The Cosme Family Does DC

I originally started this blog to document different trips, and food adventures, and life events and golly has there been a ton of that since I last updated. Even though we have added a tiny person to our life, that hasn't slowed down our travels. So far Rosie has been on two plane trips and has already been coast to coast (California to DC!), luckily she is an absolute doll on flights because staying put just isn't in my DNA. 

A couple weeks ago I went to DC for my last meeting as part of the American Psychological Association Science Student Council, and after the meeting ended of Friday the family flew out to meet me on Saturday! Here is a photo recap of our fabulous trip.

I told Rosalind there probably wouldn't be any swimming in DC but she wanted to try on her swimsuit anyways. If I looked this cute in a swimsuit I would live at the beach.

After the family came to pick me up from my hotel we got some fabulous Korean lunch at a restaurant called Mandu, which I had been to before and was eager to return to. They definitely did not disappoint and if you get a chance to go get the dolsot bibim bap. A rice dish served in a stone bowl that keeps the dish ridiculously hot and makes the rice at the bottom crispy in the best way imaginable. Then after lunch we made our way to our hotel to check in and put on our PJs (...ok just Rosie slipped into PJs even though the rest of us wanted to) and then we hit the National Mall.

At the WWII Memorial we made sure to stop at all our favorite states.

I have always loved that at this particular memorial Iowa and California are next to one another since my sister is currently living across the country in California and I am smack dab in the middle in Iowa. 

On Sunday we went to Mount Vernon, which only Devin had ever been to, so we were pretty excited to check out Washington's digs. They were totally impressive, it was definitely worth the trip out there. We spent a few hours and there was still a ton I wanted to see and do. Highly recommend it!

The views from the house were unbelievably beautiful, after the tour we spent quite a bit of time just relaxing on the grass and enjoying the sunshine. I am going to assume Washington spent many days doing the exact same thing.

Rosie is slowly starting to figure out what grass is all about. Right now she is still a little unsure what she thinks. I am sure by the end of the Summer she will be rolling around in it like a pro.

Her chubby fist and tiny toes could not be anymore perfect.

We look so happy! Right before this picture was taken though we were definitely screaming at each other about something. Ok. I was yelling at Devin about something. I think probably about the fact that he never wants to take a good picture with me. Apparently the yelling worked though because I love this picture of us! 

Grandma and Rosie just reading a book and hanging out on an absolutely gorgeous day.

The whole family with Washington's Estate in the background. I couldn't read enough information off the plaques while we were there! So much so that I made us loop back again so I could look at some plaques I had missed. 

This picture is both adorable and creepy at the same time. That one single eye kind of makes me feel like she a total creep peering through a keyhole waiting for her next victim. But I assure you she quickly feel asleep and spent the last 45 minutes at Mount Vernon snoozing away in her little Rosie Cave.

Our little family.

My mom and dad looking cute as can be (and yes my dad is lugging around Rosalind's diaper bag, he doesn't just wear a backpack around town. He is an all-start grandpa for sure!)

After Mount Vernon we planned to head to the Air and Space Museum out in Dulles. But on the way we saw a stand with a giant sign reading "Frozen Custard", and if you are on vacation you don't just keep driving so we pulled a U-turn and got ourselves some tasty custard. And even Rosalind got a few tiny bites, she reacted pretty much the same way that she reacts to every other food. Unimpressed and simultaneously desperate for more.

We didn't get to the museum until there were only about 90 minutes till close because that's when parking is free and we wanted to save the $15 (obviously) so we tried to hit the best stuff and show our little monkey some of the coolest planes.

I don't even remember what this plane was called but I thought it looked totally badass.

Rosalind totally agreed.

My favorite thing in the whole museum though is definitely the space ship!

SO FREAKING COOL!!!

That grandpa sure is a laugh a minute!

Rosie loved looking at all the astronaut gear in the cases and hearing my running commentary on all the interesting gadgets they had on display.

