I woke up under a bunched-up comforter. I stretched out my arms and like clouds parting, I pushed aside the white fluffy blanket as I sat up. I am not one to stay in bed all morning but more of someone who loves to sip her morning coffee and lounge. So, with a zest to see the world, I tip toe towards my favorite spot in the room, a big reading chair nestled beside the window over looking the city below. From there, I say to my husband, who is still in bed scrolling through his phone, “what shall we do today?” He replied, “How about brunch at this café, Jams” as he referred to his phone. He is great at researching the best places for our taste buds. Excited, I jumped into the shower to get ready. It was the first morning of our weekend trip without our daughter who stayed behind with her grandparents. My husband had been on a business trip for two weeks and it was a perfect reason to meet him in New York for the weekend. Travelling solo, I dreaded that Madeleine would cry at the airport on my departure but she was already taking her afternoon nap in the car seat as I sneaked a kiss on her plump rosy cheeks. I was glad and relieved she was not crying as I bid “I love you, see you in two days.” My heart would have ached if she cried and watched me leave. It took a back and forth debate, yes or no, to decide whether I should bring her with me. I even felt guilty of the thought of not taking her along with me. However, I figured that this trip would be the much-needed mommy time. I relished the three hours of waiting for my flight as I settled in a seat with a book and a Starbucks drink. These two days were going to be a weekend of over due dates worth 2 years. I was ready to see all that we could explore hand in hand with my husband.

The rain started trickling after we were seated at the café. Luckily, I was wearing my trench coat. I settled it aside on the seat leaving my pink silk scarf knotted around my neck as an accent for my white striped blouse. Then, came the waiter to take our orders. As we glanced over the menu, we both ordered a much-needed coffee. The café was cozy and lit dimly to set the mood. I looked through the window beside me to watch the city continue to go about as it rained. The sounds of the city were muted from our spot by the window with a full view of 57th street and 6th avenue. The corner was busy with yellow cabs, Saturday morning joggers with their headphones and couples with their children. Our main orders came swiftly. Settling our plates below, I savored my mushroom, spinach frittata. The social scene around us, the adjacent tables, were families with toddlers, girlfriends sipping their macchiatos together and couples, like us, enjoying their brunch all in one roof. Whether it was the rain, in this city of towering buildings and grids of paved cement streets, I was able to see a softer side of New York. As if they were from a different planet, it amazed me to see families manage their children in such a bustling city. Being a mother, I wondered how parents kept their children amused in New York. Where do they take their children to play? On the sidewalk, across from our window, I observed children stomping their feet happily on the puddles. Then, I thought Madeleine would have enjoyed the same too. I wondered how I would manage my daughter in restaurants. What if my daughter gets bored waiting for food? Or what if she gets messy while eating? Then, I noticed the young family on the next table with their toddler making a mess as he eats but they are happily enjoying their meal. They made it seem easy. So, would I bring my daughter on our next trip to the big apple? I think…. someday! Seeing families here in New York seem to soften New York.

    The rain continued on through most the day but that did not deter us from exploring. In our trench coats, arm and arm under an umbrella, we visited the city’s most glamourous from spotting an Oscar Dela Renta dress on the windows of 5th avenue to sitting on a bench at the MET surrounded by Claude Monets and Vincent VanGoghs. We sipped coffee a top the Guggenheim with the view of Central Park. On Sunday morning, we strolled through Bryant Park with our warm cups of Angelina’s hot chocolate. We enjoyed the time off from cooking a meal at the kitchen and washing dishes by dining at restaurants. From authentic tagliatelle with ragu to a spicy pad thai, we enjoyed every bite. We were once again two people who love to travel, dine and enjoy each other. In the end, going on this trip solo as a mom, I am glad I went. Not only did I get to spend time with my husband but I learned that self care is important in being a parent. I came back home to my daughter refreshed and thankful for having a beautiful family. I am thankful for being a mom. I am a more insightful and in-depth person in life. Self care is celebrating the new me, my present life.

