Mommy's 1st Time Away

Well, I did it. I went on my first trip away from my baby girl and I survived!

Last Thursday morning I departed with 4 other wonderful friends for a long weekend in the windy city. It took some time to convince him, but a couple weeks ago Chris finally gave me his blessing to take a girls trip to Chicago. It was an opportunity I knew wouldn't come around again and I felt like after 10.5 months of being a full time mommy/wife I deserved it! (Right!?!)

So, thank you Chris for understanding and THANK YOU for doing a wonderful job of taking care of Ruby while I was gone. My parent's had Ruby for a sleepover one night and took care of her while Chris was at work so a big thank you to them as well. I felt SO lucky while I was away having a fabulous time to receive photos of Ruby with adorable pictures and updates. It made being away a lot less hard. WHAT did mommy's do when they were away before the iphone?!?!

This was my favorite picture text I received while gone:

The message said, "Mommy, I love the slide!!"

I loved this picture for so many reasons (she was dressed, had shoes on....) but most importantly Ruby was happy and I could see Daddy was doing an awesome job. Just what I needed to enjoy my trip!

The girls and I had a blast exploring Chicago. We did it all - an architectural boat tour, a double decker tour bus, an art museum, skydeck bar, witnessed live jazz, visited landmark bars and restaurants, and made NUMEROUS Starbucks runs. So much fun. And I am pretty sure we ate all of the "must eat" Chicago food - a Char-dog (YUM!), an Italian Beef sandwich, deep dish pizza, Garrett's popcorn, and more. Whoa...

I am already looking forward to another trip to Chicago - maybe a family trip next time. I kept seeing little girls all over the city with their American Girl dolls (the original store is in Chicago) and I couldn't help but look forward to the day when I can take Ruby and do those fun girly things with her.

Thank you Megan, Mere, Dori, and Robin for an unforgettable girls trip. You were so easy to travel with and kept me laughing the whole time! We must find a place to get a "bucket" in OC. :-)

The Wit Hotel - This place has a really cool rooftop bar

Enjoying Chicago's nightlife

Keeping it classy at a dueling piano bar.

We HAD to get a "bucket" in honor of "Spring Break 2010"!

We didn't regret it.

Looking up at the John Hancock Building

The awesome view from the Signature Lounge in the John Hancock Building - 96 stories up!!!

Getting ready to board the boat for the architectural tour on the river

We got incredibly lucky with our weather for the entire weekend. It was raining the day before we arrived and the day after we departed. Thankfully we brought the CA sunshine with us!

Dinner at Tavern on Rush - SO good!

Until next time......