The Casseroles are Comin'!!!

Because our baby will be here any day, Heather and I had a short discussion with a good friend at church regarding the fulfillment of post-natal servitude doled out on new mothers by the sweet sisters of the Relief Society. She wanted to set a date for when "dinners" would start being delivered to our home. Lasagna, Mystery Casseroles, Cheesy "Funeral" Potatotes, etc... It's very sweet and thoughtful, and yes, I know it gives the sisters an opportunity to serve. I probably shouldn't have interjected and shared my opinion on the matter and squelch her giving heart, but I have to admit, I'm a little offended by the whole idea.

Yes, I admit that I am modern, metrosexual, fully-liberated husband and father of 2008. It's not the 1950's, and I wasn't born or raised in an era where I fulfill my fatherly duties from 9-5, come home, and put my feet up while I wait for my lovely wife(in full make-up, and rick-racked dress) to fulfill my every need, and keep the children from bothering me while I watch the game. (BTW, I don't even watch games...how's that for progressive?)
Call me crazy, but I believe in being an equal-partnered parent, nurturing and loving father, homemaker, child-rearer, and yes, a cook. And I'm a good one.....a cook that is.
While my wife and I are dealing with the challenges of a new-born baby, and two small children, I fully believe that I can take care of the gastronomical needs of my family.

I appreciate service, and I don't want to inhibit others from serving, but there must be another way in which the sisters can assist the families going through this difficult transition in the home. I have a sense that the RS feels it must serve, and that food delivery is the "go-to" option. It's seems a bit archaic and "old-church" (like old-school). Service comes in a variety of shapes and colors and is appreciated in all forms. Let's be modern and creative. You could blog for us, or take our kids so we can go on a short date (between feedings), or if it must be food, you could just just order a spread of Indian from Kismat (212-795-8633),

....mmm.....saag paneer....,

or maybe you could simply pay my bills so I can spend even more time with my wife and new little one.........just some thoughts.

Ultimately, this post has been a declaration of my PRIDE. Yes, I am a prideful, modern, dad. And I know the RS sisters don't like pride. So, now that I have admitted my pride, maybe I should just let nice people be nice, in their own way, and keep my nose out of the whole thing.

That's what Heather would want. And it's her time to get whatever she wants!

Bring on the casseroles!

I Have a Dream...

Because I had the day off for MLK Day, I decided to make it a real holiday. I first took Margaret on a little date in the morning. We went to our favorite neighborhood diner, Park View Cafe. It's a closet-sized, stools at the bar, breakfast all-day, kind of diner you find all over New York. I let Margaret order whatever she wanted. Of course, chocolate chip and banana pancakes, with bacon on the side, was the obvious choice. Oh, and hot-chocolate with whipped cream. Wait, before you judge my parenting skills, remember, we were celebrating civil rights for all people. Why wouldn't we order the most celebratory breakfast imaginable.

After a fun day of game playing (go fish and old maid) and rest, Margaret decided that on this special day, "Dr. King", as she likes to call him, would have wanted to eat Chinese food for dinner. Who can argue with that? So she and I walked to the corner, ordered our food from the kind people at "U-Like" (yes, that is really the name), and proceeded to find the perfect dessert for racial equality. Of course, being a true New Yorker, Margaret thought cheese cake would be most appropriate. As we picked up our Chinese grub and headed home, Margaret proceeded to tell me all about what she learned about Dr. King in her pre-school class. She was so excited to get home and celebrate him over a steaming plate of beef and broccoli, that she didn't even mind that our hands were falling off from walking to and fro in humid 15 degree weather.

After our delicious, yet greasy dinner, Margaret wanted to see more pictures of Dr. King, online, so she could create some artwork in memory of this great man. Sadly, after dinner and cheesecake, it was too late to start an art project. (And Daddy had to watch the SC Democratic Debate) But first thing the next day, she made sure her celebration was completed with a few representations of the late, and truly great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Behold the work of the artistic genius, (and socially conscious child) that is, Margaret Herrick.




BTW, the Dr. King with "girly" lips, was Mother Heather's contribution.

Let us all be thankful for his life and his dream of a better future for everyone.

37 Weeks and Shame

Tell me....am I a bad father? I don't think I am. But sometimes, when I can't do everything, I feel that way.

