tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34061857673596269042024-03-18T15:58:29.863-04:00God, I Love ParisFrom Amy Thomas, author of Paris, My Sweet. A love affair with Paris, New York, sweets and, now, a little girl named Parker.Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.comBlogger1656125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-15243989003994023412015-11-01T21:36:00.002-05:002015-11-01T21:36:51.463-05:00So long for now<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I think this is it, friends. I feel so bad, so often, for not
posting enough. So bad that when I do post, all I manage to ramble on about is how busy I
am and how bad I feel, and that, you don’t need me to tell you, is a giant
bore. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I started this blog six and a half years ago (!), it
was a new medium. I was new to Paris. I was looking for an efficient way to
stay in touch with family and friends while living thousands of miles away in
the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate). The funny thing about blogs, of course,
is that they’re public. Soon enough, strangers were reading my posts. Then
commenting. Then entering my world and becoming my friends.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This blog has been an amazing experience. When I was living
in Paris, it helped me capture, process and translate my life: all the exhilarating
experiences and profound moments and situations of lost-in-translation
confusion. It helped me better understand my thoughts, ideas and feelings. It led to my
book.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Even when I returned to New York, it kept me connected to
Paris—to the community I knew and the friends I had made there. But now I’m cranking
away as a creative director in New York. I’m in the thick of
Parker’s toddlerhood, and her endearing growth and discoveries. If and when I
have downtime, all I really want to do is thumb through Vanity Fair or lounge
on the couch with Andrew or play with Parker. Or nap.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So it’s time to call it quits. I love this blog and all
it’s been and meant to me. I love all you who still follow me and have shared
the journey. I have nothing but gratitude and happy feelings. But I don’t want
to be a bore. And I don’t want to feel bad. So I’m doneski.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">That said (!), I’m hoping there will be a sequel to the book. In which
case, I will need a “platform.” In which case, I might hit restart. In which
case, I will let you know. I hope you’d consider joining me again somewhere down
the road. In the meantime, let's stay in touch on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Paris-My-Sweet-234461636589293/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/godiloveparis/">Instagram</a> and/or
email (startswitha@gmail.com).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Gros bisous. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Amy xo<i> </i></span></span></div>
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</span></span>Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com531tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-38202614300874883472015-10-05T19:54:00.000-04:002015-10-05T19:54:58.215-04:00My Vegan Monday<div dir="ltr">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Like
many things in life this past year, going vegan on Mondays has become victim to
my more lackadaisical side (after a lifetime of being ferociously Type A, who
knew I even had a lackadaisical side?). Oh well. That’s what 5am wake-up calls
and the commuting-working-mom lifestyle thing does. </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">All
that is to say I had a cheese panini, turkey chili, and milk chocolate malt
balls today. (But no red meat for over 15 years!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elsewhere
in life, we’re cooking. Parker turns 1 (seriously!) on Thursday! It’s crazy.
Crazier still, she has started walking. She has 7-8 teeth, a wicked appetite
and endless curiosity.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Early
autumn has been filled with activity and local travels. We were up in Maine for
a family reunion that included ample eating, drinking, bocce, cliff walks and
making <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URYfbVmUJjs&feature=youtu.be">music videos</a>, and we head to Connecticut this weekend for a cousin’s
wedding. Luckily, Parker is proving to be a champion traveler. The car knocks
her right out and sometimes she even goes right down in her Pack and Play.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
cooked this past weekend: made ratatouille, pesto and chocolate chip cookies.
We’ve also, along with the rest of the world, tried Blue Apron. Good for
convenience; decent meals, but nothing has blown my mind yet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We’ve
been so lucky with weather, having Indian Summer right through September. I
know we’re lucky but I still get bummed when I think of every day for the next
six months being colder and darker than the previous. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have
been watching <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80007945"><i>Chef’s Table</i></a> on Netflix – fascinating characters and stories. I’m
also reading Danny Meyer’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Setting-Table-Transforming-Hospitality-Business/dp/0060742763/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1444089000&sr=8-1&keywords=danny+meyer"><i>Setting the Table</i></a>, after taking nearly four months
to finish Rebecca Solnit’s scarily brilliant <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Faraway-Nearby-Rebecca-Solnit/dp/0143125494/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1444089025&sr=8-4&keywords=rebecca+solnit"><i>The Faraway Nearby</i></a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh,
I’ve even discovered some new music as of late: Jamie xx, King and Catfish and
the Bottlemen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So
life is good. For Milo, it’s more of a mixed bag…</span></span></div>
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Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com128tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-41883828825360417722015-09-13T22:05:00.003-04:002015-09-13T22:05:43.684-04:00Summer vacation
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What? It’s the middle of September and it’s been nearly a
month since I posted despite my pledges and here I am talking about vacation.
Oh well. That’s life these days.
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’ve been up to my eyeballs in work and little Miss P is
keeping us busy, too. She’s cutting teeth (which brings sometimes fever and
colds and broken sleep), suffered a couple weeks’ worth of diahrea and has
taken to waking up for the day around 5:30. But she’s just as delicious and
amazing as ever.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">By summer’s end, we had gotten to Connecticut, Pennsylvania
and upstate. Here are some photographic highlights. </span></span></div>
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</span></span>Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com81tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-87299934790488215312015-08-17T20:59:00.002-04:002015-08-17T20:59:46.031-04:00Memories, Brooklyn treks, and monkey toes
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My new goal is a simple Monday roundup. Once a week. A
recounting of the highs and lows. A sharing of key moments and observations.
