Baby Shower at Lady Mendl's

On July 19, our friends in the area surprised us in NYC with a baby shower for Max. I wondered why my mom and Garrett thought it was a good idea to go into the city on the hottest day of the year so far when they'd been being so nurturing and protective otherwise. I think it was at least 95 degrees--and in the city, that's hot. Anyway, we tromped through Chinatown and then Garrett wanted to go to Union Square. Since he likes hanging out in parks, I didn't think anything of it. Besides, a Babies R Us across the street shone like a beacon because I knew they were bathroom friendly to moms-to-be.

After my pit stop, Garrett encouraged us to walk a certain direction and I saw my friends Stephanie and Alison chatting it up on the sidewalk. I momentarily thought, "Wow. Small world." Then I saw Colleen, Josh, Paul and baby Ellery with gift bags in tow. They yelled, "Surprise! It's your baby shower!"

We then strolled to The Inn at Irving Place, which is an inn that also houses Lady Mendl's Tea Salon. Yes, Lady Mendl's! None of them knew it, but this place was bookmarked on my computer long before we even moved here. I've wanted to go but figured it wasn't going to happen. Luckily, my friends know I'm a sucker for a tea party. I was delighted!

Other than the fact I was sweating like a whore in church, it was perfect. The flowers were gorgeous. The tea was delish. We sat down for a five course high tea and even the boys enjoyed themselves.

Here's a pic of the final course that most of them were too full to touch:

Ellery was adorable in her dress and looked exactly how a little girl should look at her first tea party. Here's a picture of Garrett doting on her.It was a perfect afternoon.

Not Picture Perfect

We went to Babies R Us last night. Yeah, I know, big surprise. Those coupons are addictive!

While there, the photographer offered us a free 5x7 because she wasn't busy. I'd wanted to get a pregnancy pic with Garrett, but we'd not done it and had kind of figured it wasn't going to happen.

We weren't exactly photo ready last night.

Still, we posed for the picture anyway, and I'm glad we did.

It reminds me of a photo of my grandpa taken many years ago. The story that goes along with the pic is that my grandmother was furious with him when she discovered he'd worn the shirt he wore. The black and white photo reveals a slightly frayed collar. As their granddaughter, I don't care about the shirt because it adds character.

In later years, Max might ask us why I was dressed in a tank top wearing little makeup and Dad was wearing a t-shirt and shorts, but at least we have it.

Movies

The Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
G's opinion: 3 of 5 stars. Depressing kids' movie.
B's opinion: 4 of 5 stars. Excellent story that inspires imagination and friendship. It's based on a true story. I heard the author speak at SCBWI last year in NYC. She's a phenomenal storyteller.

Rambo
G's opinion:3 of 5 stars. Stallone looks good for his age, and how can you go wrong with people getting shot with a 50 caliber?
B's opinion:1 of 5 stars. An excuse to shoot a lot of people, show off Stallone's body, and film a gang rape of half-naked Asian women. Too violent and pointless for my taste. I mean, really, was there a frickin' point?

No Reservations
G's opinion:2 of 5 stars. Chick flick.
B's opinion: 3 of 5 stars. Interesting to see Catherine Zeta Jones not playing an overtly sexy character. All the food made me hungry. I'm glad there's not a sequel, and I was glad when it was over.

Happy Feet
G's opinion:4 of 5 stars. Amazing animation. Cute penguins. Great story.
B's opinion: 4 of 5 stars. At times, alarmingly similar to that OTHER penguin movie. Still, it redeemed itself with various themes, great music, and adorable penguins. It reminded me of The Odyssey how they traveled to far off lands and encountered sea monsters.

Charlie Wilson's War
G's opinion:5 of 5 stars. Fantastic history lesson. Exceptional acting. A must-see.
B's opinion: 4 1/2 of 5 stars. Witty dialogue with Hoffman, Hanks, and Roberts makes it entertaining. The movie makes me fearful, though, when I think how we used others to fight our war against an enemy who had no business being in another country. Did one of our enemies learn that lesson better than we did?

Pre-registration at Hospital

On Friday, we pre-registered at Valley Hospital. By doing so, it's supposed to make everything go smoother on the actual day. The lady who took care of our paperwork was so sweet. We signed all sorts of forms, including our application for Max's birth certificate. Garrett commented that the experience was rather like checking into a hotel.

