

  • Plug in nightlights

    I prefer Airbnbs for our accommodation. They give us more space to spread out and a kitchen is important for Ava’s allergies. Nightlights are super handy to keep pathways illuminated at night and help us feel more comfortable in a new home. These are cheap enough that if I forget one or two, I won’t be kicking myself over it.

  • WashEZE travel laundry detergent

    Handy to have when you don’t have access to a washing machine and dryer. We used these in Scotland when Theo was only 2 months old and we went through all his blankets and clothes before we got to our Airbnb in Iceland. I just washed everything in the tub and airdried them. Cleans clothes well.

  • Laundry backpack

    Our travel hamper. A definite must so that dirty clothes aren’t everywhere. I also bring along a travel sized bottle of my trusty Puracy stain remover.

  • Washing machine cleaner

    Handy to have when Airbnb washing machines look a little sketchy. I also travel with laundry detergent pods that are safe for Ava and smell like home.

  • Portable folding step

    We have step stools throughout our home so that Theo can use the restroom and wash his hands without assistance. Portable step stools may be over the top but they’re so handy to have so that he can still have some independence on trips.

  • Toddler straw cups

    For some reason, Theo’s cups are what I often forget to repack when we’re heading home. I’m hoping having cheap straw cups will come in handy.

CoVid-19

It’s been a full week since Mitchell took a PCR test. The next day it came back positive. Thankfully we’d already been quarantining ever since Ava and I became symptomatic on Monday, December 20, 2021. Today is the first day I actually feel most like myself since getting sick.

Before having CoVid-19, I did wonder what it was like to experience it. Most of the people we knew that had it were the ages of our parents or grandparents. It seems that this time it is our peers, those in their thirties, that are testing positive. I felt compelled to jot down our experience as well items we found helpful to have for those who may also be curious and want to be prepared.

Everyone in our family that’s eligible is fully vaccinated. We, unfortunately, did not have our booster shots before getting sick. Theodore is 3 years old. He experienced the mildest symptoms: a cough and a runny nose. No one in our family has known comorbidities. Ava has a more complex medical history so I have always made sure she has her inhaler script filled. Mitchell and I are in relatively good health with normal bloodwork. We both try to stay fit (I write that knowing full well one of us loves looking at home gyms in their free time while the other loves looking at recipes of desserts).

Our combined symptoms were: fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, fatigue, shortness of breath. The most frustrating thing for me was the cyclic nature of the fever. I have never had a fever keep coming back so relentlessly after so many days. At one point, I was just sick of being sick.

And because I’m a lover of lists, here are the items we found helpful:

As a healthcare worker, Mitchell always gets exasperated when I claim one of the kids or I feel warm. “Yeah but did you check your temperature? What’s your temperature?” Having a thermometer was handy when Mitchell’s fever shot up to 103.4. Through chattering teeth, he told me that if it kept climbing to 104, I would have to drive him to the Emergency Department as that’s organ failure territory. We have an oral thermometer as well.

We also kept our thermometer and medicine in a shallow Tupperware and moved it around whenever we needed it. It was handy to have everything in one location.

When our fevers were at their worst, we were alternating between ibuprofen and acetaminophen every three hours. We noticed that taking medication around the clock when we were going through the worst part helped keep our fevers relatively low. Mitchell says there’s a belief in medicine that you don’t chase pain in the hopes of managing it. Be proactive.

Fevers dehydrate you. We had a ton of Gatorade and Liquid I.V. on hand. We also had saltine crackers, rice cakes, hard pretzels, and fresh fruit on hand when we were vomiting and couldn’t keep much down. When we were nauseous, I also put a lit glowstick in a bucket before lining it with plastic bags so that you could see the bucket in the dark.

  • Clean clothes

Something I never really thought about until we went through having the coronavirus was clean clothes. Every time our fever would return, we would shiver and sweat our way through it resulting in damp clothing. So we frequently changed our clothes (cotton long sleeves, long pants, and socks). No one has the time to fold when they’re sick. Wash, dry, and dump those clothes in a designated clean hamper.

I personally try to stay away from one use items if I can help it so I’m doing a slight cringe just listing disposable plates. It was honestly a life saver when we were so sick though. We had this EcoSave brand on hand from when our dishwasher was broken for several months.

  • Teas

Our throats were in so much pain so I brewed us tons of Throat Coat tea with heaping a spoonful of raw honey in every cup. I also love Starbucks’ cold buster so I made a lot of that as well. I used steamed lemonade, raw honey, Teavana peach tranquility, and Teavana Jade Citrus Mint. I’d steep in some Harney and Sons Moroccan Mint tea if I needed a little caffeine boost.

We were both extremely congested. Mitchell is the type to take a decongestant, blow his nose, and call it a day. I, on the other hand, enjoyed standing in the shower with these Vicks vapor tablets and breathing in the steam.

  • Exercise Gear

As the aforementioned avid reader of recipes, I’m inwardly groaning at myself for this bullet point but I stand by it. It was nice to do gentle, physical things after a few days of being febrile, exhausted, and sore. I found a yoga mat, and foam rollers of various sizes (large and small) to be handy to stretch and massage my body. I enjoyed these two yoga routines (one and two) the most when I feeling absolutely crummy.

With past quarantine experience, I knew it would be beneficial to have a lot of the kids’ favorite snacks on hand. It’s also a lot easier when the kids can have snacks that they can help themselves to relatively quickly instead of us prepping them. I’d just try and brainstorm things your family would need to be happy and comfortable while at home for a long string of time.

I am obviously not a healthcare practitioner. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call your physicians and ask! I see firsthand how the pandemic has worn everyone down as a spouse and relative of healthcare workers. Please remember to stay patient and kind.

Wishing everyone a safe 2022!

Applying for Fellowship

First things first.. apologies for all the feet in this shot haha. I didn’t want to distract Mitchell by attempting to get the best framed picture so I just snapped something real quick to commemorate the moment. And it happened to have my feet and Ava’s, oops. C’est la vie!

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One day, this moment will just become another footnote (ahahhaa, sorry - I couldn’t help myself) in our story but today, it’s a huge deal. Mitchell and I both at our laptops, combing over his personal statements for his application for a fellowship.

A quick refresher on the journey one takes to become a physician..