It’s doable. I will try (except next week. I will be on vacation – hurrah!). I
hope you will come along with me.</span></span></div>
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So. It was another beautiful week. I think this summer goes down as one of the
most perfect on record. It’s a bit steamy at the moment, but for the most part,
it’s just been sunny, in the 80s, always with a refreshing breeze. You can’t
ask for more. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My good friend, chere Sarah was in town from Paris and we
had dinner at the delicious Andrew Carmellini restaurant, <a href="http://www.littlepark.com/">Little Park</a>. I had a
few minutes at the bar by myself before she arrived, which felt awfully
indulgent, and then the conversation with and the sight of her brought back a
flood of Parisian memories. God, those were <a href="http://godiloveparis.blogspot.com/2010/12/i-had-moment-today.html">great years and experiences</a>. I
seriously think about that time, those two years, and it was such a gift. I see so much of it with such clarity. My memories are so acute. It’s hard
to believe it was me and my life, so changed are things now and yet how vivid
and special those times were.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now it’s all about the peanut. It still makes me anxious and
emotional sometimes, how much I love her. But I do. I just love her.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was very much a Brooklyn weekend. Andrew and I tried to
go to the Jazz Age Lawn Party, just to see <a href="http://godiloveparis.blogspot.com/2011/06/farming-and-flappers-on-governors.html">everyone so nattily dressed</a>, but the
line for the ferry out to Governors Island was crazy-long. We would have been
standing under the beating sun for probably an hour so we high-tailed it back
to Brooklyn. A little stroll through Brooklyn Heights, lunch at River Deli, another
stroll to Gowanus, a drink in the backyard of Lavender Lake with Bennie, and
then home. It was great to be out, walking and enjoying the summer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That was the idea on Sunday as well. I met my girl Mel in
the park and it was a glorious day, in the shade of a tree. Suddenly, as we
were packing up to leave, it started raining. We ducked under a tree, expecting
it to be the fleeting summer sprinkle, over in five minutes. But what ensued
was the craziest, fastest storm. It came out of nowhere, bringing flash floods,
sideways winds and panic. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But in the end, it made for another unforgettable
memory.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span>Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com120tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-20852484709844767852015-08-10T21:19:00.000-04:002015-08-10T21:19:32.130-04:00This is life
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span><span></span><span>I
know the few times I post these days, I spend my precious minutes and word
count lamenting that I don’t have time to write, which is idiotic. And yet
impossible to avoid. (</span><a href="http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/07/having-babies-makes-you-better-at-work.html">This article</a> on <a href="http://nymag.com/thecut/">The Cut</a>—which has been producing
amazing coverage of relationships, feminism and <a href="http://nymag.com/tags/motherhood/">motherhood</a> this past year—better
articulates my battle with the clock, with quite a positive spin). <span></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>But
this is why I don’t have time:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO09zryZXHvqveuUJy5gPCRPCoGHDABKnOFBQNhGcfQkfE1bu57rbdpMuoenrLE2H1gLmMR5zUHROcSYIiiv4yHiFAUJcHgGz4VjFnYKOmOa1d8YkXTgGLXjOzp8AVV2V4QuuIN4rwvIJU/s1600/IMG_8167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO09zryZXHvqveuUJy5gPCRPCoGHDABKnOFBQNhGcfQkfE1bu57rbdpMuoenrLE2H1gLmMR5zUHROcSYIiiv4yHiFAUJcHgGz4VjFnYKOmOa1d8YkXTgGLXjOzp8AVV2V4QuuIN4rwvIJU/s400/IMG_8167.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Because Parker
is all-consuming, absolutely entertaining, and even though I miss the threads of my former identity—reading, writing, working out, going out, movies—I'm absorbing and relishing every second of it. Even if some days I'm bone tired, I know this is all fleeting. And</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> precious. And fun in its own insular way. Besides,</span></span></span> how do you say no to the cutest peanut on earth?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNkMKhWVwAdZd06MkpfKYwJdcHiR1_nNifG7Apmy2HMOqMzwycyGlzVVizzchvll_aMUBEbibzWZE_yRHbwx9cX4yJCMIfHMHu3EYsZz1rJvXWZ1QdnXvNUA3XgNdRBBDnAQ5E_SMJOE5/s1600/IMG_8221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNkMKhWVwAdZd06MkpfKYwJdcHiR1_nNifG7Apmy2HMOqMzwycyGlzVVizzchvll_aMUBEbibzWZE_yRHbwx9cX4yJCMIfHMHu3EYsZz1rJvXWZ1QdnXvNUA3XgNdRBBDnAQ5E_SMJOE5/s400/IMG_8221.jpg" width="355" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-10858119073824975952015-08-05T07:10:00.001-04:002015-08-05T07:10:39.138-04:00Summer, where art thou going?
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">August already? How did that happen? How did I start writing
this post two days ago and couldn’t even manage to finish that? It’s like I’m
on supercharge, yet moving through molasses.
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Life. I’ve been working plenty at the office. I even wrote <a href="http://mmlafleur.com/mdash/every-professional-needs-playtime">apost</a> for this <a href="http://mmlafleur.com/">fine company</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Parker had her nine-month well visit (well, almost a month
ago now). The little pipsqueak is in the 70<sup>th</sup> percentile for weight.
She’s over 20 pounds and every bit as delicious. Her hair and teeth are slowly
coming in, and she’s crawling and cruising all over the place. In my humble
opinion, she’s cuter than ever.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Though I have yet to have a <a href="http://godiloveparis.blogspot.com/2014/07/sunday-play.html">summer lobster roll</a>, nor have I
made my annual pilgrimage to DQ, we spent a great weekend in Connecticut with
family and trained outside the city to spend a day with dear friends. This past
weekend, we journeyed to Denver to visit other friends, which was decadent and
fun. P traveled like a champ.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In between it all, Andrew and I are watching <i>Louie</i>. Cruising
through magazines. I’m reading (albeit at the slowest pace imaginable) a
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/18/books/review/the-faraway-nearby-by-rebecca-solnit.html?_r=0">Rebecca Solnit book</a>, which is so massively interesting and impressive. I’m also
trying to carve out time to finish my own book proposal. Maybe it can happen by
summer’s end. Oh summer, where art thou going??</span></span></div>
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</span></span>Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-62651572695390544212015-07-06T22:03:00.002-04:002015-07-06T22:03:45.958-04:00My Vegan Mondays<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's a rarity, I admit. These days, these Mondays, that I consciously, mindfully remember about and practice Vegan Mondays. No excuses. I just don't have the wherewithal I used to. But when I do remember, and when I can accommodate it, I do do it. Just you see...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Morning</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Coffee (cough) with half and half - my one dairy concession for the day; on auto pilot, and without choice</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oatmeal</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Banana </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Afternoon</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Veggie sushi</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dark chocolate </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Evening</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Couple glasses of wine (my one night out for the week)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/linguine-green-olive-sauce-zesty-breadcrumbs">This tasty veg recipe</a> (I didn't add the parm)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And every day I snack on this delicious peanut. Who, for her part, is always putting something in her mouth...</span></span><br />
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Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com89tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-90088744014232683562015-06-29T08:50:00.000-04:002015-06-30T07:10:20.702-04:00A good week<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Parker rocked her first pair of jeans this weekend. It was occasion to go to the local playground so she could strut her stuff.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lol. She doesn't have to do much to make me laugh. She's crawling everywhere. Gnawing on bagels. And she's taken to <a href="http://adlongstreth.tumblr.com/">playing peek-a-boo</a>. Such a big girl.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beyond the world of Parker, in which I reside normally, sadly with blinders to happenings in the rest of the world, it was such an amazing week for our country. I'm so proud of our increasing acceptance and fight for equal rights, moved by the idea of possessing grace and hopeful that minds will continue to open and hate will cease.</span></span><br />