   It was the perfect Sunday as I stroll downtown to one of my favorite places to visit, AGO, the art gallery of Ontario. There, for hours, I spend roaming its halls of art from modern to classic. My favorite was the group of artists called The Impressionists. From Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Georges Seurat and Vincent Van Gogh, it was amazing to see these famous painters’ perspective on the world of that moment. I was drawn to their artistic creation with the use of vibrant earthy colors. The details of the paintings were storytelling as if I was transported back in time to history.  After a walk through the beautiful collection of impressionists, I was inspired to have some artistic coffee and desserts!

     Just steps away from my favorite art gallery was the trendiest place called Light Café. Sitting at my favorite spot by the wall of tropical greenery, I waited. Then, soon enough, bon appetit! Placed upon my table was the most picturesque treat of fresh strawberries and berries artfully arranged on a flower shaped waffle with a center of ice cream! Upon my first bite, the waffles are crispy on the outside but airy on the inside with a hint of vanilla. A drizzle of strawberry sauce just adds the perfect sweetness. The strawberries are fresh and juicy as if they were just freshly picked from an orchard. This paired with a warm mug of coffee was the perfect treat. But this is no ordinary coffee. It's cotton candy coffee! This was truly an artistic way to enjoy coffee & sweets.

    After we hugged, waved and wished my husband a safe business trip, Madeleine and I hopped back in the car. As we drove away from the airport, I felt the whim of going on a family vacation. I have definitely been missing the travel bug. After two years of the pandemic and many days at home, I actually miss the rituals of travel preparation and the excitement of exploring a different city. California seemed like the perfect destination for our first family trip, not too long of a flight and it had great weather. After coming home, I messaged my husband saying “let’s go to California!” with which he instantly replied “let’s plan it.”

    Our first family vacation would be different from our previous travels as now we have Madeleine. But this, did not deter me from my excitement of travelling. If anything, I have been dreaming of places that I would love to travel with my family. As a fashionista mom, I love planning our mother and daughter travel outfits. I enjoyed checking off my list of Madeleine’s travel essentials from bath time needs and to baby bottles. Also, I was excited to get Madeleine her first passport. I did have the mommy anxieties. I worried of not finding an accommodation with a full kitchen in which I can cook Madeleine’s meals. I worried of having the need to change her diapers in the middle of a long drive and not finding a changing table. I crossed my two fingers and prayed that Madeleine would do well in her first flight. Oh, how I worried! But thankfully, the most awaited day went smoothly. We arrived early at the airport to give us ample time through the check ins and kept a good routing of changing Madeleine’s diaper before the flight. Also, at task, I got friend’s tip of getting boiled water from a Starbucks for mixing formula. During our flight, we fed Madeleine her milk at take off. We had her snacks on our carry on and had downloaded her favorite shows on our iPad enough to keep her entertained for the five-hour flight. Thankfully, we made it through the flight without any diaper explosions. Best of all, I was really happy and impressed that Madeleine did really well on her first flight. As for our accommodations, we found clean accommodations with a full working kitchen. We ended up visiting the local Whole Foods for groceries to make meals for our daughter. As for diaper changing worries, we rented a Ford 4x4 which fitted our stroller, baby bag and there was room at the back for diaper changes.

   Our trip was amazing! We ended up visiting as many places we wanted without missing Madeleine’s naps and milk times. As we rode the car driving through the winding roads with the most scenic views, she took her naps. With sand in our toes, it was a dream come true to be able to walk and play with Madeleine in the sandy shores of California. It was truly an adventure to wonder under towering hundred year old trees with my family. It was wonderful to see Madeleine’s eyes light up as she glanced at the aquarium full of giant fish or play in the sand for the first time. And of course,  Madeleine had many smiles with our family selfies against the dazzling Golden Gate bridge. It was amazing to finally be able to show her the world and add this trip to our family bucket list.