I recently became the Executive Director of the World Network for Children. A new, global non-profit committed to raising awareness and creating solutions for issues that affect children. Just in time for Chille’s birthday during the month of May, we are launching Chille’s Cardiac Campaign to raise awareness about the number one birth defect in the world: Congenital Heart Defects. Congenital Heart Defects affect more children in the United States than AIDS, cancer, and autism COMBINED and yet, there is no discussion, no dialog, no Oprah show about this horrible birth defect. I believe that this is due to the fact that 50% of all diagnoses are made AFTER the child dies. Two things MUST be done. First, we must raise awareness. Secondly, given its prevalence here in the United States, we must work towards non-invasive, simple screening of ALL newborns. Chille’s Cardiac Campaign hopes to jump start this awareness and bring about change. This campaign could not be closer to our hearts, as Chille has already endured two open heart surgeries before the age of 2 and is kept alive via a Medtronic Dual-chamber Pacemaker. YOU can help make a difference in the lives of children throughout the world. PLEASE donate to Chille’s Cardiac Campaign during the month of May and Help be a Hero for Children.
Live from da Hood Chille’s NYC adventures take us to the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Pigs must be flying if snow can shut down the city that never sleeps and the standing-room-only 6 train at rush hour can be empty. None of these things ever happened before Swine Flu! I'm jus sayin'...
The very first time Chille has ever felt snow fall on his face (he prefers his 'winters' Down Under...)
When morning hits, one possible destination comes to mind...
So Chille hops in a taxi.
NYC Taxicabs are EXEMPT from car seat laws in NYC.
All NYC Taxis have an interactive touchscreen with maps and television and weather, etc. VERY 'Bladerunner'... A quick swipe of my Visa and we're good to go!
Live from da Hood Chille's NYC adventures take us to the MET!
The famous steps are usually crowded with tourists and locals alike, taking a rest in a city that loves to walk. The MET, located on 'Museum Mile' on 5th ave. shares space with Central Park. A fantastic spot to sit and have a pretzel! Mmm... carbs....
Along with the usual MET fare, the museum hosts incredible exhibits that are unparalleled in the rest of the world. Just in time for Chinese New Year is this AMAZING show.
The Security Guard lets Chille know that although early, he'll have to wait a few minutes until the MET opens to the public.
Most stores in NYC don't open until 10 am, and museums and galleries in NYC run on a totally different schedule all together. Most are completely closed on Mondays and have bizarre hours. I strongly recommend that you check websites for times before venturing off in the morning...
Of course, every savvy New Yorker knows this and within minutes, Chille is running in to the MET's famously efficient coat room!
You may leave your coats and backpacks and things here. It is free, of course, but everyone in NYC usually tips a dollar a person.
The MET store is INCREDIBLE and you could literally spend all day there. It is an awesome place to get interesting gifts for all the people you love!
Plus, it is a nice place to practice the "look don't touch" command before you let a toddler loose around priceless art. I'm jus sayin'...
The price of admission to the MET is a "recommended" $20. A friend of mine works there and she told me that the suggested price was mostly ignored. The most common 'donation' for admission? $1. Yep. You hand the cashier a dollar and say "One, please."
The books are the best at the Met Store.
Chille ponders the HUGE flight of stairs up to the second floor.
The MET is made up of a ton of smaller galleries. You could LIVE in the museum and still never see everything. So Chille carefully considers his options for today...
With his mind made up to visit "the shark" his experience with art begins...
"The goal of life is rapture. Art is the way we experience it." Joseph Campbell
Chille seems to experience art by running past it. How glorious!
Except when it's Warhol...
And Chuck Close...
Everywhere you turn, there is art to experience...
Hmmm.... 
In all of its glory: the shark
Also known by its more formal title, of course...
Just another ordinary day in an extraordinary city...
Live from da Hood Chille’s NYC adventures take us to Disney’s The Princess and the Frog with the Ultimate Disney Experience!
Chille and I hop on the B train to 7th avenue and 53rd street.
With so many stairs to climb in NYC, a subway station escalator is always a relief. Word to the wise, however: There is strict etiquette while on escalators in NYC. You STAND on the RIGHT and WALK on the LEFT in a single file.
Chille and Mama head out on Broadway at 9 am. Many New York office workers start at 10. Aren't we lucky!
A quick walk from Times Square, this area is known for its Broadway theatres, television studios and Carnegie Hall.