There’s medical school and residency. You get no income during medical school. People usually rely on loans or familial support (we are the latter). Residency is where your learn your specialty. In Mitchell’s case it’s orthopedic surgery. Some choose to do a fellowship after residency. A fellowship is where you further specialize in your specialty. Mitchell is applying to spine fellowships. Physicians are still considered in training during residency and fellowship and are typically paid quite low. Mitchell’s home hospital is a county hospital so his residency pay is over $15,000 less than the local average. After fellowship is when a physician is considered an attending (what laypeople probably think of as a typical doctor). So the path is: premedical student, medical student, resident, fellow, attending.

One should know that advancement to every level requires applications (comprised of personal statements and letters of recommendation) as well as thousands of dollars to submit the applications and then travel for interviews. In addition to the aforementioned, it’s required that you take a three part licensing exam (USMLE) as well. The first exam, USMLE Step 1, is arguably the most important one. Your Step 1 score will dictate which specialty you can be considered for. This article is a little dry but it has some great charts depicting Step 1 scores versus specialties. As of 2020, the USMLE Step 1 cost $645.

Not all residencies are the same duration. Orthopedic surgery is five years whereas something like Emergency Medicine is three years. There is a chance you won’t match into a residency your first time, especially if you’re going for a more competitive field. That was the case for Mitchell so he did a traditional rotating internship (TRI year) before applying again. Ava was born during Mitchell’s first year of medical school. She’ll be ten years old when Mitchell becomes an attending.

Have I lost your interest?! I wouldn’t blame you :)

Hopefully this will help underscore why I wanted to commemorate that moment. I have been with Mitchell through every progression. I have helped proofread all the applications and even multiple research papers that he’s worked on. It was wild to think that this would be our last time going through the process of applications, which understandably always ushers in stress and anxiety. Fellowship interviews will be held virtually this year due to COVID-19. A small silver lining since he won’t have to travel for interviews (although he bemoans that he won’t get the same experience of visiting potential program in person). I always coordinated all his travel and accommodations reservations too so that was another ball to juggle.

We are gearing up to possibly be apart for his one year of fellowship. I felt strongly about keeping Ava and Theo in the same school as long as we can. I’d rather the kids do one move for Mitchell’s first attending job versus moving for fellowship and then attendingship again. The symmetry lover in me smiles because we were apart for his first year of medical school too (he was in Iowa, I was in SoCal.. he even watched Ava’s birth through FaceTime).

I’m quick to take umbrage when I get labeled quickly as a doctor’s wife. I understand how people are trying to pigeonhole me as when they mutter that. It makes me scream because they usually don’t understand the depth of how hard this journey has been on Mitchell, myself, us as a couple and parents, on our children, and our families. All of the sacrifices made.

I suppose it’s a weird juxtaposition.. to have Mitchell’s career completely mold the course of our lives and then to also have this urge to fight against it. To be understood that our identities, our lives are more than his career. Does that even make sense? It does to me but I’m struggling to articulate it. Writing this post has been cathartic though so thanks for coming along this rambling with me.

I guess life is weird like that. C’est la vie!

New Hampshire

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When everything began closing back in March, one of the things I was really upset and worried about was the possibility that I wouldn’t be able to spend any time with one of my best friends, Lauren. She’d recently moved from SoCal to New Hampshire last year.

It’s the closest I’ve lived by a someone near and dear to me in nearly ten years and it’s such a treat! The closest we lived to loved ones before this was when we lived in Metro Detroit and I had family in the suburbs of Chicago, more than a 5 hour drive.

I like to say Lauren’s only a Vegas drive away since it typically takes about 4 hours to drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. I’ve done the NY to NH drive solo with the kids multiple times already and I’m quite thankful that they do very well with longer car rides. I’ve come to realize in recent years that long drives aren’t typical for everyone though. It seems like all the SoCal folks I know don’t bat an eyelash at 3+ hour drives whereas it seems like our Midwest and East coast friends and family tend to avoid them.

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This is basically a long winded way of saying, I was getting acclimated to having a loved one near me and was super distraught that I wouldn’t be able to see her, especially during a special time like her first pregnancy. Our third best friend, Victoria, and I decided to move forward and do a completely virtual baby shower for late July. We were going to celebrate our friend and her baby girl, come hell or high water. As COVID-19 cases went down drastically in NY and NH remained relatively quiet, I decided I’d fully quarantine with the kids for two weeks so that we could go in person for the baby shower. I’m especially thankful that we were able to make this trip happen after everything that’s happened these past few months.

Watching a fellow ortho wife take maternity pictures inspired me to attempt some as well. Lauren was super gracious and willing to be my guinea pig. These shots are from her backyard. I think they came out rather well despite the fact I still struggle to comprehend what the heck ISO, aperture, and shutter speed are and how they relate despite reading so many articles.

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The shot above of Lauren and her husband, Scott, as well as the rest of the photos in this post were taken at Trombly Gardens. If you’re ever in the area, I highly suggest going for ice cream or sorbet. They are heavy handed with their scoops and the ice cream is creamy and tasty. Ava gave the sorbets two thumbs up. Our favorites were the campfire ice cream and strawberry lemonade sorbet flavors.

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Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge

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The kids and I were invited to come along on an excursion last week and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get out again and explore. A fellow ortho wife had offered to take maternity photos for another ortho wife. I came along to help out with the former’s toddler, who’s a month younger than Theodore. Funny enough, her name is Thea and our husbands are co-residents (residents that are the same year). Completely unplanned and just overall a fun coincidence.

Our pregnant friend chose Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge as the location for her maternity shoot. We did a preliminary scan of the parking and hours details before heading out. So we were confused as to why the gate was closed at 6 p.m. when the website states the closing times were much later. Much to our luck, a caretaker happened to come to the gates. We chatted with her and she explained that numerous people had been trespassing during later hours so the gates were being closed by 6 p.m. for now during COVID-19 times. We asked if she could just let us in to take maternity photos and she generously agreed. Parking fees weren’t collected. There are portapotties available for use. The permanent bathroom buildings were locked.

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I was curious to see how photos would come out with the darker weather. After examining the ones I took on the first day, I can say I’d be open to going out more often on dreary days. This is part of the path to the shoreline. The way the sunshine light up the trees ahead made me stop and snap this photo.

