This morning I asked Jackson if he wanted to go to school or on an adventure with me. He said on an adventure with me, so we got on the train headed to Macy’s to meet Santa. It was rush hour (I was hoping to beat the crowd at Macy’s by arriving early) and the first two subways were way too crowded to take a 3-year-old on, so we waited. The third train was only moderately less crowded, but I decided to take our chances and we boarded. Fortunately, a seat opened up for Jackson after a couple stops and only one of us was stuck clutching the rail for dear life as the conductor stopped and lurched for the next thirty minutes. Surviving that (barely), we got off the train at 34th st. and headed into Macy’s in search of St. Nick. One hour, several tantrums, and one bathroom emergency later, Jackson met Santa, requested “three presents because I’m 3 years old,” and got his picture taken with him — a picture I opted not to spend another 45 minutes waiting in line to pay $30 for, so memory of the occasion will have to suffice in lieu of photographic evidence.
From Macy’s we made our way to Rockefeller Plaza, where Drew happens to work, and where we got to see him and the big Christmas tree. As you can see from the picture above, Jackson was appropriately impressed. In this case, a picture will forever serve as a reminder to him as he grows up how hard his mother tried and how hard he resisted. The good news is on the way home, on a much less crowded subway (thank God), and after several more tantrums and a narrowly-missed blood sugar plunge (his… but also kind of mine too), Jackson looked me in the eye, smiled so sweetly, and said: “I had a lot of fun, Mommy. … Seeing Daddy.”
And with that, I wish you all a happy Friday and a very happy weekend. One of my best friends, Chad, is flying in from Chicago this evening and spending the weekend with us. I think we’ll spend the day in Brooklyn tomorrow, maybe checking out a flea market and doing other shopping and what not, and then going to our friends Mary and Steve’s annual holiday party tomorrow night. And on Sunday, we’re going to go see Hedwig and the Angry Inch with Michael C. Hall, which I’m really excited about. Have a great weekend!
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shg23 December 12, 2014, 4:40 pm
My husband and I are attempting the kid having thing, and while I’m perpetually terrified of being a mother, I get such delight and, frankly, reassurances reading your posts about Jackson. So many people act like it’s always coming up roses with kids and that just cannot be reality. They have tantrums by virtue of the fact that they’re, you know, children! It happens! So anyway, this is a Friday-afternoon-addled way of saying you and your family posts are delightful. Happy weekend, people!
ktfran December 12, 2014, 5:13 pm
Ooh, have a great time at the show!!!!
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Any time I see someone with children on the bus or train, I always try to give up my seat. Occasionally, my head is in my Kindle or phone and I don’t notice. I immediately feel bad for not noticing and try to rectify the situation. I do the same for the elderly or pregnant women, but especially children. I don’t know why, I just try to make it easier on the parents.
Moneypenny December 12, 2014, 8:19 pm
I did NOT like sitting on Santa’s lap at Christmas time. NOPE. There are a number of photos of me, and with my older sister, and I am usually crying or I have red eyes, because, crying. My mom has told me I was a “trying” child. Anyway, it sounds like a fabulous day, and I’m glad Jackson did (mostly) great. He’s too cute.
Tomorrow night I’m going out for holiday drinks with my friend Laura (and a few of her friends) and I’m excited to wear a new dress I bought for myself from Anthropologie that goes perfectly with my navy blue kid gloves. Hooray for dressing up and having fancy cocktails! Not something I do as often anymore.
Moneypenny December 12, 2014, 8:20 pm
Also? I have to share this- because cats are cute but cats smooshed on glass are even cuter.
d2 December 14, 2014, 9:41 am
Oh, these are fun! I like the tabby “floating” in the sky.
Red_Lady December 13, 2014, 12:33 am
Wow, it never really occurred to me that real people get to see Santa on 34th st. And the tree in Rockefeller center! That is so cool!
I get to go out to lunch with a friend on Sunday without my baby! It’ll be the first time getting away, other than an afternoon date my husband and I had a few weeks ago. I don’t know how some moms spend virtually 24/7 with their kids. It’s not that I don’t love spending time with him (especially now that he smiles and makes sounds other than crying), it’s just nice to have a change.
Addie Pray December 13, 2014, 8:56 am
Hahaha this may be my favorite pic/story/weekend intro thing yet. So so funny! “Jackson meltdowns” and your escapades through the city with him are a couple of my favorite topics, I don’t know why. They make me laugh and go “aww” at the same time.
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I’m in Santa Fe with my boyfriend who is sleeping right there —->
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But of course I’m not sleeping. Because why on Earth would my body sleep in on a Saturday morning when I have nothing to do but rest and relax!? Because I suck. I’m so jealous of you sleeping beauties include him —> who can just sleep and sleep. But come on its already 8 am! Im bursting with energy and am ready to cuddle naked and hike and eat burritos and buy turquoise jewelry!!! I am giving him 5 more minutes…
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Happy weekend, all!
Amy December 13, 2014, 4:46 pm
If you have time, you should go to the hot springs in Ojo Caliente. They are so relaxing and romantic!!! Have fun! I love Santa Fe!
spark December 13, 2014, 7:34 pm
Aww, I love this story, Wendy!