FRESH START

I’m ready for a fresh start. I need it for so many reasons, the first probably being the most relatable, a new season. Autumn has always been my favorite season and I’m eager to jump in to colder weather, sweaters, hot apple cider, pumpkin spice whatever and all that jazz. But, September also brings some big changes in life and so I’m trying to soak up the last bits of summer in the city. 

Right now we’re living in Lawrenceville, an area that has been completely revitalized and has become beyond hip. There’s a movie theater, bowling alley, pinball shop, too many bars and restaurants to count, several playgrounds and parks all within biking distance to work. But all of these amenities, plus renovated 100-year old houses comes with a price tag. With a husband in grad school and a baby to take care of at home (equaling less freelance work) means we can no longer afford that price tag. So after a year in the coolest part of town, we’re moving into a new place with my parents. Luckily, our lease is up and my parents are getting a townhouse, further outside of the city, with enough room for us. We’ll still pay rent, but it will be quite lower and we’ll have built in babysitting. It’s a good plan. I know it is, but it’s hard at 28 years-old 27-years old (for another week) to move back in with my parents. I’ve been on my own since college. I never went back home like a lot of people do to save money…so I’m doing it now, just a bit later. 

I’m also ready for a new work schedule. I’ve been on a weird rotation of 3-11pm and 11pm-7am shifts. It’s been completely wacky and hard to manage with a family, but we’ve made it work up until now. Fingers crossed, I’ll have a consistent 3-11pm schedule starting in October with regular days off. I think it’s going to make a world of difference in my happiness level. 

So with my favorite weather, a solid plan to get out of debt and a better work schedule I’m ready to rock this fresh start! 

LITTLE ITALY DAYS

We are so lucky to live in such a diverse city with neighborhoods full of different cultures and nationalities. This weekend we explored Bloomfield on the East Side of Pittsburgh for it’s annual Little Italy Days. It’s a great street festival along Liberty Avenue full of Italian foods, music and games. 

We watched a round of the Bocce Ball tournament and made plans to learn one day! We ate Italian Ice, which Jack thoroughly enjoyed. And we even sat down for an Elvis impersonator concert. The best part of the day was riding the little train that traveled the length of the festival street and back again. I love showing off my city to this little boy, hopefully instilling in him a love for Pittsburgh even stronger than mine! 

KENNYWOOD DAY

Kennywood is a summer tradition for PIttsburghers. The Ginger and I took Jack for his first visit this year and he loved it! True Pittsburgher!

Kennywood is an amusement park that opened in 1898. It has so much history and so many memories for me and my family and I was thrilled to show it off to Jack! We did all of our favorites, stopped by Cowboy Joe to say hi, ate corndogs and Potato Patch Fries and rode as many rides as we could handle! 

We spent much of the day in Kiddie Land where he rode almost everything! He didn’t want to get off the rides so he rode a few rides more than once! But he had so much fun and never stopped smiling! 

To end the day we rode the Carousel. It was always the last ride my family would go on when we had Kennywood Days. Even my grandparents would ride! I’m so happy we carried on this little tradition with Jack! I’m so looking forward to the many years of Kennywood trips with this little guy! 

FAMILY BIKE RIDES

One of my favorite parts about living in the city this summer has been the ease of riding our bikes. I started riding to work several days a week and it’s a completely different commute experience. 

But my favorite rides are with the family. We have a little seat for Jack on the front of my bike and he LOVES it! He’s all about the wind in his face and pointing out he river and the passing boats. We’ve been taking a great route from Lawrenceville, crossing the 40th Street Bridge to the Millvale Riverfront Park and riding the trail next to the Allegheny River. Then we get to the North Shore, loop around at Heinz Field and turn back for home, stopping for photos, of course! 

I really cherish these moments with my family.When we go on these rides I feel like am the parent I want to be. I don’t always do the things I imagined I would when I became a parent. More often than I ever planned Jack is watching Daniel Tiger on TV or on the iPad, he’ll sometimes have crackers and peanut butter for dinner when he refuses everything else, and I sometimes go days without storytime. I feel bad for these things, but that’s life sometimes. I can’t be the perfect parent that I have in my mind and I’m learning the balance. But when we ride our bikes I’m exactly who I want to be, bringing this great experience to my kid. I hope he remembers these trips fondly when he’s older. I love that we’re taking advantage of our city, getting exercise and having fun all together minus screens. 

In regards to Jack’s bike seat, we love it! I did a lot of research on which seat to buy and for me I felt more comfortable with Jack in front where I can see him. I have no trouble with balance, but I’m careful getting on and off my bike. He’s getting taller and we already bought a bike trailer off of a family friend for the future. But for right now our little seat for him is great. While on a ride once we had someone comment on how unsafe the front seat is, but families abroadhave been doing this for years and years. I feel safe in my ability to ride my bike and Jack’s temperament in sitting still in the seat.