Bliss

In-Laws in town

Alex at a conference in Chicago

Cheap airfare

No overly important events scheduled at home



Put it all together and it equals BLISS. For the first time since the twins were born, Alex and I are "getting away." I flew into Chicago yesterday to enjoy a 48 hour vacation from my life. Don't get me wrong, I love and appreciate my life. Due to the fact that we NEVER have anyone babysit all three kids, Alex and I are well overdue for some R&R.

Times have certainly changed. Before children or when we just had Savannah, I would have felt pressured to take in all that Chicago has to offer. And, yes, Chicago does have an extensive list. Now that I am stay at home mom of three young children, often times without a husband, all I want to do is stay in this wonderful hotel room. Luckily, Hitachi sprung for quite the posh pad.

After arriving yesterday, Alex and I took the train to the hotel and I was able to see the enormity of Chicago which was reminiscent of Philly in places. Later, we headed out to Michigan Ave., the "5th ave." of Chicago. We found ourselves in Lego Land and other children stores and never in a store for adults. A sign of the times. We followed up our stroll with a nice, quite and delicious dinner. The grand finale was coming back to the hotel around 9:00 p.m. and watching American Idol, random shows on HBO and finally a late movie until 2:00 a.m. I realize this is not out of this world for most but I haven't seen American Idol in years and mostly likely watched more TV last night than I have watched all year. Being able to lay in bed and watch TV with nothing to clean, no one to attend to and sleep as long as I want is an amazing change of pace.

Today marks the first 24 hours away from the girls and I definitely miss them. Time away allows you to look at your life and take in all of the blessings. Alex and I found our conversations often going back to how lucky we are. The twins baffle me. I am in awe at how lucky we are. I could give a long list of blogs that I follow of preemies, all born bigger and some later than Adeline. Most of them have profound, life altering disabilities. We, from the outside looking in, look like a typical family. Three vibrant and sweet girls who fill us with joy and love are more than I could ask for. We are blessed to have a job, a home that is not in foreclosure and community of friends who we completely adore.

This time away, although very brief, has been priceless. I am madly in love with my life!!