I had been feeling sad about leaving Daniel and yet excited to go on this trip at the same time. I got everything ready at home for Grandma and Grandpa the night before, got Daniel to sleep and then laid down at 10:00 knowing that 4:45 would come too soon. Of course, it took me 45 minutes to fall asleep and then I woke up at 2 and couldn't get back sleep until 3. I kept hearing noises and felt paranoid so I got up to check on Daniel. Just as I was drifting off I heard noises again. This time I felt like it sounded like someone was on the porch. I got up again and since it was hot in the house I turned the air on. (As is turns out one of our downspout extensions was moved the next day, so maybe I really was hearing someone or something!)
Anyway, I was back to sleep at 3 and then Daniel was awake at 4. I fed him a little and then brought him out to see Jacob. Normally I won't stimulate him because I want to get him back to sleep quickly, but I wanted us to have a few minutes with him. I nursed him back to sleep and then got ready. Kent and Brenda got here around 5:30 or a little before. Jacob and I left at 6. I had to go in and give Daniel as kiss before leaving, and thankfully he stayed asleep.
The trip to Chicago was fairly uneventful and went pretty quickly. We watched movies and I read some. We always stop at a rest area and from 2 past experiences I knew to jump off the bus first (we ride in front) and high tail it into the building because it's a small rest stop. I was in and out and everyone else had to wait in a very long line.
Now...the one and only downside to breast feeding is when you aren't with your kiddo. I had to take my pump along and try to find times and places to do it. I got back on the bus and used the tiny little bathroom. I think the girls all thought I was nuts using that bathroom...not to mention I was in there a long time! Ha ha! By the time I finished, it was time to get rolling again.
Our first stop in Chicago was the Hard Rock Cafe. We actually had a decent selection of menu items to pick from. Usually we only get 2 or 3. I'm not complaining because my trip is free, it was just nice to have so many options! I enjoyed a bacon cheeseburger. Mmm.
Then Jacob saved my cookies (the dessert) and scored me a couple extra while I was off hogging a bathroom stall and pumping again. Jeesh. Time consuming.
We got back on the bus and headed to Millennium Park for about 45 minutes. I really enjoyed our group of girls that we were in charge of. They were total goofballs and cracked me up!
I love this picture of Jacob and I! Thankfully he let me borrow his sweatshirt because I forgot my jacket and it was chilly!
I called to check on Daniel on our way to see Blue Man Group. Grandma told me he was doing great! I was so happy to hear that!
We had an "adventure" for lack of better words, getting to the theatre. Our bus driver was a bit scary. I hate Chicago traffic as it is, but watching him make tight turns onto narrow streets makes me nervous.
Blue Man Group was awesome once again! This was my 2nd time seeing them and it was very cool. If you ever get the chance, you need to go see it. (I'm saying this to all 2 of my blog readers).
Our buses took for freaking ever getting back to pick us up afterward. We lost a lot of time because of it. Then we got stuck in rush hour traffic. Oh yeah...and I needed to pump. Since we were clearly not getting out of Chicago anytime too I decided to tackle my biggest pumping challenge yet. I pumped in the bathroom again. While the bus was moving...and slamming on the brakes....and moving...and slamming on the brakes. I used my foot to brace myself and praying I wouldn't go flying at any point. It was a bit funny. Just a bit though.
Because of the late start back and traffic we got to our supper stop late. We stop in an area with about 5 choices. By the time we arrived it was 6:30 and they wanted everyone back on the buses at 7. Truth be told, I'd rather skip supper on that trip. It's always when my patience is about shot. Some people didn't even get their food until 7. I just wanted to be home!
We got back to the school at 9:30 and of course not everyone was there yet to pick up their kids, but we finally got home a little after 10.
Daniel had been great. He wasn't so sure about the morning bottles, but by afternoon and evening he apparently was just about yanking them out of Grandma's hands and sucking them down! Woohoo!!! He was asleep but after we were ready for bed I got him up to nurse him. We just really wanted to see him too! He opened his eyes and smiled so big at us! We got some snuggle time and then it was back to bed. He fussed a bit and I planned to go back and check on him, but I must've fallen asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow because next thing I knew it was 4:15 and he was fussing!
All in all, it was a great time. I learned that I can leave my baby and be okay. And today he and I have gotten lots of play time in! I know he had fun with Grandma and Grandpa though and we're so thankful that they came to watch him!
One more month until our next trip away! (Thankfully this one won't be quite as long!)
I would love to see Blue Man Group. Glad you had a great time and survived your time away from Daniel. See, we all told you he'd be fine. :) However, its more about whether mommy will make it. I know, cuz I was that kind of mom. :)
ReplyDeleteAuntie J
I am glad that you all survived your first big stretch apart. I was never gone enough to really have to pump much but i'm really proud of you for doing it! I liked that i could imagine a little of where you were since our trip to Chicago! AND i do read every time you post...i just fail at commenting. Keep posting! Love ya!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a good time considering the "pumping". I tried that a long long time ago, I am sure the pumps are a lot better. I think the worse part that I remembered was feeling like a the life was being sucked out of me instead of the milk. I also still remember the pain I had when those girls were full.
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