A tiny plane obviously needs to be flown by a tiny baby.

This baby space suit is so adorable that it has me seriously considering a space themed birthday party for Rosalind's 1st Birthday. She would look so cute opening presents in an orange NASA jumpsuit!!

After a very eventful day we ate dinner at the hotel (which was an awesome two bedroom little apartment at Hyatt House - two rooms each with a king bed,  a spacious living room, and a FULL kitchen. Definitely check it out if you are traveling with multiple people). Devin and I brought back food from a local joint called Tortaco, and it turned out to be fantastically delicious. Mexican done right - ie tacos with meat, onion, and cilantro. Perfection. 

On our last full day we hit the National Zoo and of course before anything else we had to see the pandas!!

Such an awesome animal. I could have stood there and watched them for hours.

Then one of the pandas got loose....but look how cute it was, how could you be scared with a face like that?

Then the panda got a little rowdy though. PANDA ATTACK!!

My mom is cracking up because as my dad was taking our picture a business man came rushing through the area on his cell phone and totally ran into him but kept going without even an "Excuse me" or "Sorry about that." Which is hilarious when it's not you. 

Seriously these two are too stinking cute!

This stuffed panda was serious love at first site. She just kept giving him tons of kisses and hugs - so sweet.

Check out this fabulous waterfall!

Had to stop for a bottle break, it's hard working being wheeled around all day and told to look at a crap tons of animals you've never even heard of before.

I swear this kid is already the most photogenic one in the family.

On our very last day we decided to visit Arlington National Cemetery before catching our plane back to Chicago.

Even though Rosalind can't even stand by herself yet we still explained why we were looking at the graves of these people, and why they were important to our country. And of course we reminded her to always try and see where she can provide a helping hand in the world inspired by the words of JFK.

Since she wasn't invited to watch the changing of the guard I think Rosie was pretty excited when we came back to see her!

Things I've learned by traveling with an infant on a plane. If they find something that keeps them happy and distracted - roll with it. Even if it means you yourself aren't able to see.

Mom's glasses are the best toy in the whole world!

Sometimes selfies are also a great and easy distraction.

For so many reasons this trip was exactly what we needed and we had an absolute blast! DC has always been one of my favorite places to visit because of the history, the free museums, the awesome food, and all the wonderful monuments. It is a city where you can have a great night out, and also learn a ton during the day for very little money - which are two things I love to do when I travel. I absolutely can't wait to bring our little monkey back once she is a bit bigger can soak in her surroundings a bit more. I know there are so many articles written about traveling with a baby, and how challenging it is and whether or not it is even worth it and I have to say for our family, even though it is a little more work (they do require a lot of gear), it is 100% worth it. Just going to a new place and enjoying something you did prebaby can be so incredibly renewing. So got a new tiny traveler added to the mix? If you want to travel - go ahead! There is definitely no magic to it, and you will be so happy you did.

A letter for my girl

I'm not the first mama to take her baby to daycare and I won't be the last. And while nothing can make it easier, knowing that someone else had the same feelings and made it out alive can be comforting in a way. So while this is a letter to my Rosie girl I hope it might find it's way to another mama who needs to hear-you're not alone. 

Dear Rosie, 

I know I won't make it through writing this without tears, so perhaps I won't even try. I'll cry and sniffle and wilt into a mess because while the time to be strong is coming, today is not that day. You are currently fast asleep just an arms reach away from me and while I love when you sleep so soundly and peacefully, I really wish you'd wake up because I could use some cuddles from my sweet girl right about now. I've been up for hours now and once my mind started thinking about taking you to daycare I just couldn't fall back asleep, not when the moment I'll have to drop you off is drawing closer and closer. So I wanted to write you a letter. This way the things I keep repeating in my head are written out for you, for a day when you're old enough to understand.

