A Visit from the In-Laws!

Last weekend, Scott's parents, Judy and Steve, visited us from Mn!  As arts-lovers themselves, we always find ways to have fun and this time we saw two plays (both Tony nominated I should add.)

Scott, Me, Judy & Steve @ Mel's Burger Bar on W110th Street. (Great shakes!)

The first show we saw was War Horse, a huge hit of a play that started in London and involves some of the most amazing puppetry I've ever seen.  (See the Lincoln Center Theater link below.)  Another perk of seeing the show?  One of Scott's former classmates (and friend) from Temple University is in it. Austin Durant plays Chapman Carter and Manfred in the production and audience members will be stunned by his powerful voice and the fact that he's only 27 years old.  Needless to say, the show was incredible, and I would recommend it to anyone.  Excellent use of theatrical devices.

Lincoln Center Theater : Media Player

The second play we saw was much more light-hearted.  The Book of Mormon (a musical) was written by the creators of South Park (a show I don't especially like).  It was good to get away from their known characters on South Park and see how funny these writers really are!  The show does take quite the jab at Mormons, as it does at Catholics and Jews and...basically everyone.  But I think the message is good.  And the show is hilarious.  What surprised me the most is how catchy the songs are! This is definitely an album I will be buying. And good news: The show plans to tour so get your tickets soon because they WILL sell out.

The rest of the weekend was spent dining and shopping in SoHo. (Oh darn ;) ).  We visited a store that is a huge favorite of Judy's called Versani which features handcrafted, beautiful jewelry.  I was spoiled a bit and Steve, Judy and Scott all chipped in to buy me some one-of-a-kind wood embedded hoop earrings.  They are awesome.

Looking forward to spending more time with Judy and Steve when I visit Minnesota at the end of June!  It was nice to be able to share "our city" with them!

May 4th, 1973

On May 4th, 1973, my parents tied the knot and I'd like to take this opportunity to wish them a Happy Anniversary!!  By the way, 38 years?? You guys are old! (wink wink.)  Love you!

Alex & Karen 

#91 Zoe and Heather visit NY!

365 Blog Challenge: Post #91

As mentioned a few days ago, we were lucky enough to have my sister-in-law, Heather, and our niece Zoe visit us in NY last week!  They were here for 3 days, and they were packed full of dolls, junk food, toys, and plays! A 5-year-old's dream! (And very fun for the rest of us as well!)

We all took a 20 minute carriage ride through Central Park. We tried to ignore the taunts of the protesters who think the horses are being mistreated.  How could they taunt this cute 5-year-old??

Zoe and Mama Heather, about the time that Zoe said this was the best day ever.

We really ran Zoe ragged on the first day.  She conked out sound asleep on the subway on the way to get dinner in Soho.  However, for those of you who watched her video posted a few days ago, you can attest to the fact that she got her groove back after this cat nap.

Breakfast at Alice's Teacup!  I have been wanting to take a little girl there ever since going there my first time for a friend's birthday, and Zoe is the perfect age to appreciate the Alice and Wonderland themed restaurant.  She had her first tea party and tried tea for the first time and liked it!

Unkie Scott got Mango tea.

Aunty Lauren got this cup of coffee that was almost the size of her head (but delicious! Very impressed with their coffee!)

The nice gentleman at the front register let Zoe wear some fairy wings while we finished breakfast.  She was  so caught up in all the excitement that she didn't even seen Cynthia Nixon walk in as we were leaving (though she wouldn't have known her if she did. But Unkie Scott and Aunty Lauren knew!)

Zoe stops to smell the flowers.

Love watching Scott take care of Zoe. What a good uncle!

Heather and Zoe at MOMA.  Zoe lost interest in this museum very quickly. 

My favorite picture at MOMA, and it's of words.  Is this a surprise?  

Zoe and her Mama on the ferris wheel at Toys R' Us in Time Square.  Zoe confided that riding a ferris wheel was one of her dreams and didn't throw a hissy fit about not getting the Barbie car like some other girls we saw.

In the midst of all the lights and dazzle of Time Square, Zoe paused, put her hands on her knees and screamed.  She'd found Starbucks.  And here is Mister Starbucks who offered to take a picture with her after she got her Madelines (cookies).  Grandma Judy, you've created a Madeline Monster!

