My sister, bro-in-law and Sonya (Ducky) arrive in New York City on August 28th. And so begins their life in Brooklyn togehter.

And Brooklyn awaits with open arms. There is Seventh Avenue to be strolled (and no $800 dollar stroller for Ducky. She’s got a very tasteful McClaren, thank you very much).

Prospect Park will be Sonya’s stomping ground. She may even take her first steps there. Wait’ll she sees the Third Street, Ninth Street, and Tot Spot Playgrounds. Life’s a playground, Ducky. there are swings to swing, slides to slide, sandboxes to dig in. Wait till you see.

And Ducky, who already shows an interest in music, will enjoy Music Together with Toby Williams, or the hipster alternative: Music for Aardvarks, where the family can learn songs like: I’M A CITY KID:  "Beep Beep, honk, honk, can you spare a dime. Have a bagel with schmear and see the Guggenheim…" and other Aardvark classics.

There are so many one-year-olds for Ducky to befriend. My sister’s building is crammed with kids as is the rest of the Slope. The drop-in center at Beth Elohim will be a great place to meet and greet the nabe.

When I close my eyes, I can see my  sister on the bench at Connecticutt Muffin with Ducky in her stroller. Ducky will sip from her cup – she’s was weaned early from the bottle at the orphanage – while my sister has her morning coffee with all the other new Slope moms.

There’s much for a one-year-old and her parents to do in Park Slope. Parks, playgrounds, parties, and playdates. Ducky, you’re not in Perm, Russia anymore. (And if you miss Russia, Brighton Beach is just a hop, skip, and a jump.) No worry: you’ve landed in the land of children, where you will be loved and adored by your devoted family of friends and neighbors.

Welcome to Park Slope!