The above picture is provided weekly by our good friends at BabyCenter.com. I have diligently posted the most up-to-date photo on our computer desktop every week. We have had 36 weeks of a growing fetus and the word, Vagina, staring at us every time we sit down to check our mail.

I am writing this post at work while my extremely sexy, pregnant wife is at the OB getting one of her last ultrasound checkups. The bottom line is.....I am supposed to be there with her. I was there for the initial appointment, and haven't been back since. Partly, because our OB, Dr. Jacques Moritz (who is a famous TV doctor, BTW, and kind of crazy, in a good way), believes in not having many appointments if everything is healthy. So Heather hasn't had many herself. But in the last month of pregnancy, you have weekly appointments. This is a great time to connect with your doctor, and really witness the reality of a fully developed baby, ready to burst out.....I guess slither out would be a better descriptive. To make a long story short, I wasn't able to get away from work....and I feel like a chump of a dad.

Yes, I have been through this routine with two prior children, and Heather is a strong independent mother, but I should be there....to share in the experience.

I massage her feet, I make her drink lots of water and consume enough calories, I take the kids on outings so she can take naps, I rub lotion on her growing pregnant woman parts, I tuck her in as early as possible every night (on her new memory-foam mattress-topper Santa got her for Christmas), I console her, when she's feels like her body has been taken over by an alien, I make her whatever food her body needs when she just can't eat anything, I do the dishes almost every night, I make her slow down when she's doing to much, I tell her how sexy and beautiful she is (because she really is, especially when she's pregnant), and I let her pregnant self do whatever she wants to do to feel good.

I think I'm a good dad, to all my children, born and unborn. And I think I'm a good husband...at least I really try. But I really can't do everything.

I guess the point of my posting today was partly to help myself feel better, but mostly to remind myself how much I love my wife and kids, and how I WILL be at next week's appointment, connecting with our little parasite, Heather, and our famous TV doctor.

Christmas Wrap-up and New Year's Fun

So, we did it! Travelled home safely from a great Thanksgiving trip to Utah, hosted a fabulous 4th Annual Charlie Brown Christmas Party, shopped, wrapped, baked, cooked, spread holiday cheer, visited Santa, admired electric trains and holiday lights, played with new toys, gave away some old ones, ate lots of good food and too many sweets, and resolved to do better next year (not at celebrating the holidays, but just in general).

Here's a slideshow of some highlights. We just feel truly blessed!

BARBIE-TASTROPHE

I AM CALLING NOTICE TO THE DEPRECIATION OF DOLLS OF COLOR!!!

In the pursuit of a particular gift that Margaret has had her eye on, I came across this appalling and prejudicial act on Amazon.com. This isn't an economic problem, but a moral problem.

Princess "white & blonde" Rosella costs $29.95, while Princess "black & beautiful" Rosella costs 70% less at $8.99. WHAT?!?!? Is she somehow less of a princess?

Why must the black version of this character cost three times less than that of her white counterpart? I guess racism penetrates even the world of our representative human friends.

This kind of makes me sick.....how do you feel about it?

A Toddler's Will

(Ironically he's actually wearing his mittens in this picture.)

Read about Cole's unwillingness to wear mittens at Segullah.

Okay, it's not really about his unwillingness to wear mittens; it's more about my constant struggle to be a better person. But stories about cute little boys are more tantalizing than confessions about grown-up personality faults, so I'm trying to reel you in.

It's a good story either way, really! Tell me how you are a better person (yes you, dear reader, tell me how you're better than . . .well not better than me, but than someone else. "Isn't that considered prideful?" You ask. No! It's just positive affirmation). I want to know. I won't be jealous; I'll be grateful.

As Long As We Have Hands to Hold

Bah-who doray, bah-who doray, welcome Christmas, Christmas cheer.

Bah-who doray, bah-who boray, welcome, welcome Christmas here.

Or something like that. I tried to find the lyrics online, but it turns out I'm not patient enough to really use the internet to its full capacity. So I'm just guessing at the lyrics. 

Before our Thanksgiving out of town we received free tickets to see the Broadway version of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Matt couldn't join us, but Mags and I went with our friends the Ortons and the Boyles. I can't say the musical lacked heart, so much as it over-killed a good thing. But the kids loved it and in fear of being a Grinch or a Scrooge (prior to both of their amazing character changes), I shan't continue to criticize the free holiday show that did leave me humming, "Bah-who doray." Especially because one of the lines that really stuck with me from that song is, "as long as we have hands to hold." 

