The flight there went more smoothly than anticipated complete with a cute picture of Jordan with the pilots. We did experience stress managing all our 'stuff' and security lines and checkpoints, a few Jordan meltdowns on the plane which only lasted about 5 minutes each (hence, my shiny appearance). Jordan took two decent naps, one for 30 minutes and one blissful nap of an hour. The flight was packed so we had Jordan sleeping on a bed of baby blankets on the floor which at first glance looks like a really bad idea until the baby sleeps for an hour and I have both hands free. The return flight was a different story. Stay tuned .....
We had the great plan of packing light by only taking one suitcase and two backpacks. But, of course, I also had the diaper bag and another carry on with Jordan's toys and baby blankets. Then there was the car seat. Add all that together with the stroller and it looks like we were staying for a month.
We took the shuttle train (pictured above) from JFK airport to the subway and took the subway to Times Square area, where we stayed at the Novotel New York Times Square. We used the stroller to carry all of our stuff. Little did we know that getting off the subway train and out of the subway was going to be such a challenge with no elevators and very narrow staircases. But, there were some friendly New Yorkers that actually helped us get our bags off the subway and carry some of the stuff up the stairs. Above is a picture of Jordan and me right out of our first subway ride; we ended up in front of the Late Show.
You may be wondering why one would need a car seat in NYC with all that public transportation available. It was the great debate on whether we should bring it or not. But, we decided to bring it for two reasons: 1. we might get lucky and have an entire row on the plane and get to use it on the plane either on the way there or on the way back and 2. my aunt and uncle have a car in Manhattan and they offered to drive us to Yankee Stadium for the game and back to the airport on Sunday. They also gave us quite a nice tour around Manhattan. We ended up glad that we had it. However, renting one or buying a $49 cheapy and leaving it there, might have been a better option.
Our first night there we checked into our hotel, had dinner and walked around Times Square taking pictures and seeing the sites. Times Square was a nightly activity for us.
Then for the next few days we travelled all around Manhattan taking pictures of Jordan in front of everything.
Jordan at Yankee Stadium
Jordan and Dad in Central Park
This is one of my favorite pictures that we took the entire trip.
Jordan Sleeping Peacefully in His Roll-Away Bed
We were very fortunate that he slept well every night !!!!
Jordan with Dad in the Financial District
Family Shot at the NYSE
Jordan Napping on the Subway
Jordan with Aunt Anne
Visiting with My Family, Kyle, Anne and Ken
Jordan Loved Looking Out of the Window of Our Room
Jordan Loved Looking Out of the Window of Our Room
We managed to get a relaxing yummy sushi dinner while Jordan slept in the stroller.
The Chrysler Building Outside of Grand Central Station
Grand Central Station. Can you see Jordan down by the central information booth? :)
Michael wanted to see Fast Money his favorite show on CNBC. Not only did he get to watch, he got on TV. He recorded it and took this picture.
Here is Jordan looking his usual cute on the balcony of our hotel.
Jordan and the NYPD
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I wanted to get a picture of Jordan with the NYPD the entire time we were there. The NYPD were absolutely everywhere. The last day I got up the nerve to ask. They were super nice. Other people saw we were getting a picture, and that pretty much opened the flood gates. These officers got their picture taken several times that night.
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Ok, the flight back. We got to the airport 2 hours early because my Aunt Anne kindly drove us there and there was very little traffic, so we had plenty of time for breakfast at the airport. We sat down in a decent looking place and ordered a couple of breakfast burritos (we wanted to be in a coma on the flight). We sat there for 30 minutes after ordering and our plane began to board with no breakfast burrito in sight. We have an infant so we boarded right away with no food in our bellies (of course , Jordan has all of his food :)
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It's very nice being the first on the plane ..... well, unless you are starving (nothing served but small snack bags of carbs that fill you up for 15 minutes and then leave you with a greater deficit than before), and there are several delays, including mechanical problems and then 6th in line for take off. Long story short, we were on that plane for 7 full hours straight. Jordan was going out of his mind. We went through three diaper changes and a change of clothes. I walked up and down the isle with him strapped to me in the Baby Bijorn and stood at the front and back of the plane for hours. As long as I was standing or he was eating he was fine. But, there were several times where we had to sit down due to turbulence and Jordan did not take his naps and didn't like the little space. But, we are alive and made it back to our home sweet home.
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The plane ride back did not take away from our NYC experience !! The best part was seeing Anne, Ken and Kyle for the first time in 5 years. It was so wonderful seeing them again!
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