Beach Babe

Clara and I joined the rest of my family last week in Holden Beach. (Dustin had to work and spend the weekend in training. We missed him big time.)

Besides a major meltdown at the gate prior to boarding our first flight in O'Hare (I know everyone else in line was praying they weren't seated next to us), Clara was a great travelling companion. She nursed or slept through most of the four flights and charmed our fellow passengers with big smiles. She also had blow-outs both ways (one I got to clean up in my lap mid-flight)-- so thank goodness I had extra outfits on hand. I would never choose to fly alone, but generally people are very helpful when you're juggling a stroller and diaper bag and baby.

Maybe it was that fresh humid ocean breeze- or perhaps my dairy-free diet really is working- but Clara's reflux improved drastically during our trip. I hope it was a permanent change. I'm willing to endure my cheese-less lifestyle as long as needed if it means a much happier baby!

Dad spent an afternoon making us each tie dye shirts and Clara a vibrant collection of onesies.

I really didn't want to leave. As exciting as living in Chicago seems, I seriously miss the laid-back friendly South. Chicago still stresses me out. I needed this little break to rejuvenate. So I relaxed and slept better than I have in months (thanks to the lack of sirens and rowdy Cubs fans outside my window).

When she was saying goodbye to Clara, my littlest sister, Brooke, told me I didn't deserve such a sweet baby. (I think this comment was prompted by the argument we'd had over the ipod on the drive to the airport.) So I told her she didn't deserve such a sweet niece. While I know she was joking, the truth is: sometimes I agree.

firsts

First legitimate workout post-baby with my new jogging stoller. (I know, it only took me 3 1/2 months. I've gone on a jog here and there and being doing pilates- but babies have a way of knocking you out of any routine.) Why did I wait so long to get this thing? I thought I could live without one. I can't. Not here in the city. So we sold our still-new City Mini and traded up for a Bob. Love it already!

Saturday morning we took it for a stroll along the lake. It was the most beautiful day I've yet to see in Chicago.

First official date night post-baby. With a real babysitter (grandma doesn't count). Our friends watched Clara for the evening while we snuck out to celebrate our anniversary (6 years on the 15th!) with some sushi.

The place was directly beneath the El stop so dinner included a bit of rumbling. But the sushi was fantastic.

And coming up this week, First plane trip. Just Clara + Me. We're joining the rest of my family at Holden Beach while Dustin spends another week torturing kids in the dental chair. (Sorry babe, I know we got the better end of this deal.) I'm a bit anxious about flying with a baby (breastfeeding in public, running between gates with a stroller, diaper bag, and 3-1/2 month old...). Nevertheless, I can't wait!

...and just because it's so darn cute... my two loves on our way to church this morning:

dimples

finally caught on camera

we have no idea where she got them from... didn't know dimples run in the family

please, never stop smiling baby.

Our Place

A tour of our charming old townhome (we occupy the lower level and have access to the creepy basement) in Chicago. When I say old we're talking late 1800's (according to our neighbors)!

We're across the street from a massive cemetery. Homeless people love to wander down our street from the shelter north of the cemetery and sit on our porch and sing to themselves in the middle of the night. But otherwise, the location is pretty great. Within walking distance of Wrigley field, cute cafes and boutiques line our street. We're a mile from the shore/"beach". Shopping in the city (especially with a baby) has proved to be trickier, but I'm close enough to a Target, Trader Joes, Costco, and all the essentials places!

It's not modern but we feel like we got a pretty lucky (central air, washers/dryers/dishwasher, and square footage are all hard to come across winthin budget in Chicago).

Front entry hall...

In the living room looking into the dining room master bedroom. Those curtains are our bedroom "door". They block out light and noise and offer privacy. Or not.

The first night we slept with our bed/heads in the bay window (that faces that busy street) but after waking up to every honk and conversation that went on outside we shifted things around. It's still loud but we manage some sleep.

Our fireplace. It's kinda pretty. But it's fake.

Baby furniture/toys are starting to take over our lives.

Our tin ceiling.

The hallway that separates the living room and kitchen. Clara's door is to the right off of the living room (more on that later). The bathroom door is on the left of this short hallway.

Only one bathroom. Fewer toilets to clean isn't a bad thing. Although the white tile was clearly a bad call.

Ah, the kitchen. Not particularly good looking but it has all the essentials (minus a garbage disposal).

The door to the right leads to the basement. The door on the left to the spare room (where a lovely futon awaits all welcome guests).

The spare room with the trendy wood panelling.

It's our closet, office, library, ironing room, and guest suite.

To below. We're going to have to get a gate before Clara begins moving or she's going to have a long plunge to take.

And finally, the basement. It's honestly creepy. I'm grateful for the washing machine but I get nervous every time I have to change a load of laundry. The basement is actually huge, but I keep to my dimly-lit little corner. There is also a dungeon-like back entrance from outside with creaky stairs from the basement to each level and the attic. Like out of a horror movie.

Coming soon... Clara's room! It's still under construction, but we'll hopefully finish it within the next few weeks. Baby girl finally has a real crib to sleep in!