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We wound up visiting Target Rock twice that week. The first time the weather was dark and moody and punctuated with drizzle spells. I was a little hesitant about going but decided to bite the bullet because I’d already committed and didn’t want to flake on my friends. I’ve never really ventured out to the beach during such weather. It was surprisingly enjoyable and haunting in some ways with the sound of the bell on the buoy in the distance ringing, the horn of the Port Jefferson ferry sounding off and its engine humming, and the mist slowly rolling onshore.

Posted above are more photos from the first day where it was overcast and gloomy. Below left is Theodore from the first day we visited and below right is Ava during the second day, which was bright and sunny. I actually enjoyed the first day more because we discovered quickly that the clear, hot weather brought out biting flies that loved nibbling on us.

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I’d heartily recommend Target Rock to anyone who enjoys a substantial walk to a shoreline. The terrain was easy enough that we were able to push a wagon through the second time. If you stay after sunset like we did, I’d strongly recommend packing flashlights for the trek back to the car because the woods are pitch black. We didn’t know this and stumbled through it with just the light from my cellphone the first time around.

Garvies Point

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When we moved to Michigan as a young family with a tight medical student and stay-at-home parent budget, one thing we really enjoyed doing was just exploring the outdoors. It was generally free and tons of fun to be outside. With the move to New York and the beginning of residency and Ava attending school, I think we kind of lost this habit of seeking nature. Shelter in place mandates forced us to slow down and whet our appetites to go on adventures once more.

Mitchell finally got a weekend off and we decided to make the most of it. I asked a fellow residency wife for hiking suggestions and one on her list was Garvies Point Museum and Preserve. The museum itself is still closed right now. New York is in the process of opening back up slowly and the museum is poised to open during later phases. The trails are open though. We made our way to behind the museum and spied several trails. We opted to take one marked by several big boulders and followed signs that pointed to the shoreline.

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It was the kids’ first time stepping out of the car beyond our neighborhood since mid-March when everything first closed down. They’ve accompanied me to drive ups at Target and various drive thrus for french fries but they never physically got out of the car. So today was extra special for all of us.

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Once we reached the shoreline, we begun exploring in earnest. There are natural clay deposits that you can find here and there. Mitchell and Ava found three different colors of clay. It was fun to just squish and mold. Since Garvies Point is a preserve, we made sure to not pick any foliage or bring anything back with us.

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The shoreline was rocky enough that it wasn’t very pleasant on bare feet. We’d worn our socks and sneakers though and the temptation of dipping our feet into the soft, lapping water was hard to resist. For future visits, I’d be comfortable with the kids wearing their saltwater sandals since the trails aren’t strenuous by any means (at least for us). Then we wouldn’t have to fuss with wet feet, sand, and sneakers. I’m sure any sort of water shoes would work well too. We’re still not completely used to the often rocky shorelines of Long Island.

Shaded areas were ample when we visited around 11 a.m. I’d probably pack a blanket to sit on and lunch for future visits. The water in Hempstead Bay was generally quite gentle and the kids had fun exploring the water independently.

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We saw a pair of turtles, numerous horseshoe crab exoskeletons strewn about the beach, and even had a lone horseshoe crab swim up to us in the most shallow parts of the water. I’d say Garvies Point is a great place to go with young children. The trails are short enough so that it’s not miserable for the most novice walkers and yet there’s still so much to see and do. Best of all, it’s free!

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SoCal Recipes

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Current events have been heavy and emotionally draining. I wanted to jot down a few things on a lighter note. I first thought of the idea to start saving recipes that remind me of SoCal on a cold, snowy NY day this past February. Finally decided to push ahead and finish this post with the recipes I have so far instead of waiting and waiting for the perfect, on point In-N-Out spread recipe (yeah, I’ve attempted the more popular copycat recipes out there and there’s always something missing) and for me to get my act together and attempt the sauce from Anepalco.

Oh and as an aside, cheers to Junteenth!

Without further ado..

Churro Toffee

Because everyone knows the real reason you keep going back to Disneyland is not for the long ride lines or to see characters, it’s to stuff your face with treats! My girlfriend introduced me to churro toffee last year and it blew my mind. I’ve made this recipe and it came pretty close to the real deal.

Lengua Tacos

Tacos are not the same here on Long Island as they are back home and it kind of makes me angry to be honest. We found awesome street tacos in Des Moines (where Mitchell went for medical school) so why not Long Island?! I’ve found one place here that sells three lengua tacos for nearly triple the price of what you’d pay for in L.A. While it satisfied my craving, it made my wallet sad. One day I decided to try to make some at home and they came out great! I’ve made this recipe several times and we have lengua tacos for several days. I find whole beef tongue at the H Mart in Jericho.

Since I’m yammering on about tacos, I’ve also followed this recipe for tripitas tacos. It came out well! I prefer to fry it up a little longer than what the recipe calls for because I like my tripitas extra crispy. I also like to sprinkle freshly fried up tripitas with some ponzu sauce and Diamond kosher salt and eat it on top of a bowl of rice.

Acai Bowls

The first trimester of my pregnancy with Ava, I lived on the Balboa Peninsula with a girlfriend while I finished up one last semester of classes that I wanted to take. There was a Sambazon Acai Cafe within walking distance of our apartment that we liked to visit frequently. I still enjoy making acai bowls at home and the kids enjoy it too. I opt for the original frozen blend and use apple juice. I use banana for the kids’ acai bowls but do without for mine since I’m allergic. Bananas just thicken it up. Top with granola and fruit and it’s a perfect, easy treat that’s healthy to boot.

Dirty Dogs

They’re known by lots of names but I grew to knew these babies as dirty dogs. They were the absolute best after a night of drinking and clubbing, with street vendors positioned strategically near exits after the clubs and bars closed. I searched around for a recipe similar to what I make and the one I linked seems pretty close. I usually do without the jalapeño (I’m a weenie when it comes to heat) and I’ve never eaten it with pico de gallo personally.

Pollo Asado

Growing up, whenever my relatives from Chicago would visit us, we’d make it a point to do a beach day at Santa Monica. On the way, we’d stop by the El Pollo Loco on Santa Monica Blvd and bring our takeout to the beach to eat. It’s also one of the things my dad is known for picking up for dinner whenever my mom, a nurse that works nights, is away at work. I see El Pollo Loco is to Mexican food the same way Panda Express is to Chinese food; however, it’s just had seemingly ubiquitous presence in my memories growing up so I have a fondness for it now.