Unfortunately, I wasn't paying attention while deleting some old cruise photos on my camera and accidentally deleted some FAO Schwartz and American Girl Store photos. :(  Also, while we loved the play, didn't take many pictures there.  We sure had fun! Aunty Lauren had so much fun that she developed a cold, but it was worth it.

#86 A visit from 2 of our favorite ladies...

365 Blog Challenge: Post #86

You may (or may not) have noticed an absence in my posts the last few days.  That would be because Scott and I have been entertaining two of our favorite ladies: Scott's sister, Heather, and our 5-year-old niece, Zoe.  We have had so much fun!  Who knew there was so much in NY for kids to enjoy?  We've hit up the American Girl doll store, FAO Schwartz, Mary Poppins the Broadway musical and eaten TONS of tasty treats.  After gaining 5 pounds on our cruise, I quickly lost three after working 3 straight shifts and eating less.  However, I may be back to my post-cruise weight again after all the sweets we've had.  I'll post pics in the next day or so, but I wanted to give you a preview of my niece's talents- She's an independent spirit who loves to sing and dance so we were not wholly surprised when she broke out into dance randomly in a pizza shop on Sunday night.  Wish I had those moves!

#57 Minnesota Recap Part 2

365 Blog Challenge: Post #57

As promised, more highlights from the trip home:

My sister-in-law and brother-in-law's beautiful new house in Victoria , Minnesota

Tyler, Dani and Zoe, together at last.

Zoe dancing to Aladdin.  What a superstar.

Dani can't wait til she can do such fun stuff!

Tyler trying to catch "butterflies" from his elephant trunk.  So cute.

Three of my favorite people in the world.

Grandma Karen and Dani dancing.  Dani loves her Grandma!

I sure love this little girl (and her mama, not pictured)!

#56 Minnesota Recap Part 1

365 Blog Challenge: Post #56

I enjoyed a lovely weekend in Minnesota and returned to New York today.  Here are some highlights:

Feeding Dani (aka Toots) solid food.  Here are some carrots though she prefers sweet stuff like her Auntie Lo.

This is Dani's way of kissing we've been decided.  Really, she's teething and will latch onto anything she can get her mouth around including cheeks and noses.  It's so cute though we call them kisses.  And look at that girl's grip!  My cheek was being ripped off!

Yep. There's a bunch of Dani-spit up my nose.

Toots gets a tubby.

Randomly in town the same weekend as Jamie so she joined my family for dinner and became semi-addicted to Angry Birds.

Playing Angry Birds with Toots.  She just likes to get her fingers all over my iPad mostly.

Jamie looks like a natural!

Accidental Mickey Mouse pancake courtesy of my dad.

More highlights to come!

#53 Once upon a time...

365 Blog Challenge: Post #53

Tonight I had dinner with my in-laws at Scott's parents' house.  Tyler, my almost three-year-old, nephew made my night.  As my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and I sat on the floor in Scott's old bedroom, Tyler sat on the bed with a guitar in his lap that is bigger than he is.  "Once upon a time," he began, "there was a girl named Cinderella..." and then filled the air with interlude music.  So maybe he's only three and doesn't know any chords or notes and can't even hold the guitar up correctly.  But it was adorable, and I felt like crying I was so happy to see Tyler in his element.   After his solo, my mother-in-law and niece, Zoe, joined him for a jam session of songs on impromptu drums (Thomas the Tank Engine book) and xylophone.  What a fun night.  Love the creativity bursting from Tyler and Zoe's cute little heads.

Grandma Judy, Tyler and Zoe

#47 Things to look forward to...

365 Blog Challenge: Post #47

After a dull, dreary and snowy winter, I can not wait for the snow (some of which just fell last night) to melt and the trees to bud and the sun to shine on us in NY.  I know winters around the country have been terrible.  If this is the new trend for winters, I think I'm gonna need a sun lamp and a bigger travel budget because this has been the worst NY winter in my 5 years here.  Between many snow storms, colder than average temperatures (no, not as cold as Mn but I've become a wuss), and lots of overcast days, I need some sun!

Luckily, Scott and I have lots to look forward to this spring!