I can't remember exactly where it fits into the song, but it keeps bringing tears to my eyes. Yes I am a naturally emotional person; yes my emotions are heightened by the pregnancy hormones; but mostly THAT IS SO TRUE! 

When the Grinch and his dog Max are up there on Mt. Crumpet waiting to hear the boo-hoos down in Who-ville, instead they hear singing. May the loved ones whose hands you have to hold cause you to sing a Christmas song of love and gratitude, no matter the quantity or lack of presents and bows.

Sorry! I can't believe it's December. So, I missed November all together. My apologies. I'm fixing to post some pictures and stuff, but while you wait, go ahead and read the latest gratitude post I wrote at Segullah.

Love to you all!

Homemaker of Halloween!

A couple of weeks ago I was feeling less than homemaker-y when I surfed around some blogs and viewed everyone's cute shelves with fall decor and crafty jars filled with candy corns. I joked with some friends that I was going to take pictures of my entry way that is usually full of a stroller, an over-stuffed bookcase, and whatever shoes we just took off our feet and the top of my entertainment center covered with remotes, Matt's ongoing DVD project, things I want to remember to return to people and call that my Halloween decor. I could then post them to my blog so everyone could see and be impressed. But now I realized, I may not have crafty toll-painted scarecrows, but we live up the holidays right. Here are some pictures of what we've done leading up to the spookiest day of the year. The first group of pics is from Boo at the Bronx zoo where they had costumes, magic shows and trick or treating. Then we had sugar cookie making extravaganza that lasted three days, somehow. And then the ward party. Matt won a movie pass for his scarecrow costume and Cole loved that I was green. So, thanks to Kendra I figured out how to put the slideshow on this page, but it's too big . . . aargh! Blog people, how to fix? I left the link if you want to see the slideshow, not cut off at the other site. Or just watch it here, with a chunk of each picture missing. ;-)


Herrick Halloween

Non-Virtual Marathon

Now it's my turn to tell you all how amazing my husband is. He's had a goal on his life list to run a marathon since high school and last weekend, he did it! Go Marathon Matt! He completed the Hartford, Connecticut Marathon about 20 minutes faster than he planned, but who's keeping track of the time, he finished with everything in tact with a blister and a medal to prove it.

I was waiting to share the news until we got a few more photos, because in my pregnancy induced absent-mindedness I forgot to bring our camera (totally lame right? If I had been running the marathon and Matt forgot the camera, well it might end up on a list of very stupid things to do to a spouse and would probably never get erased. But because my husband is so kind and understanding he only commented about it once, or twice). So we had to rely on our friends, the Astles, to take the pictures. They are having technical difficulties of their own, so we're still waiting for the finish-line, post race photos. Ah well.

However, I snapped this one with Matt's camera phone, just a couple hundred yards from the finish line. He'll tell you that smile was a fake for me. I'd imagine. 26.2 miles is a long way. But he trained, he stuck with it, and he did it! Now he says he's done forever. Check.

Virtual Marathon

I wrote about this fun blog world challenge at Segullah a couple of weeks ago, but wanted to post a few pictures of my beautiful fall running route so I can contest Sharlee's (another runner from my team) claim that she had the prettiest running route.

I started out dropping my kids off at Iris' apartment on Friday (so I wouldn't have to go before Matt left for work that morning, I was a tired pregnant girl . . .see above photo for proof.)

Next I ran down the street past where we have our weekly farmer's market. Delicious locally grown food, year round (who could be so lucky?)


Then It was through Inwood Hill Park and back home.



The next day was my longer leg of the marathon, 4. 5 miles to be exact. Here's a few pictures of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge that are part of that beautiful and somewhat hilly path.





So Sharlee, I don't know whose is prettier, but I sure do love my neighborhood. Now you all want to come and visit me, don't you? The good weather seems to be holding out, so . . .

BARACK ON BROADWAY

All the bigwigs of Broadway organized a fund raising evening for Barack Obama, (the next President of the United States) in the New Amsterdam Theatre on 42nd Street during the 'dark' night of Mary Poppins. It was a wonderful evening, full of beautiful words and music from actors, singers, dancers and of course our man, Barack. He spoke for about 45 minutes, and he was truly inspiring. He is humble, optimistic, realistic, and genuinely funny. I couldn't help but think, more than once, while he was speaking, "he doesn't sound like a President, or a 'polished' politician for that matter." That's why he is so refreshing. He speaks from his gut, without pretense and smooth talk. He gets to the point in a conversational way that makes you feel your having a discussion with him in your living room. That's comforting. And I want to follow 'that'. And most importantly, he is different. He is not D.C. experienced, he is an idealist, and he constantly talks of hope. Isn't that what we need right now? A hopeful, new way of dealing with Washington D.C. , our country, and the world.