Like the rest of the country, New Yorker City kids go on field trips, too. They each walk with one partner with whom they hold hands. Here are 40 kids with 4 teachers heading out for a day of learning outside the classroom.
As Chille and I head down 54th street, we check out the view as we look down Broadway.
New York is priced by VOLUME. Paper towels and toilet paper are more expensive in the city due to the amount of space they take up. Likewise, you'll never find a gallon of milk. This is the price of parking PER HOUR IF you are in by 6am for the early bird special. Expect to pay around $7-8 per 30 minutes.
We reach our destination in a matter of minutes. The historic Ziegfeld Theatre (of the famous Ziegfeld Follies) has beautiful chandeliers and gorgeous red velvet seats.
The Ultimate Disney Experience begins with a viewing of the new Disney animated feature film.
Chille picks up our tickets at the Will Call booth.
Disney's The Princess and the Frog opens across the USA on Friday, December 11th. Since it is Monday, December 7th, there is a lot of security to prevent scenes appearing on YouTube prior to the release date. Identifications are checked and recorded. Along with the tickets, we all received separate green wristbands.
All cameras and phones were confiscated before we were even allowed into the theatre. This is getting EXCITING! See you in a couple hours!!
WOWZAH!! BEST DISNEY PRINCESS MOVIE EVER!! Incredible! Chille was clapping and dancing in his seat from the sounds of New Orleans!!!!
After the film, we walk a couple blocks to the Roseland Ballroom for part two of our Ultimate Disney Experience...
Disney really does make dreams come true...
Her Royal Highness Princess Tiana in the flesh! So stunningly beautiful and her accent is simply lovely!
Every Disney Princess is in attendance. Isn't Jasmine spectacular?
Chille is STILL talking about Belle's beautiful yellow gown. "It was YELLOW, Mama! YELLOW!" He said as I put him to bed.... sweet dreams, no doubt!
Oh! To be surrounded by such beauties! All the girls were dressed in their Princess Best...
Snow White thought Chille's size was just right...
Ariel was simply PERFECT!
Pocahontas and Chille checked out each other's bling...
Chille just couldn't stay away from Mulan. He repeatedly visited her and she was the lucky Princess to be wrapped in a warm embrace. Prince Charming!
Chille and Sleeping Beauty had a wonderful time together and they sat for a bit of a chat...
The set and decor was shipped in from Hollywood.
The walls were painted as if we were back in time deep in magical New Orleans.
There was so much to see and do! First stop, a trip inside the Bayou for a good play!
Once Disney personnel sanitized every child's hands (AWESOME!) they were allowed to enter one of the most clever and fun experiences Chille has ever had!
The entire play area was made into the Louisiana Bayou.
Blue foam made up the swamp water and children jumped from lily pad to lily pad all while listening to a soundtrack of real frogs in the Bayou. Here, Chille is given some assistance for the best possible experience.
You never knew when it was shallow or deep as Chille waded through the Bayou.
There were lots of cool tree houses and forts to climb and hide in!
There were smiles on Chille's face that were completely new! It brought tears to Mama's eyes to see Chille experience such joy...
There were vines to swing on and slippery slides...
Who could say "Ultimate Experience" and live up to it? Only DISNEY!
Besides the Main Ballroom where the Princesses and the Bayou Adventure were, there were three floors to explore, as well!
There were Kodak photo booths and a website with a special code to download the images at home...
And there were cool green screens for special effects. Kodak let you choose your scene from the movie and Chille thought the music was the best part of the film.
Disney handed out enough keepsakes to fill an album!
Chille received every Disney Princess' autograph.
While little girls did crafts and made tiaras and older siblings played the Xboxes tucked away in every nook and cranny, it was fun for us Mamas to walk through the Archives Area.
There was the original dress that Toni Braxton wore as Belle on Broadway (a reminder of Disney's multi-racial casting, I'm sure).
It was neat to see the dress that Amy Adams wore in Disney's Enchanted. Especially since she wore this gown mere blocks away in Times Square!
There were the costumes used in Disney's High School Musical 3.
And Miley Cyrus' real guitar that she played in Disney's Hannah Montana: The Movie.
There was an area where children could learn how to be an animator.
Disney thought of everything for the Ultimate Experience.
This REAL Disney Animator has worked on The Princess and the Frog for years already!
