On the Road

When we found out that Sean's cousin was getting married in Indiana last December, we thought what any couple with a three month old would think- ROAD TRIP! We decided to stop over in Chicago so we could meet up with some friends. I'll be honest- the prospect of that many hours in a car with a teeny tiny babe was a little daunting. But, I am so glad we did it.

Our drive to Chicago was relatively painless. We stopped every two or three hours so L could eat. For the most part, she just crashed. I was so, so grateful. When she fusses in the car and I can't hold her and comfort her, it feels like my organs are being put through a meat grinder. That may actually be putting it lightly. It's that visceral. All told, leg one was a total win. Before checking into our hotel, we stopped to visit my friend Liz. She and I went to law school together, but the memory that best encapsulates our friendship involves playing quarters with a bounty hunter at the VFW after bar close. This outing was a bit more tame.

Lorelei meets Lia. Plans are made to go clubbing in 2032, then revised to 2029 based on assurances of knowing a toddler who can get a couple fakes. 

Another perk to the Chicago pit stop was a visit with Doug and Katie Kasper. They came to our hotel to grab some food. Sean and I went to high school with Doug. He played a key role in our early courting in that he confronted me at a school dance in 1997 to inquire whether I would dance with Sean Kessel if he asked me. (I would.) So, good stuff. Anyway, he is also, paradoxically perhaps, a tremendous story teller and a contented hermit. He really doesn't need people. As such, we feel pretty good about ourselves that he seeks us out at all.

Believe it or not... 

this man is a doctor.

(Not a pediatrician.)

The next day was a work day for our doctor friends so we ran amuck on our own. It is very nearly impossible to run amuck sans candy. Fortunately for us (and our heavy amuck schedule), there was a candy factory a few blocks from our hotel. Unfortunately they were not open for tours- you needed to schedule it ahead of time, maybe? Or maybe they just saw me coming and feared I would go all Augustus on their operation. Anyway, that was a bummer but the store itself was open. Two words: Lemonheads and wholesale. Believe it.

And Chicago keeps getting better... 

We then went to what was formerly the Sears tower where we learned that, in America, everything is for sale. Seriously, how depressing is that? I think that as much as I hate the Yankees, if Yankee stadium becomes Verizon Park, I'm out of here. Look me up in Costa Rica. Really. I mean it. Pura Vida, baby. But I digress... So, Sears constructs the tallest building in the world, holds the record for twenty five years and then decades later the Willis Group Holdings (read: tools) agree to lease a big portion of the building but only if they get naming rights? And that's good PR? If I was the sort who dabbled in corporate affairs, I'd check the sign and then say, "Well, you know who I'm not doing business with? The stupid tools who put their name on the Sears tower, that's who." And I would be right- probably really poor at business-y things, but definitely right. It's almost as bad as the Menards logo on the field during pre-season football games. (Don't even get me started on those ass-clowns...)

All that aside, really tall buildings are still cool. There's something about heights that makes every human being Oooo, whoa and/or giggle. It's primal, I think.

Except our kid- nerves of steel on this one...

I love cheesy touristy stuff like this. We took photos for dozens of like-minded dorks. I dig the camaraderie that sort of scene engenders...  

Sears tower = 865 Loreleis

Sean was surprised to see Michael didn't have much on him. (Except a killer fade shot... and that whole flying through the air and dunking bit)

This is the part where there's a clear box built out over the street so that when you look down your gut can reassure your brain that you're not suicidal. 

That afternoon we pressed on to Indianapolis. We were weary and hungry and (for once) the Garmin (our truculent  navigational device) took pity on us and elected to function as advertised. It guided us in to an Indian restaurant. Cue Handel. Perfection.

We knew the food was going to be yummy when the heat was set too low...

As a general rule, when it comes to ethnic food, the less attractive and comfortable the seating, the better the food.

Afterward, we found our hotel and snuggled in for the night. L enjoyed playing with her new toys from Lia, including an edible/indestructible book and a highly suggestive flower. Don't ask.

The next afternoon we got all gussied up for the wedding. We still clean up nicely; we just take four times longer to do it. We managed to beat the bride down the aisle which, given our track record even sans baby, was a total win.

Because we are usually pretty shluppy, we took advantage of our showers...

and took tons and tons of photos...

for our Christmas card...

which we sent out in February. It turns out having a baby doesn't make you more grown-up. If just makes you even more yourself. Apologies all around for that...

Tragically, our camera ran out of juice at this point. And, in order to ensure the baby had enough clean clothes, burp cloths, swaddlers, diapers, wipes, toys, etc, the portion of my brain generally allocated to battery chargers had to be temporarily reassigned. Go figure. So, to summarize, the bride was beautiful- really stunning. And the wedding was incredible, complete with fireworks and a hotdog stand and confetti raining down on the dance floor. Really. Fireworks and hotdogs- no joke. (Though I am enjoying how it sounds like I'm taking advantage of the dearth of visual aids to make things up. Not a bad idea- maybe next time.) It was a super extravagant affair. Our former selves would have gone hog wild. 

Our present selves went to bed at ten.