The Transfer

In NYC, the “transfer” of your child from car to crib might be more challenging than in the suburbs. Let me explain…

The other night we came back late from Long Island. We did the usual bedtime routine in Long Island & our son fell asleep in his car seat on the way back to NYC. We pull up in the car next to our building at 8:30 pm on Sunday night. First, I need to unstrap my sleeping son and sling him over my shoulder (no problem). As I exit the car, another car pulls up behind us & it happens to be my friend Rick. Obstacle #1: He shouts over to me, “Are you guys coming back from the beach?” I shoot him the look of death with my eyes that says “don’t wake my little guy or else.” Obstacle #2: I walk into our bustling building that is lit up bright as day. My little guy remains asleep.

Next, we travel through the spacious lobby toward the elevator bank. Obstacle #3: All elevators are currently in transit so I wait IMPATIENTLY for that darn elevator to arrive. Sure enough, several people come over to the elevator bank to wait as well. Now, there is a small army waiting and chatting by the elevator. It finally arrives & my son wakes up. Darn!

We are going up in the elevator packed like sardines. My son is still slung over my shoulder, but he is looking all around to check out the action and conversations. I am making shushing sounds to keep him calm, but he starts to get excited as some of the passengers ‘coo’ and make eyes with him. Internal thinking: “Don’t you all understand – my son should be sleeping now so stop trying to get him excited.” Not only was I thinking this, but my facial expressions towards the others was far from friendly. We stop on what feels like every floor. Finally, we arrive at our door and our son is now wide awake…so much for a successful transfer.

Sure, we would not have to deal with many of these obstacles if we lived out in the suburbs. BUT, I am not ready to give up the city life just yet.