We signed up for a single room but were told it's first come/first serve. So, as soon as we know we're really in labor, we're supposed to speak up and ask for a single room. Just because we signed up for one doesn't mean we'll get it. I hope we do so that Garrett can stay overnight. Otherwise, visiting hours for fathers are from 10-10. At this point, there are so many other things to worry about that it's ridiculous.

Next Saturday, we have our first Lamaze class.

Add these links to your favorites

These sites were given to us Wednesday night. They seem good to have at your fingertips.

American Academy of Pediatrics--www.aap.org

Center for Disease Control--www.cdc.gov

Consumer Product Safety Commission--www.cpsc.gov

Newborn Care Class

Garrett and I attended a class to learn how to care for Max last night. We signed in and collected our doll, diaper, and blanket. Of course, we were the overeager first couple there. Here's what we learned:

• water shouldn't touch the umbilical cord
• if baby doesn't burp after two minutes of trying, don't worry about it.
• swaddle baby with arms straight down like a mummy. If you do it with arms crossed, his air can be cut off. If you do it with arms out, he'll flail.
• we need to read or watch The Happiest Baby on the Block.
• diapering a newborn requires only a diaper, wipes, A&D to prevent diaper rash and Desitin or Balmex to cure it. Baby oil, vaseline, and baby powder are bad ideas.
• when diapering a newborn, don't make yourself a target by aiming baby's bottom at you. Garrett had to remind me of this a couple of times while we were practicing.
• a baby requires only a head to toe bath only three times a week--unless he's stinky.
• daily hygiene should consist of washing baby's face with warm water only and then dribble zone, hands, arms and butt with soapy water.
• do not place lotion on hands or face.
• we need to purchase a rectal thermometer because the other kinds can be 3-4 degrees off.
  
• the pediatrician said to use the rectal thermometer until the kid says, "No, Mommy, don't stick it there!"
• if baby's temp is 100.4 or above, call doctor immediately.
• if baby's temp is 97 or below, call doctor immediately.
• to prevent allergies, do not purchase latex nipples or allow child to eat honey, nuts or fish for one year.
• to prevent SIDS, nothing should be in baby's crib beyond baby, tight crib sheet, and securely swaddled blanket. This means avoid bumpers and wedges.
• if not sure about baby's body temp, slip back side of hand beneath clothes to feel tummy. If clammy, too hot. If cool, add another layer.
  
• generally, baby should wear one more layer than you while sleeping.
• when pediatrician was asked what he thought of day cares, he smiled. "They keep me in business." Then he went on to say that research shows that children who are in day care have more colds as babies but fewer colds than their home-care counterparts once they reach school.
• babies should not go 4 hours without nursing. Most feed 2-3 hours. Count from beginning of feeding to beginning of next one. Yeah, do the math. Milk cows get more rest.
  

We liked the pediatrician. I asked him later about an alarming article. Max is VERY active. The kid moves A LOT. The article said that active babies in the womb tend to be temperamental infants. He assured me that his personality was already established and beyond our control for the infancy. There was nothing we could do to make him agreeable or not once he's in the world. He said he'd not heard of the study and that Max may just be active--but not unhappily so. I like the sound of that.

Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps

My mom's birthday was last Monday. She arrived here on Tuesday. On Wednesday, I took her into the city to celebrate her birthday.
We watched The 39 Steps, which is rife with verbal and visual allusions to Alfred Hitchcock's movies. Just as he made an appearance in all of his films, his silhouette even slipped into the play. I knew it would be good, but I hadn't anticipated how funny it would be. The actor's capacity for physical comedy was impressive. Three men and one woman performed a large cast of character. In one scene five characters had a conversation played by only two men. One of the guys had a hat on his head and a hat in each hand that he switched for each persona. Hilarious.

Note if you're planning a trip to NYC: It's hard to know Broadway performances some men will like, but this one can be enjoyed by even the most theater-reluctant.
Before the show we ate at our favorite restaurant Langan's. I ordered the Maryland crabcakes and she ordered the porkchops. We split them and they were divine. After the show we stopped by Maxi's (I think that's the name of it) for dessert--crepes--before getting on the train. I hope she enjoyed her birthday treat as much as I did!

32 weeks

My mom took this picture while visiting this week. We decided to take advantage of the special parking available to expectant mothers at Babies R Us. Since she brought the Oklahoma heat with her, we appreciated the close proximity to the air conditioned building!