After playing some New Orleans-themed carnival games, Chille took one last look at the vintage cars painted on the walls as we were leaving. He proudly wore his 'Mardi Gras' beads all day...
Since we barely had enough energy left to make our way home...
Chille came up with an inspired way to carb up quickly before we hit the subway.
Just another ordinary day in an extraordinary city....
Live from da Hood Chille’s NYC adventures takes us Tree Shopping! (inner city style)
Chille stops outside the Duane Reade to admire the goods and hear the pitch.
Every year, at this time, NYC is taken over by the Canadians. They set up these tree stands on every corner, which makes the city smell FANTASTIC.
The sellers are mostly young men who says things like "aboot" and "eh". They make elaborate tree forts and live at their stands for weeks right up to Christmas Day.
Chille knows one thing for sure: he wants a tree his size...
Since They Might Be Giants have a hit song for Kids called 'C is for Conifers', Chille debates the finer points of Frasier versus Douglas with ease...
As a street-savvy New Yorker, Chille drives a hard bargain...
They finally agree on 25 bucks, including tax, tip, and delivery... What more can I say other than it's New York versus New Brunswick!
And although Jean Michel sleeps in his car while selling, he has built an AWESOME tree fort.
As Jean-Michel saws off the end for a fresh cut, I can't help but fondly recall my father chopping down our family's tree with my brothers, as we plodded through the thick snows of Minnesota...
Chille, tree, and new friend head through da Hood...
Once back home, Chille spies our ornaments. Since New Yorkers don't have attics or basements, our sentiments can be filed away every year in a folder...
Chille carefully unfolds the homemade 'paper doll' ornaments.
'Homer Kissing, circa 2004'
We laugh at our older ones and talk about new designs that we will make this year and beyond.
Just another ordinary day in an extraordinary city...
Live from da Hood Chille’s NYC adventures take us to the FDNY Fire Zone at Rockefeller Center
A two year old boy got to try on real fire fighting clothing, go inside a real fire engine, and speak with real firemen while his single mom got to flirt with New York’s Bravest. Could there be a better way to spend an afternoon?!
There's a lot to do in the shops around Rockefeller Plaza.
There's the gaming paradise Nintendo World Store on the corner...
There's the skating rink and tree...
There's money to give and bells to ring...
Tourists and fans who ask Chille to be in photos...
There is the Swarovsky Crystal Star that will be placed on top of the tree...
There's the "Must See" NBC Experience Store...
And certainly, for the first time ever, the brand new Lionel Electric Train Store is open for the season...
Right across from the Radio City Music Hall in Rockefeller Center
But even this piece of action couldn't compete with where we were headed...
With a huff and a puff and no encouragement necessary, Chille ran down 51st street in search of the zone...
Live from da Hood Chille's NYC adventures take us to the FDNY Fire Zone!!
It's hard to imagine that this tiny storefront holds THIS MUCH fun...
Everything is real. All the buttons work and Chille has the time of his life flipping this and pushing that...
The radio is going and an emergency call comes in from Dispatch...
Firefighter Chille assures his men that he will safely and quickly get them to the scene!
Firefighter Chille shows no fear as he bravely climbs down to join his men...
The men's gear awaits them...
So Firefighter Chille dons a REAL FDNY fire fighting coat...
And wears the shockingly heavy hat of a brave FDNY Firefighter!!
There's so much to turn and prepare on the Fire Engine...
There are real FDNY Firefighters to show how the tanks and gas masks are to be worn.
If you've ever wondered how much the equipment weighs and feels, this is the place to not just SEE it, but to EXPERIENCE it all.
There is a wall with hundreds of badges representing every different possible fire house throughout the world. The sign in the center of these badges read "It's the greatest job in the world".
Of course, the FDNY Gift Shop is not to be missed!
All proceeds from the toys and DVDs and clothing and action figures go to support the non-profit FDNY Foundation.
They even sold life-saving infant CPR kits complete with Dummy and DVD for only $40.
And, hey, it was the too-steamy 2008 FDNY Calendar of Heroes that made that year's calendar the last, by order of the commissioner in NYC. So, you know, I think of it as a hot collectors item! Actually, I'd say it was SMOKIN'!!
All the FDNY Firemen at the FDNY Fire Zone were extremely polite and kind and able to educate you at every turn...
And with Future FDNY Firefighter Chille ready to go home with his well-deserved souveniers...
And Mama, um, feeling charitable (or something like that...)
