Michigan. Chicago. & Cousins.

Months & months ago I found out that Southwest Airlines was coming to Wichita...and were having a special on trips to Chicagoland! So, my pregnant self thought "Why, what a fun first trip for our new lil' babe...a trip to see the cousins!"... We booked tickets and now the trip is already over! I thought that I would need as much baby advice as I could get from my wise older cous Abs...and I sure was right! This trip was not only fun, but also, a little learning experience for this new mama! Sometimes I find myself exhausted and beat with our one little Ol....and then I observed daily life for the Eccs and their three munchins! I don't know how she does it (& you too Ry). Really. Super woman. 

Anyways, Adam and I both had a good share of anxiety about Ol's first plane ride. I knew that if she could sleep, we would be happy happy parents. But I also knew, if she was in "a mood" I may just think twice about having more children;) We were not really worried about us. We were worried about the poor passengers on our flights. I even read that I should bring treats for those around the approximate proximity of a crying baby to brighten their annoyed spirits...so the night before I stayed up making and bagging chocolate chip cookies to help ease my mind. A little overkill? Perhaps. I prayed many a prayers the night before and there was a miracle that day warm Thursday morning...Ollie-pop was perfect on that flight! Adam and I were sooooo happy! Thanks you Jesus and thank you Ollie.

Ol's first flight!

Ol held my "O" necklace the while sleeping the whole flight. Heart melted.

Sweet Aunt Suz picked us up from the airport and drove us to Michigan to begin the vaca! We love going to their lake house and were so excited to have a little R&R! We hung out at the beach, attended Farmer's Markets, bopped in cutesy stores in small towns near New Buffalo,  ate out, dined in, and got some quality cousin time in. It was so fun to see how all the little ones interacted with each other! Even little Cros noticed how "baby-ish" Ollie was and was intrigued. Cute stuff, I tell ya. 

There was one night when Adam and I went on a walk to try to get Ol to fall asleep in her carrier. We kept making sounds and faces at her and she laughed and laughed. She giggled more than she ever has before! We heard once that if baby giggles could be bottle up, they would be the most effective anti-depressant! ha. So true! Adorableness was happening at its max. Adam told me later in the trip that he would never forget that moment. Just walking on the streets surrounded by gorgeous trees on one side and Lake Michigan on the other hearing our baby girl giggle away. Precious sweetness. 

The Stray Dog.

Shauna's Farmer's Market in South Haven!

I love Al.

After a few days in Michigan we drove downtown Chicago to meet up with Mols and J and see Ali's new apartment and area! I was a little nervous about Ol in the city but she and the rest of the kid crew did so great! **If this trip taught me anything, it taught me to just relax and babies can do more than you think. It just takes a little more work on your part. Adam and I were talking on the way back how impressed we were with Ollie! If we just keep her busy busy she keeps up and naps well! 

I love this pic!

We drove by J's restaurant! He may or may not have been embarrassed by the minivan pulling up yelling hi and taking pics :/

The last leg of our trip was to Ab and Ryan's house in the suburbs! They just bought a new place and I was just dying to see it since I have heard lots of fun things about it! It was great to just relax at their darling house and "be moms" together. I learned lots of tips and ideas from that great cousin of mine (thanks Abs)! The "Lucilles" had fun, I'm sure. 

Ollie Lucille & Crosbi Lucille.

Cake in "the morning"...

The Lucilles Matching. We just had to.

On Monday afternoon we packed up and headed back to the airport for our flight back to Kansas. We were feeling good. Ol flew great on the way in...she will be fine. Well, our flight got delayed a good five or six times and we didn't end up flying out til MIDNIGHT! This put a little stress on us and poor Ol. She couldn't fall asleep and nothing is worse than a tired babe that can't sleep. At one point in the night I remember trying to walk up and down the side section of our terminal to calm Ollie down, while playing baby praise hymns from cousin Emily on my phone. A few people were there when Ol and I arrived the scene...and by the time I called Adam in for assistance, the people had all left. Ha. She got so worked up she puked more than she ever has puked before...through the nose and everything, poor girl...right down the center of my dress. We had 3 outfit changes that night.  3 outfits changes in 4 hours isn't a great thing unless you are Taylor Swift performing. So we got through a rough patch, boarded the plane, and luckily she fell asleep for the flight. Better the screaming in the airport then the plane. We will take it.

Before all the delays...;)

I'm so thankful for my family! They seriously are the best ever. Thumbs up Chicago clan! We had so much fun with y'all!