To make the evening even better, afterward, I approached one of the evening's presenters, and 'god' of Broadway theatre - Harold "Hal" Prince. I was completely starstruck. If you don't know who he is, you should. He is contemporary theatre's most legendary producer/director. He has won a multitude of awards as a producer and director of such famous original productions as: The Pajama Game (1954), West Side Story(1960), Fiddler on the Roof(1964), Cabaret(1966), A Little Night Music(1973), Evita(1979), Sweeney Todd(1979), Phantom of the Opera(1988), Parade(1998), Lovemusik(2007), and dozens of other plays and musicals.

Anyway, I approached him and told him how much I admired him and his life and work. He was extremely warm and friendly, despite the multitudes of people. We talked for a minute about nothing important, since my mind was wiped clean of any rational thought. And I got this great picture. He is one of those people I have always wanted to meet sometime in my life - and I did.

#3

Hooray. We just found out today. 20 weeks along, and everything is good. Margaret is particularly excited to have a little sister on the way. And if this new little one is as easy going as Margaret was, it sure will be a nice break for Heather, after the craziness, but cuteness, of our little boy Cole.

Once a month or so I blog at Segullah
Today I'm pondering the reasoning behind becoming a parent. Any thoughts? Share them there.

Belated Birthday Wishes

Our friend Nate had his birthday yesterday. We always tell everyone, "We've been friends with him more than half our lives, so he's really more like family."

Last month when I posted he was extremely peeved because he wasn't in any of the photos or even mentioned in passing even though he was present at more than half of the activities listed. Soo . . . here's a belated birthday gift to him. My proclamation to the world who reads this blog that we love him dearly and he is present at most all the important events in our lives.

Thanks Nate, we do love you and are thankful you're here. Here's proof for the rest of you.

1) Cole's B-day Beach Trip

2) Early Summer Zoo Trip

3) Springtime Botanical Garden picnic

4) Winter Coney Island Adventure

5) Sledding at Lori's

6) Christmas visit to Temple Square

7) Reunion dinner with long-time friends

And that should suffice! I feel blessed and happy to have such a friend in my life! May your 32nd year bring you much joy.

BrockO Bama

In an attempt to brainwash his children (and probably other undecided Americans) Matt donated to the presidential campaign for Barack Obama. In return for his donation they sent bumper stickers, t-shirts, and signs. One of the t-shirts has a picture of Barack Obama's face and since one of Cole's favorite questions is "Whoz Dat?" Matt found it an opportune time to teach him just who it is. Well, Cole got the name down, but he's not quite clear on the rest. Cole's not of voting age, but that smile could sure sway a few votes, so watch your back Barack, Thomas the Train may be your newest competition.

Summer's Flying By

So, maybe it's been a few months, but I am committed to updating this blog at least once a month. That is all I can commit to right now, okay? Okay good! Not to be cranky to anyone who may be reading, it's just that I'm pregnant and I can only commit to so much. You read that right, I'm pregnant. Baby number t-h-r-e-e is on its way and will make an arrival in early February of next year. For other pregnant moms out there, that means I'm 14 weeks along, just finished my first trimester, feeling mostly better. For the rest of you lay people who have a hard time transferring weeks into months and pregnancy lasting nine months is the only thing that makes sense to you, that means I'm about 3 1/2 months along. Margaret is excited and has begun praying that the baby will be cute when it comes out and that mommy will feel better from the baby sickness. I'm on the upswing, so her prayers must be working.

We've had a fun-filled summer. We went to Utah from the end of June into July and had a great time going on a family campout, swimming at various pools where they actually let kids use floating devices, enjoying food cooked on the grill in the backyard, visiting those amazing Utah mountains , and playing with friends and family. Since we came home to New York we have enjoyed a visit from Matt's sister Marti, her husband Russ and a couple of their kids. We helped them find all the delicious food we know about (like Grimaldi's, Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, Vynl, Pam Real Thai, Junior's for cheesecake, Dale and Thomas for candied popcorn, and don't forget H&H bagels) and they enjoyed it all, at least once, sometimes more ;-). Maybe we all gained a couple of pounds . . .it was worth it.