I recently looked into making a sort of El Pollo Loco copycat and came across this recipe for pollo asado. It’s pretty on point and a winner with the kids. I serve it with Spanish rice, another big hit.

Porto’s

This isn’t so much a recipe as it is a bake at home as is kind of thing. Quarantine has made me do wild things like pay for shipping willingly and on multiple occasions. Porto’s is the culprit that forced my hand. Yes, it’s $20 for shipping. Yes, it’s so worth it if you enjoy flaky, delicious pastries. It tastes just like what you’d get from the bakery. My favorite is the guava and cheese strudel. Mitchell likes the seafood potato ball (which I currently don’t see listed on the website) and we both love the cheese rolls.

Mangonada

The very first mangonada I had was from La Michoacana. The thought of waiting in line to order one just makes my mouth water again. The lazy way to satisfy my craving is to just sprinkle Tajin on some mango sorbet and top with a tamarind candy straw.

Boiling Crab

There’s an episode of Ugly Delicious where David Chang delves into the crawfish scene in Houston that I saw and was flabbergasted. No peep of O.C. at all in this discussion?! Blasphemy. I was missing Claws (my personal favorite Cajun seafood spot) enough to summon the courage to try this recipe out and it was perfect! I followed the ingredients nearly to a T, wasn’t shy with the garlic, and it was exactly the same flavors. I prefer my garlic on the chunkier side for a Boiling Crab-esque feast so I don’t mince it up finely. I did use butter when I attempted it and in hindsight, the restaurants probably use canola oil because I remember the Cajun seasoning staying viscous in my to go bag. The recipe itself is slightly confusing initially but the author did give the suggestion to start with 3 tsp of each spice listed and then tweak for preferences.

37 Minutes

An idea Mitchell and I have been floating around has been driving into the city and just kind of surveying it during this pandemic. We finally got around to doing it this past Sunday, the first time Long Island’s seen temperatures in the mid-seventies this year so far.

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I was a little concerned about whispers that roads were closed in the city. That it’d be difficult to navigate around. I hoped that perhaps we might have a chance to park and stretch our legs in Central Park if the parameters of responsible social distancing were met.

It took 37 minutes of easy driving cruising at about 70 mph to emerge from the Queens-Midtown Tunnel and reach Murray Hill. Unsure of where our destination should be, we punched in Times Square as our first stop.

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For most cities, the energy would probably be aptly described as bustling; however, for arguably one of the most iconic cities in the world, there was a marked absence that still lingered.

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We reached Times Square easily. In juxtaposition, a few years ago, we accidentally wound up going through Midtown on our way to a food allergy convention in New Jersey. This GPS miscalculation cost us nearly an hour to go one mile. On Sunday, we were able to drive around and admire Times Square from multiple angles before finding curbside parking easily.

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After Times Square, we still had some time to kill before our pickup order from Marea was ready. We meandered through Columbus Circle and drove the entire perimeter of Central Park. I asked Mitchell if he thought we could check out Central Park but his response was a firm no. The crowds were thick enough that social distancing would be difficult and about a third of the pedestrians we saw weren’t wearing masks.

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By the time we finished circling Central Park in our minivan, we’d reached Columbus Circle again with Marea in the vicinity. Marea is my third Michelin starred restaurant experience and it didn’t disappoint. Their version of a lobster buratta salad was otherworldly. I handed the small takeout container to Mitchell while we were stopped at a red light and wilted inside a little as he nonchalantly shoveled several forkfuls in his mouth. He likes to tease me for my apprehension to share food, especially if it’s something I like. The octopus fusilli was a real treat. I’ve never had octopus melt in my mouth like that.

By the time we reached Brooklyn, Mitchell announced that yeah, he’d like to stop by our go-to Italian restaurant on Long Island too because the Marea portions were too small for us to share. One of his lifelong aspirations (and admittedly mine too) is to be able to dine out and not be cognizant of menu prices at all. But for now, he’s PGY3 and we are very much aware of what a splurge Marea was.

Even with our detour to get Mitchell more food, our entire trip took less than two hours. During normal, pandemic times, I’d probably allot two hours just to get from Long Island into the city to reach Ava’s allergist on the Upper East Side on time. I’ll chalk up our little city excursion as a silver lining.

In discussing silver linings, I will say the dark clouds themselves still pass through and cast their shadows here and there. My friend who lives in Chicago lost his mother recently to COVID-19. I had sent him a condolence card. He reached out to thank me for the card and we got to small talk. I shared our experience at seeing so many people without masks around the city. He replied that he had a similar experience with seeing folks without masks in Chicago and plainly stated, “I don’t want to keep doing this, I have a funeral to plan.”

Mitchell thinks we will experience at the very least another wave of COVID-19 cases that’ll threaten to drown our healthcare system and essential workers. I hope and pray that that condolence card I purchased for my friend will be the only one I need to purchase for a long time.

Our COVID-19 Chronicles

I’ve read several articles of how museums and historians are moving to document this pandemic. This notion has been chewing on my brain for some time but with everything going on, I’ve been pushing it aside. I read a fellow residency wife friend’s blog post today detailing how they’re handling residency and COVID-19. It gave me the nudge to sit down and just write things down, if just for my own benefit to read and reminisce in the future. Perhaps in sharing our story, naysayers may also realize all the kerfuffle surrounding COVID-19 isn’t some notorious plot to rob them of their supposed freedom.

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The county we live in on Long Island officially shut down schools on March 16, 2020 but COVID-19 crept into our lives a few weeks before that. February 29 to March 8 saw us in SoCal. We were there for my cousin’s wedding in San Diego. As with all vacations during residency, we try to schedule our time to get the most out of the precious seven, consecutive days we get together as a family. Mitchell gets four weeks of vacation a year, one per quarter. For this particular trip, we carved out time to see family on both sides as well as numerous friends. We also visited several museums and Disneyland.