I worry that one day you'll learn there are mommys who stay home and you'll wonder why I'm not one of them. You'll ask why I leave everyday and with your beautiful big curious eyes you'll wonder if it means I love my job more than I love you. I can't assure you enough that that couldn't be farther from the truth. I didn't know how much I would love being your mother until we spent 11 weeks together. We fell in love and replaced the physical tether that once connected us us with an emotional one twice as strong. Rosie girl,  I love you more than I can bear but for now we have to spend a little time apart and it is tearing me to pieces. 

For 9 months I carried you and I loved every second of having you with me, safe and sound. I loved rubbing my belly and feeling your kicks. Knowing you were with me everywhere I went. To have to drop you off somewhere that it is as foreign to me as it is to you hardly seems fair. It doesn't seem right or natural. I wish we could spend everyday under the covers together, your soft head tucked under my chin as you make the softest most adorable sleep noises I've ever heard. I wish everyday could be a mommy and Rosie adventure. I wish these things in a way you can't imagine. Beyond a simple "that would be nice" to a bone aching plea with the world to let it be so, to give me one more day with my Rosie.

Perhaps this all sounds dramatic, I recognize that we are lucky that we get to take you to daycare and pick you up at the end of the day. You are healthy and strong and there are so many parents who have lost babies who would do anything to get to have a normal day like our daycare days will become. I recognize this, yet it doesn't do much to stop me from mourning the end of our uninterrupted time together. Our magic days. 

I remind myself that this is not the first time we will miss each other. In a few short years you'll be starting school, having sleepovers, maybe you'll even be brave enough to attend a sleep away summer camp like I never was, and once again we will find ourselves in different places. There will be times I miss you more. When you are busy playing with your friends, laughing and giggling while I stare at the clock waiting for you to arrive home safe. Other times you'll miss me more. When daddy and I take our first vacation alone and you fall asleep for the first time without a kiss goodnight from us. Then there will be times we both ache for each other's presence. When we drop you off at college and we find ourselves in bed that first night, both hoping the other one is doing ok and fighting the urge to pick up the phone and say "I miss you already." Yes it is a fact that after our 11 weeks together life will continue to be filled with moments of missing each other, tear filled goodbyes, and joyful reunions.

But this is the first one. And it is painful in a way I couldn't have anticipated. There is talk about how you will never know a love like the way you love your child and at first I didn't get it. Our first few weeks were such a whirlwind my heart didn't have time to adjust. But now, 10 weeks after we met, I am learning the ways in which you have forever changed the capacity my heart has to love. 

So baby girl please know this is the hardest thing to do. That it is making me sick to leave you. I worry you'll be scared, confused, alone. I worry you'll cry and no one will be able to comfort you like I can. I fear you'll think we've forgotten you. I fear something may happen to you and I won't be there to tell you it's ok, mommy's here. But I'm doing it for us. I'm doing it because I have goals and dreams that are too big to contain, and while they seem so insignificant compared to my love for you right now I know they won't always seem that way.  I'm doing it because I want you to grow up knowing you don't have to chose between a family and a career. That just because you are a woman doesn't mean you aren't valuable beyond your ability to reproduce. I'm doing it so one day when you have to leave your baby for the first time you won't have to feel guilty. You'll be able to say my mom did it and so can I. Just know I love you. As much as any mother has ever loved her baby, I love you. Our times together will be the happiest of my life and it is what will keep my love tank full. 

For now I can't be a mommy that stays home and even if I could I know I can't let myself. I have so much to accomplish, for myself and for you. So sleep my sweet baby and know that when you wake I will be here. And even when you grow and find yourself awaking in places that I am not to be found, I'll still be there for you. No matter where I am you will never be far from my mind. As I heard a fellow mama say recently, "I only hope you don't miss me as much as I am going to miss you."

I love you fiercely. I love you madly. I love you unendingly. 

Always,

Mommy 

Microwave Popcorn is a Scam

Yesterday was a big day at our house! 

Weigh in day for little shmoopie.

I knew that she had gained some weight due to the scale I purchased over the weekend but I was ecstatic to find that she weighed in at 9 lbs! That was 9 oz more than last week meaning she was now gaining 1.5 oz a day. Way to go Rosie!! 