First stop for me is Minnesota this weekend where I look forward to seeing my family (in-laws included!), reminding Dani who her favorite Auntie is, and seeing my sister-in-law's new house in Victoria, Mn.  We have gotten a skype tour but not quite as good as the real thing.  Going home is usually a good stress reliever for me.  Just being able to get places door to door by car is a treat!  I leave this Thursday and am hoping the weather allows me to get to Mn on time. Maybe not so tropical but fun nonetheless.

Next month, as mentioned before, Scott and I are going on a Caribbean cruise!  Yes, I am a little nervous about being in the middle of the ocean and not being able to see any land.  But from everything I hear, you're in your own little community on the ship so it's not so scary.  And the ship appears to be amazing!  Scott and I have challenged each other to climb the rock wall.  And we plan to go into the rain forest in Panama.

A few days after we return from the cruise, we have a couple special visitors coming- Heather (my sister-in-law) and Zoe (our 5-year-old-niece).  Scott has been trying to get those 2 out here for as long as I can remember and we can't wait to spoil our niece a little bit in a NY way.  We're going to see Mary Poppins and definitely will make a stop at Dylan's Candy Bar.

Last, as summer approaches (still seems so far away!), Scott's parents are going to come stay with us for a few days.  Speaking of being spoiled, they are always gracious enough to take us to a show or two while they're in town and this time we're seeing The Book of Mormon, a musical by the creators of South Park, as well as possibly War Horse in which one of Scott's former Temple classmates, Austin Durant, is making his Broadway debut.

So God, just get me through these next few dreary days (can't complain too much, no work!) and then we'll have some exciting stories and photos to share.  Hang in there troops. Spring is just around the corner!

#21 Dani jammin' out

365 Blog Challenge: Post #21

www.bachnickphoto.com/gallery/download/DaniBaker2895.MOV

It has been a rough work week, probably my worst thus far in my nursing career.  Not only did my patient pass away on Monday, but another "frequent flier" of ours, a young many in his 40s, died of very unexpected circumstances on another unit this week also.  I don't feel I get overly attached to most patients, but once you've gotten to know someone over time, it makes it much more difficult to lose them.

Last night it all came to a head.  I was step-down nurse (more acute beds than regular beds, not quite as acute as ICU beds).  One of my patients was physically unstable all night and another one was mentally unstable for much of the night and yes, they happened to share a room.  Given my already glum mood and the deterioration of another patient on the floor, I was more frazzled than I like to be and I struggled last night.  It was a terrible night, and I was so happy when it was done because I have the night off, only to go back the next 2 nights.

However, after sleeping for a few hours today, I woke up to a little ray of sunshine on a Facebook video, my niece Dani.  There is no mood this little girl can't get me out of.  Thank goodness for beautiful, wonderful, hilarious babies, especially ones who are so important to you. See the video to Dani jamming out to Jim Carrey from "The Mask" soundtrack in the link above.

#10 I love my Toots-La-Roo

365 Blog Challenge: Post #10

I am dedicating today's post to my niece, Dani Baker (aka Toots), because she's is the cutest, most ridiculously wonderful baby in all the world and today, she turns 5 months old.  She has brought more joy than I ever imagined possible to the lives of her parents, her grandparents and her Auntie Lo and Unkie Scott.  Dani just started trying out cereal, and she can now roll from her back to her front, though going back the other way is more difficult.  I am sad I don't know when I'll get to see Tooter next, but I hope it's in the near because she's gonna be zooming around on all fours pretty soon, and I want to hold her one more time while she'll let me!.  Love you little lady!!  Love,
Your Auntie Lo

#4 Famous Friends and Family #1

365 Blog Challenge: Post #4

I was recently fortunate enough to spend a few hours in NY with my cousin, Katelyn, one of my mom's sister's daughters. Katelyn is the eldest of 3 beauties! She was in NY because she is a twirler for Kansas State University and I had to give her a shout out on my blog because she and her fellow twirler were mentioned at ESPN.com after their performance in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium! Here's the full article: The Sound of Music at the Pinstripe Bowl, and the best line being- 

"But the most impressive performers were the twirlers -- two for Kansas State, one for Syracuse -- who performed an array of dazzling tricks with multiple batons while the bands and played and the cheerleaders cheered. "

Here are some pics of my famous cuz:

 This pic with Mr. Wildcat was taken at a game earlier in the season.

I met Katelyn after working overnight, hence the ugly green scrub pants. (Scott has no excuse for his navy and black ensemble.)

