Our trip to NYC, Easter weekend ideas to try, my favorite high chair, and more mom things from around the internet
Good morning, mamas!
I just returned from the best 24-hour trip to Manhattan with my mini-me. We've brought Florence to New York a few times before, but seeing the city through her eyes at this toddler age was truly magical. We took the train — Flora’s first ever train ride — and wow, it really was way more kid-friendly than flying. The seats are bigger, you can move around the car, there’s more to look at out the window, and ICYMI, kids travel 50% off on Amtrak.
When we arrived at Penn Station, I was a little nervous about navigating the subway solo with my daughter. Our first ride, we took the elevator up to the platform, but after that…smelly…experience, I hauled the stroller up and down stairs for every other ride. (I’m still sweating!)
After we made our way Uptown, we went to brunch with my college roommate and her 9-month-old daughter at a spot we frequented in the 2010s — the nostalgia was real. We strolled through the Upper West Side and Central Park, with a stop at Magnolia Bakery, of course! We paused to smell nearly every flower at Flora’s request and said hello to every pigeon we passed (she wanted to pet them, but I shut that down fast, lol). A bit later, me, Flora, and her favorite baby doll met my brother and another friend for happy hour at a rooftop bar, and then we strolled through my alma mater’s Lincoln Center campus before bedtime.
The hotel upgraded us to a large suite, which never happens to me, but was such a great surprise as I was able to put Florence to sleep in the bedroom and then order takeout and watch the end of the Yankees game with my brother in the living area. And Flora even slept well. Maybe all she needed was some NYC background noise to keep her asleep past the crack of dawn...
Long story short: Don’t wait to book the adventure with your kids. Xx
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You feel like postpartum is hitting you like a tornado, you’re not alone
You’re looking for an easy veggie-filled comfort dinner for toddlers and older
REVIEW: The Mockingbird High Chair
After testing this high chair for a few weeks, my only regret is not having discovered it sooner in my daughter’s mealtime journey. She is currently 21 months old, so the high chair seat is starting to feel a bit snug, so we've also been using it in child chair mode at the dinner table, which works beautifully, too. If you're currently building your registry, this is an absolute must-add. And even if you already own a high chair, trust me—this one is a worthy upgrade. Read on for some of my favorite features, below:
#1: Wipeable straps (Yes, you read that right!)
I was this close to giving up on finding a high chair I actually liked… and then these silicone-coated straps came into my life. Total game changer. If you’ve ever tried to clean a fabric harness, you know it’ll never really come clean.
#2: Magnetic buckle = lifesaver
This buckle clicks together so fast and easily. No more fumbling around while your little is squirming like a noodle.
#3: Grows with your child
Okay, this isn’t unique to just this brand, but it’s still important to highlight. It turns into a toddler chair with one easy maneuver, which means more use and less clutter.
#4: No assembly drama
Putting this together was actually easy (shocking, I know). No tools, no stress, no arguments with your partner.
#5: Looks great in any dining area
Neutral, modern, not an eyesore, which is a big deal when baby gear tends to take over your house.
#6: Dishwasher-safe tray cover
You can pop off the tray liner off and toss it in the dishwasher, which is especially amazing during those early, messy purée days.
DIY: Easter Weekend Ideas
The holiday is only a few days away, but there is still plenty of time to try some of these creative DIY activities at home.
Easter Basket Newborn Photos - Create the sweetest little photo setup right at home using things you probably already have on hand.
Edible Easter Sensory Box - Such a fun twist on the traditional Easter basket—and easy to throw together after a quick Target or Walmart run. Blended cereal as sand? Genius.
Personalized Easter Prints - Think: carrot footprints, bunny handprints, and other adorable painted keepsakes to help remember this Easter for years to come.
+ 8 low-prep Easter egg activities to learn and explore with Easter eggs for toddlers, big kids and every age in-between.
MOM MAIL BOOK CLUB: Where The Wild Things Are
This week’s pick is another classic: Maurice Sendak’s award-winning children’s book, Where The Wild Things Are. Florence has been been really into this one lately, and honestly… same. It’s been feeling a little familiar around here—her chasing the cat around the house, me calling her a wild thing and joking about sending her to bed without supper. Eventually, she eats dinner and we settle into the bedtime routine... eventually.
My favorite part? The last page, when Max returns home from his imaginary journey to find his supper waiting for him, “And it was still hot.” It’s such a small detail, but it says so much—moms really do have a way of showing up, even when things feel a little wild.
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Thank you for subscribing to Mom Mail! Until next week <3
Xo, Mads