The Life of a Toddler in New York City
I often wonder about how different Mazzy will be from other kids her age based on growing up in New York City.
Instead of a yard to run around in, she’s got city sidewalks to explore. Instead of a jungle gym in her backyard, we take her to one of many local parks. Instead of swimming in a pool, she runs around in NYC sprinklers and fountains.
In addition, she’s got access to some of the best restaurants, museums, theater and shopping there is— whether she appreciates any of them or not.
She wakes up every morning and looks at a fantastic view of Manhattan from our 12th floor apartment in the East Village. When we run of out of milk, we take a walk to the corner bodega where she encounters countless kinds of people from all walks of life just within half a block.
We take her to the suburbs often, almost every weekend to visit her grandparents in the Hamptons— but as much as she loves it out there, at some point in the weekend, usually towards the end, she asks to come home.
I hope she loves Manhattan as much as we do, because it certainly costs a hell of a lot of money to raise a child here.
Below are twenty photos of Mazzy’s life in Manhattan taken on Instagram. You can follow me @mommyshorts.
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Mazzy's Preferred Mode of Transportation
Sitting high atop Daddy's shoulders gives Mazzy the best vantage point of NYC. It's also much easier than navigating the sidewalks with a stroller.
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At the Children's Zoo in Central Park
I call this photo "Mazzy in Wonderland". Something about a rabbit hole...
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Trying to Trespass on a Neighbor's Apartment
Mazzy likes to run up every brownstone step and try to open every door. Makes walking a block an entire activity.
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The Merry-Go-Round in Bryant Square Park
Bryant Park is one of the most gorgeous sanctuaries in midtown. And it's right outside Daddy's office.
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Checking Herself Out in Rai Rai Ken Noodle Shop
Rai Rai Ken might not seem like a great place for kids, but the back booth is the perfect hideaway for a toddler and the mirror supplies lots of entertainment.
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Eating Frozen Yogurt in Sixteen Handles
Sixteen Handles has every topping from brownie cheesecake bites to Fruity Pebbles. Luckily, Mazzy is too short to see over the counter.
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Admiring the Toys at Dinosaur Hill
Mazzy and her friend, Nicholas stopped to window shop after dinner. Cutest moment ever.
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Playing with Roxy in Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is the perfect inbetween point to meet her Aunt Ya-Ya, her Uncle Mikey, and their cousin, Roxy.
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Admiring the View on Our Balcony
The view is old news to Mazzy so I think she was more interested in her friend, Lucas. What can I say? Mazzy loves boys.
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Watching Buffalo in the Museum of Natural History
Sometimes it seems like the Hall of North American Mammals at the museum is better than the Zoo. A close look is guaranteed.
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Selecting Sweets from a Cupcake Cart in Soho
We don't just have ice cream trucks in New York City. We have streetside cupcake carts!
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Storytime at Piccolini in Nolita
My favorite little downtown toystore. We were there for a reading of "The Adventures of Sophie in the City".
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Running on the Pier of Hudson River Park
Our goal was to get to some grass or a playground but Mazzy saw the open space and our walk was over.
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Massive Toddler Destruction at Vselka
This is what the table looks like after almost every meal out.
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Trying to Catch a Glimpse of the East River from Brooklyn
This is Mazzy and Lucas again at a carnival in Williamsburg overlooking the water.
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Treehouse on Governor's Island
We went for the Figment Festival which had tons of interactive art installations for kids.
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Smelling Flowers at the Corner Bodega
When I get desperate for activities, sometimes I take Mazzy to the corner deli to smell the flowers and identify the fruit.
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Feeding her Friend Lucas Gelato at Nicoletta
Nicoletta is a new gourmet pizza place that opened up near our apartment. And pizza is Mazzy's favorite food.
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Admiring the View from Poppy's Apartment
Poppy and Nonna (my dad and stepmom) just moved into a new place on the Bowery with an amazing view of the downtown skyline.
Read more of Ilana’s writing at Mommy Shorts.
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