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Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com198tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-84872403790182043402015-06-20T10:58:00.002-04:002015-06-20T10:58:55.891-04:00The peanut, as delicious as ever<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here we are, eight months after Parker was born. She's crawling, exploring, eating like a heavyweight champ, and sleeping nearly 12 hours every night. It's a good phase. Adult activities are seeping in. With her sleeping so much, we are watching an episode of Bloodline every night and reading before bed. Sometimes I even wake in the morning to exercise or write. It's very sporadic, but it's a start.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I had my first business trip a couple weeks ago, jaunting over to London and Geneva for a mere three nights. It was a good test: I had a really good trip, enjoying the wine and movies on Virgin and the thrill of a new business pitch, while Andrew proved again to be the ultimate partner and dad, taking care of our not-so-little peanut. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In between all the work and running around is a lot of hanging out. Watching Parker. Playing with her.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The crawling means we need to keep a close eye on her. She is so fast and curious. She puts magazines and socks and stroller wheels in her mouth and grabs everything from Milo's tail to mama's hair. (Milo's exhausted.)</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5ULH4YsvszPntSikReu-fijFsN8dyuW5r-xgnBbd9NwCoX0tL398UagIywv6bXfWSJcbhMinBKljyKY3kUAtJOsxUKo9_fy0R4eglrz0OQJ5ftMQDjMBbpfL-w3V-AWgzgtkW5AgZ6Av/s1600/P1190231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5ULH4YsvszPntSikReu-fijFsN8dyuW5r-xgnBbd9NwCoX0tL398UagIywv6bXfWSJcbhMinBKljyKY3kUAtJOsxUKo9_fy0R4eglrz0OQJ5ftMQDjMBbpfL-w3V-AWgzgtkW5AgZ6Av/s400/P1190231.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">She's a little monkey. She uses her mudgy little feet to hold her toys so she can contemplate them. It's fascinating watching a baby grow and develop; to see them figuring things out and constantly learning new skills.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">She has her first bud: Nate. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We do a nanny share with a couple in the building. Nate is two months younger than Parker and was born prematurely, but he's catching up with her. It's adorable now to see them acknowledging each other and "playing" together.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's also funny to see that Parker is beginning to recognize the camera and smile for it.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFlLSBqa4CNd0DA9J6wJVLRAsKgoNUyM6OEpz7TZMoOLn_mwEdBjiJGso53kZZ2s7bE63TMrZ0QyZn3L6xcu-q4rXQjK8nOfBZ3LpnbegjtiNVWOfRT5gEn42_NUVu1Jo_cWnIkmmTlIn/s1600/P1190226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFlLSBqa4CNd0DA9J6wJVLRAsKgoNUyM6OEpz7TZMoOLn_mwEdBjiJGso53kZZ2s7bE63TMrZ0QyZn3L6xcu-q4rXQjK8nOfBZ3LpnbegjtiNVWOfRT5gEn42_NUVu1Jo_cWnIkmmTlIn/s400/P1190226.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DUm7ItTti3ld1Kp-ZHdhF5xZzhxTzQ1BHLoi7kbgPl2xbu29fatIJfZcTGYJnOoamKqyxE8YjGw03palYCuNf8rY83NjZFU4Zkv3MKnfoi6-xCJkurXiU7RllWzShe1LE_SLsEb5fQDt/s1600/P1190230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DUm7ItTti3ld1Kp-ZHdhF5xZzhxTzQ1BHLoi7kbgPl2xbu29fatIJfZcTGYJnOoamKqyxE8YjGw03palYCuNf8rY83NjZFU4Zkv3MKnfoi6-xCJkurXiU7RllWzShe1LE_SLsEb5fQDt/s400/P1190230.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">She's a proud little peanut. Fierce, funny, sweet, loving. My favorite thing is giving her her bottle in the morning, when I can cuddle her and smell her fuzzy little head. I've never felt anything as soft as her chubby little thighs. She is simply a joy.</span></span>Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-20034800641273846782015-06-06T10:39:00.001-04:002015-06-06T10:39:41.586-04:00Freedom in the park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Saturday mornings in Prospect Park, the dogs run free.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Let's all find the utter joy in being free.</span></span>Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-92027958821672938882015-05-20T06:48:00.002-04:002015-05-20T06:48:13.900-04:00Poor Milo<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whether it's kindness or dumbness, he just won't walk away.</span></span><br />
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Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-43154344250086490032015-05-15T10:11:00.001-04:002015-05-15T10:11:12.210-04:00Mad Men<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the absence of going out to restaurants, bars, plays, parties, movies or any other nighttime social engagement these past seven months, Andrew and I have been steadily cruising through TV series. I don't think we're different from most of the country in that respect: enjoying the comfort of home, while becoming obsessed with characters and plot lines, except we can only handle one—sometimes two if it's a Friday or Saturday, woot woot!—episodes at a time. (10pm bedtime.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple months ago, we picked up <i>Mad Men</i> from about Season 4. Nearly every night this spring, we watched an episode, and I fell so deeply in love with that show. I remember when it first premiered, everyone was agog about the art direction. Then it was the sexism. Fina</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">lly, the characters and societal commentary started resonating and the show just embedded itself in the hearts of fans.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Sunday it all comes to a close. Like <i>Six Feet Under</i> and <i>Sex and the City</i>, it's a blow. I am going to miss these people! There have been all kinds of interviews, articles and roundups these past few weeks about it, but I especially loved this Flavorwire piece on <a href="http://flavorwire.com/518809/feminist-writers-on-the-mad-men-moments-that-made-them-cheer-and-broke-their-hearts/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=2EDITORIAL%20-%20FLAVORWIRE%20-%20DAILY&utm_campaign=Copy%20of%202Editorial%20-%20Flavorwire%20-%20New%20Flavorwire%20Template">feminist moments from the show</a>. I only wish they had included a couple male perspectives to truly show that feminism isn't just a women's issue.</span>Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-90393804866338467562015-05-10T20:36:00.001-04:002015-05-10T20:36:20.682-04:00The sweet side of life<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Man, it was a tough week. I've been sick for about 10 days now. Then Parker got her first fever and cold. And our nanny was out four days, sick. Needless to say, work didn't slow down (though thankfully it wasn't a super busy week and my boss was very gracious about me working from home a couple days. I hope the rest of the country catches up on flexible work arrangements very soon). None of us were sleeping great. It was tough.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But then my mom came to town and watched Parker for us.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75HE_RoXzVaqh-MlEAOe9ZHyB8PitBoh17PS7p6QL0CZ1RVws4FDOZuJXmJwWPVos1YYKPqWqXLXGHl7xyZQ4arTI5bKaqmEDf-WaLIjuw9tG0PwQhdc0RJYQUNCPS9JW0zmOCxMt7Cg-/s1600/IMG_7707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75HE_RoXzVaqh-MlEAOe9ZHyB8PitBoh17PS7p6QL0CZ1RVws4FDOZuJXmJwWPVos1YYKPqWqXLXGHl7xyZQ4arTI5bKaqmEDf-WaLIjuw9tG0PwQhdc0RJYQUNCPS9JW0zmOCxMt7Cg-/s400/IMG_7707.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My husband secretly bought and served us Levain cookies. (Seriously.)</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgVq-bbW_4XT4pOdWalULMRuES6G0JSqdN6LH2cse2nb5Q7zSaZejbJ9riasJgtVLPxlAhvRD0pDNEFW6O7NHJoy4ko6I7CPVhstfwAqBdzM_NRg1Znqtja03-1uYcKyS6IdF6kWXPid-/s1600/IMG_7720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgVq-bbW_4XT4pOdWalULMRuES6G0JSqdN6LH2cse2nb5Q7zSaZejbJ9riasJgtVLPxlAhvRD0pDNEFW6O7NHJoy4ko6I7CPVhstfwAqBdzM_NRg1Znqtja03-1uYcKyS6IdF6kWXPid-/s400/IMG_7720.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And then there is this girl. <i>This girl.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She is just magic. She's this happy little peanut who makes my every day brighter.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Needless to say, the week ended on a high note. It's beautiful here in Brooklyn. The streets and parks are alive with people. I've been surrounded by the love of my husband, daughter and mom for days, and have received amazing notes from friends everywhere. Best of all, I got to spend my first Mother's Day with my own mom and my baby girl.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDBg6PgdtCdx9Pj-JmlOkYL6vU47ybexRIJFUJECZ7Cy-8hOzY67l4cV1IPJUAiSAmnPk5z7cMO9DCwNR1Nv9xE2K9At1EH9cUVTrZHG502xJQnBAb8fB-XtBaC65d-gsMsN_xmxsZryx/s1600/P1190192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDBg6PgdtCdx9Pj-JmlOkYL6vU47ybexRIJFUJECZ7Cy-8hOzY67l4cV1IPJUAiSAmnPk5z7cMO9DCwNR1Nv9xE2K9At1EH9cUVTrZHG502xJQnBAb8fB-XtBaC65d-gsMsN_xmxsZryx/s400/P1190192.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I feel like ever since I had Parker, I'm especially prone to clichés. But I'm just so grateful for this beautiful life!</span></span>Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-89192461540429441142015-05-03T18:47:00.003-04:002015-05-03T18:47:23.622-04:00Another AmyAll the negative nellies will say she's crass and fat. But <a href="http://www.amyschumer.com/">Amy Schumer</a> is neither. She's brilliant and beautiful. <br />
<br />
Any modern woman in America today must be concerned with the erosion of our rights, the persistence of inequality, and the laughable beauty standards women are held to. Amy gets it. And she makes even these sad, scary social statements <strike>funny</strike>. Hilarious.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="288" src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/embed/mgid:arc:video:comedycentral.com:254de72d-79d1-4c74-913b-48814b57183b" width="512"></iframe><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 4px; padding: 4px; text-align: left;">
Get More: <a href="http://www.cc.com/">Comedy Central</a>,<a href="http://www.cc.com/funny-videos">Funny Videos</a>,<a href="http://www.cc.com/shows">Funny TV Shows</a></div>
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Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-77545229340808652162015-04-27T20:35:00.000-04:002015-04-27T20:35:01.254-04:00Hola, amigos!