Chille heads out of the FDNY Fire Zone, promising to return again... probably a lot, really... Hey, it's FREE!!
Just another ordinary day in an extraordinary city....
Live from da Hood Chille’s NYC adventures take us to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!!
Ah, to see the world through Chille's eyes....
To get a prime viewing spot, most parade goers arrive at 6:30 a.m.
Like all SUPER DUPER MAMAS, much research went into finding just the right spot for me and Chille...
Chille was a bit concerned while swimming among legs... But hang in there, Mama's got a plan...
THAT'S what I'm talking about! The corner of 42nd street and 6th avenue makes for the PERFECT vantage point to see all the balloons not just head on, but their profile, as well!
Although the parade starts at 9 a.m. from 77th street, the 35 blocks it travels to reach us takes awhile... The NBC helicopter clued us in to the Parade's arrival.
Here it comes!! YEA!!!
Spiderman is so COOL!! He's coming right at us!
My personal fav - Kermit the Frog has a difficult time making that sharp turn. Hang on, guys!
Chille was happily in awe of the entire experience... I believe he'll never forget this day.
Yes, the bunny of the hour. Often times, I think Chille has the endurance and energy that he has due to his pacemaker. It gives new meaning to the phrase "Who put a quarter in him?" We are very proud of the battery inside of Chille, as it has been keeping him alive each and every day...
The biggest crowd pleaser of the parade: Sesame Street! Go Big Bird!!
Chille gets a lift from his friend as the gang from Sesame Street goes by...
It's Abby Cadabby, a fairy-in-training!!
Every new spell she casts turns into a pumpkin. Keep trying, girl, you'll get it!!
Since the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is shown live on NBC, some of the floats and bands are held back for optimal home viewing. Sometimes, this could be as long as 20 minutes. To keep the crowd entertained, hundreds of clowns zipped by on rollerblades capturing our hearts and minds.
Pokemon elicited another HUGE wave of excitement. AWESOME!!
With all that waiting, befriending our neighbors and getting to know those around us unified us all in our common goal: The Best Experience Possible!
After seeing all of the balloons, I was SHOCKED at the size of Shrek. That is one BIG OL' OGRE!!
I must admit that for the adults, much suspense and intriguing entertainment came in the form of "Can they REALLY make that turn?" All did not always go smoothly and it was fun to watch them lose control and then back up and when they FINALLY got it right, everyone erupted into applause. Gotta love New Yorkers! We expect perfection. Just look at the Yankees!!
In case you haven't noticed, it wasn't just the parade and clowns that made today special. Getting in touch with this breathtaking city means getting out there, hitting the streets, and engaging in one another's lives...
The two floats that brought the girls to their knees was this princess float and....
Mitchel Musso! (I think the tween gals just fainted...)
Mmmm.... Have you had YOUR break today? Well, as a matter of fact, I am feeling a bit hungry...
As Chille and I make our way home via the subway, we catch an NYPD Bomb-sniffing Police Dog taking a well deserved rest while watching the balloons parade by...
Live from da Hood Chille's NYC adventures have us appreciating the arts and stoking the local economy once again...
Well, as long as kids fit UNDER the turnstile, they still ride free...
Just another ordinary day in an extraordinary city...
Live from da Hood Chille’s NYC adventures take us to the Natural History Museum on Central Park West to see the inflation of the balloons for the 2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
OUCH! Roadblock right out of the gate!
If you've ever wondered what those sidewalk grates were, now you know... They lead to the basement of the business where most merchandise is stored.
Live from da Hood Chille's NYC adventures take us to the subway!
Once inside, the 5th avenue station is our favorite.
The artwork is stunning and the walls are lined with Children's verses...
This is where MAMA'S adventure begins. Here is Chille waiting diligently for the B train...
When I lift Chille over the gap and into the train, he starts yelling "Express, Mama, Express!" and jumps up on the seat to show me the map. There is a subway map in every car on the subway.
Chille was still flipping out, so I took this photo. Yep, that is a D not a B you see in the upper left of the photo...
Naturally, when we needed to get off on 81st street and the D express train went shooting through the stations from 59th up to 125th, then, yes, I realized my mistake and we got off to catch the B local going the other way....
Of course, I thought that Chille was telling me that he wanted the Express, not that I had mistakenly put us on the Express. Why would I trust a two year old to tell me where to go on the subway?!
