This past week I traveled solo with my daughter, Cece, to Chicago. My husband had to be there for work and it was my spring break, so we decided to tag along and take on the town. Chicago is a great walking city. I'm glad I packed comfortable footwear. I did have to buy more layers. Do not underestimate the cold, because it's not just "cold" its freezing and windy! I really don't think it's possible to pack light with a toddler in tow. We divided up her belongings among our bags. We even fit in an air mattress for Cece to sleep on. |
I did a lot of planning ahead knowing that it would be just Cece and me during the day. A fantastic place we went to was the American Girl Doll store. You can spend hours and lots of $ there if you wanted. We opted for lunch and walking around. I let Cece "borrow" the American Girl Doll, Kit, that I bought for her from a friend. I feel that she is too young to have one, so she will get to keep Kit when she is older, but she was very sweet to her during the day. They really do lunch right. You pay $22- included in that price is a drink, warm cinnamon rolls, an appetizer plate, main course, and dessert- cupcake and chocolate mousse. They also set the table with a mini tea set for the doll, and your napkin ring is a cute hair tie- both to keep. It is a very special place for little girls, and moms alike. After lunch we explored the rest of the store. They have everything imaginable for these dolls. I enjoyed the area where they had all of the historical dolls. It was kind of setup like a museum. If you are in the Chicago area and have a little girl, the American Girl store is a sure place to spend some time at. Just leave the credit card at home lol. We managed to get out of there with only spending money on lunch and nothing else, just enjoyed the sights there. |
I mentally was prepared for a messed up schedule for naps and eating. There was a time change involved and the first day, Cece was ready for the day at 5:30am... I am one to stick to a schedule, but a lot of things went out the window on this trip (healthy eating, sleep schedules etc.) and that's OK. I did not need to stress about it. Cece took naps in the stroller during the day. It was enough to get her through the day, but at dinner most nights she was a little over the whole situation. She also didn't want to eat much, so I stopped at Trader Joes and stocked up on some raisins, crackers, and other snacks that were semi healthy, and easy to pack. |
The bean and fun at Millennium Park. I learned that the bean is actually called "Sky Gate." Who knew!? The second full day we spent with my cousin Veronica who goes to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She was able to show us many neat things in the area. All of the stores are like museums! (I'm not a city girl, so the multi level giant Walgreens was fun to walk through.) |
- Installing the carseat into the cab, necessary, but in 35 and raining, not fun.
- Traffic on the way airport
- FORGETTING MY CELL PHONE IN THE TAXI
- A huge ordeal getting it back (had to get the cops involved)
- 20 minutes left to get through security, go to the gate, and board... OMG
- Security with the babe... so fun (swab the hands, test the milk, etc.)
- SPRINT to the gate
- Gate changed
- SPRINT again
- Last one on the plane
- Middle seat with lap child nonetheless
- CANNOT BELIEVE WE MADE IT