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We took our first vacation with Parker this past week – to sunny
Puerto Rico.
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was as much an experiment as it was a getaway. What would
it be like sharing a hotel room with our little so-so sleeper? Would she like
the pool? The sea’s waves? Sand between her toes? Would we all have to huddle
under an umbrella so as to not scorch any skin, especially her pristine cheeks,
thighs and arms?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All in all, it was successful. It had its challenging
moments of course—the flights and naptime in particular. But man, it was fun
spending so much time with her. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Rolling around on the king-sized bed. Seeing
her chubby little arms and legs exposed after being in feetie-pajamas all these
months. Her constant smile and awe. She’s a little dreamboat. <span> </span></span></span></div>
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</span></span>Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-25747227666607770402015-04-19T21:13:00.001-04:002015-04-19T21:13:18.832-04:00Spring training<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So here we are. Another couple weeks have passed. Work is busy-busy-busy. It's spring in Brooklyn. And Mlle. Parker is doing great.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFbs-yMOgVsYxksoQCU9VM6VBvlYLQtt5gzbgB0zFze3hWRVQzkpgHw8QU1txXIh6vEwKeBkL6kCCxepIIFe96HPKRJtbi6ZNAqRO3HNz29zZTR4TiyEBsUvUDxqg0MLEaACMRxe1JHb3/s1600/brooklyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFbs-yMOgVsYxksoQCU9VM6VBvlYLQtt5gzbgB0zFze3hWRVQzkpgHw8QU1txXIh6vEwKeBkL6kCCxepIIFe96HPKRJtbi6ZNAqRO3HNz29zZTR4TiyEBsUvUDxqg0MLEaACMRxe1JHb3/s1600/brooklyn.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nearing 17 pounds, she has started eating solids. No surprise, she loves food and has not turned down the banana, avocado or sweet potato we've offered. It, and she, is hilarious. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhjw27y81UtqGFxe_VZijRZzURwRtujVFe4ICwPzlgmj3Hpwc24VFf7oDPlothaVKVQvk3LTwf-7AIqvSIUxmj5UM1oGOLb9ryBoDpklrDQFCuQb2Flfpiv_ASK0OvS18pVDzPoPGYRpw/s1600/sittingpretty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhjw27y81UtqGFxe_VZijRZzURwRtujVFe4ICwPzlgmj3Hpwc24VFf7oDPlothaVKVQvk3LTwf-7AIqvSIUxmj5UM1oGOLb9ryBoDpklrDQFCuQb2Flfpiv_ASK0OvS18pVDzPoPGYRpw/s1600/sittingpretty.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgP5XuhgMPHW75SOTG8M7G06BKeqcc8F4v81BACEV5_7k8sCs8CjXAoZDcfK4S0dcBa6GHeMPTnUz5RdD0vkp9GU9obVQWb-XxldB7eQ9ixfqBcB52VjJM7681dHZkO7bhCkMiVaY6tuS/s1600/eating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgP5XuhgMPHW75SOTG8M7G06BKeqcc8F4v81BACEV5_7k8sCs8CjXAoZDcfK4S0dcBa6GHeMPTnUz5RdD0vkp9GU9obVQWb-XxldB7eQ9ixfqBcB52VjJM7681dHZkO7bhCkMiVaY6tuS/s1600/eating.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She really enjoyed my piece in the Times this week, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/19/travel/what-to-do-in-36-hours-in-left-bank-paris.html?ref=travel&_r=0">36 Hours on the Left Bank</a>, and now wants to go to Paris. But first, we're going to warm up with a long weekend in Puerto Rico.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I miss writing and exercising. I miss going out for cocktails with friends. I miss being lazy and not having to think about things. But I am so in love and can't imagine life any other way. </span></span>Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-27630716082091371042015-04-06T22:20:00.000-04:002015-04-06T22:20:03.915-04:00Picnic in Provence
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Elizabeth Bard. I can’t decide if she’s my idol or maybe my
lucky talisman.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Years and years ago, before Paris ever happened, but after I
had started a book proposal (then a guide to New York’s best sweets), I heard
about Elizabeth’s book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316042781/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=0AA01GEZR64T60YN9P2T&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=1970559082&pf_rd_i=desktop"><i>Lunch in Paris</i></a>. Then I met this guy at a New York house
party, who would go on to be one of my best friends in Paris, who just so
happened to be subletting his Canal Saint-Martin apartment from this American
journalist/author… Elizabeth Bard. I took that to be my first omen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Within a year, I was living in Paris, <i>Lunch in Paris</i> long
since devoured and revered.<span> </span>My
book proposal had evolved to include Paris and eventually I got to meet
Elizabeth at one of her readings. As smart and stylish as expected, I was
surprised to hear she was leaving Paris to head south to Provence.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the years since, I’ve modestly kept up with Elizabeth’s
life via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethBardWriter?fref=ts">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.elizabethbard.com/">her blog</a>. I (no doubt like all her other fans) wondered
if and when the follow-up book would come. And then this past fall, I heard
from Elizabeth: would I be interested in reading an advance copy of her sequel,
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Picnic-Provence-Recipes-Elizabeth-Bard/dp/0316246166/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1428371505&sr=1-1&keywords=picnic+in+provence"><i>Picnic in Provence</i></a>?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQDW1OGUiFZOtI4fQrsOcD6UCdWn6qIybauURocUBSsVWbeMVG7SnwBObGBT_HCcDEZ_izxlrZrPsDmJu2og77zczKMGZFd8eh0j-8HusL4yvSlI7wMZnpwji_6UQcMIaTiimIclQNwkf/s1600/lunchinparis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQDW1OGUiFZOtI4fQrsOcD6UCdWn6qIybauURocUBSsVWbeMVG7SnwBObGBT_HCcDEZ_izxlrZrPsDmJu2og77zczKMGZFd8eh0j-8HusL4yvSlI7wMZnpwji_6UQcMIaTiimIclQNwkf/s1600/lunchinparis.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was perfect: on maternity leave, bonding with my little
Sweet in PJs on the couch, while reading Elizabeth’s travails and triumphs in
parenthood. For she had not only given birth to an adorable boy, but she and
her husband, Gwendal, started a new business: an ice cream shop! In Provence!