As we board the correct train, I marvel at the fact that these two passengers are studying the map when all they had to do was turn around and ask a 2 year old how to get where they needed to go. Lesson LEARNED! I'll follow Chille from now on...
Chille finds this entire thing amusing.... I've lived here for over a decade and STILL a native New Yorker will correct you every time...
The 81st street station at the Museum for Natural History is cool enough for a visit itself!
The walls are covered with interesting fossils to find, and since we are below ground, it seems completely plausible!
Since 9/11, if you enter the NYC Public Transportation System, then you waive some of your rights that you may be used to.... A cop at any time can search your bags and ask for identification and throughout NYC, it is illegal not to possess some sort of I.D. on you at all times...
Of course, we LOVE the NYPD and they are usually the most friendly people you'll ever meet. No wonder we call them New York's Finest! This is adorable Officer Diaz....sigh....
Once on the ground, we can feel the excitement building....
OOH! When the antenna is up, that means they are doing a LIVE feed! We are getting closer....
WOWZAH!!! Is that what I think it is?!
Live from da Hood Chille's NYC adventures take us to the DAY BEFORE the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for the blowing up of the balloons!
So cool! It's Disney's Mickey Mouse!!
This is the debut of the new Sailor Mickey Mouse... and we LOVE fleet week in NYC! See you later, Sailor...
This is only the third new design of Mickey Mouse in 80 years that Mickey has been in the parade. Isn't it exciting that we get the first sneak peek!
Not to be outdone is everyone's favorite: Snoopy versus the Red Baron!
It takes a lot of weights to hold these guys down, and they are always needing more weights added...
The entire ordeal is a well choreographed ballet...
Checking out Chille checking out the balloons... Gotcha!
Buzz to the Rescue! Just in time for Disney Pixar's Toy Story 3 opening June 18, 2010. We'll be there, Buzz!
Here you can see all the people working on Buzz...
It takes a village to raise Buzz Lightyear!!
The truck in the back is holding giant canisters of the helium, which is fed through the hoses hooked up to the balloons. Hola! This is Nick Jr.'s Dora the Explorer...
As the sun sets on Wednesday, Macy's plans to work all through the night until morning. The bright flood lights are getting ready to be lit.
Santa is resting up for the big day. Unless, of course, he had a tad too much egg nog. Because THAT will do this, too...
We had a blast watching the Hello Kitty balloon inflate.
It is hard to believe that I grew up watching the Smurf's and this is the first year that Macy's has ever had a Smurf balloon.
Note to self... STOP EATING! Is it any wonder that the Pillsbury Doughboy needs the most weights to keep him down?
Uh-Oh! Chille just can't control himself when he's around candy! Yummy!
Live from da Hood Chille's NYC adventures bring you so close to the balloons...
You can TASTE them! Ooh! He spots another!!
Even the smallest balloons that we saw are several stories high and larger than a truck.
What can I say? I can ALWAYS find the catering truck...
Live from da Hood Chille's NYC adventures have us REALLY excited for the big day!
Since it started to rain, Chille decided to cut through the Museum of Natural History to reach the subway home.
But everywhere we turn, interesting things abound! This is the Times Capsule created by the NYTimes by designer Santiago Calatrava and placed outside the museum in 2001. It is intended to remain sealed until January 1, 3000. Yeah, stay tuned for THAT blog...
What can I say? Just walking through the AMNH to the subway is awesome...
And just about as Mama starts feeling like THIS....
I ask Chille to pick up the pace until.....
And I thought clean, free, accessible bathrooms with changing tables had become EXTINCT!
And just when I thought that Thanksgiving was all commercialized and Chille had no idea what everything meant....
With much sorrow, a reminder to us all...
Just another ordinary day in an extraordinary city... PEACE OUT!!
Live from da Hood Chille’s NYC adventures take us to 5th Avenue and the FAO SCHWARZ Toy Store.
To the subway!!
Chille chills while we wait for the train to arrive...
It would take this woman juggling heads to get anyone's attention on the NYC subway. She is wearing a beautiful red kimono and not one person even glances her way...
I joke that the subway combines two of Chille's loves: stairs and trains...
How do you know you are near 5th avenue? When the bags start saying things like Henri Bendel or Tiffany or Jimmy Choo...
Chille knows he is close; he can smell the roasting nuts from the street vendors and picks up his pace...
When what to my wandering eye should appear?!
