About a month ago, we visited Chicago for the first time since Em was born. Almost all of Steve’s side of the family are in Chicago including his parents, so it made for an exciting trip – Em’s first time visiting her paternal grandparents’ house! Because we were going to be there for a little over a week, we decided to drive. Yes, with a 7 month old (at the time). I was definitely nervous to do a long distance traveling (about 13 hours without stops) in the car with an infant, but we figured we’d have to do it sooner or later so why not sooner? 😉 I’ll do a separate post on our experience and tips for long distance traveling later, but Em was an angel! We could not believe how well she behaved and endured the long car ride!
Needlessly to say, our week in Chicago was packed! The weekend we arrived was filled with family functions. My sister-in-law, Mina’s dental school graduation was on Saturday (congrats, Dr. Hwang!) followed by Mother’s Day celebration with our extended family.
During the week, we had playdates with baby friends and I got to catch up with my friends. Catching up with my friends was totally a different feel with a baby (phone pictures on my Instagram). We dined at baby friendly restaurants instead of hip/trendy lounge like we used to. Chicago felt a little different to me this time around but in a good way, I promise. 🙂 We had an opportunity to take Emma to the city (we were staying at Steve’s parents’ in the suburbs) for a bit. Steve was taking pictures of Mina in her cap and gown, so we tagged along to snap some shots of Em at Lincoln Park Zoo. Unfortunately the zoo was closed, but we did get some beautiful shots near the zoo.
The last two days in Chicago, we got to spend it with my best friends and their hubbies and baby Charles. My best friends, Amy & Sabrina, and I tentatively planned on getting together to go on a vacation for our 30th birthday year, but life and babies happened. So we decided to meet in Chicago instead and do a full day of reunion in the city with our hubbies and babies. Amy and her husband, Jeff actually live in SF, and they flew to Chicago just to spend some time with us. I think Amy was more excited to see the babies than me and Sabrina. It’s okay, we forgive you. We spent our day being tourists – taking the CTA, walking downtown, eating at Portillo’s, going on an architecture tour, and ending the day in Chinatown for dinner at Joy Yee. And our sweet, sweet babies did amazing! It was actually Charles’ full day of being out and about, and he was a trooper! Of course, being around other first time parents and baby loving friends made it so much easier! Gahhh, I miss my best friends so much already!! 🙁
There’s never enough time when visiting Chicago, too many things to do and people to see. I’m glad to have met up with most of my lovies while we were there, and sorry to have missed others! But we’ll be back for Thanksgiving! And y’all are welcome to come visit us in NC in the meantime. 🙂
-m
Angela says
Looks like a fun family trip! I’ve never been to Chicago, can you believe it? Weather looks beautiful and it looks like you spent quality time with family and friends. I’d love to visit one day!