Yes, this is her life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXgOVXPLrQy4HV_9rEDbd0wxpgXVatzI_277MWQiJqWEM7OPaEF8Y6_yOytBLcuBa9LOKJMpeGh91f-zoP_Wrr6A97OTf5IbLjonqtDW0tN8G_yYZSNTsA8E6icm2TTosVBIS1lSIQqYT/s1600/Opening+day+at+Scaramouche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXgOVXPLrQy4HV_9rEDbd0wxpgXVatzI_277MWQiJqWEM7OPaEF8Y6_yOytBLcuBa9LOKJMpeGh91f-zoP_Wrr6A97OTf5IbLjonqtDW0tN8G_yYZSNTsA8E6icm2TTosVBIS1lSIQqYT/s1600/Opening+day+at+Scaramouche.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMfYbtwDcjrJXdnB8nIr9qYKh6ctI8NuPLE_Q8DVy00tKYqO2so2o2u9hxponCWqQKa4Dg-Hg5w-NmJmKmU3tp025RhR1eoOR01KGEQVlhg6CCXecZG7OFmQN9tDD3D40SByzDpd4XuZP/s1600/strawberry+and+lemon+verbena+sorbet,+lemon&ginger+ice+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMfYbtwDcjrJXdnB8nIr9qYKh6ctI8NuPLE_Q8DVy00tKYqO2so2o2u9hxponCWqQKa4Dg-Hg5w-NmJmKmU3tp025RhR1eoOR01KGEQVlhg6CCXecZG7OFmQN9tDD3D40SByzDpd4XuZP/s1600/strawberry+and+lemon+verbena+sorbet,+lemon&ginger+ice+cream.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It’s a very thoughtful and thought-provoking account of
parenthood. Many of us have certain visions of what it will be like to have a
baby. The reality can be quite different, and Elizabeth unflinching,
beautifully captures the struggles. She is tender and tough. She is real and
honest. And she is so endearing throughout it all.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytOMP8_7lDWstYY2wFuWNJrXgtGvwf6Yjdac2JTQRqUCCFQWXgJaHAye0k2ULhbyWCpjSC173xZcHJq1qEDB1KRvfnolGFeYhDv169a91knW_KX31Pf4DP6b_jDL4JBBnoNImaJaFJiqw/s1600/apricot+almond+cakes+with+lavander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytOMP8_7lDWstYY2wFuWNJrXgtGvwf6Yjdac2JTQRqUCCFQWXgJaHAye0k2ULhbyWCpjSC173xZcHJq1qEDB1KRvfnolGFeYhDv169a91knW_KX31Pf4DP6b_jDL4JBBnoNImaJaFJiqw/s1600/apricot+almond+cakes+with+lavander.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Beyond parenthood, <i>Picnic in Provence</i> is a fantastic journey
through the south of France, an inspiration about following your heart and, of
course, a delicious book about love, family and acclimation, complete with
killer recipes. Anyone who read <i>Lunch in Paris</i> will love the change of scenery,
the deeper story line and the new chapter of Elizabeth’s sweet life. </span></span></div>
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</span></span>Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-48351078393638489302015-03-30T22:21:00.003-04:002015-03-30T22:21:34.748-04:00My Vegan Mondays
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--></style><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I did it! For the first time in about six months, I pulled
off a Vegan Monday.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was very intentional. <a href="http://godiloveparis.blogspot.com/2015/03/my-vegan-mondays.html">It’s been on my mind</a> for awhile.
That and getting back to the gym. The gym will come. For now, I’ll savor the
triumph of a day without meat and dairy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Coffee with almond milk (and I have to say, after six months
of using cream in my coffee, the almond milk combo no longer tastes so good,
nor does regular milk. I’m ruined.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cliff Bar</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Kind Bar</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Scharffenberger dark chocolate</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Evening</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Crackers and hummus</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I’m back in the swing of work (though it still stresses me
out). Getting out for dates with friends again (I went to a performance tonight
with a friend; thus the cracker dinner). Andrew and I have even gotten out,
just the two of us, a handful of times and we’re starting to travel with Parker.
I’m finally about halfway through the book that I started right before Parker
was born and has since sat on my nightstand untouched. They’re all small things
that make me feel good and “normal" again.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And meanwhile, there’s this little one…</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtMdLzbj_3pIr2Ti-7xJwmChEMaL2AU-U6cCSfKzufIFeUUtO4lQTucbj-Xut5ePph5S06S_KTRj8Rtg8REenRnesPt1ivZ2-Y2x74SWjdvaK76yoTm-Pq9eFmeEz8XEGQqLGxoH4lml5/s1600/IMG_7401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtMdLzbj_3pIr2Ti-7xJwmChEMaL2AU-U6cCSfKzufIFeUUtO4lQTucbj-Xut5ePph5S06S_KTRj8Rtg8REenRnesPt1ivZ2-Y2x74SWjdvaK76yoTm-Pq9eFmeEz8XEGQqLGxoH4lml5/s1600/IMG_7401.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span>Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-67009573338520169562015-03-27T14:35:00.002-04:002015-03-27T14:35:25.291-04:00Has ever a better movie been made?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDPsCafcQp3azybbTf8LUJ8rjxPzJOG-YjJNcTuG3oy13MfPmLTfUAI9Ib7dbZjfpXigWfk8gjwiRn6mK8wn-un42wIcFJd5Pll4MNYPoIpwcFGllLR2B-8-DB9iWjNYdUDZN595IFGfH/s1600/bfclub.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDPsCafcQp3azybbTf8LUJ8rjxPzJOG-YjJNcTuG3oy13MfPmLTfUAI9Ib7dbZjfpXigWfk8gjwiRn6mK8wn-un42wIcFJd5Pll4MNYPoIpwcFGllLR2B-8-DB9iWjNYdUDZN595IFGfH/s1600/bfclub.png" height="268" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well, if I had to pick my all-time favorite, I might have to go with <i>Sixteen Candles</i>. But <i>The Breakfast Club</i> is pretty close to perfect. And </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">in celebration of its </span></span>30th anniversary</span></span>, </span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">the John Hughes masterpiece is being re-released </span></span></span></span></span></span>this weekend at <a href="http://www.fandango.com/thebreakfastclub30thanniversary_180240/movieoverview">a theater near you</a>.</span></span>Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-34207398743809862572015-03-13T10:53:00.000-04:002015-03-13T20:07:42.042-04:00The working world<style>
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</style><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It’s
been four weeks now that I’ve been back in the working world. The adult world.
The land of normalcy. It has not been easy. The pressure and stress of getting
to work on time, home on time, doing good work at the office, leaving Parker at
home, the balance and rhythm of it all—no, not easy. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But
as my mantra has been since Parker was born: one day at a time.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And
with that, it is getting eas<i>ier</i>. Parker is doing wonderfully with our nanny.