A street vendor who CLEARLY should have an honorary MBA from Wharton, only one block away from the bustling FAO Schwarz...
I pick..... THIS ONE!!
NYC Street Vendors are AWESOME. These die-cast metal replicas of NYC taxis and buses and NYPD cars are only $10 a piece!
Like a good New Yorker, he checks to make sure the merchandise is working correctly before taking off. Doors open? Check. Hood opens? Check.
Wheels move along the shiney, clean windows? Check.
No license and already driving a taxi cab.... Only in NY, kids, only in NY...
Just waiting to cross 5th avenue with the Taxis whizzing by and the beautiful Plaza Hotel across the street.
These street performers work for tips. If you take a picture of them, they'd really appreciate you dropping a buck in their can by their feet...
Ah, a ride around Central Park in a horse drawn carriage at sunset.... these are called "Hansom Cabs" and are such a delight!
This time of year is the Hansom Cabdriver's busiest season. This is when they make all their money for the entire year.
Crowds of tourists gather and wait around for a very long time to catch a ride while New Yorkers effortlessly grab the first one they spot. How do we do this? Alright, I’ll let you in on our little secret. But first, just let me grab a ride for me and Chille…
There. That only took a moment and the tourists are all staring at us and are pretty pissed...
Although the official cost of a ride is $34 with each additional 15 minutes costing another $10, we know that they really charge $50 and have a bizarre way of adding this up for the tourists, talking tips and surcharges, and what have you....
When it is really just simple economics 101: supply and demand. You want it, they got it! $50 bucks.
So we walk up to the curb, make eye contact with the Hansom Cabdriver, and say "$50 bucks!"
BAM! There you go! You get to ride!
This is Frank. Ni Hao, Frank! He is from Shanghai and is the only Chinese cabdriver in Central Park.
Frank is funny...
This is Ceasar! The Humane Society carefully monitors these horses. They only work a certain number of hours in certain temperatures, etc. They have a pretty rocking life. Hey, we all live in boxes, too!!
Chille was completely mesmerized the entire time...
The most exciting part was that we got to ride in a horse-drawn carriage along side all of the taxis and trucks and cars and buses.... FEARLESSLY!
Bye-Bye, Ceasar! Smell ya later!
Chille sits for his first ever NYC street portrait - a rite of passage!
This is Kuy, he's from Korea. At the very most, in spite of the $90-$150 that they may first quote you, $20 is MORE THAN fair for one of these, and expect to pay just a little more for the frame. They make really good gifts for Grandparents!
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
Back on the other side of 5th, we make our way towards the Mecca of all Toys...
What can I say? It is even cooler than what you could ever imagine...
Yes, they have guards and ropes and CONCRETE to prevent people from doing this.... but he is two... and SO DAMN QUICK!!
Either he saw the cops through the glass coming towards him or he got bored... I'm not really sure...
MECCA!! (even our Hajj involved a train and a horse;)
Sure, he is dressed and works for FAO Schwarz, so you expect him to pose for a photo. But to actually get on his knees to sing the ABC's while Chille danced? WOWZAH!!
Ok, for as much as I joke that Chille is famous, HE IS NOT. Here he is being escorted by the doorman around the velvet ropes and treated like Santa Claus himself. Why? Because he is just a kid, and THAT'S what they do here!
HANDS DOWN, this was the best experience we've ever had, and we are barely through the doors...
Right when you enter, there is a staircase for children to climb up to enjoy a view of the entire store!
Although featured in the movie Big with Tom Hanks playing the giant piano, I didn't realize something so fantastic was in our own backyard!
Amazing!
The classic toys are beautiful to look at and touch and experience...
It doesn't take long for Chille to see what he wants Mama to purchase!
Yummy!
Truthfully, when I went up to buy some water and a treat for Chille, the total came to $6.53. After realizing that I had spent most of my cash and was digging around for change, I said to the cashier "I'm sorry, I guess I'll have to pay with my debit card..." "How much are you short?" the Cashier asked. "Oh, I'm not even close. I've got like, $5.80." "No problem! We have a pile of coins here for when customers are short! Enjoy your visit!" ENJOY IT, I SHALL!!
The muppet workshop was really cool....
But we were on a mission! We were looking for Chille's all time FAVORITE and we knew he lived SOMEWHERE in the FAO SCHWARZ Toy Store...
YEA!!! EEBEE!!! Eebee, Mama, Eebee!!! Every Baby Company's Eebee's Adventures!!!!