We have also ventured to a few different beaches. If you like other people's loud radios and don't mind lots of litter floating in the water, then Orchard Beach (in the Bronx) is only a bus ride away (to be fair we did go to Orchard Beach in the fall and find it quite lovely when the beach was practically empty and the park workers had had a month or two to clean up all the trash; it is a beautiful view. ) However, if you have access to a car or don't mind a little more time on the train, Jones Beach is absolutely gorgeous and amazing, as is Robert Moses (both in Long Island). We've also made a couple of trips across the river to Bear Mountain State park and that's a nice way to get out of the city as well.

Aside from recreational news Cole turned two, Margaret is figuring out how to read, Matt is working over time, singing, auditioning, I'm still feeding the family even when "the baby sickness" makes is difficult, and we got bunk beds for the kids room. All in all I'd say we've had a delightful and successful summer. What have you done lately?

Guess what? My wife is amazing. Despite the fact that we have two small children, and I work 9-5 and was in a play every night, Heather trained for and completed a half-marathon a couple weeks ago. She is amazing. I am so proud of her dedication and commitment.
Today is her birthday, and mine was last Friday. We are 31!!! We are now officially, 'in our thirties'. That feels weird. I still feel about 23.
For my birthday, we went to see a play at The Public Theatre, here in town. They're the ones that produce Shakespeare in the Park. I bought the tickets as part of season package a while ago. I had no idea what we were in for. The play was called Passing Strange. Here is the link. It was one of those mind-blowing experiences that can only be had in the theatre. AMAZING!!! It made me want to be a better and more courageous artists, and person, for that matter. If you are in town, you must see it. The most powerful line for me, was when the lead actor/narrator stated, roughly,"It's rather frightening to wake up one day and realize that everything you have become, everything you have worked and dreamed for, was decided by your 17 yr. old self" That really connected with me. That is me! And you know what?, I am really proud of that. I was lucky enough to have a passion that I wanted to follow. I could have ignored it in my twenties, and taken a more conservative and predictable route of survival and success. But I didn't. And I am happy living this wonderful and scary adventure with my wife and kids. This is living. Learning, struggling, and doing things without fully knowing what the outcome may ultimately be.
Hooray for good theatre!!! It's hard to come by theatre that brings you to a higher plane of understanding and creativity. These are the moments I live for.

HOORAY FOR THE INDIGO GIRLS!!! On Tuesday, I grabbed a free AM New York paper from the regular newsperson. I made a choice to stop reading physical papers about three months ago (another one of my little ways to help the environment). I now get all my news online. But for some reason, I had an overwhelming urge to go all 'old school' and do a crossword in a physical paper. And boy am I glad that I took part in forest depletion that day! On the first page, there was a listing for the two-night stay of the Indigo Girls at Town Hall ( a small concert/theatre venue just off Times Square). While in Austin, this happened a couple times. I would hear about it the day of, and of course it would be sold out when I tried to secure tix. But in Austin, they always played small clubs and bars. With hope, I tried this day, again, to get tickets. Not only were there tix available, but I go 7th row center. WOW! To make a long story short, I told Heather, we got a last minute babysitter, went to the concert, had the time of our life. It was meant to be. The Indigo Girls play a very significant role in my and my wife's relationship that goes all the way back to high school. And in the six years since we've been married, we have never seen them in concert until Tuesday night. Their new stuff is beautiful, and they played a great mix of oldies, even "our song", Mystery. Thank you Girls! Emily, for your voice and melody, and Amy, for your guts.

It's a new dawn, a new day, a new life! Yes, we are terrible bloggers. But hey, nobody really reads this anyway. Not much to report. I am moving to a new law firm in April. Margaret turns 4 soon, Cole is repeating the last word of every sentence he hears, and Heather Anna is quickly becoming what she has always dreamed of - Cute,Teeny, & Tan!!! She is looking mighty fine, but still lacking in the Tan part. It's winter after all. I, on the other hand, am quickly becoming Ugly, Chubby, and Pasty!!! I've got to nip that in the bud. Hey, it's winter after all. It's my body reacting to the cold weather, right? Or maybe it's because I sit behind a desk 9 hours a day. Ah well, the grind of life.