Sarah's Soundbites

Sarah is always talking. Chattering, repeating, pontificating, and conversing - the child is never silent.

A selection of her latest soundbites:

When Max is upset:
"It be ok. I help you, Max. It be fine. It be ok. Have a pretzel."

When she is called a nickname:
I NOT a love bunny.
I NOT Sarah Cat.
I NOT squir woor (squirmy worm).
I NOT a Baby!
I AM BIG GIRL!

Scene: Family is in car driving past a house being renovated and painted.

Mommy to Daddy: I like the color they painted that house. I wonder if they are going to get a new roof.
Sarah: They get new roof?
Mommy: I'm not sure.
Sarah: They get new roof.
Every time we pass the house in the car for the next two weeks:
Sarah: They get new roof, Mommy? They get new roof?


Scene: Mommy desperately tries to find Sarah's red shoes before leaving to meet friends for dinner. Unable to find the red or white shoes, Mommy resorts to sandals with pink flowers and delivers them to Sarah in the car.

Sarah: Those no match (her dress).
Mommy: I know they don't match, but I can't find your red shoes.
Sarah: They in Mommy's purse.
Mommy: No, they aren't in my purse.
Sarah: No match! No match!
Mommy: Your shoes were in the living room, but now I can't find them.
Sarah: They in Mommy's purse.

*Lightbulb*

Mommy: Did you put them in Mommy's purse, Sarah?
Sarah: Yeaaaaah. (Big smile)

And upon returning home to where Mommy had left her purse, the red shoes were discovered.

Moral: Always ask Sarah first.

New York, New York

The Big Apple with our Big Boy

It is so interesting to view a place from a child's perspective.

Max noticed (and repeatedly commented on) the air conditioners, water tanks, and fire escapes on buildings

 and the steam from manholes. 

There was something exciting and new to see at every turn!

It was really special to Mommy and Daddy to have individual time with Max. Mimi and Babba were thrilled to take care of our sweet girl while we were away. As a mother, I have lots of time alone with Sarah while Max is at school or an activity, but it is rare to have time with only Max. And as much as he loves his sister, Max also loved being the sole focus of our attention for a few days! Sarah excitedly told everyone that we were in "New Yoke" and was only slightly distraught at our delay in getting home. She asked Mimi, "Why Mommy plane not fly?" However, her biggest hugs were for Max when we finally got home!

Once again, I am so grateful for this little man and I think he truly appreciates the opportunities we have provided. He said, "Thank you for letting me go to New York with you. I had the best time ever." 

Me too.

NYC: All Around the Town

So many attractions to see in NYC...let the exploring begin! 

Rockefeller Center

 Top of the Rock

Max assumed we were in the Empire State Building because that is the only tall building in New York, right? We did not correct him. Yep, we lie to our child in order to avoid extra walking.

American Museum of Natural History

Future Paleontologist, reporting for duty

Dinosaurs, at last!

Max went on a scavenger hunt through the dinosaur exhibits matching fossils to pictures on an app the museum offered.

Ferocious creatures!

Fossils everywhere, even underfoot!

Max's favorite part of the museum was the interactive Discovery Room. It had hands-on activities which mimicked the real exhibits in the museum. 

Excavating in a cast of actual fossils

and assembling a dinosaur model.

Each piece was numbered and had to be matched to the correct spot, then attached by magnets.

Many other children came and went, but the Max remained focused until he finished the entire model!

"Is that the real Statue of Liberty? I thought it was bigger."

Central Park

Conquering the big rocks!

Bubble Mania!

Familiar Friends

Statue of Liberty

Max was very eager to see the Statue of Liberty and discuss its construction. Lady Liberty was still closed to tourists during our trip, so we just cruised by on the ferry. Luckily for the passengers next to us, Max provided a history lesson about the "great friendship" between the United States and France.

9/11 Memorial and new World Trade Center

We were already in lower Manhattan and I really wanted to visit the 9/11 Memorial; I did not realize how difficult it was to do so. The area is still a construction site and only a certain number of visitors are allowed in at a time. Waiting in line, going through stringent security, and winding our way to the Memorial took an hour. Even though I had not prepared Max about the site, he was very respectful and patient during our wait. Inside the park area felt like a place of peace.

The Lion King

The touring version of The Lion King came to Greenville last summer, but we decided Max wasn't old enough to attend. This year, Broadway beckoned! Having seen the production, I knew to request aisle seats so we could watch the characters walk through the theatre. Max's face was ecstatic when they walked by his seat and stopped to sing right beside him! He was bouncing in his seat and eager to join the cast! Later, he whispered to me, "Sarah would love the giraffes, Mommy!" I think I watched his face more than the show - both were delightful!

Times Square

Enjoying the hustle and bustle of the big city!