Blogs that should be

Books in Transit
Perhaps this blog already exists, but I don't know about it. I love the public transportation system here in the northeast. I know some people enjoy driving, but I never have. To me, it's extremely stressful. However, if I'm on a train or a bus, someone else takes care of the details while I can relax with an iPod or a book. Garrett usually chooses the music, and I usually choose the reading material.

Lots of people choose reading material. I enjoy peeking down the subway or the train aisles to catch a glimpse of the titles people are reading. It's enlightening to see how many different kinds of people enjoy the same books.

Perhaps if I had a blog called Books in Transit, I'd simply list the books I see each week.

Or maybe I could randomly interview people about their favorite books.

Or maybe I could review the books they're reading.

Nevertheless, I think it would be a site I'd click on before going to the library or bookstore.

A toast!

Last weekend Garrett and I co-hosted a party for friends who are getting married in Paris. Yes, Paris!

And it's not Paris, Texas.

And I don't get to go. Because, really, who wants a woman to go into labor on an overseas flight?

Anyway, we joined the festivities with this celebration. We held it at the couple's apartment in NYC. Most of the evening was spent on their terrace. The weather was splendid. It boggled this Okie girl's mind because it is the middle of July, after all, and back home sane people stay inside with the air cranked up. Who knew?

We asked everyone to bring a bottle of wine to stock the couple's liquor cabinet. They wrote a little sentiment and placed it on the bottle so the couple would know who to think of when they enjoyed it later. I'm a big fan of toasts and fortune cookies. So, in that spirit, I printed off a bunch of different toasts from the internet and passed them around. People lifted their glasses to offer the couple toasts. Anyone could make up his or her own; however, everyone read one of the slips. It was fun.

Here's a pic of the food. The chocolate squares, eclairs, and quiche aren't in this pic.

Here's a picture of the bride-to-be and our co-host, her sister Colleen.

Many Americans are accustomed to receiving candied or chocolate covered almonds at weddings. Did you know that it springs from a French tradition? Dragees have been given as gifts for centuries to symbolize happiness and festivity.The Empire State Building was bright red, white, and blue behind us, but it didn't show up. What is quite obvious in this picture is that I should probably stop sitting on Garrett's lap or I'm going to squish him. Is it just me or does his smile say, "Hurry up and take the picture because the weight of BrandiMax is causing me great pain"?

31 weeks

You know Max is getting big when my girth begins to dwarf Garrett! This picture was taken Saturday evening in the East Village where our friends live.

Bambi in Joisey

As we've mentioned, this area is beautiful and heavily wooded. The other day, Garrett and I passed deer on the side of the road. It made us wonder what Disney would have done with Bambi in Joisey. We think it would go something like this:






It's winter. Two forest creatures approach a crying fawn. Background music is Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run.

Forest Creature 1: Yo, Bambi. Quit your cryin'. So, your mother had a hit out on her and she got taken out. You think you're special or somethin'?

Forest Creature 2: (whispers) Yeah...yeah...he is special. He's connected. His dad is the Prince of the Forest, you know, the Godfather.

FC1: Ohhhh, you shoulda piped up. We didn't know you were a made guy. We can help. We know a guy.

FC2: Yeah...yeah... we know a guy.

FC1: His name is Thumper. He's got kinda big ears, but don't say nothin' 'cuz he's got an anger management issue and he's a powerful guy. And don't say nothin' 'bout his sidekick neither. Flower...he may be stinky but he's real good with the ladies.

FC2: Yeah...yeah... ladies.

FC1: You got a lady, Bambino?

FC2: Yeah... I hear he got titterpated by that Faline. She's a really pretty doe. Hopefully, she don't cost much dough, if you know what I mean.

Bambi: Back off. Youse guys are talking about the future mother of my fawns.

FC1: Yo, Bambi. Don't get angry. He didn't mean nothin' by it. Fuggedaboutit.

Their conversation is interrupted by a late model Cadillac whizzing by. The windows roll down to reveal a glimpse of a bright orange vest, a camoflauged hat, and a silenced hunting rifle.

Valley Hospital

Last night, Garrett and I toured the hospital where Max will be born. About ten or so other couples toured with us. Garrett commented that he'd never seen so many women looking uncomfortable. That's so true. I couldn't help looking around at all of us and wondering what everyone looked like...before. the weight gain. the sleepless nights. the sciatica. the morning sickness. the unexpected emergency room visits. the concern for a healthy baby. Not that we'd trade any of it, but it certainly takes its toll.