We are still going to supplement for the next week in the same way we've been doing it, but after her next weigh in we are hoping to drop the fortifying and work towards exclusive breastfeeding once again. In the meantime I'm also going to see a different lactation consultant to get a second opinion.

After our appointment Rosie and I hit the grocery store for some fruits and lunch time essentials. One of my best buys was this peanut butter which is outrageously crunchy. Like nearly impossible to spread crunchy but I'm about it. 

Then we came home and had lunch and took a nap (obviously the best part of the day) but Devin came home a little early and found us fast asleep. Totally Busted. When he catches us napping it really ruins the whole "my day was insane" story, but seriously most days are pretty tiring. 

Before dinner I went to the workout facility at our apartment building and got in sometime on the bike and the treadmill. I haven't had the easiest time losing this baby weight but I am determined to get these 15 pounds off so I'm trying to workout regularly and reinstated my weight watchers membership. I think part of the problem was that I wasn't eating enough, and with breastfeeding I hear that can be a killer to weightloss progress. So at least with weight watchers I know how much I should be eating and can keep track throughout the day. In fact when I registered I was allotted 28 points and when I changed my settings to say I was a breastfeeding mom it went up to 44 points a day. Now I'm really trying to make sure a lot of those points are healthy things like avocado, nuts, and whole grains instead of pizza and entire cans of Pringles (8 Pringles is 2 points, don't mind if I do). We'll see how it goes. If all goes according to plan the scale will keep inching up for Rosie and down for Mama. 

Also I have a bone to pick about popcorn. A serving size is 2 TBSP of kernels or 4.5 cups popped, and each bag is supposed to have 2.5 servings. That should be more than 11 cups of popcorn. And I consistently get less than 5! FOR REAL. What is going on?! There aren't a ton of kernels left unpopped and the bag is nearly filled to the brim. They are telling me 11 cups of popcorn are supposed to fit in a standard popcorn bag? Did they think I wouldn't notice?! I'm going to get to the bottom of this. Just you wait. 

Halloween Weekend

This weekend we decided to head to my parents' house to celebrate Halloween and our one year wedding anniversary. It's always nice to visit and as much as we love Rosie, having two extra sets of hands is amazing. The drive was prettyuneventful  but we do have to work in a bit more time whenever we go somewhere because someone gets hungry. 

(Not pictured: My glove compartment of snacks). 

Saturday morning was pretty casual, I did some work and had some assistance. 

She's got her diapers in one hand and a laptop in the other. No one can stop her. 

The big event was a trip to Target where my mom and I picked out some new formula for Rosie to try. I've been really lucky because I haven't had to use straight formula yet ( not that formula is bad - I just want to keep up my milk supply so we don't have any problems when we go back to exclusive breastfeeding). We just mix less than a teaspoon of formula into 2 oz pumped breast milk and use that to supplement after a breastfeeding session. Only it seemed like even that tiny bit of formula was not sitting well with her, so I decided to try a different brand. I wanted to use the Honest Company formula from the get go but we decided to be cheap asses instead, my apologies Rosie. I should have known my daughter wouldn't be happy with run of the mill formula. So we picked that up Saturday morning and it seems to be much better on her little tummy. Or it's all in my head, who knows. 

Even though she wasn't trick or treating we got our little monster a costume when we went to the Disney Store during our Chicago visit. It's sully!

The cutest monster in town. 

Sleepy monster. 

All about dat hoodie life. 