They clearly love each other and it’s so reassuring knowing that Parker is
having a good day, every day, while I’m at the office.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She’s
starting to notice everything. Her feet and Milo are her current obsessions. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPOoDyYxXm6XLTA4FnTvSdgEykDLa-l0A0Rc-vUAYvMHGYx77uzGKU-SJbV80J0ShhOEoqjM8aHX6taj9RfYBLpukzjWv1gUSx4xmQUZnKfBpTyCtb31a1_jd34UETjLX9WZVPoI_rFT9/s1600/IMG_7168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPOoDyYxXm6XLTA4FnTvSdgEykDLa-l0A0Rc-vUAYvMHGYx77uzGKU-SJbV80J0ShhOEoqjM8aHX6taj9RfYBLpukzjWv1gUSx4xmQUZnKfBpTyCtb31a1_jd34UETjLX9WZVPoI_rFT9/s1600/IMG_7168.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She’s
nearly sleeping through the night. I’m going to give up the “dream feed”—when I
wake her to nurse at 11:30pm, the idea being that it will sate her until
dawn—and in a few weeks when she reaches six months, I’ll hopefully also stop
pumping in the middle of the night. When she and I are both going to bed and
waking up at normal hours, without any middle-of-the-night sessions, it will be
a whole new ballgame.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GAVlBL8VEioGQD4aKeAEDummzrBwE_SQHWSScOZkJQQk58FKNJrOqPYk_Ic-kADP8rRK9dREob6JGqj0iBqiJbYvrVItR4AgTeSUSc3AcvRz37SSHMGNLljtvJOSG7VJVVeCa_PljPDZ/s1600/IMG_7214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GAVlBL8VEioGQD4aKeAEDummzrBwE_SQHWSScOZkJQQk58FKNJrOqPYk_Ic-kADP8rRK9dREob6JGqj0iBqiJbYvrVItR4AgTeSUSc3AcvRz37SSHMGNLljtvJOSG7VJVVeCa_PljPDZ/s1600/IMG_7214.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And
then I can take up with some of my old habits. Namely, exercising and writing.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’ve
been at my pre-pregnancy weight for months now. Which is great, but somewhat
meaningless. Your body just changes when you have a baby. My belly is droopy
and crepey and unless I invest in pilates or barre classes to tighten that shit
up, which I don’t see myself doing, it might just stay like that. Forever. I’m
trying to wean myself from my truck driver diet, but I’m also trying to enjoy it
while I’m still breastfeeding and can get away with such gluttony. But I figure
if I can get back to the gym and yoga in the meantime, so I can start feeling
strong again, I will be halfway there.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And I
want to write about all of these experiences! NY Mag is doing some great
writing about <a href="http://nymag.com/tags/motherhood/">pregnancy and parenthood</a> these days. I have a book proposal that
I started a year ago and needs a shot of love or risks withering on the vine.
But I have yet to find any substantial chunk of time to focus on it. In time,
in time…right??</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’m
also excited to date my husband again. He has been my rock these past few
months and I am in awe of how my love for him keeps growing. Like, how did he
happen to me? How was he not taken already? He’s a dreamboat. He makes me feel
reassured, normal, optimistic, safe and comforted about everything. I love just
being with him, and it’s been fun watching The Wire, Mad Men and House of Cards
during these long, cold winter months. But I’m hoping to get out on the town
with him a little more—dinners, drinks and romantic times, oh yes.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It’s
feeling a bit like a new dawn. Other parents say we're entering a
golden period with Parker. From 5-12 months, or 6-8, depending who you ask. But the promise of even more fun and sweetness sounds pretty great. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInuh1bjp4hdZkc2PTGkIeYkuHIdrJ_3Xc1VqR-XmiejKwW2H2rfcN9xCx246wxayL8RBGVNtAivSqV4JsL5XQsCmkFeVou96J4s4Qv-UwErBWRkhRW3zcClk23J0fDybhccL2afBmDeLG/s1600/IMG_7144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInuh1bjp4hdZkc2PTGkIeYkuHIdrJ_3Xc1VqR-XmiejKwW2H2rfcN9xCx246wxayL8RBGVNtAivSqV4JsL5XQsCmkFeVou96J4s4Qv-UwErBWRkhRW3zcClk23J0fDybhccL2afBmDeLG/s1600/IMG_7144.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDbQwg_jwEVFp613Baf5TDHm453AGxBKYzjqASxyqsez5_JcyW9zd3xQKnJxkiCUoqpO3isXx4-0A0cEX-imrhaqMuTY4vc9RCc1Z6JrtJJj0DohyH9DiVOgfMXtpjjGD6V_G3rA7k-RY/s1600/IMG_7213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDbQwg_jwEVFp613Baf5TDHm453AGxBKYzjqASxyqsez5_JcyW9zd3xQKnJxkiCUoqpO3isXx4-0A0cEX-imrhaqMuTY4vc9RCc1Z6JrtJJj0DohyH9DiVOgfMXtpjjGD6V_G3rA7k-RY/s1600/IMG_7213.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-14476488376276787192015-03-02T19:41:00.000-05:002015-03-02T19:41:35.878-05:00My Vegan Mondays<div class="MsoNormal">
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They’re coming back. Soon. Really.
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When Parker was born, all semblance of days and diet went
out the window. For nearly five months now, I’ve been eating like a truck
driver. It’s been blissful and shameful and, at the end of the day, entirely
unsustainable. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But hey, other than when you’re breastfeeding, when else are
you told to consume an extra 500 calories a day? But knowing that in the coming
months Parker herself will move onto solids, I need to return to a more reasonable
diet. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">No more quarter-pound cookies.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Or double orders at the diner.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">No more boxes of chocolate. Demolished in a day.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Or big, doughy doughnuts…</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixsT4bqR28f5SlIiOD82fBynQrD5H_uhw26TzvYfbRufBuGTropdhSDnXPaDX4p5GSygh3KSbnwuOM_2kY9Sdr1v5PN4cWD2N7txknarBRy0J9wvckvjnI5bAUxVPzKrCKIScL1fBU-FO/s1600/doughnut1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixsT4bqR28f5SlIiOD82fBynQrD5H_uhw26TzvYfbRufBuGTropdhSDnXPaDX4p5GSygh3KSbnwuOM_2kY9Sdr1v5PN4cWD2N7txknarBRy0J9wvckvjnI5bAUxVPzKrCKIScL1fBU-FO/s1600/doughnut1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /> </a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8usSgg8NsCubPDrcgiI9KXNXtqJrD3qykZhyphenhypheni_pEV5xCnYy-BfpO588z8xLClN1xGNHGxs0VinD8xKOvm4VVDS8NMUPcifoovm1qXnCpxtUuNmUP19L5BEn9ieBDufp7Ce7ZfhtopYPV6/s1600/parkeranddoughnuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8usSgg8NsCubPDrcgiI9KXNXtqJrD3qykZhyphenhypheni_pEV5xCnYy-BfpO588z8xLClN1xGNHGxs0VinD8xKOvm4VVDS8NMUPcifoovm1qXnCpxtUuNmUP19L5BEn9ieBDufp7Ce7ZfhtopYPV6/s1600/parkeranddoughnuts.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With my impressive diet, Parker has been plumping out quite
nicely. She’s suddenly about the heft of a six-month-old, one week shy of her
fifth-month birthday. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think I’m going to trade in the cookies and cakes so I can
nibble on her legs and belly.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTZdhgiCxmEupwr4zv7C2miOXfS-I3fUf3-cV8ZP27BdMXo-bEQpxSkJNxnVSNY3SUk8egTr2BI4gBPTUy5JvsE_eQ5zCGtyvGhqS7PacJzi38NRYNufAqw_Kigan4yVQDhgRYjkxNAwf/s1600/msp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTZdhgiCxmEupwr4zv7C2miOXfS-I3fUf3-cV8ZP27BdMXo-bEQpxSkJNxnVSNY3SUk8egTr2BI4gBPTUy5JvsE_eQ5zCGtyvGhqS7PacJzi38NRYNufAqw_Kigan4yVQDhgRYjkxNAwf/s1600/msp1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-18780098579407318232015-02-23T11:08:00.000-05:002015-02-23T20:50:03.759-05:00Baby Comes Home giveaway<style>
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</style><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One of the jokes Andrew and I shared
when bringing Parker home from the hospital was, <i>“What the?! They’re really
letting us take her? They trust that we know what we’re doing? Because we
don’t!”</i></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Bringing home a newborn is scary. You have to figure out
breastfeeding and nutrition, diaper changing and dressing, bathing and hygiene, sleeping patterns and needs, all on limited amounts of
sleep. Even little things, like getting a onesie over their head or clipping
their itty-bitty but razor-sharp nails are fraught with uncertainty and fear. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Coincidentally, I received <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Comes-Home-Parents-Healthy/dp/1771410728/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424635871&sr=1-1&keywords=baby+comes+home"><i>Baby Comes Home</i></a>, a new book by
pediatric specialist <a href="http://www.drpaul.com/">Dr. Paul Roumeliotis</a> while on maternity leave. I’ve read
plenty of parenting books over the past six months, but what I like about Dr.
