Charlie's Trip to the Big City

As you may know, Charlie had a recent adventure to Chicago- momma's favorite city! He had tons of fun. He got to see all the girls from the office (who were, of course, amazed and charmed by him). Plus he got to meet 6 adorable babies about his age from my online community of mom friends.

Just a few highlights...

On Friday, a couple of the moms who were there early went with us to the Rainforest Cafe. Charlie loved the fish and the simulated thunderstorms. He met the macaroni and cheese with his characteristic disinterest however. From left to right: Lisa and little Alena, Me and Charlie, Kelly and Noah (aka- the baby who could eat more than I can...) Notice the rampant use of slings. :-)

Friday night was a boat ride at Navy Pier. Charlie thought it was cool for about 5 minutes. Then he was just interested in all of the other babies and in how to get out of my arms to walk around. That night was also Charlie's first sip of lemonade (bad mommy... I know, but boy did he love it) and his first experience chasing pigeons (very entertaining).

Here is Charlie's buddy Connor and his mom Jaimie on the boat ride. How great are those cheeks!?! (Connor's, not Jaimie's...although there is nothing wrong with Jaimie's cheeks I guess...)

All of the babies were about the same age, but boy did they range in size. On the small end was this cutie- Kiera. I offered to let Valerie (her mom) push Charlie and I carried Kiera back to the hotel. At 18 lbs, she felt like a feather to me!

And then...there's Ben. I think he was 30 lbs. And I thought my back hurt. Poor Rose. Of course, he was 30 pounds of pure cuteness, so I don't think she minded. He had the best habit of laughing hysterically anytime we were laughing at a joke. Very adorable. Oh- in the background with the awesome camera is Eric, Rose's husband. He took some amazing pictures that he's promised to share when they get home. Some were worth framing. I'll try and post those when I get them.

Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of Emma- Erin's little one. But they joined us on Saturday at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Charlie got to ride in a wagon, which I think he enjoyed more than seeing the animals. He did seem to like the Meerkats though. He also enjoyed this tunnel he found. Unfortunately, he seemed to think that since he found it, no other children should be able to enter it. He screamed at the other babies and gave me a look of pure distress when forced to share. They, on the other hand, just viewed him as something fun-albeit noisy- to climb over.

Saturday night was a pizza party in our room. Charlie had a great time playing with all of the other babies and soliciting hugs from all of the adults. Little flirt. By Sunday morning, though, I think he'd had enough and was ready to get home. A true picture of a boy who had partied too hard, here he is crouched by the toilet munching on a cold pizza crust (he stole it from me while I was packing- he was supposed to be eating avocado.) Silly baby.