In the afternoon Devin and I went up to Naperville and left Rosie with grandma and grandpa so I could buy a baby scale from a person off Craigslist. Given this whole weight issue I just know I'll feel much better being able to monitor her progress at home instead of painfully waiting for our doctors appointment each week. Plus it was only $15, which was a great deal! Then we went to a local sausage shop called Kreger's where they make all their sausages in house and got a few to stash in the freezer for a special occasion (you know - like a Tuesday night). Then it was back to Plainfield where we realized we hadn't had lunch yet so we stopped to grab a few Chicago dogs. Our final stop after lunch was at a local bakery, Millete's, where we bought everything under the sun. For real. 4 cupcakes. 1 giant cookie. A pumpkin pie cheesecake square. 2 kolachkes. 2 buckeyes. A fudge brownie. An apple toffee bar. And some other random cookie. I think that's it. Ok so it was a lot but hey it was our anniversary weekend and we were sharing with my folks.  

Speaking of our anniversary,part of the plan of coming to my parents was to go to a fancy dinner on Saturday night while my parents watched the baby. Only Saturday turned out to be a miserable rainy day and the closer it got to our reservation time the more I just wanted to stay in pajamas. So I asked Devin if he thought it made us totally lame for not going out on our first anniversary, and he said no it's lame to do things just because other people think you should. So it was decided - no dinner. I canceled our reservation and instead we ordered pizza from my second favorite pizza place, Giordanos, and had a family dinner at home with my parents and brother and our plethora of desserts. It wasn't glamorous, but it was us. 

We didn't exchange presents, or cards, or spend hours reminiscing about the past year. Instead we asked each other what the best part of the year was and our answers were identical. Rosie. There will be plenty of time for celebrating as the years tick by and our achievement in marriage grows greater but for now the most beautiful thing we have accomplished together is our daughter. 

And if that means we're too tired to get all dressed up for a nice dinner than pajamas and pizza it is. 

She's screaming because we wouldn't share our candy. 

My little pumpkin. 

Now it's time to plan for Thanksgiving. 

A terrible, no good, very bad day

Yesterday was rough. 

The morning started out with a trip to the doctor for both Rosie and I. It was a weight check for her because she has had trouble growing, and my 6 week postpartum visit. I made the appointments back to back because they are in the same building so I figured it would save us having to go there on two different days. The first appointment was at 9, which meant getting out of the house was a mad dash because we generally don't get up till after 8, but we made it there just a few minutes late. 

To start I got off the elevator on the pediatric floor, when in fact I needed to be on the women's health floor. So I awkwardly said something about having an appointment on that floor later and pushed the elevator button so I could go to the correct floor. Minutes passed and finally the lady at the front desk suggested I press the button...because I am a fool who can't even call an elevator successfully but I swear it looked lit up! Then we made our way to the women's health floor and checked in. After 30 minutes in the waiting room I was really surprised they hadn't called me back for my appaointment. I looked down at my phone to check the time yet again and saw an alert from my google calendar telling me my midwife appointment was starting in 30 minutes. The appointment I thought started at 9. Yup I completely flipped appointment times, the pediatric appointment was at 9 ( and mind you I was on that freaking floor first) and mine was at 10. So I told the front desk about my mistake, went back to the pediatric floor, told them about my mistake and waited to see the pediatrician now more than 30 minutes late for my appointment. 

I was really worried about our weigh in because last time Rosie had only gained half of what she should have for her one month appointment, so I was worried she would have more dismal results. When they set her on the scale I was crushed to find out she had only gained 3.5 oz in 2 weeks. Normally they like them to gain about a pound in two weeks so she was really far from that bench mark. 

The doctor was very nice about it but I still felt awful. Especially because I have been feeling like breastfeeding is going really well! Plus we met with a lactation consultant last week because I wanted to make sure everything looked good and she said Rosie's latch is perfect, my milk supply seems great, and she is swallowing like a champ. She eats every two hours and recently even started sleeping for 7 hours straight at night. So really I have no idea what the problem could be but it's really difficult to know our little girl isn't growing. 

