New York Nanny Center » Travel

Henry Goes to the Beach

Lindsay Bell — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 11:16:51 +0000

Every summer for over twenty years I have gone “Up North” to Harbor Springs, Michigan. Spending summers there is something I am very grateful for. I’ve made new friends over the years, catch up with old friends, experience new things, and, in most recent years, spend extended time with my family. This experience has become even more special since Henry has come into the picture.

Our family.. plus a little too much ice cream

Living in Chicago comes with many advantages. There’s an abundance of culture, people, and endless amounts of “things to do.” However, it can also be very busy, overly structured, fast-paced, and stressful. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE CHICAGO, but taking a break every summer is awesome!

Henry relaxing and enjoying a nice snack on the beach

Last summer was the first summer Henry was exposed to parts of my childhood. It was fun–he learned to walk, ate sand for the first time, and dipped his toes in the Michigan side of Lake Michigan. This summer is even better! Henry is sturdy on his feet and has said new words like “beach”, “watermelon”, “boat”, and “bug-gy.” His eyes light up when he realizes he’s on his way to the beach. He’s not afraid of the water, loves to chase the birds, and has tripled his vocabulary since arriving. I’m thankful for this time and sharing these new experiences with him.

Our little man goes kayak shopping

I am also grateful for my husband. Without his hard-work, understanding, and love for his wife and child, we would not be able to spend such a long period of time in Michigan. We are grateful when “dada” can be with us, but appreciate the sacrifices he makes so we can spend extensive time at the beach. We love you, Dada (Bob!). Henry is also lucky that he gets to spend a week in South Haven, Michigan with his Chicago family. He is surrounded by people who love him and want him to be part of old family traditions. Sharkball, Lobster Parties, and dipping your toes in the lake aren’t a bad way to spend your summer!

We’re so blessed in our life and look forward to all the new experiences and memories we will create as he gets older.

Happy Summer!

-Maureen is a Sitter2Mom, a working woman (our Chicago City Coordinator), and mother of Henry!

What Happens in Atlantic City Stays in Atlantic City

Lindsay Bell — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 14:26:33 +0000

We couldn’t have picked a more beautiful pre-summer day for eight geese to follow the mother goose around the boardwalk of Atlantic City for a bachelorette party. We started at the beach for a few drinks in the sun, then to check in to our hotel as some of the group decorated the room in stellar bachelorette fashion. Champagne and snacks for the guests to enjoy as the bride to be sat in her special chair awaiting questions to match her answers against her groom to be’s. A clothesline adorned the room filled with lingerie for the bride to be to guess who the purchaser was.

Everything went well up to that point. Then nine women had to shower and get dressed for the night on the town… That’s when the party took a turn towards chaos! The shower drain was clogged and four others were waiting. Well, one knows that there is no such statement as “We are sending someone right up.” Waiting was not an option so eight girls showered in the other room we had. We left ready for a night on the town, a little later than planned but not any less excited to help celebrate the guest of honor. A great time was had by all!

With Love,

Mama Bell

A Weekend Away

Lindsay Bell — Wed, 07 May 2014 14:46:58 +0000

Before I was a mother, I couldn’t understand friends’ hesitation at leaving their kids for a weekend. I thought, “Can’t their other parent watch them?” “Won’t it be good to have a break?” “It’s just one weekend!” As with most parenting subjects, I was clueless. Now, I understand.

I just made my first solo trip since my daughter was born, and if it wouldn’t have required a complete packing overhaul involving a much larger suitcase and waking her up in the middle of the night to get her things, I probably would have given into my nerves at the last minute and taken her with me.

In my daughter’s 15 months on this planet, I have left her overnight with her grandparents just one time and my husband and I couldn’t get home fast enough we missed her so much. However, that time my husband and I were just a quick 50 minute drive from home. This weekend I needed to fly hours away….there would be no quick return if I missed her, if she had a meltdown or worse, an emergency. What’s more, in her first few months of life I was working so she was used to me leaving now and again. Now I’m a stay at home mom so she is with me all the time! And let’s be honest, I’m with her all the time. I was just as worried about myself as I was about her.

The truth of the matter is, I was attending a funeral…not ideal for a newly walking toddler who explores everywhere and comments on everything, we have also just made the tricky transition from two naps to one and sleep timing is critical right now so not great for a weekend of time zone changes and travel during bed times, and she is cutting THREE molars. It just seemed a better idea for her to stay at home with my husband on her turf with her schedule in tact.

Let me tell you, it turned out to be a fantastic idea for everyone! My husband and daughter had a wonderful weekend together going to parks, playrooms, and restaurants, on walks, shopping for flowers and simply hanging out at home. These three days of uninterrupted daddy/daughter time were particularly priceless because he works such long hours that he sometimes doesn’t get to see her for days in a row. The first thing he said to me upon my return is, “Our daughter is amazing.” Of course he already knew this, but being the only one with her all day long allows you to take in every magical moment. And those moments are non-stop. So for me, this weekend was about pausing.

