babymooning in chicago

Ever since we discovered we were going to have a baby, I have been planning on a "babymoon". In my mind's eye, I envisioned us in a tropical paradise lounging by the ocean's edge, sipping virgin daiquiris, basking in the warm sun (big belly and all). While I would have loved this scenario, we went somewhere completely unexpected and totally different from what my 3 month pregnant self imagined...CHICAGO.

Due to time constraints, busy schedules, etc., we didn't know if we were going to be able to pull off a pre-baby getaway, but we did it! Kent had two frees flights on Southwest so we chose a destination about 48 hours before we left. New York was on the list, but that trip gets pricey real quick. We threw a few other cities around, but Chicago won out and I'm so glad.

We spent three days in the famous Windy City and walked more than my out of shape body could handle, but we loved it. Here are some photos from our short-notice adventure.

Architectural boat cruise

This is a must I think. You get to see the city from an entirely different vantage point.

We were pretty cold, but it was worth it.

We heard the stuffed pizza was something else at this pizzeria so we checked it out. They weren't kidding about the "stuffed" part. I never knew I could get sick of cheese, but I think I reached my limit. There was so much of it!

I didn't think I could eat stuffed pizza again, but the night after going to Giordano's we decided to give it another go at Lou Malnati's. Both of us preferred the second place. Lots of cheese, but not as heavy.

We did a little shopping on Michigan Avenue and I of course had to stop in the American Girl doll store. It was amazing. My 12 year old self would have gone crazy. As it was, I was amazed at the things they had there: a doll hospital, a doll salon (pictured above: $20 for doll hair styling) and a cafe where you and your doll can eat together. Little girls were carrying their dolls around going from one spot to the next. It was great, but I think Kent is happy we're having a boy.

Nighttime on the Riverwalk.

We were there for the first weekend of holiday festivities. Big cities are magical during the holidays. Really, they are.

In the lounge at the top of the John Hancock building. It had a pretty fantastic view of the city.

And I really liked these photos of Kent.

He doesn't even try, he just strikes poses like a model.

If you couldn't tell, this is a bathroom. Yes, it is the view from the women's bathroom in the Hancock building. I couldn't resist taking a photo.

The actual building from below.

Our least expensive meal of the trip, but our favorite meal of the trip.

We loved Portillo's!

Unfortunately for Kent, we missed baseball season, but we lucked into a great second: a football game at Wrigley Field. Apparently, a college football game hadn't taken place there since 1938 so it was big deal. Plus, state rivals were playing.

We weren't cold or anything. Okay, that's not true. We were freezing!

The field.

Definitely a fun time, but we'll have to come back in the summer for a warm baseball game.

On our way to the Field Museum. I loved the fall colors.

The Bean.

Up close.

The Belly in the Bean.

Outside the Field Museum. We liked this museum, but I think we'll try the science and industry museum next time. It was just a lot of natural history. My favorite part: watching an old video about Eskimos while sitting down.

Our last night enjoying the decked out streets after eating some delightful beignets at Grand Lux Cafe.

We had a wonderful trip and I'm so glad we were able to make Chicago happen. We loved our hotel, the ambiance and the city. Next time we go, Kent can take his little buddy to a Cubs game and I'll submit to a day in the American Girl store if and when we have some girls.