Q: What's more fun than the zoo for an almost-3-year-old?
A: The Bronx Zoo
This place is definitely not your average zoo. In fact, it's the largest metropolitan zoo in America, clocking in at 265 acres. They work hard to give animals room to roam in landscapes that resemble their natural habitat.
Well-placed signs inform urban adventurers about the zoo's inhabitants and the challenges they face. For instance, I had no idea that only four to five thousand tigers remain in the wild. Or that recycling my old cell phone (something you can do at the Bronx Zoo) could help preserve the Congolese gorilla population.
Even if you don't live close enough to plan a day trip, their website is a terrific resource, loaded with video, facts and ideas for sustainable living. They even have a special section on their website just for teens.
As for Olivia, she's busy planning her next trip.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Olivia's Pick--13 April 2009
Our house guests for the holiday included a lovely, patient, 15-year-old cousin, whom Olivia adores. In fact, when she's around, Olivia has very little use for me!
Over the weekend, this cousin was painting her fingernails pink. As you might imagine, Olivia was thoroughly intrigued and wanted her nails to be pink, too. So, Olivia had her fingernails painted for the first time this weekend, two different shades of pink, one shade for each hand. I have a feeling, however, that it will not be the last.
It was another moment for the memory bank, another small step on the path from baby to little girl. A moment she will surely forget, the memory of her tiny pink fingernails poking out from the sleeves of her Easter dress will stay with me forever.
Over the weekend, this cousin was painting her fingernails pink. As you might imagine, Olivia was thoroughly intrigued and wanted her nails to be pink, too. So, Olivia had her fingernails painted for the first time this weekend, two different shades of pink, one shade for each hand. I have a feeling, however, that it will not be the last.
It was another moment for the memory bank, another small step on the path from baby to little girl. A moment she will surely forget, the memory of her tiny pink fingernails poking out from the sleeves of her Easter dress will stay with me forever.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Olivia's Pick--5 April 2009
We had a festive weekend at our house, complete with a fancy dinner out. It was Olivia's first experience in fine dining (read: not a diner, pizza joint or Mexican restaurant). An early reservation (6:00 PM) coupled with persistent promises of birthday cake to be had as a reward for good behavior made the whole evening rather manageable.
And she couldn't have looked cuter, in her pretty pink sweater dress and black Mary Janes. She even carried a purse--a vintage, ivory, beaded evening bag that was my grandmother's.
It would seem that Olivia has embraced her more elegant side. ("This is a very fancy restaurant" she said as we stepped into the powder room for a potty break.) It was sweet to watch her negotiate this new environment, especially because she did it with such class.
My little one acted just like a little lady (with enough squirm thrown in to make sure you know she's still a kid). She charmed the pants off of the entire staff and made Mama & Papa very proud. Sharing an evening like this with her was the best birthday present this Mama could get.
And she couldn't have looked cuter, in her pretty pink sweater dress and black Mary Janes. She even carried a purse--a vintage, ivory, beaded evening bag that was my grandmother's.
It would seem that Olivia has embraced her more elegant side. ("This is a very fancy restaurant" she said as we stepped into the powder room for a potty break.) It was sweet to watch her negotiate this new environment, especially because she did it with such class.
My little one acted just like a little lady (with enough squirm thrown in to make sure you know she's still a kid). She charmed the pants off of the entire staff and made Mama & Papa very proud. Sharing an evening like this with her was the best birthday present this Mama could get.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Olivia's Pick--29 March 2009
"Deep in the Hundred Acre Wood..." my little one fell in love with a Silly Old Bear and his band of loyal friends. That's right. Olivia has discovered the world of Winnie-the-Pooh (and Christopher Robin, too!). Rereading these sweet stories for the first time in many, many years, I find that I am falling in love all over again. I'm also thoroughly enjoying the perspective of my years; it sheds new light on these beloved old stories.
With the distance of the intervening decades and the recent reintroduction of Pooh-Bear into my life, suddenly the idea of another book, The Tao of Pooh makes complete sense. Looks like I'll have to add that to my own library, just as Olivia and I are making our way through the original.
With the distance of the intervening decades and the recent reintroduction of Pooh-Bear into my life, suddenly the idea of another book, The Tao of Pooh makes complete sense. Looks like I'll have to add that to my own library, just as Olivia and I are making our way through the original.
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