Chicago Day 1

Well, we decided to make another trip to Chicago, after our failed attempt in June. We had a lot of people to visit and were determined to get there!

Addison talked about riding on an airplane the whole way to the airport. I was hoping we wouldn't be disappointed. Fortunately, despite another stormy day, our flight was on time. I attribute this to the fact that we were flying into Midway this time, rather than O'hare. I avoid O'hare at all costs!

(Note to people flying with children 2 and under and not buying them their own seat: Though I've had several friends tell me that I wouldn't need proof of age for Addison and didn't need it on American when we tried to travel in June, Southwest demanded proof of age for her on this trip. I didn't think I had anything, but luckily I carry her little book that the pediatrician writes in at each visit and they accepted this because each visit was dated and stated her age. So, it all worked out. Otherwise, they were going to call our pediatrician for proof of age. What if it would have been after hours or on the weekend? Glad we were okay. After almost 2 failed attempts, I was beginning to think we were not meant to fly to Chicago.)

She watched in anticipation as our plane deplaned so we could hop aboard!


She did so well on her first flight. We were lucky enough to all 3 get our own seats (even though we didn't buy one for Addison).


At take off and landing, she gripped onto the arm rests until her knuckles turned white. She was a little scared but we distracted her and she was fine. Other than that, she really enjoyed her time in the friendly skies.


She even got her first set of wings. Look at her dress, just below the button.


VIDEO

Addison didn't realize that after the plane, we were going to be riding on a train. She loves planes and trains so very much! We hopped on the el towards downtown to meet "Aunt" Emily for lunch and then onto our hotel for check-in.


Don't worry, her hand was majorly sanitized after touching the bar. :)


Addison took this picture of Daddy (with just a little help from Mommy).


We checked into a beautiful 2 room suite at the Fairmont. (Email me if anyone wants info on a friends and family code that could save you gobs of moola, good at any Fairmont hotel through the end of the year.)

We were on the 35th floor and had a wonderful view of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier.

Addison went down for a nap and we woke up and headed across the street to visit with a wonderful friend since college, Meganne, and her 6 week old baby girl, Meredith.

Addison was at first intrigued with the baby, but quickly became bored. I love how Meredith is smiling at me. :)

I figured I needed to practice feeding an infant again.

This picture would have been cute if Daddy the photographer had used the flash. Kidding, Daddy.

After I had my baby fix, we headed to Rain Forest Cafe with a couple of my best girlfriends, Em and Jennie.

It appears Em and Addison were having a color-off.

Then Em took her around the place to look at all the animals and fish. Addison loved the animals, especially the elephants and gorillas. I was concerned she might be a little frightened when they "came to life", but she was all about it.

Emily, Addison and Jennie.

We put Addison to bed and had some adult time back at our hotel. It happened to be the first night of fireworks for the season at Navy Pier and we had a perfect view. Unfortunately, my camera didn't take very good pictures of them.

Thus concludes Day 1 in Chicago....onto Day 2.

Chicago Day 2

Day 2 of Chicago began with another trip on the el. Destination: Lincoln Park. My old stomping ground. I spent a good few years in Lincoln Park and a part of my heart will always be there.

I call this Addison's modeling picture. Haaaa.

We arrived and the sun starting coming out. Good thing because it POURED on us all afternoon and evening.

We hit up a few shops. I found some boots, which made me happy because I've been on the prowl for weeks now with no luck.

Emily and I were in a children's store looking for boy bedding inspiration. Meanwhile, Dustin and Addison were out walking around and came back to tell us that there was a puppy store right next door. This store did not exist when I lived there. It was only a couple blocks from my apartment so God knows I would have been there daily! Even more, all they carried at this store were "designer breeds", including the malte-poo. Wrigley is a malte-poo so of course I think they are the best dog ever.

Addison loved the puppy kisses!

And I just LOVED the puppy. He looked just like Wrigley did as a pup. I could hardly resist not taking him with me!

From there, we headed to Old Town for brunch with an old friend, Matt and his girlfriend, Jenn. Matt and I used to work and play together back in the day. It had been a few years, so it was extra special to see him and meet Jenn. I didn't get any pictures, darnit! But the food was yummy and the company even better.

After Addison napped, she and Dustin met out with Em, Jennie and I as we were tearing up the Magnificent Mile. No, not really...I only saved so much room in my luggage. Addison was bored at Bloomingdale's so we headed across the street to American Girl, where she was no longer bored. At all. She loved playing with the Bitty Babies. It was tempting to get her one, but I decided to hold off for a special occassion.

Look, she even found a Bitty Baby that was dressed like her!

"Baby, you stay in the stroller while I hold my look-alike baby."

Dinner was at The Cheesecake Factory and she was in bed by 7. I wasn't too far behind. It was a busy day!

Chicago Day 3

Boo, our last day in Chicago. We checked out of the hotel, but not before a few pictures.

And headed to brunch with some more friends.

Dustin used to work with these gals. They are super sweet and Addison quickly learned both of their names, Corey and Lisa! She has been reciting "Lisa" ever since.

After brunch, we headed to Meganne and Trent's for some more visiting and so Addison could take a nap before we headed to the airport. They were a few minutes behind us, so in the meantime, she and Emily spent a little "ahhhh time" on the stairs.

Meganne took us to the airport and off we went. The flight was a little delayed, but went smoothly. Addison was a very good girl. She didn't get white knuckles at all and wanted to watch out the window the whole time. Something her Mommy can't do anymore. I've found I get motion sickness in my old age. Now I understand why my mother never wanted to ride the roller coasters at the amusement park!