And we're off!

The Financial District is teeming with babies! I already knew that Mama V, Mama A, Mama L and I live here with our babes, and I see tons of kids going in and out of their building and mine, but the numbers in this New York Times article actually surprised me.

It does make sense that this neighborhood would attract families. Those banker-types can't stay single forever, and when they do settle down they work near home so valuable family time isn't wasted on a commute. This is certainly why we moved here when Mr. E finished his dissertation and started working on Wall Street. And in the three years we've lived here, whether it's a change in the neighborhood or just my own baby-vision, I have noticed more babies in strollers on the crowded and narrow sidewalks built before skyscrapers.

The mothers' group that brought our circle together is mentioned in the article, too, though I like to think we might have met anyway. Maybe I would have spotted Mama H on her way to the Seaport, Mama A off to Whole Foods, Mama L at the World Financial Center, Mama V at Crumbs (although her apple cake is better than a cupcake any day), Mama N in Battery Park and Mama J at Border's. These are the mothers who have made this neighborhood feel like home for me, and helped make my time as a New York mommy so amazing.

Sadly, after six wonderful years in New York, where I met my husband and started our small family in an even smaller 1-bedroom apartment, I'm moving my boys to a town out of the '50s. I have been secretly plotting a way to convince my urbanite husband, Mr. E, that this small "village" in Ohio would be the perfect place to raise 17-month-old Master D. I had resigned myself to waiting until we had a small litter, all sleeping in our bed and piled in one bathtub, that finally forced him to say, "It's time to leave the city." As much as we love it here, I want Master D to grow up with a backyard and nosy neighbors who will tell me if he's making out with the prom queen on our porch swing.

Fortunately, the economy and general atmosphere of Wall St. have pleaded my case for me, and we're both ready for a change that small-town life will bring. I hope there won't be too much culture shock - last time we were there Mr. E was scolded for jay-walking - but we're ready for an adventure. I just wish we didn't have to leave such great friends here. Happily, there's nothing like a blog to keep in touch. Right, Mama N?