Katelyn (left) with her twirling partner, Jessica, on the subway in NYC.



Props to Katelyn and her fellow twirlers for being amazing enough to be mentioned on ESPN.com. Hope to see you in action some day girl!

Welcome Dani Alexandra to the world!

Early in the morning of August 10th, 01:30 CST to be exact, my new niece, Dani Alexandra Baker, came into the world!  Erin and Steve were at the hospital all day on 8/9 as Erin was getting a trial of induction gels.  Baby Baker was 4 days late and presumably pretty big ("a good sized baby" as Erin's MD told her).  Also, Erin had been suffering from PUPPS (puritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy) which was driving her nuts with itchiness.  She had been dilated about 1.5cm for a week or two.  After being at the hospital most of the morning, they sent Erin and Steve home to let the gels do their thing.  At around 4:30pm, Erin's contractions became intense and close together and they gathered their things to drive to the hospital.  Once they got there, Erin's water broke.  Things were progressing well at first.  Erin got an epidural around 7:30pm and dilated to 5cm.  Then the progression stopped.  The baby wasn't descending and her heart rate was starting to decelerate at times.  The decision was made for a c-section for the safety of baby Baker.  Finally at 01:30am on 8/10/10, Dani Alexandra arrived!

In the OR. The Baker family!

Erin and Steve were surprised to discover that Dani has blonde hair (similiar to highlights says Grandma Karen) and blue eyes.  The peroxide treatment must be what kept Dani in her mother's womb so long.

Dani weighed 9lbs, 2oz at birth, and was 20 and 3/4 inches.  Erin reports her feet are so big that they didn't fit on the foot printer.  She must take after Aunty Lo there.

Both Mama Erin and baby Dani are doing well, as is new dad Steve! Grandma Karen says Dani looks a little angel.  She sure looks like a little cherub to me with those chubby cheeks!

Congratulations to Erin and Steve on their new baby girl!  I can't wait to meet her in a week and a half.  Keep her cute in the meantime!  Also, congrats to Grandma Karen and Grandpa Alex on their first grandaugher.  Many of these pictures are courtesy of Grandpa Al.

Last of all, welcome Dani!  May your life filled with love, laughter and joy, and everything else that makes life worth living.  Love, Aunty Lo.

New York Happenings August/September Edition

Hello all!

I guess I'm going to have to settle with only writing these emails every 2 months while I'm in school because it's too tough to find the time to do it every month. And considering all I really have to talkabout is nursing school, I may bore you all if I write more often! School is still going well. Perhaps slightly less stressful and busy than last semester, but that for some reason makes it harder for me to motivate myself. I have a new clinical group so I have been making even more great friends and will post some pics up on my blog as soon as I get some. There are some very wonderful people in my program (and some pretty annoying ones, but that's besides the point.).

My current clinical is adult Med/Surg at Cornell's hospital (part ofthe New York Presbyterian system, #6 in the country) on 68th and York.This hospital is FABULOUS. The unit I'm on is a breath of fresh air (haha..and it's a pulmonary step-down unit) after the somewhat dreary one I was on this summer at Milstein Hospital (at Columbia's campus, also part of the NYP system.) The nurses are so receptive and just show you everything they're doing, and even let you try new things. They're a younger bunch of nurses compared to those from my summer unit, and perhaps that's why they're primed to teach us. Even though I don't particularly want to work on a med/surg unit, I find myself getting REALLY excited to be done with school and be a nurse for a bit! (I still plan to take a 1 year leave of absence after mybachelors program to gain experience.) It looks like so much fun. My clinical instructors are also great for many reasons, but especiallybecause they let us follow nurses in other areas of the hospital. This Wednesday I was in the ER and I LOVED IT! The fast pace just gave me a rush, and Cornell is even a Trauma 1 hospital (which means they get the worst of the worst traumas...completely thrilling if you're an adrenaline junkie like me.) We also got to go visit theNeuroSurg ICU this week, and that was another great experience. Those nurses have to be the most competent nurses, just REALLY on top of their game. I found out that a few of the ICUs at Cornell do hire new grads, which was quite a refreshing discovery! I can't wait to get out there.

