Over the weekend, we visited some of our favorite friends EVER, in Chicago. Jeff and I have been friends with Mike and Laura for several years now and we just developed a great relationship with them while we lived in Chicago. They're both really wonderful and such great people! Mike is actually Jack's godfather and Jeff and I were both in their wedding this past August. Our initial reason for visiting Chicago was because Mission Improvable was having their Christmas party and Jeff really wanted to be a part of the celebrating. Mike and Laura, graciously, invited us to stay with them, and they even offered to watch Jack on Saturday evening, so that I could join Jeff for dinner, which was so nice of them.
We left for Chicago on Friday morning, following a rough Thursday. I was so sick that day and I really was not sure that I would be able to make the trip. Thankfully, my stomach flu only lasted 24 hours. My dad came over for about an hour, during the day, to help out with Jack, my mom came over after work to check on me, and Jeff was super husband and super dad that evening and took care of everything house/Jack related. I am blessed to have such an awesome family. During the day, when I was alone with Jack, he was as sweet as can be. It seemed as if he sensed that something was wrong with me, because he would give me these gentle hugs and pats all day, and he was also in the best mood and really cooperative all day - THANK YOU!
So, Friday was a brand new, feeling good day! The drive was not too bad and we made decent time. Arriving in Chicago was such a treat and to know that we were going to be spending time with our dear friends, made it even sweeter! On Friday night, we were able to have a great dinner at one of our all-time fave pizza places, Pequod's, and then we stopped by Sweet Mandy B's to pick up some decadent cupcakes for dessert. After Jack was asleep, we played some games, ate cupcakes, and talked for a while before heading to bed, ourselves.
Jeff had plans to met up with the MI crowd for a little get together and to do some improv stuff during the day on Saturday, so Jack, Mike, Laura, and I headed down to the Shedd Aquarium for the afternoon. Oh, how much fun it was!! Jack had never been to an aquarium before, so it was really neat to watch him get so excited about seeing all the beautiful fish. He became a little antsy and restless, at times, but, overall, he seemed to love it! It was a nice way to spend our afternoon. For part of the time, I wore Jack in the Ergo, and he was being such a weirdo, because he kept leaning backwards. He was safe and secure in there, but he looked really funny. We were getting many looks and laughs.
Jeff and I did go to the MI dinner together, which was at Buca Di Beppo's downtown. I'm so glad that I went (and SO thankful for the offer from Mike and Laura!!!), because I had a blast. We did actually bring Jack inside for a few minutes, so that we could introduce him to his MI family. He was quite a hit!
The more time that I spend with Jeff's friends, the more I like them. They are hysterical and they're just really kind to us and supportive (and respectful) of the path that Jeff has chosen for his life, as opposed to taking the LA route. After dinner, Jeff headed out to the bar to maximize his MI time. I had an awesome time at dinner, but I really wanted to spend some more quality time with Mike and Laura, so I headed back. When I arrived back at their apartment, which is a super nice, but modest high rise, located in Lincoln Park, with a sweet view of the lake, I was informed that Jack had gone to bed pretty easily for them, and that they had been able to enjoy dinner and start a movie. Mike was pretty tired, but Laura and I stayed up until 2 am just talking the night away. I loved it! She's definitely one of those friends that I can talk with for hours and hours and still feel like I could talk for hours and hours more. It was really nice to catch up on each other's lives.
Thankfully, we didn't have to rush home on Sunday, so we were able to spend some precious morning hours together. We hung out at their home for a while, talking and watching Jack roam around the apartment, repeatedly pressing their answering machine play-back button. It was cracking us up!
I usually get stressed whenever we have to travel with Jack, because his behavior is still pretty unpredictable and because his sleeping is still kind of erratic. However, this weekend seemed non-stressful and, almost, relaxing! Mike and Laura certainly contributed to these two factors! They also kept commenting on how cooperative and cool Jack was during the weekend. When I think about it and think about how much driving we did and how much we asked of him to give up his normal routine, they are absolutely right. He really was a joy to be around this weekend and it's hard to resist his smile and his silliness. Plus, when he gives you a hug, your heart just melts!
Jeff and I are thankful to have such amazing friends... now, we just have to convince them that Cincinnati would be a great place for them to live, too!
Our smiley guy!
Jack loves to "double-fist" it with his milk and water. 
A wonderful visit with Aunt Kathy! Jack and I took a tour of Kathy and Eric's new and awesome home, before heading to the mall for some play time (Florence Mall has the coolest, rainforest-esque play area) and dinner. Before leaving, I changed Jack into his jammies, because it was close to bedtime and we had a little hike home.
Jack is wearing Jeff's MI shirt. I plan to take a similar photo every year, until Jack is 18... to, kind of, see Jack grow into it! 
