Spice Market

Back in NYC for business this week. I obviously miss Amy and the little man tremendously, but do enjoy the chance to enjoy some good food here in the big apple. Headed to Jean Georges Vongerichten’s Spice Market last night with a vendor after a late meeting around 6:30pm. The place is in the recently-trendy Meat Packing District. Surprisingly, the hostess showed zero ‘tude and seated our party of three immediately, albeit in the slightly less posh downstairs.

I happened to think the design of the place was pretty spiffy – it really reminded me of an exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum I saw a few years ago of a home moved there from China which dated back to 1800, and had been occupied for over 200 years, with the added bonus of good drinks and better food – and the prices are not unreasonable for a fun night out. And the food was great – including at least one dish I’ll remember for a long time to come. Read on after the jump for more about the food…
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What a mensch

Every day Amy and I keep saying that we must catch up and report on Mr. Sam’s latest tricks. About two weeks ago, he floored us both by beginning to string words together into simple sentences. I realize that doesn’t sound earth shattering, but to hear him say ‘Pick me up’ or ‘More Cat Hat’ is both cute and amazing to his doting parent. He’s gone on to basically stop using his sign language over the last month. Sometimes it’s a game to ask him what he wants – followed by the cutest ‘ohhhh kaayyyy’ with a beautiful smile that spreads across his face. He’s also gone on to name all his favorite songs (esp. all the tracks on Philadelphia Chickens). And he has his own names for his favorite books – ‘Pants’ for a quirky British picture book about underpants, ‘Peak-book’ for his peek-a-boo baby book, and of course ‘Cat Hat’ for – well you get the idea. There are more miscellaneous photos of his cuteness from various moments in early December here.

At right, you can see Sam engaging in his latest fave activity – watching a cute Cat in the Hat game/animation I picked up at the Lenox Apple Store. In fact, every time he sees daddy with his MacBookPro, he inevitably asks for ‘Cat Hat!’

I must also report one unfortunate incident that probably bothered Dad more than Sam. As we often do, Amy put Sam in the shower with me on Sunday morning. I was rushed to get ready that afternoon to leave for NY, and absentmindedly set my razor on the shower bench. Normally, Sam doesn’t pay any attention to anything there, but in 5 seconds flat, he’d grabbed it while my back was turned and cut himself. He had never bled before, and it was obvious that he was both frightened and in some pain. It hurt so much to see it, and I of course felt responsible for it. Amy had of course planned ahead for this, and the Sesame Street Band-Aids came to the rescue, with Cookie Monster, Bert and Grover all there to comfort him. He kept repeating the words ‘boo-boo’ over and over again, even after he’d taken a nap. All is well now, although Sam’s first boo-boo will live with us all for a while.

Tis the Season…for Parties

In what’s become an annual tradition, Stephen hosted the gang at his midtown condo for soup, cocktails and a round of ‘Dirty Santa.’ Sam joined the party, and hung in there with all the grownups until far past his bedtime. Click her for the photo gallery.

Mama Mia!

Sam has been saying Da-da for the longest time, but just wouldn’t give in to Mom. I felt like Voldemore “the one who shall not be named”. But this past weekend, Dec. 9 to be exact, Sammy decided to break down and say mommy. When he woke up the next morning, we heard a plaintive cry through the monitor, “mommy, mommy, mommy.” Oy!

Photos, musings and miscellany – New and Improved!