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At the Moes’ wedding

At the Moes’ wedding

Signage at SAN

Signage at SAN

The same night of my cousin’s wedding, March 6, I began having severe GI issues, body aches, and chills. We chalked it up to some weird stomach bug. I powered through the remainder of our trip the best I could with some elecrolyte tabs and loperamide. Mitchell had to carry Theo most of the time during our flight from SAN to JFK on March 8 because I was in so much pain. Thankfully, I had made the decision to do long term parking near the airport instead of our usual hauling our luggage through the LIRR and JFK AirTrain. We had parked our car at TWA Hotel’s valet service and I highly recommend it for anyone flying out of JetBlue. Not to mention, TWA Hotel’s a beaut!

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I came down with a high fever that night we got back from the airport. Ava, my forever extrovert, was adamant about going to school the following day since it was her birthday and she wanted to be at school with her friends and teachers. She finally conceded to skipping school due in part to jet lag and the fact that I was still in so much physical pain that even Mitchell questioned how I could possibly drive a car safely in my condition. I did manage to muster all my energy into baking the birthday girl a cake.

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We were still jet lagged on Tuesday. I decided it would be best to skip another day of school but I was beginning to feel better physically at least. On Wednesday, March 11, Ava came down with a dry cough, wheezing, and a fever. Her temperature climbed to 103.4 degrees Fahrenheit in the early afternoon and she started showing signs of lethargy. At our pediatrician’s prompting, we sought to have her tested that day.

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Mitchell had us meet him at his hospital and we were ushered into the pediatric wing of the ED. I still remember noting the relaxed body language of the staff we’ve come to know through all of Ava’s ED trips as they chatted with us and examined her. It seemed to be a sharp juxtaposition to the ominous tone that news outlets held. Ava’s had medical emergencies where I’ve seen the professionals terse and alert so I took comfort in the staff’s nonchalant vibe that day she was swabbed. The NP only donned PPE when she swabbed Ava, a sole duckbill n95 mask. We had complimented her on her mask and she remarked how she had to keep them locked up at the nurses’ station now because people were beginning to steal them.

They explained that they had tried to see if they could simply send Ava’s swabs to the CDC to test for COVID-19 as a sort of courtesy to us since Mitchell worked at the hospital; however, protocol was extremely strict and their request was denied. Ava’s tests had to be run for all other respiratory infections first. If those came back negative, it would only be then that her swabs would be sent to Albany.

In the meantime, we were to quarantine at home. We were one of the first two hundred people that were placed under mandatory quarantine at home on Long Island.

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You know those cut scenes in films that note time passing by? Sometimes it’s a screen that simply has a time or date stamp punctuated by a dramatic, orchestral flourish. That’s how the first few days felt like as we moved through them. Friday, my GI symptoms began. Sunday, fever for me. Wednesday, fever for Ava. Thursday morning brought the news that Ava’s swabs had tested negative for all common respiratory infections.

Cue the orchestra.

I remembered overhearing the ED NP’s muffled voice when she called Mitchell to update him on her test results. This woman, a good-natured, comforting matronly figure during Ava’s past ED visits, had a sharp, somber tone in her voice. I caught pieces of what she said.. “I’d be very surprised if Ava was negative for COVID-19..” “I’m not worried about you getting sick. But you have two kids that you need to take care of. You take care of your family, you hear me?!”

By Thursday afternoon, the headmaster at Ava’s school had issue an e-mail roughly outlining what Ava was going through while trying to keep her anonymous. School was to be closed that following Friday and Monday until we got word of her COVID-19 test results. He cautioned that some parents may be very anxious about the current state of affairs and that they may be hostile towards us if they found out that the student being tested was Ava.

It’s worth noting that a few weeks prior to our trip to SoCal, Ava had asked after school one day if she was bad because she was half-Chinese. When I asked her to elaborate, she had explained that her classmates had said something bad was coming from China and making everyone sick. That it was called the coronavirus and if you get it, you die.

On Friday, Mitchell saw Ava gasping for breaths and when he realized she wasn’t truly short of breathe, he became upset. I saw her confusion and realized we hadn’t sat down and fully explained what was going on so I did. I remember tears suddenly welling up in her eyes and her small voice asking, “Am I going to die?” when I told her why it’s so important that she not joke around with breathing. We reassured her as best as we could. We tried to explain how some people will get sick and how it’s all random, not a reflection of a person’s character. Lastly, we stressed how important it was that she tell us if someone was being mean to her for her ethnicity.

It grieves me deeply that any child should have to deal with racial prejudice. I take umbrage with those who refuse to understand the very real ramifications from referring to COVID-19 as the Chinese virus. Embracing such sloppy diction illustrates a lack of empathy and a real disconnect to the humanity that connects us all. A hate crime that occurred in late March that included two victims aged two years old and six year old stabbed especially sickened me.

Groceries delivered on our front step by friends

Groceries delivered on our front step by friends

Ava excited to receive school materials

Ava excited to receive school materials

That weekend while we waited for Ava’s COVID-19 test results was a lot to process emotionally. Either Mitchell or I slept in the same bed as Ava to monitor her breathing. We talked about what our plans would be in the case one of us or the kids get sick. We discussed what we’d do in case our home was targeted by an angry, bigoted person. Mitchell even brought up his life insurance.

Within this emotional trough, amazing people came in (metaphorically) and lifted us up. Family rallied for us. Friends got us groceries when we started running low. Ava’s teachers overnighted books and school materials, much to her delight. Instead of experiencing people lashing out at us, we discovered that many families within Ava’s school community were praying for us.

Sunday came. Another orchestra flourish. Good but somewhat confusing news.. Ava’s test results were actually negative for COVID-19. The ED cautioned that they suspected false negatives and urged us to exercise caution, common sense, and keep quarantining practices if possible. This day also marked when officials closed all Long Island schools for the next two weeks.

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It felt odd basically watching society undergo and process what we’d just gone through a few days ago those next two weeks. Schools closed, businesses shuttered, people trying to embrace the battle cry to stay safe, stay home. Social distancing! Stay six feet away. The last time I’d visited a grocery store, everything was still “normal”. By the time, I was able to go out again, the panic buying had already been in full force for several days. It was eerie walking store aisles completely empty. My anxiety cranked up a few notches more when I noticed people had even bought out Ava’s usual allergy friendly foods. Over time, places implemented more methods of social distancing like this CVS’ plastic tarp and tables.