Of course, there's "one" in every group.

A chipper, pretty, slim girl who couldn't be more than 25 joined our tour. She was dolled up to the point that she'd even curled her eyelashes. Her high heels and cute pants perfectly accented the halter top that showed off her tanned shoulders. The girl showed no sign of water retention...yet.

Her enthusiasm and opinions resonated throughout the tour even though her husband wasn't with her. He probably thought it was too early to tour hospitals. "We just found out last week that we're pregnant. We're really surprised. It was, like, can you believe it?" I congratulated her. She beamed.

She was hospital shopping. She whispered conspiratorially, "Did you know they don't practice water births at this hospital? If you want a holistic birth you have to go somewhere else."

I assured her that I want drugs early and often.

Shock made her stutter. "I...I... I'm going to sit down."

I couldn't help but think, Yeah, she's new.

Apparently, hospital shopping is common. The extent to which our guide discussed security is alarming. Garrett told me that someone he knows went on a tour of a different hospital and they modeled how the security works--resulting in bars sliding down and a complete lock down of the hospital. Should I be more concerned someone is going to steal my baby or is it simply a scheme to have people choose one hospital over another?

The hospital plays a snippet of a lullaby every time a baby is born. While we were there, we heard the lullaby twice. The guide told us it's a way for people in the hospital who are there for different reasons to share in the celebration of birth. Nice, huh?

Garrett was completely enthralled with the nursery. The hospital allows "rooming in" where the parents can have the baby stay with them, but they also offer the nursery so that parents can get some rest. Through the window, we glimpsed three babies in bassinets. We also witnessed a father wheeling his baby to their private room. Garrett looked at the brown mass atop the baby's head and commented, "He has more hair than I do!"

Ah, yes. Time changes things.

Movies

Garrett and I have watched a few films lately. Some of them we'd seen before, others were old but we hadn't seen, and other were new. Here's our take.

Wall-E
G's opinion: 5 of 5 stars. Superbly done. Very cute. Wall-E is cool.
B's opinion: 4 of 5 stars. When did kids' movies get so darned depressing? It's like they rip your heart out, stomp on it, then give it back to you with a parting gift that is intended to make it all better. Aside from some of the sad parts, I liked the movie. Pixar knows how to tell a good tale. This little robot flick had a MAJOR environmental theme as well as some commentary on how our society is obsessed with technology with disregard to our health and relationships. Thank goodness it wasn't as depressing as that horrible penguin documentary. I still can't believe people think that's appropriate viewing for children.

American Beauty
G's opinion: 5 of 5 stars. An all time classic. A feel-good movie for every man.
B's opinion: 4 of 5 stars. There's a reason this movie received so much hype. The first time I saw it was disturbing. True, the cinematography is beautiful--images linger long after the specific plot line vanish from one's memory. Until I watched it again, I never could understand why Garrett thought the movie was "uplifting." However, I do see that side now. The movie points out the frailty of human beings--weak, but beautiful like red roses--and how triumph can be achieved by overcoming our weaknesses. The scene where the trash floats around in the wind is an image that illuminates this meaning like poetry.

3:10 to Yuma (the remake)
G's opinion: 5 of 5 stars. Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Great violence and shooting. Superb acting.
B's opinion: 5 of 5 stars. Yes, that's right. It's a western, and I gave it five stars. Russell Crowe and Christian Bale are amazing. Their characters are completx and well developed. The entire cast is. I didn't know what to expect with this movie and put off watching it. I recommend you don't waste another day.

Dances With Wolves
G's opinion: 4 of 5 stars. Makes the white man look like a real douchebag. Stands With a Fist has horrible hair.
B's opinion: 4 of 5 stars. Great movie. Classic. Too bad it gave Kevin Costner the belief that people want to watch 3 hour movies on a regular basis.

Breach
G's opinion: 5 of 5 stars. An extremely suspenseful, true story of espionage.
B's opinion: 5 of 5 stars. Ryan Phillipe does an amazing job of a newbie with the FBI. The scene with his father is poignant. The movie makes one realize that our nation truly is the product of human heroes and is a living thing--which is frightening when one realizes how easy it could be to weaken it.