I learned that no matter how much you love your child, a little break can be a good thing. On the plane I read magazines that had been collecting dust by my bed for months, I ate meals before they were cold, I worked out in the hotel gym, I had conversations with adults, I wore a dress with heels and makeup and I even stayed out past 7pm one night! I also talked non-stop about my daughter, showed her pictures to people, pumped every six hours and video chatted with her each day. I missed her like crazy, but I took advantage of my mommy time. It was a little recharge that every mom can use. So while I now understand the hesitation to take some time alone, I also understand the benefits. And when my little peanut woke up an hour earlier than normal on the morning I returned home, there was no waiting to see if she fell back asleep, I ran right in and hugged her….I don’t think either of us could wait a minute longer!

-Jolynn Baca Jaekel has been a fitness professional for more than a decade. Her first child, Parker, just turned a year old this January. Jolynn, her husband Rob, and Parker recently relocated from NYC to Washington D.C.

You’ve Never Heard of a Cornbox?!

Lindsay Bell — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 18:44:59 +0000

Fall is a great time of year. The trees are beautiful, the temperature is just right, and there are a lot of great outdoor activities to do. Having a child who is old enough to participate in the activities, is awesome. There are so many things that the city and surrounding areas have to offer that I never even knew about!

This year was especially great because we were able to take Henry to a pumpkin patch! We visited Kuiper’s Family Farm, which was quite a hike to get to, but worked because Henry got to nap on the way there and the way back. My only criteria for visiting a pumpkin patch was being able to take Henry on a hayride out to an ACTUAL pumpkin patch. There are so many places now where they pick the pumpkins for you and hand you one on the way out—I did not want that!

Kuiper’s was FANTASTIC! They had a ton of activities for kids of all ages. Henry loved the “corn box” a better version of a sandbox He also got to run through a corn maze tunnel, navigate through a straw maze, and got to pet a llama! It wasn’t super crowded and there were an abundance of pumpkins.

We had a great time on our first family trip to the pumpkin patch. I’m looking forward to all the “firsts” and “seconds” to come! Henry had a great time and so did his parents!

-Maureen is the Chicago City Coordinator and mom of Henry

Spotlight: Wedding Services

Lindsay Bell — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 20:17:51 +0000

It’s Fall wedding season and LLD is here to help. Lucky Lil’ Darlings offers many high-end childcare solutions for your every day needs and your special occasions. This week we’re spotlighting our services that can help out with weddings!

Let LLD help make that special day even easier and allow you to focus on the wedding without worrying about the lil’ ones. Wedding close to home, in another state, abroad, or even in your own backyard? Not a problem! Lucky Lil’ Darlings can help before during and after the wedding:

Pick up and transport lil’ ones to the wedding, watching during ceremony and reception, and bring home safely
In-room sitter to watch lil’ ones at the wedding or set up and moniter an LLD Kid Zone at the reception
Hire an LLD sitter in another city besides your own hometown
Bring a TravelSitter with you for the weekend to take care of your every need regarding transportation, childcare, and more!
Concierge services to help shop and plan for wedding (extra set of hands)
Event Staff comprised of LLD sitters can help check guests in, set up venue, and help coordinate all volunteers or hired hands

LLD has a variety of services and is willing to help in any way we can to make you or your loved ones’ special day the best it can be. We will work with you personally to find a perfect extra set of hands for your event or children. For more information or to book an LLD sitter for your special day, contact info@luckylildarlings.com!

Mama Bell Is Back For Her Last!

Lindsay Bell — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 18:05:59 +0000

Recently while visiting my daughter in NYC, I had the opportunity to meet and have dinner with her boyfriend’s father, who was visiting his son from Texas. Visiting may be the wrong verb, as we were both in the city for the same reason: to help our children with their prospective business start-ups. We sat across the dinner table talking about our abandoned spouses and the chores back home that they inherited in our absence. I knew that my husband’s inherited chores would go unanswered to my dismay.We laughed about how we were the oldest unpaid interns working 10 hour days out of love. It was a pleasant evening spent with a southern gentleman,unlike my Midwestern do it yourself one that I have at home. It was so much fun to talk to another parent about our successful children and help with my own lil’ darling’s small business!

-Mama Bell will be taking a break until January to make way for our new series: Modern Mary Poppins Chronicles.

Global Sitters come to NYC

Lindsay Bell — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 17:18:36 +0000

Two of LLD’s current sitters were Au Pairs in Germany for the same family of four kids, one year after the other. The best souvenir they brought home- was one of the lil’ blondies for a week! The girls each interviewed with LLD to be sitters soon after their German babies flew back home, and it was so fun hearing about their adventures with the kids in New York.