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Through the midst of all this chaos, I figured now was the best time to finally get Ava the bike she’d been asking for since last summer. Mitchell’s residency program switched to a skeleton crew and nearly all elective surgery cases were halted so this is the most he’s ever been at home. Silver linings. Nearly daily evening walks have been something I’ll look back on fondly.

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So where are we at nearly a month later?

Ava’s five weeks deep into remote learning at school. I’m so thankful for such an amazing group of educators who have risen up in these odd times and have basically ensured that Ava’s learning continue as best as they possibly can. The familiar routine of school is comforting for all of us even if it’s done electronically.

We got wind that Mitchell’s hospital had ordered bandannas as a last ditch effort to protect the staff while on one of our family walks. This was on the heels of the CDC changing PPE protocol to include bandannas and scarves as an acceptable means of PPE if all other options were exhausted. I eventually got my sewing machine out, cut up flat bedsheets we had, and began trying to learn how to sew masks for Mitchell all the while letting an angry tear slip here and there. No way in hell would I be sending my husband to work with a fucking bandanna.

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Ava, Mitchell, and I all came down with identical symptoms during that pivotal week in March. We all recuperated after a few days without any additional medical treatment. Theodore stayed healthy thankfully.

For a good portion of April, Ava’s been experiencing wheezing, which is very unlike her. After being in contact with her pediatrician for a week, I finally brought her in to be examined in person by the doctor. I snapped the above shot while we waited in the parking lot of the pediatrician’s office. Protocol was to wait in your car until you were called up to be seen. There was something so foreign and poignant about fumbling to fit an n95 mask and a homemade mask over it on Ava’s face while the wet, chilly wind blew around us. I almost don’t want to imagine how many other parents have clumsily fumbled with something in the dire attempt to protect their child from something.

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And as for Mitchell?

He began rotating in COVID-19 units at his hospital last week on April 15. And thank the heavens above, his hospital finally got more proper PPE. He still has to reuse things as well as his scrub cap I got for him because disposable hair bouffants are scarce but at least he gets an n95 mask while he’s seeing COVID-19 patients.

So this is it. This is our truth.

Friends have gotten sick, tested positive for COVID-19, and have recovered. Friends have lost family members. I’m selfishly thankful that loss hasn’t touched our families yet and hope it stays that way.

A loved one shared this quote with me today and it resonated deeply with me. I thought it’d be apropos to end this blog entry with it. May you find health and safety in this pandemic. Cue orchestra.

The farther you are from believing something that is objectively true, the worse position you’re in to advocate your point and protect yourself and your family.

2019

I figured in honor of the Lunar New Year, I’d finally finish up a post that’s been in my head since before the start of 2020! A recap of 2019 in photos. I wanted to go through the thousands of photos I snapped throughout the year and whittled it down to simply 12. It wasn’t easy and I definitely broke that rule for June, but just bear with me!

I’d say I’m getting better with my bad habit of procrastinating.. but maybe that’s just the optimist in me. Oh well, onwards and upwards!

January

Okay, to be honest, my January 2019 photos weren’t exactly in the hundreds. I chose this sweet one of Theo in a tiger hat and tail. Calvin and Hobbes is a family favorite between my little brother and I. For Ava’s fourth Christmas, I gifted her the complete set of Calvin and Hobbes. So a sort of Hobbes-ish hat and tail along with chubby baby thighs? Easy winner for January.

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February

This month marked when the littlest Long turned a year old! I opted for a birthday party theme loosely based on bees then of course the thought process turns naturally to honey. Once honey is involved, you can’t help but think about the silly old bear that loves honey best of all!

I adore the classic version of Pooh and his friends. One sweet friend even threw me a beautiful classic Pooh themed shower for Ava that I still think of fondly. I wanted a specific banner where the characters are holding a sign that says, “Happy Birthday", but I couldn’t find it anywhere. Mitchell offered to find a way to get it printed after I voiced my frustration with my fruitless searches. That’s when it dawned on me that I was staring at the very person that could make my vision a reality and probably even better. You see, not only is Mitchell a talented ortho. resident (no bias at all, wink wink), he’s also pretty good at drawing.

So after some cajoling on my part (“you made Ava’s birthday banner too, remember??”), he agreed to sketch and outline Theo’s birthday banner. Another fun factoid about us: my artistic capabilities are inversely related to my husband’s. Mitchell didn’t have time to color the banner as well so I went in quite blindly and nervously and just tried my best. I knew I wanted really soft colors so I opted to use soft pastel pencils. I’d color in what I needed to and then gently brushed over what I just shaded with a dry paint brush. I stayed up until the early hours the morning of his birthday party, painstakingly coloring in this banner. You can compare the banner we made for Theo with our inspiration picture here. I think it came out rather well! It’s now framed and hung in his bedroom.

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March

And just like that, our Ava turned six! She requested a space themed birthday. I baked a special, allergy friendly birthday cake covered in space themed sprinkles and got complimentary balloons per the birthday princess’s request.

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April

To succinctly put it, April was a hard month. Mitchell and I got a dog during our junior year of undergrad. I have always been painfully shy and struggle with social anxiety. This coupled with befriending all the wrong kinds of mean girls that took advantage of me in undergrad left me longing for a furry companion. Mitchell, being the doting boyfriend, wanted to provide whatever he could to make me happy. In hindsight, it was a beyond stupid decision since a puppy was a huge responsibility that we just weren’t equipped to handle appropriately. But somehow, Waffles thrived despite us and our naïveté.

If Mitchell and I are Ross and Rachel from the sitcom Friends, Waffles was our Emma. A lot of fighting, misunderstandings, break ups, make ups, with a chubby corgi that bound us. Waffles was the sole reason why we kept in contact when we were on a break (read in Ross’ voice). We sadly left him behind in SoCal with my parents when we moved to Michigan. The idea of navigating a new state known for its harsh winters with a toddler and a med. student budget made the idea of bringing Waffles along too daunting for me. As residency brought us to New York and I was getting more comfortable with running a household without any help nearby, I was hoping to arrange to have Waffles join us. He was already twelve years old but I was hoping we’d be lucky and get a few more years together.