Chille's Eebee doll has traveled the globe with Chille. Eebee has been in every hospital stay and every room that Chille has ever lived in. Eebee has been there for as long as Chille has been HERE.
Chille wanted to hug each and every Eebee doll.... and I kinda think we did....
Someone in Customer Service decided that they wouldn't just be awesome, but that at every opportunity, they would "WOW US" with their interactions...
When a store employee saw that the kid who just took every Eebee off the shelf to hug and kiss Eebee is the same kid that is now taking every Leap Frog ABC Learning Phonics off the shelves, the employee said to Chille "Awesome! Let's sing and take them all down!"
And so they did! I could not have ever imagined such an incredible experience for my son...
Live from da Hood Chille's NYC adventures has us scratching our heads, making sure we didn't forget ANYTHING!
The sign says "thanks for visiting".... No, no, no, no....
..... thank YOU!!!!!
Just another ordinary day in an extraordinary city...
Live from da Hood Chille’s NYC Adventures take us to The Heart Center at the Morgan Stanley Childrens Hospital at Columbia University.
Chille gets ready to ride the rails...
At Times Square, we have a couple of options to get up to 168th street in Manhattan, the neighborhood known as Washington Heights.
Although the Express A train will get you there in about 20 minutes, we choose the local 1/9 line, which takes close to 45 minutes, because it goes from an underground subway up to an elevated train when we go through Harlem. For a subway enthusiast, there is nothing better!
After a few brief stops, the train heads back underground.
The 1/9 line at 168th street lets you off down in the "bowels of NYC". One of the worst subway stations in NYC, you walk over the trains on a very shakey platform that has been around for close to 100 years. Chille would live there if I let him. I always feel like I need a bath when we leave...
There is no way out but for an elevator that has seen so much crime, it has a 24 hour MTA attendant. Nothing makes you feel safe like a shiney orange vest!
There are lots of street vendors peddling gifts for people recuperating in the hospital.
Chille spots an adult male fan in matching duds... The highest form of flattery, Chille knows his urban stylings are sought after by the best of 'em...;)
Live from da Hood, Chille's NYC adventures take us to Morgan Stanley Childrens Hospital.
If you don't want to venture down in the bowels of NYC, I recommend the safe and clean alternative of the A express train to 168th. For those who may be driving, the hospital has valet parking, which I also recommend, because finding a spot around the Columbia Medical Center is close to impossible and the hospital does NOT offer a discounted rate. So you might as well treat yourself with Valet, a very rare occurrence in the city.
Chille and I have lived in childrens hospitals all over the world, and we have never encountered a better, cooler, more awesome experience than the new Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital in NYC.
There is a beautiful gift shop right at the entrance, where I once spotted Oprah's Dr. Oz.
At the Maurice Sendak Security Desk, you must show your i.d. to get a hospital pass. If you are a frequent guest, ask the guard for a permanent i.d. badge that they give out yearly for parents of children with "extra" needs.
We have a rule when we are in the hospital: "You can't get into trouble here", meaning that anything goes. This makes the experience much more fun and Chille usually races into the hospital instead of being dragged in kicking and screaming. I recommend adopting this policy if your child spends a lot of time here.
Live from da Hood Maestro Chille takes a moment to conduct the animal orchestra. BRAVO!!
The art is top notch, and even if you are walking down a long corridor, you can follow a story as you go!
This story titled 'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day' by Judith Viorst is about a boy who has such a bad day, he wants to move to Australia. Not a bad idea! Oh, wait a minute... We've actually done that!
When we go to the hospital, we always bring a special bike or scooter that Chille only gets to ride indoors here. It makes the transitions from labs to offices to X-ray a lot more fun and I often say "Show the nurse how fast you can go!" to get him there.
Go Chille!
Chille shows off his shirt. Nurses find irony entertaining....
Just a little farther....
SO much closer now!!
WOW! Another elevator...
There is not an inch that isn't decorated... This is the ceiling!
Are we there yet? Good directions are key...
Lo and behold, we've MADE it!!
After that journey, Mama's heart is racing!
Chille and friend take a much deserved break while Mama checks in with Gloria.
Soon we are called back for the 1st phase of the visit, an EKG.
Chille laughs as the tech explains to him that she is going to "charge him up" so that Chille can "go even faster". OMG. No. Please. ANYTHING but THAT!!
