Downtown Chicago

    So since our arrival into the Chicago area Thomas and I have made nearly 5 attempts to go into the city---all of which were thwarted by what seemed like whale-size raindrops. What we have learned during each attempt is that here in Chicago, pouring rain in the morning, could also mean sunshine in the afternoon. (Being stuck downtown in the pouring rain with a 3 month old baby just didn't sound like a happy day adventure for us if you can imagine.) But this last Saturday, we awoke to a bright and beautiful day so we decided to hop on the train and head into the city while the sun was still shining.
     Lesson #1: Lugging a stroller, diaper bag, and baby through 5 train cars causes large amounts of sweat... But Thomas and I stood up to the challenge attracting lots of attention, and escaping with only minimal embarrassment. I don't know if people were staring because they never see babies around here or if they were shocked to see what they thought was a 13 year old girl as the baby's mother... :) I get that a lot.
       After an hour long train ride, we arrived downtown and were pumped to hit the streets of our big city! Turns out we didn't have much time to see all that we wanted. And let's face it, we do things on Hudson's time table these days. So we decided to just enjoy just  few of the city's main attractions this trip: the big "bean" statue, Michigan Avenue and State Street, Macy's department store, and Millennium Park (which Thomas and I didn't know was such a hot spot for weddings!!!! We counted over 7 different weddings in an hour...). Such an exciting atmosphere!

We survived the long train ride! A true feat!!!

Buckingham Fountain and main skyscrapers

Our little family and friendly stroller (practically part of the family as well)

While in Millennium Park, we stopped to eat some lunch. Hudson saw mom nibbling away and wanted in on the action...

So being the responsible parents that we are, we let our child try this delicious fruit... [Note: Our child's head is not small by any means. The apple is just on steroids.]

AND...He loved it! He was going to town with it!

This is "The Bean". No there is no history behind it. Some Chicago people just thought they'd humor the public. 

Such beautiful architecture!

Believe it or not, the city was "stroller friendly"

On our way back to catch the train, we saw this random church building wedged in between two huge skyscrapers. Great use of space eh? Location. Location. Location.

Hudson was such a champ on the trip-not a peep of sadness. Love this baby.

     All in all, the trip was a success if we disregard the milk spill in the park...Pumping in the park is never glamorous. Especially if you don't realize, until it's too late, that the bottle has a major leak.