It snowed last night. It snowed today. It will snow tomorrow.
#iamgrateful and #iamthankful for our neighbors who came by and inspired us to upgrade the sledding on our front lawn. Tomorrow my plan is to have them hit a turn on the street and then go down that hill too.
Fully chaperoned all the way of course.
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“I just want things to feel normal.”
We’ve all had that thought. I don’t know if we’re ever going back. Life never does. It moves forward stubbornly and relentlessly as hard as we try to saddle it, slow it, turn it. It keeps moving forward.
We have to find ways to, at best, ride it and guide it. Create a new and even more wonderful normal. Well do that.
Today though, for Anaiya’s 7th birthday, we created a sense of that old normal. And it was great.
Jaanu set the stage by cleaning the garage and making it “spic and span” for his sis. Yeah. He did that.
Tito Foi, Dadiji and the spirit of Dadaji kicked it off with a visit and some QT.
Then, thanks to the birthday party hosted by Nanaji and Naniji, we created a little art studio in our garage (heaters worked!) and everyone had a good time.
Painting. Oh man. I tell you. Anaiya picked out a specific paint by numbers for each kid who came. For them. For a reason. And that warmed my heart. We were limited by the size of the garage and space we could create, I only wish we could have delivered on her full invite list.
That aside, I have rarely been more proud of Anaiya as it was one of those moments. Those life defining moments. She realized that her birthday is about celebrating the people who make her life full. She not only picked paintings but helped each kid get set up and my heart is full.
We had some fun ideas too. Like having each kid stand on the ledge in the garage so we could trace their outlines and name them. I love that the neighborhood kids are locked in, age 4-8, on our garage wall forever. And finally, who doesn’t love apple cider with bourbon on a cold day.
#iamgrateful and #iamthankful to the fam and friends who made today wonderful. So wonderful it felt … like a normal Sunday in January for all of us.
For the kids who joined us, I’ll say it: I love ya, and thanks for blessing our house with your energy and blessing Anaiya with your friendship.
And for this amazing kid, I’m happy she felt the love. Love you, Magic.
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Please brighten my comments with the 2nd picture in your camera roll, no matter what it is or who you are! Have fun & play along. Then copy and paste this status using the number I give you. Thanks Rachael Wells. #iamgrateful and #iamthankful for these chain messages on FB. Always end up sharing stuff with great people as a result. 
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Van Worst Park is such a simple pleasure. When we moved to Jersey City, we couldn’t quite justify living on the water, so we paid attention to a Realtor who told us that if we can’t get the water in JC, we should be happy with a park. It’s a solid park. But it turned into something special earlier this afternoon.
The weather was nice. We were headed into winter and the fact that it was nice outside (meaning we could go outside without fearing you’d hate us for a few hours after the fact) meant that we had to go outside. You’re an outdoor baby. It calms you. I feel like your happiness is directly correlated to the number of leaves you see around you — maybe with a bit of sunshine factored in.
It’s always been that way, though. From the moment we could take you outside, if we did, you were happier. Taking it all in. Looking around you. Observing. Reaching. The first thing I ever saw you reach for was a leaf. And you went for it. Like you do everything. You saw. You committed. And you went for it.
The park on this beautiful late Fall day was no different. We strolled. You did some slide work. Pulled yourself up to a lovely outdoor abacus. And life was grand. But nothing compared to you on that swing. It was freedom. You were seated. And you were experiencing. No fear. No matter how excited I got and how hard I pushed. You smiled on your way to us and on your way back. Sheer happiness.
I’d like to get a swing installed in every room in our condo. What do you think? My guess if you could respond? Weeeeeeeeeeeeee! Which totally explains my love for you today, munchkin. It was as exhilarating to watch you on that swing as it has been for me to take loops at Great Adventure.
Filed under #TMLFYI...
Suneet Bhatt 