Why I miss mothering in NYC

I lived in NYC for 6 1/2 years, had my first baby there and left while 7 months pregnant with my second. We were child free for the first 5 years of our time in NY, but the last year and a half was truly the fun time. We now reside in the Bay Area, and while I am grateful to have my suburban "dream" (garage, laundry, yard, SPACE), I miss my NY. Here are ten reasons why I miss mothering in NYC.

10) Constant Eye Candy. NYC is the most vibrant & stimulating city on the planet and the kids just drink it up. Simon was always content to roll around the city in his stroller watching the people, cars, subways, going in and out of stores, lights, noises. It's an overwhelmingly creative place to live and I loved learning more about my beloved city through my son’s eyes.

9) Strollers. I am a stroller whore. There, I said it. I simply must know about, see, touch and experience every stroller known to man. If it's the latest and greatest, I'm on it. I have owned 12 strollers in 3 years for 2 kids and frankly, I'm disappointed that number isn't higher. NYC is THE place to see all the newest, tricked out and plush-up models. Oh how I miss my daily fix of Bugaboo, xplory and Bumbleride.

8) Central Park. From age 5 months until 17 months (when we moved to CA) Simon was in Central Park at least once a week. Lush grass, endless paths, dogs, playgrounds, lots of strollers (there I go again) and the children's zoo. It was a great place for him to grow up and have many "firsts".

7) "God Bless You". Maybe it's just NY, maybe it's everywhere, but whenever I walked around with my son people always said "God Bless". In the midst of city cacophony it was always pleasant to hear these words directed towards my son.

6) Laundry. In our 6 1/2 years in the city we never had a washer/dryer. We also didn't want to spend our time at a Laundromat. So for a little extra money we always sent our laundry out. Yes, garments too. No, I never had a problem with it. Stomach flu the night before with a 15 month old? No problem. I'd call up Joe, tell him I had a pick-up and he'd be at my door 20 minutes later asking what time that afternoon I'd like everything back. And that afternoon at my door would be a warm bag of clean clothes, neatly folded and ready for my drawers. I now own a washer/dryer (attached to a house), but what I wouldn't give for Joe in my life again. I think I still have his card in my wallet...

5)Fresh Direct. Oh, what a revelation. Pick out your food online, point, click and they bring it to you within a day or two. Up how ever many flights of stairs your apartment is, right into your tiny kitchen. This fabulous service revolutionized my life. I got so addicted that I have carried my online grocery shopping activities to Safeway out here in CA. Mmmmmm, much easier way to grocery shop, especially when you have little kids.

4) Daffy's. Fantastic designer clothes for me and Simon. When I was organizing old baby clothes this past fall, I realized that most of my favorite pieces for the kids were purchased at Daffy’s.

3) Green markets, street fairs and flea markets. One of my favorite things to do with or without kids was to visit the markets and street fairs in the city. They were up nearly every Saturday most of the year all over the place. So much fun.

2) The skyline. When we would take the elevated N train into Manhattan from Astoria, the East side skyline would be spread out before us. I never tired of the view and as Simon got older we would point out buildings and lights. I don’t care how long you live in NY, you are always inspired by the skyline.

1) My village of moms. It takes a village, a city, a group of people to raise a child. I was part of a fantastic group of smart, creative, uncompromising urban women. I couldn’t have been a first time mom in NY without them.

So thanks NYC…and thanks moms. It was a great ride.