Luckily we have a plan, but this plan is seriously stressing me out. We are fortifying my breast milk by adding formula to it and offering 1-2 oz of that after each feed. Only I have no experience with formula so I have had some problems getting it to mix properly, and I don't want my supply to dwindle so I am trying to pump after each session to keep the supply up. However trying to get ready to pump and also getting a bottle of breastmilk + formula ready while also trying to clean all the components that are needed to both pump and bottle feed has me feeling defeated. I can't seem to get the timing right so I always end up fumbling in the kitchen to prepare a bottle while Rosie screams for more food (because part of the plan is also limiting how much time she is at the breast per feeding). Also today our swing broke, which usually comforts her while I do a quick task, and I just don't know how to do everything while keeping her happy and content. Plus all the while I am really worried she isn't getting enough food and that this plan isn't helping her at all.

I know it's not my fault, and that I did nothing wrong, and that this doesn't mean our breastfeeding journey is over but it is still a kick in the ribs. And no amount of telling myself to look on the bright side will change the fact that I feel disappointed and upset. 

So on top of feeling completely inadequate after her appointment. I had to go to my own doctors appointment where I got an IUD placed and was told that while most women's cervixes stay open for awhile after birth, mine was closed tight. Great. 

So feeling emotionally down, and physically pained, we made our way to the car - which then did not start. Are you kidding me?!? I called Devin but he was too far away to come help. So I loaded Rosie into the stroller, who was screaming by this point because she was hungry, and we walked the mile and a half home in the cold. About halfway home as I was feeling miserable and on the verge of more tears it started to rain. Because of course. 

So now it was raining. Rosie and I were both crying, and I decided to take a shortcut to our apartment building which resulted in the stroller getting stuck in a mudpit. For real. 

The good news? I counted that walk as my workout for the day because I freaking earned that at the very least. 

The rest of the day was decent, although not decent enough to overturn my downtrodden mood.

In happier news, this weekend is Halloween!! Of course we have some cute outfits picked out for the babe and Devin and I's one year anniversary is Sunday so we plan to do something fun though we aren't quite sure what yet. 

At least on bad days I still have this cool chick to kick back and relax with. 

Tiny Baby Meets Big City: Rosie's First Road-trip!

This past weekend was my annual neuroscience conference which means we packed up and made our way to Chicago. I've always been somewhat of an overpacker but having Rosie brought it to a whole new level. Two suitcases, a tote, two backpacks, one diaper bag and one rock and play later we arrived in Plainfield to spend the evening at my parents.

Thanks to the small freezer supply of breastmilk I've been working on building up we were able to leave some milk with my mom on Friday evening and Devin, my dad, and I went to see the Martian - which was fabulous! It was the first time we'd left Rosie with someone else and I'm really glad we did because even just a few hours away was extremely refreshing and energizing. 

Saturday morning my mom accompanied me to find a spring/fall jacket and after an unsuccessful trip to Kohls, I found a phenomenal BCBG coat at Burlington Coat Factory. Then it was off to Chicago! My dad drove us into the city and while we waited for our room to be ready we hit the grocery store for provisions (ie popcorn, almonds, grapes, and some dark chocolate for good measure). I always buy way too many hotel room snacks but what if I get hungry! At home I am a notorious snacker so I like to be prepared. Then we got ready for our dinner reservations. 

We were really lucky to be able to have dinner with our friends Dominic and Brooke at this awesome little Italian tapas  place called Quartino. The meal was utterly delicious but the true winner of the night was the dark chocolate fondue we ended the meal with. I think each of us expressed a strong desire to ditch the fruit and go at it with a spoon, but somehow we refrained. 

Sunday morning was my poster presentation and an 8 am start time meant a very early morning. I have to admit it did feel nice to actually do my hair and makeup after weeks of sporting a ponytail and comfy jeans. The poster went great and I got to talk to a lot of really interesting people and it really reinvigorated my love for science which is why it's so great to go to this conference once a year. It's a great time to remember why I fell in love with science in the first place. 

Then it was off to lunch with one of my lab mates along with her baby, husband, and mom. I unfortunately led us to a restaurant that was closed (ugh I'm the worst!) so instead we ate at this tavern that turned out to be way more delicious than I expected. Only downside was our waitress totally had a case of the Sundays and was super grumpy. 