Chille helps by counting them as she goes...
All ready to begin!
She sings Yo Gabba Gabba's 'Hold STILLLLLLLLLLL' song and gets Chille to cooperate perfectly. Well done!
While we take a break before phase two, Chille celebrates a victory! The hospital gown he is wearing was custom made by his loving Grandma. Frustrated with the usual gowns, which are difficult and require a nurse to assist and unplug IVs and the like, I created and designed a gown that can be worn and put on without any assistance or need to unplug anything. If you would like to order some gowns for your child, email me and let me know what type of material you'd like. Chille usually wears Thomas and Cars and all things boy, but Grandma can do ANYTHING!
Chille is called back to begin the next phase and stops for a quick height and weight check.
The doors to the suites are made like farm barn doors.
Each room has a different theme and a television with all the latest kids cable channels.
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. You can see how the heart is functioning and how the blood moves through each valve and chamber.
An Echo can take as long as the tech can make it. Some have been 10 minutes, others can go for 3 hours or more.
I usually schedule it around his nap time and following a lot of excercise so that he is good and tired. Go ahead and bring a bottle full of milk and let them veg out to the tv or DVD.
Chille is engrossed in an episode of Garfield. I think it is the one where the cat gets in trouble for eating all of Jon Arbuckle's pan of lasagne...;)
After the echo, Chille passes the time with a lollipop.
Hmmmm.... they've thought of everything. When I stand next to the kids toilet, I feel like Alice in Wonderland. Chille makes it look to scale.
At Phase three, Chille meets with the cardiac nurse for a blood pressure reading.
The cuff on the left is a normal adult size. The green one is child sized and the orange cuff is for an infant.
Chille has a Medtronic Dual-Chamber Pacemaker implanted in his tiny abdomen. He holds the part that connects the pacemaker to the laptop. (That photograph on his pillow is of Chille when he was a baby. I bring it to remind the staff how far he has come!)
From here, we can see how his pacemaker is doing and tweak its settings...
Chille flirts with the nurse and tries to get her digits...
It's all good on this front!
FINALLY! The main event.... Live from da Hood Chille's NYC adventures take us to his Cardiologist, Dr. Leonardo Liberman. With all the technology Chille's been exposed to today, there is nothing like a good old-fashioned listen with a stethoscope by an expert who has heard it all...
....just when we thought we were done....
Dr. Liberman orders a 24 hour EKG that Chille will wear home as he goes about his life called a Holter Heart Monitor. It will record every heart beat from 5 different points over the next night and day. I'd hate to be the one who has to read all that!
Ah, nurses. I told you they like to be entertained! Where would we be without them? WE LOVE NURSES!!
With heart monitor carefully secured, we are all ready to head home...
As we exit the hospital, we pass by an original Picasso. The irony that this is now how Mama feels after spending the entire day at the Heart Center does NOT escape me.
As we wait for the A train home, Chille consults the subway map which he lovingly refers to as "The Island of Sodor".
Just another ordinary day in an extraordinary city...
Live from da Hood Chille’s NYC adventures take us to Times Square for a Double Feature of Disney Pixar’s Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in 3D!
Chille's leads us to the subway, the easiest way to get to the heart of Times Square...
Dressed in his Yankee shades of blue and white, he shows some respect as the boys bring home a World Series Win!
Even the subway lights up in Times Square!
Chille spots where we are going.... The Toys r Us flagship store!
Chille can hardly wait for a turn on the 60 foot indoor ferris wheel.
Each car on the ferris wheel has a different theme.
You don't have the opportunity to pick what car you ride, but since each one is totally awesome, it isn't a problem.
The staff is all smiles and the individual attention that they give each child is refreshing.
Chille was thrilled to ride in the FisherPrice Little People School Bus. However, he soon forgot what he was sitting in because the ride was so incredible!
You could do this every day and still find new things to explore from the view!
With toy in hand, the movies are only a few blocks away...
The old days of dime bags and transvestite hookers are a thing of the past in the squeaky clean safe Disneyification of Times Square.
Lots of New York's Finest patrol on foot, motorcycle and on horses. The NYPD are always willing to help out a single mom Catch him!
Even the US Army is at the crossroads of the world!
Chille stops for a quick dance outside BB King's...
Live from da Hood Chille's NYC adventures take us to Disney Pixar's Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in 3D! Chille's first cinematic experience...
Just another ordinary day in an extraordinary city...