Get Smart
G's opinion: Not seen it.
B's opinion: 2 1/2 of 5 stars. I may have liked it better if I'd not seen Breach the night before. Similar topic treated lightly. Steve Carrell, as usual, was funny. The Rock always improves things visually. However, although Anne Hathaway was the most beautiful I'd ever seen her, I just can't buy her as a humorist.

There Will Be Blood
G's opinion: 4 of 5 stars. I enjoyed the way passion and tyranny trump ignorance. Acting by Daniel Day Lewis was phenomenal.
B's opinion: 2 of 5 stars. Daniel Day Lewis earned his Academy Award. He was gritty and raw and believable. The movie must have been nominated on his merit alone. It lacked continuity. The characters often lacked motivation for their actions, giving no clues to the audience. Enormous time gaps weren't smooth. One day the child is a full grown man, the oilman has weathered hair, but the preacher still has a baby face. What's up with that? The only reason to watch this film is to marvel at the talent of Daniel Day Lewis. As a teenager, I repeatedly watched Last of the Mohicans to marvel at Daniel Day Lewis, but at least that movie was good.

Volver
G's opinion: 3 of 5 stars. I don't like reading my movies; however, Penelope Cruz made up for this. Broke away from the traditional formulaic American movie. It's European in nature.
B's opinion: 4 of 5 stars. The movie was funny, quirky, touching, and unpredictable. It managed to touch on many aspects of the human emotional spectrum--from the gruesome to the sweet.

The crib

Garrett unpacked the crib and even read the directions!

The chest behind Garrett is filled with things for Max. The room is neater now. Plus, it has a completed crib in it just waiting to welcome a baby boy.

Week 30

According to Your Pregnancy Week by Week, I'll be gaining a pound a week from now on. Our little guy is growing.

Apparently, he can see, smell, and hear as well. I think he's already developing a personality, too. For example, he KNOWS when we're talking about him. If my belly were separated into quadrants from my perspective, I'd not felt him move in the lower right quadrant for a while. Pain, however, was resonating from that area (probably stretching ligaments--you did note the size of my belly, right?!) Movement was going on all over, just not in that area, so it concerned me. Silly, I know. Still, I said, "Max, I really need you to make me feel better and give me some action down there, okay?" Immediately, he did.

Coincidence? Nope. The other day I'd not felt movement in a while, so I asked him to move for me. He responded with a kick. I was so suprised that he'd responded that I asked him to do it again. And again. Each time I asked him, he promptly responded. The final one was weak. I think he was annoyed, because when I asked him to do it again, he didn't. Instead, I felt the swirling sensation that indicates he's rolling over. He ignored me! If he could speak, he probably would have said, "Mooooom." Is this preparation for the teenage years?

Remember the Family Circus cartoons where something goes on in the house and the kids blame Nobody, a ghostly little character the parents can see? Well, a couple of times something has happened around here and I've said, "I guess it was Max." I don't think he likes it. Can't say that I blame him, actually. The last time I teased it was him, he gave me a particularly painful punch.

He can be a little stinker when it comes to Garrett, too. Sometimes, Max will be really busy, and Garrett will place his hand on me to feel him. As soon as that happens, Max stops. We haven't figured out if it's Garrett's voice or the heavy weight of his hand or the body temperature change. Whatever is the cause, he stops moving. Then, as soon as Garrett leaves, he'll start dancing again.

Happy 4th of July!

We've been untraditional in our celebration this year. Instead of celebrating our independence, we've spent much of our time planning for our little "dependent."

Courtesy of grandparents, Max now has a crib & mattress as well as a stroller & carseat. Plus, through generosity from friends, he's received quite a few snuggly outfits, room accessories, a Diaper Genie, and a bouncer seat. With his baby paraphernalia, it's beginning to look like a nursery on one end of our bedroom.Babies R Us must recognize us on sight. (For some reason, Garrett seems to enjoy going there, but he preferred to register at Target online. What's up with that? I'm a Target fanatic. Um, maybe I just answered my own question.)

We went to get the crib today. It should have been easy; we had it all picked out. My mom and I had selected one and Garrett approved. We intended to wait until my mom came to visit to get the crib, but my friends Katie and Ange cautioned that it can take 8 weeks to order a crib. This little warning worried me since Max is due in 10 weeks. My concern must have been contagious because Garrett proclaimed he wanted to put together the crib on his day off. Anyway, we decided to buy it today.

