The McGann Family: Uncle Mike, Aunt Rosana and a milestone!

Today is Memorial day and we went to the city to meet up with Brian's brother Mike and his wife Rosana. They are visiting from Miami and though they met Stella the day after she was born they haven't seen her since. Today was supposed to be a beautiful day and we were excited to go in and take Stella to the Central Park Zoo. Since we had, just last week, had such a HORRIFIC experience driving in we thought we would play it safe and take the train. Things were off to a good start but turned rocky pretty quick as Stella fussed and fitted her way through the train ride. Not content to sit and stare out the window she became bored with the limited tricks and toys we had on hand to amuse her with. BUT, we got there and headed up to the street level via various pee pee scented elevators in Penn Station.

As promised, the weather was BEAUTIFUL! A perfect day to be in NY. We walked uptown through Times Square to Central Park and for most of the 30+ blocks Stella didn't make a sound. She was totally mezmerized! Mike and Rosana met us in Columbus Circle and we headed into the park. The zoo line was so long that we decided to save that roadshow for another time. Instead we had some lunch at a little cafe near the zoo and got caught up. Stella did great, although she didn't eat much beyond raisins. After that we strolled into the park to people watch and reminisce about our days living there. Stella fell asleep right after we found the perfect bench and she had a great little nap. Funny that almost every time I bring her to the city she manages to nap in her stroller, something she would never do elsewhere. I guess all the stimulation knocks her out.
She woke up just in time to watch a jazz trio play a few songs and then we headed back downtown to grab the train. Stella wasn't as fun as other times and didn't do all of her little tricks....like kisses and high fives and great giggles but she was very good and we are glad she got to spend some time with Uncle Mike and Aunt Rosana.
Unfortunately the train ride home was almost as brutal as last weeks 3 hour journey from hell. At least this time it was only an hour and a half. The train was crowded and although we were strategically placed in the 4 seat handicapped area with the stoller tucked between us......someone sat down in the seat next to Brian meaning he had to hold Stella on his lap the entire ride. What makes that really annoying is that other seats opened up but they didn't move! ARGH! I really can't stand people sometimes! Poor Brian was trying to manage a very unhappy Stella B as she fitted and fussed and cried and wiggled. I did my best to provide snacks, water, toys, songs etc but it was all futile. The kicker was that Stella's diaper was so full she was leaking but because that woman had sat next to Brian I couldn't change her on the seat and to go to another seat to change her wasn't going to be easy because I would have to climb over the stroller and the other woman's bag. Did I mention how much I hate people sometimes! As she sits there chatting on her cell phone Stella is growing more and more difficult and more and more wet. Finally I did crawl over the stroller and bag to go and stand with Stella by the exit area. It was too late though , the damage was done and the rest of the trip was Stella crying and carrying on while I tried not to go and smack that nitwit in the face.
Anyway, we got home and Stella spent the evening playing in a diaper only and looking adorable. Just before bed we play with her in her room and then read books. She was standing by her crib and turned around to look at Brian who was sitting quite a good distance away. She put up her arms and without any prompting from us she walked right over to him! At least 6 or so steps. It is the very first time she has done anything like that and we were so excited and she was so proud! I am so happy that we both got to see Stella take her first steps and it was really a fabulous finish to the day!
Here are a few pics from our fun time in the city.