Paul’s approach is his public health background and belief in how much influence
you can have on your baby’s developing brain simply by loving her and fostering
a nurturing relationship. He calls it the "Science of TLC.” The book is
not so much a manual but an overview of all the things you should know and be
prepared for. Here, Dr. Paul responded to a few of my personal questions. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>I love
your approach of a loving home being the foundation for a healthy baby. Can you
explain a little about the “Science of TLC”?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">TLC—tender loving care—is
not a new concept; we always suspected it was important, and now we have the
science to prove it. Studies on the effect of brain development (the wiring or
sculpting of the brain) by the lack of bonding, healthy relationships, and
nurturing during the first few year of life have shown rather worrisome
results. Up until now, it was very clear that lack of bonding and nurturing in
babies can result in long-term psychological and mental conditions. It is now
apparent that this neglect can exacerbate or even cause chronic physical
illness such as diabetes and heart disease even decades later. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">In addition, the
aspects of a child’s development that are interfered with, play a role in a
child’s future learning and socializing skills, and ultimately their ability to
reach their full potential as adults. So, investing in a child’s early support
not only assures proper mental, emotional, and psychological development at the
time, but is also a form of chronic disease prevention. The reason I
purposefully chose to cover the first 18 months is because this is the
period during which the brain growth and development is very active and,
consequently, vulnerable.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>What
are the simplest ways of expressing love so you know your baby is benefiting
from your internal feelings?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">It does not cost
anything to respond to, nurture, caress, and give your baby as much attention
as you can. Connecting and interacting with baby and establishing a
relationship are easy to do and the pleasure you will get back is priceless. At
the same time, baby’s brain is feverishly developing and growing well. Soothing
baby when upset is one of the most important things to do. Reading to baby,
making eye contact, playing, and giving loving attention are quite easy to do,
virtually anywhere, anytime, and under any circumstances. So remember:
infant-parent and infant-caregiver relationships and connections do not cost
anything, yet there is so much return!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>In the
four months I’ve been home with Parker, I’ve probably had 18,162 nightmares
flash through my mind of all the terrible things that could happen. What do you
think are actually the most overlooked safety issues and the ones that can be
most easily avoided?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Accidents can happen in an instant and,
at times, a baby's stage of development takes us by surprise. For example,
although a 4-month-old baby cannot yet crawl or walk, she can roll over and
fall off a changing table and even down nearby un-gated stairs. So it's
important not to assume that baby cannot get into an accident, and to NEVER
leave a baby unattended. It is a good idea to baby-proof your home before baby
arrives and to ensure that there are no hazards. One of the other places where accidents
can happen is when visiting a friend or relative's house who does not have
kids and thus is not baby-safe.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>I live
in Brooklyn. What safety issues are different for city babies than those in the
suburbs or country?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have lived and worked in both city (including
suburbs) and rural or country areas. For children under two, I think the safety issues are the same because most are indoor
risks. However, we do know from epidemiologic studies that motor vehicle, pedestrian
and work-related accidents tend to occur more in rural areas. So as a children
get older and spend more time outdoors, parents need to be particularly
attentive on the roads and around the home. Having said that, in busy city streets, there is also
a real risk for car and pedestrian accidents.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>I’m in
the middle of trying to get Parker on both feeding and sleeping schedules, and
it seems every resource I go to offers conflicting advice. What do you think
the best thing I can do to get her to sleep through the night? What’s the
soundest approach?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For feeding, I talk
about a simple approach, which is the 4 by 4. It means that by 4 months of age,
a baby should have 4 feeds per 24 hours. This is a good routine to aim for. In
older children, I do believe that there should be 3 meals and 2 snacks per day
and nothing in between. This is a great way to prevent picky/fussy eating
habits. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sleep routines are more difficult to
establish because no two babies are alike and there is no "magic” or “normal”
age at which a baby sleeps through the night. I think the best way to establish
a bedtime routine is to start as early as possible with a calm and
uninterrupted, nightly pre-bedtime ritual, like giving baby a bath, then
reading and then putting her to sleep. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Also, because baby's brain sleep
stages are immature, shifting from one sleep phase to another may temporarily
awaken the baby during the night. In most cases baby will fall back asleep on
her own so do not pick her up right away as this may teach her that every time she
fusses, she gets picked up. Of course, I do not mean to let baby cry
inconsolably. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The American Academy of Pediatrics has
some recommendations that I describe in my book to help <span style="color: #333333;">baby develop good sleep habits, which include:</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.1pt; margin-top: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As soon as baby is tired put her to bed immediately. </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.1pt; margin-top: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Rocking or holding a baby until she falls asleep creates a habit.
Soon the baby will need to be held and comforted back to sleep every time
she wakes in the middle of the night.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.1pt; margin-top: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Avoid putting baby to bed with a pacifier.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.1pt; margin-top: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do not put the baby to sleep in your bed.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>A good
portion of your book is devoted to common illnesses. Do you want to weigh in on
the immunization debate? What do you think of the recent measles outbreak? </b></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is a very
important issue as we are in the midst of multiple Measles outbreaks in North
America largely due to unvaccinated children, so, yes, I definitely want
to weigh in. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In short, I do not think it is a debate. Clearly, vaccines save
lives and represent one of the most important advances in medicine over
the last century. We are hearing a lot about vaccine resistance in the media,
yet only 1-2% of parents refuse vaccines and about 10-15% are hesitant.
There is a lot of misinformation on the Internet, and this a challenge. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I would recommend that parents discuss
vaccination with their health care provider and to look at credible sources for
information before making any decisions. Personally, when I was training
as a pediatrician in the 1980s, I lived through the era when a severe bacteria (Hemophilus
Influenza B) was causing illness and even death in many young children.