Of course, in a bittersweet timing, that’s when his health began to decline. I can’t even begin to describe the extent of my sorrow in making the decision to end Waffles’ suffering. I can’t even get through writing this without a dry eye. We humans certainly don’t deserve the love that dogs give. I love this particular comic even though it kind of breaks my heart all over again.

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May

This month marked my first time flying solo with both kids. It went surprisingly well, most likely due to the fact that Ava’s so used to flying by now. A 6.5 hour straight flight with two young kids alone isn’t my idea of fun. Luckily for my little brother, he’s one of the few people that I’d do JFK to LAX for in a heartbeat. My mom floated the idea of just saving the money of airplane travel costs and watching the graduation through a live feed instead - he’ll have a college graduation in a few years anyway and the kids would be older so traveling would be easier then. But there was just something in me that screamed no. Sometimes it’s not about money or having an easier time. Sometimes it’s really about just showing up. And for my little brother, I’ll always show up in any way I can. He graduated summa cum laude and is attending Mitchell and my alma mater. Photo is from his Seniors Awards ceremony.

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June

This photo was actually taken August 1st. It’s of Theo overlooking a sprawling cemetery that spans several acres in Southern California. I’d imagine it’s weird to talk of a cemetery in a positive way; however, it’s where Mitchell’s father, Mitchell’s paternal grandparents, and my childhood best friend’s maternal grandparents (who were like my own grandparents) were laid to rest. So to us, it’s just a place that’s very quiet and serene. A place to reflect and remember loved ones.

I chose this photo for the month of June even though it was taken in August because June was the last time we saw Mitchell’s maternal grandmother alive. We try to make the effort to visit them once in awhile, especially now with their great-grandkids in tow. She was later hit by a car a few weeks after this visit and passed. We have several photographs of her grinning ear to ear with Ava, Theo, and their two other cousins from this last visit. I’m appreciative that my kids have this last, fleeting token; however, they felt a bit too intimate to post on a public blog. In some ways, I felt like this photo taken during her burial conveyed the same sense of intimateness but through a different lens.

Life can change quickly. Don’t squander it.

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July

In June, I did the JFK to LAX haul again solo with the kids to spend a majority of the summer in SoCal with family. We spent a week with relatives in SD and much to Ava’s delight, they have a pool. This photo is from her splashing around in their pool. By the time July rolled around, she was sporting a nice, deep tan.

A quick history lesson.. bear with me here. A history of colonization in the Philippines ushered in a prejudice against dark skin. Dark skin was associated with workers whereas a fairer complexion meant wealth. A gross prejudice that I myself am very familiar with. I recall distinctly visiting the Philippines when I was sixteen. Some relative commented in Ilocano (without realizing that I still understood the language) that I was dark for an American. My tendency to tan easily was always something I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to embrace or reject and avoid at all costs growing up.

Now, in my thirties, I see the foolishness in it all. I wish the language had been about emphasizing that I was beautiful the way I was made, regardless of supposed societal ways. I desperately needed that ability to feel confident in my own skin and it took a long time to cultivate it. So I look at this photo of Ava and think of Beyonce’s Brown Skin Girl. My hope is that for my child, I can do what I so longed for. Help her realize that she is beautiful, just the way she already is.

Oh, have you looked in the mirror lately?
Wish you could trade eyes with me 'cause
There's complexities in complexion
But your skin, it glow like diamonds
Dig me like the earth, you be giving birth
Took everything in life, baby, know your worth

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August

Mitchell took a week off in August to visit SoCal and so that I didn’t have to do another LAX to JFK leg by myself again. I was able to “take the day off” without the kids since Mitchell was there to take care of them. It was the first and only time I was without the kids for a majority of the day in 2019. I don’t think that’s something that people really comprehend about my life. I rarely get a break from simply being a mom. We can’t afford babysitters at this point and everyone (grandparents, parents, family, friends, etc.) still work as well so it’s not like someone can just swoop in and take over my role while I recharge. It can be a grinding existence so I’m deeply appreciative for moments that I can still be just Arianne, even if they’re rare and fleeting.

I spent the day at Disneyland. One of my best friends has the ability to get me in for free and I’m forever thankful for her doing so (although I did joke around that Ava now has a skewed sense of reality and thinks Disney is something that you can just go to whenever). We stayed until closing and I was able to snag a few photos of an empty, lit up Disneyland. I even let down my hair and bought myself a Disneyland sweater even though I’m fiercely against spending money on frivolous souvenirs. Such a fun time!

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September

Photo was from the first day of First Grade! Fun, random tidbit.. Theo totally tripped over his own two feet right after I took this shot, fell, and cried so I had to hold him the rest of the way. I’d say Kindergarten was a struggle in some ways because it was hard dealing with a baby while still trying to attend to my oldest’s needs by myself 98% of the time.

The school year is now roughly halfway over and I’ll say it’s been going a lot more smoothly than Kindergarten did. It’s amazing watching Ava learn. Her appetite for learning is voracious and leaves me shocked at times. I hope she has this zeal for learning her entire life.

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October

A quiet month. Photo is from a hike a fellow resident’s wife friend invited me on. I did it with Theo, who was surprisingly a great hiking partner. He did most of it by himself and was surprisingly surefooted (he’s generally my more clumsy kid). The hike took place at Bayard Cutting Arboretum and reminded me of our time in MI. It was a very lonely time for Ava and I so I filled up a good amount of our days with outdoor hikes. I’d say nature plus kids is always a winning combination.

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November

November saw our first trip as a family (and my first time ever) to Disneyworld, courtesy of my in-laws’ generosity. We stayed at the Grand Floridian and spent five days visiting all four theme parks. This photo was taken during the hottest day of our trip, high eighties with the Florida sun beating down on us. I grew up in the Mojave desert (100+ degree summers) so heat isn’t a foreign entity to me; however, Florida heat is just a different beast. I can’t imagine visiting during actual summer months. More power to anyone who does!

So yes, horribly hot day, everyone was in a sour mood. I decided to ask the riverboat operators if there was an opportunity for Ava to steer the riverboat as a sort of Hail Mary to distract us from the suffocating heat. As luck would have it, one riverboat operator said yes, she’d take Ava. We were ushered up to the captain’s private quarters and Ava was able to hold and turn the huge ship’s wheel for the entire excursion around the Rivers of America. She got a keepsake certificate afterwards as well. Just thought I’d share in case anyone else may need such a Hail Mary.

