July 28, 2014 4:18 pm Meet Kristen von Summer Waldorf, Our 50th Mom of the Week!
What do you love to do with your children? How old are they? And what is your greatest wish for them?
David and I have two boys, seven & five.
I love to read with my children & discuss the books. Their thoughts always surprise me & make me laugh! Cuddling is also at the top of the list. I never tire of cuddling. I also love just being with my kids doing everyday things and really savor listening to them while they play nicely together! I strive to savor the small moments of living with such vibrant, innocent humans. Being with them as they experience the world never ceases to amaze me.
My greatest wish for them is to lead happy, meaningful lives and to be safe!
When and where are you the happiest?
I am happiest when I’m with my family and friends, when we are just doing simple things together. Being together at and in the ocean is also a really happy place for me. I love the ocean & the Long Island Sound. Our wedding day, and the day each boy was born were the happiest days of my life.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
India. I was there before I had kids, and it changed me. I felt so alive! It’s such a country of contrasts. Their joy in daily life was so clear. The country’s history, colors, design, topography really appealed to me. Oh! I could wax on about all I love about India. I can’t wait to make a new experience there with the boys.
Who has had the biggest influence upon you? And what quality do you most admire in a mother?
Both my parents. My father had a zest for life that was infectious! He had a deep love of family, the outdoors, the ocean and of history that I also share. My mother taught me about how to have fun no matter where you are and to appreciate all that is good in your life. The quality I most admire in a mother is devotion to her children, and what a mother willingly sacrifices for her family. And all she does to make a happy, functioning, thriving family unit.
What do you like to do for fun?
Travel! I love hanging out with our family & another family. Going to the theater is also magical. I love swimming & being by the ocean. Giving & going to parties too, going out to dinner. As a massive extrovert, being around people is always fun for me. I try to have fun sometime each day, even in the mundane like going to the grocery store.
What is one of your favorite books? Movies?
Books:
The Razor’s Edge by Somerset Maugham, and recently I had an aha moment while reading The Language of Flowers.
Movies:
The Life Aquatic by Wes Anderson
Has it all– laugh out loud funny for me, poignant, visually beautiful.
Old School (I probably shouldn’t put that in print) &
The Wizard of Oz!
What do you feel is one of your strongest qualities?
Hoping to be open minded. This is something that can always be worked on & improved upon. I try also to have a sense of humor. This is not easy to accomplish every day, but I try! So maybe I’ll add that trying is a strong quality.
What is your favorite type of food and what do you love to cook?
My favorite type of food is fusion with Eastern flavors. I was a long time New Yorker, and will be honest here: I don’t love to cook. I do love to bake if I don’t feel rushed. Cooking & feeling rushed are not fun for this Mom.
What is your favorite time of the day and why?
The Night! I’m not a morning person. I’ve gotten better since Greenwich is dominated by perky morning people. In early evening our family is together, we do our cozy bedtime routine with the kids. I love then being home when the world outside is quiet, I know my kids are safe in their beds. I think back on the day & feel grateful we are all well and cozy. I also like going out on the weekends in the night too!
Where is your favorite place to Party with Moms and what’s your favorite drink?
I like to Party with Moms wherever I can see Moms! Being together is a party.
It doesn’t matter if we are waiting to pick up the kids, are on the soccer sidelines, at a birthday party, or even if we are only having water. Fav drink? A tie: lemonade & Pimm’s Cup!