Since the vaccine was released in 1985, this infection has almost completely
disappeared. Immunization is by far one of the most important medical advances,
yet many in North America take vaccines for granted because, thanks to
vaccines, infections that used to kill or maim millions have been virtually
eradicated. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I also believe that if parents refuse
vaccinations, they not only put their children at risk, but also can
potentially expose others in the community, like young babies and people with
weak immune systems. My approach is that when baby comes home, we do the
best for optimal wellness. This "wellness package" includes TLC,
home/car safety, proper nutrition and, in the same preventative spirit, I
include vaccination as another thing we can do to protect baby and
help ensure optimal health and wellness. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>What
has surprised or delighted you the most in your 25 years of pediatric research?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What really pleases me
is that thanks to vaccines and new antibiotics, we have been able to
significantly prevent infectious diseases that once killed and injured
countless children. However, what fascinates me the most is the tremendous
amount of knowledge that we are getting from our understanding of the human
genome. It is not inconceivable that in the near future, we will be able to
identify genes that cause lifelong debilitating diseases such as Cystic
Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy and then correct them so that the children will
grow normally without these diseases. This potential is very exciting and I
can't wait until we are able to stop these terrible diseases before they even
begin!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For any other new parents out there, I'm delighted to offer a <i>Baby Comes Home</i> giveaway. For a chance to get a copy, let me know what special TLC act or routine you've instilled at home in the comments box by Wednesday, March 4.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thank you for taking the time to share your enlightening advice, Dr. Paul!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span>Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-5991397823098399582015-02-14T14:19:00.001-05:002015-02-14T14:19:18.676-05:00Love, love, love...<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This little girl. (Who's certainly packing on the weight, four months in!)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Hope you're surrounded by love and happiness. xo</span></span>Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-35411563569046493232015-02-06T09:55:00.000-05:002015-02-06T09:55:52.395-05:00Working out and working it
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So this is it. My last few days of maternity leave. In fact,
I’ve already started work. There’s a new business pitch at my agency, and I’m
working remotely on it… which sort of sucks, but is also a good way to ease my
head back into things.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It actually works according to my (Type A) plan of gradually
moving from full-time mommy’ing to more autonomous moments. For example, the
past couple of months, I was spending $20 every other week to attend a
breastfeeding support group. On Sunday night, I put that money toward… <i>Zumba</i>. Classic.
I felt like a bit of a chump, paying twenty bucks for Zumba, but it was my
first workout in five months—and without even realizing it, it was a super
smart one to begin, what with all the gyrating hips and lady bits—and worth
every penny. I also started a mommy yoga class. Unfortunately, I only found it
this past week, but it’s been brilliant having Parker in all her cuteness
there at the head of my yoga mat, surrounded by other moms and babies—pretty
perfect.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And tonight, our new nanny (Hallelujah! It was no small feat
finding a nanny who we loved enough for Parker, but we did it) will come over in the evening
so Andrew and I can go out to a soirée. Funny how these little things—a
workout, a Friday night date—are now big triumphs. I'll even do my hair and makeup. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the meantime, little miss peanut continues to delight us
with her smile and her sweetness. She’s such an awesome little human being.
Such a gift.</span></span></div>
Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406185767359626904.post-45760230296901938012015-01-29T20:44:00.003-05:002015-01-29T20:44:51.789-05:00Mad love
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I’m discovering how scary it is to love someone so much.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In addition to having an easy pregnancy, a good birth
experience, and a relatively smooth hazing with a newborn, I was largely immune
to postpartum hormone surges. I had small moments. I got verklempt. I’d look at
Parker and smile through tears but they were misty-happy tears. I never felt majorly
emotional and definitely not depressed. In other words, I’ve been lucky.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiPuU1hOqJqKzUpJ9C9hUZNHyAU6RQNQ11FGKdNJU7rCp7o-8s7TfefUDvcsvXf1Dd97GHqwm_vS_a2jI3Pm2Bm_X09bm-XCjcsbbjGwc-1WJZ9N5gY-OVIQ8VP0gsxDp6giAdw0kPS3k/s1600/IMG_6660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiPuU1hOqJqKzUpJ9C9hUZNHyAU6RQNQ11FGKdNJU7rCp7o-8s7TfefUDvcsvXf1Dd97GHqwm_vS_a2jI3Pm2Bm_X09bm-XCjcsbbjGwc-1WJZ9N5gY-OVIQ8VP0gsxDp6giAdw0kPS3k/s1600/IMG_6660.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But last night, I couldn’t stop sobbing. Big, snotty tears for
hours. I have just two weeks of maternity leave left. Suddenly, these vast
months of being at home with no outside obligations, just me and my girl
cuddled on the couch, lounging on the floor, dancing to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
(one of my recurring emotional moments is the line from<span> “Hysterics”: </span><i>“</i><span><i>Flow sweetly, hang heavy /You suddenly complete me /You
suddenly complete me”</i> My throat aches just typing that), will, poof, be over.
Never to be again. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLJpE6FEtFAuSMyCi23Ix6_-Ggd0a37e5w_is-8pr9x-iIp6nUA7rV22BbEwmdwj7NxqJRpR7Wbur7eJki2iAp7jK-Hk9mNCL8xd273FQWfW0Nj7LffutHN03cG1BHDirFnc4_z_yPzLr/s1600/IMG_6447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLJpE6FEtFAuSMyCi23Ix6_-Ggd0a37e5w_is-8pr9x-iIp6nUA7rV22BbEwmdwj7NxqJRpR7Wbur7eJki2iAp7jK-Hk9mNCL8xd273FQWfW0Nj7LffutHN03cG1BHDirFnc4_z_yPzLr/s1600/IMG_6447.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span> Four glorious months of being with this little creature
24/7, her protector and provider. She, my reason for being. Watching her belly
swell and her legs form delicious rolls. Seeing her smile and hearing her coo.
Seeing her eyes light up in recognition of my or Andrew’s face. Kissing her
fuzzy little head. Feeling her insanely soft cheeks. Squeezing those thighs and
tickling her knees. Watching her lips pucker when she concentrates and her legs
kick when she gets excited. She’s the best.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevJ6kBHx8DFZg7nmi6JZBCI8gLhnYQEyhcRy1x0Br6kICTBBYxaCyWJRzsod_GI6IA0Vh9nkn6fj2hfJ_ZV35AVlDg5lCpbCx4rPE2LDD_ZduvdOuHJnpIuyUprZrZ_ihnsas8CSu2lFj/s1600/IMG_6828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevJ6kBHx8DFZg7nmi6JZBCI8gLhnYQEyhcRy1x0Br6kICTBBYxaCyWJRzsod_GI6IA0Vh9nkn6fj2hfJ_ZV35AVlDg5lCpbCx4rPE2LDD_ZduvdOuHJnpIuyUprZrZ_ihnsas8CSu2lFj/s1600/IMG_6828.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I don’t want this to be over. As cut off from the world as
I’ve been, as physically and culturally stunted, as challenging as daily tasks
could be, this time with Parker has been nothing short of magic. It makes me
sad that it will be no more. She is just such an incredible little girl. So
sweet and fun. Curious and cheeky. It seriously scares me how much I love her.
But I guess it’s a good fear to have…</span></span></div>
Amy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955190411777594634noreply@blogger.com16