Then it was back to the conference where Rosie got her science on.

After our afternoon of poster surfing we went back to the hotel where we were met with a surprise visit from our friend Natalie. She was so sweet to stop by and bring Rosie some presents and we said thank you by snagging her some free drinks at the famous Embassy Suites happy hour. After a couple drinks Devin, Rosie, and I ventured to dinner with my old lab from college. We went to a yummy place called 25 degrees, and while their food was mighty tasty the coolest thing was their alcoholic milkshakes! I unfortunately did not get one on account of the whole breastfeeding thing - bummer. Dinner was really fun and Rosie slept the entire time which was spectacular because dinner with a screaming newborn isn't exactly fun times. 

Then we ended the night with friends in our hotel room eating way too much popcorn from Trader Joes! So yummy.

Monday morning I had every intention of going to the conference but having a 4 week old means not having a reliable schedule and since we used all the extra milk we had brought I was tethered to baby, so I decided to forgo a morning of science. Instead I packed up all our stuff and got ready for lunch. We had lunch plans at an Indian buffet with all the ladies from my lab and all the undergraduates from our lab who came to the conference, so we hopped the red line and headed south. 

After lunch we didn't have much time until my dad was going to pick us up so we decided to walk down Michigan Avenue to our hotel in the river north neighborhood. The weather was absolutely perfect and given the cold temperatures that are on their way I felt extremely lucky to have such a fun day in the city with the husband and babe before we are all too sick of the cold to even leave the house. 

We stopped at millennium park where Rosie took her very first picture with the bean. 

Little lady got pretty hungry while at the park so we found a bench and I got to enjoy feeding our girl while looking out over the Chicago skyline. Usually while I nurse I use that time to catch up on Facebook/reply to messages but my phone was actually dead which turned out to be wonderful. The by product of not having technology to bury yourself in is having to fully invest in your surroundings. Sitting there on that bench I studied the city and the buildings I have seen my whole life but have never stopped taking my breath away. I watched the families and couples and school groups rush past us -most of them laughing and smiling and taking pictures. I noted all the people enjoying their lunch in the beautiful park, and amidst all that was overcome with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. To be in my favorite city with the capability to feed my beautiful healthy daughter, I took note of the weight of her in my arms and the heat of her tiny body against mine. I soaked in the small sounds she makes when she is gulping down milk and I marveled at what it must feel like to be that small, surrounded by towering buildings and loud bustling people but to be safely wrapped up in arms that want nothing more to comfort and protect you. I took the moment to recognize how lucky we were to be able to find ourselves in the sunshine on a Monday afternoon, enjoying our family and making the kinds of memories we always dreamed of, finally fulfilling the "When we have a family it will be so wonderful to..."

To sit in the park together.

To cuddle closer as the wind picks up.

To marvel at the perfection that is the baby we made.

To soak in the love that has entered our life since we added Rosalind.

To be grateful for all we have. I

And for those 30 minutes I recognized the irony in the fact that it took the jarring speed of the sprawling city to remind me that the small moments are the most important, the quiet mundane and forgettable moments are the ones worth taking a moment to breathe in. So I kissed her forehead for a second long and held Devin's hand a little tighter and reminded myself that this is the life we've been waiting for and I don't want to miss a second of it. 

Before we ended our Chicago journey we stopped at Dylan's Candy Bar where I got a few mini chocolate squares and an ice cream cone in a cone made of pretzel!! Brilliant. However the follow through on the pretzel wasn't the tastiest. I didn't even mind though because pretzel cones are clearly the wave of the future and I'm sure with a little finessing the pretzel will be phenomenal. Our last stop was The Disney Store where we got a cute little Halloween-ish costume for our girl. I'll save that for Halloween though! 

By that time my Dad had arrived to take us back to the burbs where we stopped at Costco for a classic Costco dinner and then started the trek back to Iowa. 

Rosie's first road trip = Success!!