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December

I’ve seen some joke floating around the internet that the real miracle regarding Jesus is that he was able to have 12 close friends in his thirties. Why is it so much harder to make friends as adults?! We have been fortunate enough to cultivate some great friendships with some of Mitchell’s medical school classmates and their wives. One of these sweet couples and their kids visited us at the end of December. We spent the last day of the year at one of the Longs’ favorite spots in the city: AMNH.

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Thirty-two Hullabaloo

The other day, Mitchell and I were basking in the golden hours between the kids’ bedtime and ours, two amorphous couch blobs. That’s when he hit me casually with a, “So.. how’s your blog goin?” I really had no response but to give him a piercing side eye and reply staunchly with, “It’s.. uh.. it’s going..”

Admittedly, this little blog of mine has been in the foreground of my mind for some time. I started it with the intent that I could have an outlet to create content and record memories and flesh out a space in my day that's solely for me. Then it seemed as if life laughed and laughed and pushed the toddler that gets into everything, energetic six year old with school and extracurricular, and husband with surgical residency hours back into the glaring spotlight.

I was also unsure of where to pick up after such a pronounced hiatus. I decided on a birthday post, as I believe all birthdays should be celebrated and festivities documented. So thank you for sticking around, faithful readers (all three of you.. alright, maybe just my dear husband.. hi!).

Without further adieu, here’s my little ode to turning thirty-two.

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Somehow Mitchell had a rare weekend off the same time as my birthday weekend. As soon as I realized that, I knew I wanted to make the most of his days off and go on some family adventures. For Saturday, I figured we’d head out east to Suffolk county.

On my Long Island bucket list for some time was visiting the Big Duck in Flanders. I firmly believe there are inquisitive people, full of fun, who love to explore all historical oddities near them and people who are dead inside. In other words, myself and Mitchell respectively. Big Duck would’ve quickly garnered a veto from him but it was my birthday weekend! Cue diabolical laughs.

Our conversation upon pulling up and parking beside the Big Duck, paraphrased:

“It’s.. it’s a big duck.. what? What the hell, Arianne?!”
— person that's probably dead inside
“[laughing hysterically] Isn’t it great?!”
— super fun, inquisitive person

The Big Duck essentially houses a quirky little gift shop. Ava nabbed some Big Duck postcards to send to her penpals. Hours are kind of wonky and don’t reflect what’s posted on the door though.

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We washed down our thrilling time at the Big Duck with beer and food at Greenport Harbor Brewing Company in Peconic. I was initially confused as to which location would better suit our family. An employee explained that the Greenport location is smaller and serves more of the boutique flavors whereas the Peconic location is larger and has a bigger restaurant.

It was our first time visiting a brewery as a family. To make future visits more enjoyable, I’ll make sure that we pack something to sit on (whether it be portable chairs or a picnic blanket). There was an expansive lawn that would’ve been nice to sit on and enjoy our food and drinks while the kids roamed freely nearby; however, all seats were claimed and we weren’t particularly fond of sitting on the patchy grass.

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67 Steps Beach caught my eye on social media a few months prior. Its iconic steps reminded me of my beloved Thousand Steps Beach back in SoCal and I’ve been hoping for an opportunity to explore its East Coast version, so to speak. I have a fondness for heading to the ocean as the sunsets for my birthday. There’s just something soothing and meditative about watching the sun melt into the ocean. I personally think it’s a great way to note the beginning of another year of life.

I grew up in SoCal so the ideal version of a beach to me had vast swaths of sand and crashing waves, often accompanied by dramatic vistas. When we moved to Long Island, I didn’t get the appeal of the beaches and bays here for the longest time. 67 Steps completely changed my attitude. The golden hour bathed everything in a halcyon hue. The soft, lapping water and small bit of rocky terrain made for an intimate setting. The salty air mixed with a hint of smoke from a bonfire in the distance made me think of how summer nights should smell.

I totally get it now.

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After the beach, we made our way to Little Creek Oyster Farm. I love fresh oysters and a good deal so their $18 for a dozen shuck-it-yourself oysters seemed like a no brainer. Plus I had a husband who was willing to oblige to any of my whims for my birthday weekend. Done deal!

For whatever reason, we struggled to find this little place nestled in the dim harbor (or perhaps our initial navigator’s skills should be questioned more.. I’ll keep him nameless for now) so we arrived a little flustered. Then we were on high alert because Ava’s allergic to nearly all seafood and every surface seemed to have come in contact with an allergen recently. To top it off, Theo was having some strong feelings about being out so close to bedtime and was expressing said emotions loudly.

It quickly became dangerously more than what I bargained for; however, we shouldered on. Ava was handed Mitchell’s iPhone so she could play some games and be less tempted to touch everything. Theo was surreptitiously scooped up and placed in the Ergo I had strapped to me before he could wail louder. And Mitchell narrowly missed gouging his hand as he got the hang of opening up the oysters. Why I thought it was a good idea to have the dude whose livelihood depends largely on his hands pry open stubborn mollusks is beyond me now.

What felt like adding insult to injury, I painstakingly tried to get a clear shot of Mitchell opening oysters but Theo’s foot kept making its way into the frame. I sometimes feel a pinch of frustration when I have a certain picture in mind and something keeps messing up that perfect shot. I quickly realized that that darn little Croc marked where we are in life as a family right now and meaningfulness trumps perfection any day.

I’ve come to really love this photo, Croc and all.

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On Sunday (my actual birthday), I knew I wanted a cookie from Levain as my “birthday cake” so I built up our day around that. We let the kids burn energy in Central Park before having omakase at Sushi Yasaka and then ending the day with some warm cookies.

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The only time I ever headed into the city by myself was to pick up over three dozen cookies from Levain for my best friend Lauren’s bridal shower in SoCal the day before my flight. I was also in the third trimester of my pregnancy with Theo. I remember standing, waiting for the subway, shifting my weight from foot to foot while I gripped two large, heavy bags with the Levain logo, feeling 1000% the stereotype of a pregnant woman scarfing down everything in sight. That’s when I caught a guy nearby glancing at me. He flashed me a smile and commented, “Good choice!” What a sight I must’ve been.

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And that’s it to my thirty-second birthday! Cheers to many more years and hopefully even more blog posts.