Guess what? It was discontinued! Their last one was sitting on the showroom floor, covered in plastic, wearing a sign that declared SOLD. We found another one that's similar, so we're just as happy. Garrett put it together. It's cheerily waiting to welcome Max.

However, the crib is not the first discontinued item we've selected.

We have a knack for them.

Our stroller arrived Monday, and it was the third one we selected. I can collapse it with one hand. Oh yeah. Plus, the black, ice blue, and silver colors look cool. The stroller is definitely a little boy's mode of transportation.The first stroller we selected was impossible to collapse unless you're the Incredible Hulk. The second one seemed perfect because it had a trigger unit that I could easily maneuver. We immediately fell in love with it. Actually, I think it was the one that caught our eyes at the very beginning. We wanted to add it to the registry, but couldn't find any information on it. We hunted all over that area of the store. Finally,the Babies R Us guy told us it had been discontinued.

Do you think it's our taste--or lack of it? Our wedding china was canceled not long after our wedding.

At least that can't be discontinued without us knowing about it.

And Max doesn't seem to be going anywhere, either. When the vacuum cleaner turned on today, he freaked out. Remember how Scooby-Doo moved all of his legs and didn't go anywhere when he was frightened? Imagine that going on inside my tummy. Yep. Max is definitely not going anywhere.

Superheroes at the Met

I love the Metropolitan Museum of Art. There's so much to see and something for everyone. If you like paintings, they got 'em. If you like photographs, they got 'em. If you like nude marble sculptures, they got 'em. If you like ancient armor for horses, they got 'em.

What's that? You like superheroes? And you like fashion?

They got 'em...through September 1.

A special exhibit links superheroes with runway fashion. It's so cool! Not only do you get to see actual costumes from Superman, Batman (the one not yet released!), Spiderman, X-Men and more, but you also get to see the fashion inspired by them. The show is divided into categories, so when you're examining the actual Spiderman costumes, you also get to see clothes from the lines of major fashion designers inspired by that superhero.

If you're in NYC, check out this exhibit. Like at all museums, though, be sure to read the information instead of just looking at the stuff and walking by. It makes your time much more interesting. I learned a lot about comic books. Plus, I learned that these superheroes of ours are metaphors for what's going on in the real world.

Blog that should exist

I often think of blogs that should be. The one that would be the most useful is Public Restrooms in NYC. My brother told me Seinfeld had an episode discussing the lack of public facilities in New York which made me think someone else may have already created this blog. Well, guess what? A specific blog may not be out there, but some nice people have written articles that have the information.

New York City Travel Information

New York Restrooms

Clean Bathrooms This one teaches me that all of these resources can't totally be trusted. It indicates that Starbucks is a good location. Well.... I've been to two Starbucks in NYC that did not have public restrooms.

Reviews on Restrooms

Westwood, NJ

Since I'm growing less and less mobile these days, Garrett and I decided to explore a town nearby. It's 2-3 train stops away from Park Ridge depending on the schedule. Of course, we drove because we didn't really know where we were going. Next time, we'll take the train.

Why we'll return...

Bookstores! We visited an independent book store called Shaw's Book Shop. For such a small store they had a huge selection. Not only did they have many classics, but they also had lots of bestsellers. I was impressed with their expansive selection of YA books. We purchased a book about the Revolutionary War in Bergen County. Since we live here, we should know its history, right? There's also another shop I want to go to that's called Peace, Love & Serenity Book Shop. As the name indicates, it's a bit more earthy and touchy-feely. I'm guessing Garrett probably won't be interested.

Movie theater! The Pascack Theater shows new movies and it's much closer than any of the other theaters we know. Usually, we drive to the Palisades Mall in NY. It's nice to know we can catch a flick close to home.

Tea house! Harmony Tea Room is not just a regular ol' tea house. It's a Victorian style tea house. They must be on vacation because they're closed temporarily until July 9. My mom visits in July, so I'm hoping to go there with her. Garrett certainly isn't thrilled with the prospect of having to attend with me.

Ice cream! I can't remember the names of them all, but there were several places. Not only did they have chains like Cold Stone Creamery, but they also had cute little boutique shops. Oh, yeah. I scream for ice cream.

Shopping! Specialty shops and chains were all around the few streets of this small town. Someone else wrote about the cute shops and things to do in Westwood, so here you go.