Our LLD Au Pairs with their lil’ darling from abroad

LLD sitters love when a family from out of town is staying at a hotel in NYC and request a babysitter for the day to take the kids around. In the past, some of LLD sitters’ favorite activities to do with traveling tots were taking them to the Museum of Natural History and Children’s Museum of Manhattan, to the Central Park Zoo, Dylan’s Candy Bar, touristy boat ride, or a day at Hudson River Park Playground and a walk along the water after to see all of the boats.

We asked the two former Au Pairs for a couple of pictures and blurbs about what they did during their weeks with their lil’ ones. Here’s a peak:

The on an adventure in Union Square Park Playground (right after build-a-bear, of course)!

Digging for dinosaur bones at the Museum of Natural History (right after his first New York Pretzel)!

They also took their tots to a football game, baseball game, and the beach. The girls said it was nearly impossible saying goodbye after those fun-filled weeks, and they look forward to having similar adventures with LLD families and kids in NYC this year.

For more information on LLD’s hotel services, click here.

-Shannon is our in-house Nanny Placement Coordinator, a former Au Pair, a lover of all adventures and traveling, and a current LLD sitter.

Shopaholics continued

Lindsay Bell — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 20:46:21 +0000

After refueling (with chicken salads) off we went. It’s close enough to Halloween that we both had the urge to decorate inside and out. Toledo has no shortage of greenhouses or stores so we had a field day gathering pumpkins bales of straw, gourds, scarecrows and mums. On the front porch went the scarecrow, bale and pumpkins and the gourds into a glass container. It was fall perfection! What could be better to top off the day than a trip to Mr. Freeze and episodes of one of our favorite shows, Homeland. Never thought I could stay up until 1:30 AM, but I did. That show’s writers are amazing What a great 24 hours!

-Mama Bell

Summer Vacation (Post-Baby)

Alison Gore — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 19:56:46 +0000

The two words teachers love the most are “Summer Vacation.” In fact, one of the reasons that I became a teacher was so I could enjoy two months of vacation from work. Every summer for the past 18 years I have gone to Harbor Springs, Michigan and had the best time. I could sleep in late, go play tennis, lounge at the beach and read fluffy books, and stay up with friends to the early morning hours. Well….things are a little different now with baby Henry joining me!

I wake up every morning by 6:30am, give Henry a bottle, take out the dog, play with the baby, feed the baby breakfast, change him and put him down for a nap. All before 9am! Then I have to make the decision if I’m going to go play tennis (while my saint of a mother watches the baby), take a nap, or be productive. Nine times out of 10, I choose to go back to sleep! Hey… It’s vacation after all!

When Henry wakes up I usually spend the next 45 minutes getting him ready to go to the beach. Swim diaper (please don’t poop!), sunscreen, rash guard-check! Beach toys, beach blanket, water, sun hat-check! Long gone are the days of meandering down the path with a magazine, beach towel, and sun screen. I feel like Mary Poppins. You’d be amazed at the things I’ve pulled out of my beach bag this summer!

FINALLY we make it down to the beach. It takes an army of at least 3 to get all the chairs, umbrellas, bags, coolers, baby, and other junk down to the beach. It’s quite an event! We are in walking distance to the beach, but the thought of having to trek back up to the house because I forgot something is unimaginable!

Me and Henry soaking up the sun

We sit down, Henry plays on the beach blanket for about 5 minutes before deciding he wants to crawl down to the water. Up I go! Following him around and wiping his face every time he decides the sand looks “good enough to eat!” Wipe, rinse, repeat! An hour later (if we make it that long) it’s time to take all the baby stuff back up so he can take his afternoon nap. At this point I’m exhausted and so very thankful I have my family there to help! I laugh at my unopened book laying in my beach bag. It leers at me like, “Ha! You thought you’d actually get to read me today?!”

Oh well…one look at my smiling baby’s face and I know all the hassle of packing and getting to and from the beach is worth it! Happy baby means a happy mommy!

Beach baby

(I really must give a shout out to my family, especially “Granny” for helping me all summer—I’ve managed to read a couple books and have some uninterrupted time at the beach!)

-Maureen is the LLD Chicago City Coordinator and a new mommy!

Vacation Crashers

Alison Gore — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 16:55:32 +0000

My husband and I are referring to ourselves as “vacation crashers” as we just left one daughter’s family in Cape Cod and are about to join another in DC. We are accompanying her to the Chesapeake Bay Hilton resort for a business retreat. As teachers we surely never had such an opportunity before. The resort was beautiful (even though the trip there was misguided by a GPS shouting out ridiculous commands and a hubby grumbling about I- 95 being the most miserable stretch of highway in America).

Our beautiful vacation spot

Our weekend was hot ,but we still enjoyed walks, miniature golf, swimming, breathtaking scenery and some vicious ping pong games. Of course I can’t forget to mention the delicious array of food and drink. This vacation was especially fun to crash because it ended with outlet mall shopping; It made the heat a little more bearable. We enjoyed all of the memories made and special time spent with loved ones. Let the crashing continue.

Just relaxin’ on vacation

-Mama Bell