A short disclaimer for the nursing profession: although some people may still have the idea of the nurse in all white with the little cap on her head who just follows doctors orders, I'm here to tell you that is not what nursing is about anymore, and hasn't been for a loooonnnnggg time. (Think back to Florence Nightengale days...damn Flo gave some of us a bad name.) The nurses I have met, especially who work on the hospital floors, are smart, competent, caring, strong women and men who are doing one of the hardest but most rewarding jobs in the world. I believe I have found the right profession to utilize my strength (physical and mental), brain and sensitive nature to help people who are ailing. Don't ever undermine a nurse just because he/she is not a doctor. Because quite frankly, he/she does allll the work, and has to use lots of brain power to do so. Stepping off the soap box now.

Scott is doing well. He is currently doing some administrative work for Steven Chaikelson, the head of the theater program at Columbia who also happens to be a producer. Scott worked for him 2 summers ago, andthey took him on this time for about a month and a half which is very helpful. The consistent work is great. Scott has still be auditioning a bit, but nothing has come of it yet. He is also taking voice over classes (you know...the announcers you hear in TV commercials?), and he is really enjoying it. His teachers seem to think he could have a future in the industry, which is apparently even MORE difficult to get into than acting. But he's excited to put himself out there and see what happens.

Not much else going on out here. Can't attend to many wedding plans currently as I've got some more pressing issues to keep up with (i.e.grades.) I did enjoy seeing family at my Grandparent's 60th weddinganniversary party on August and am putting the link to some pics up here: http://newyorkhappenings.blogspot.com/2008/09/reason-to-celebrate.html

We're headed out to a play tonight starring Dylan McDermott and MauraTierney which sadly got bad reviews, but can't let those tickets go to waste! We're also looking forward to Scott's golden birthday next weekend (he'll be 27), and a visit from Erin and Steve in November. Until then, I must hit the books and read some more about anemia and other hematological issues. Good times. Much love to all! Hope the economic situation hasn't hit any of you too hard! (And if it has, go into nursing. Pure job security.)

Love yas,
Lauren

A reason to celebrate...

On August 23rd, much of the Maderak clan joined in the celebration of my grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary. So much to live up to! But at least we all have good role models in terms of a committed, and obviously loving relationship.  Here are some pics of the event:

The lovely couple, Grandma Catie and Grandpa Joe...smooching.

As you can see, he can still make her laugh. So sweet!

Some cousins! Myself, Eli (a freshman football player!), Shannon, Erin and Hayley

Colleen and I keeping our eyes on Mallory (2.5 years old) who is one of the most darling little ladies I've ever met.  She can't swim on her own but man those pink wings did her good.

My mom and one cute hunk of a baby, Thomas, son of my cousin Maggie and her husband Jerry.

If this pic is any indication of what a good dad my brother-in-law, Steve, will be, then I say bring on the nieces and nephews!!

Ellie and Mallory, chillin' out.

Me, Suzee (honorary cousin-in-law...not YET by marriage, but hopefully some day!) and my sister, Erin. She has our approval.

My money grubbing cousins, Hayley and Ellie, and their dad, Mike. They sure know all the tricks at their young ages!

My grandparents are presented with their gift from the kids, a digital frame, and react by saying, "What the hell is this?" Ok, not really. But that was the general idea.  They now know what it is and appreciate it greatly.

Mallory and Uncle Jim who sadly broke BOTH of his heels at different times the day of the party.  Hope your heels heal Uncle Jim!

The fam, Grandpa Joe, Grandma Catie, Uncle Joe, Aunt Janie,  Uncle John, Mom, Uncle Jim, Aunt Joanie and Uncle Mike. They only had 7 kids in their family. Geesh.

GParents and cousins, Stephen (who is moving to New Jersey! Woot woot for East Coast family!), me, Grandma and Grandpa, Erin and Joe.

The "Good Girls" as we were called by my sister, Katelyn and I.  We are shopping machines!

Suzee and Joe (he looovves to have his picture taken. Can't you tell?)

Grandpa Joe, Shannon and Great Uncle Spike (gotta love having a Great Uncle Spike in the family) the day after the par-tay.

Grandpa and Steve. They are besties.

And finally Steve, ready to get the hell out of Dodge...or just ready to hit the road for the 8 hour drive back to Mn.

Good times had by all, and as always, great to see family.  I was also quite anxious to get back to my soon to be family (e.g. Scott) and our reunion after 2.5 weeks was a great one!  Wish he could have partied with the Maderaks!