Chicago, Days 3 & 4

The last two days of our trip we stayed at my sister-in-law's house.  Abbey (Derek's sister) and her husband, Jon, have a beautiful place located in the West Loop of downtown Chicago.  It is so close to everything!  After taking the train from the burbs to downtown, we could literally walk to her place.  It was so neat to be able to wake up, get ready, go for a cup of coffee, and stop at a park on the way home for Bianca.  All of this could be done while looking at the Sears Tower.  Awesome!

But the real reason why we went to Abbey and Jon's was not for the scenic view, or the stellar location.  It was to see the newbie in the Beehler family - Baby Joseph.  "Joey" was a little over 8 weeks when we finally got to see him in person.  What a CUTE little man!  He is just so round and adorable - you just want to hold him and kiss his little cheeks all day.  And momma and dadda are doing just great, too.  Abbey is really doing a fantastic job as a new mommy.  We are so proud of her!  And Daddy Jon is such a proud daddy - he's getting the hang of things and made us a fantastic dinner the first night.  Little Coco has been a good family member, too.  She doesn't bother little Joey at all.  Now.... my Bianca really liked seeing Coco and I think Coco was "more than ready" for Bianca to leave after 2 days.  She still wakes up sometimes and says, "Where's Coco?"  Bianca really liked her tail.  Coco was exhausted, I'm sure, after we left.

Here's the adorable Mr. Joey Beehler:


When we got to Chicago, Abbey had set up a lovely welcome table with cake and cards for us.  I managed to get my hands all over it before getting a picture.  Hey people.... I'm pregnant, ok?  So I've eaten the part that says "and Liz".


It was hot, hot, hot in Chicago.  So hot we could barely take Bianca outside without her crying and sweating up a storm.  She was lethargic and crabby when we went to Navy Pier.  But hey... we went! 

 




 

Bianca knows how to "work" her grandparents.  On this trip, she would do her "little miss B" strut in front of Grampy, then lay down on the ground right in front of him, and extend her arms up.  It was a "Please pick me up" look.  Pathetic.  But it worked.  He carried her all over.

This is the funniest picture of the trip.  The "funny mirror" at Navy Pier.  Grampy... this is too hilarious!

The Cisel girl and Beehler boy.  Too cute for words.  

Bianca was allowed to touch his toes.  She was pretty scared and kept her distance from the baby.  Oh my.... I hope she does as good with her new sibling on the way!

She sure misses her Nana and Grampy.  They are fun, fun, fun.

Bubbles!!!  We loved their front porch.  It was nicely in the shade, and allowed for great people watching!

Also in Chicago, I got to meet up and have lunch with my cousin, Danny.  This is the same cousin who came to Atlanta and met up with me and my mom for dinner when he was in town.  It was great to see him.  Thanks, Danny!  We are sooooo happy you are back in Illinois!
Derek and I love Chicago.  It was a great vacation.  Yeah, it was hot.  Yeah, I had morning sickness and vomited in the back of a cab on the way to the airport one morning and almost made my husband join me with his face in the bag (when does that end???  it happened again yesterday, too....)  But hey - we got to see our friends and family.  Worth any heat if you ask me.  The new addition to our family is absolutely perfect.  We are so happy Baby Joey got here safe and healthy.  Mommy Abbey - keep up the good work - you are really doing a superb job and we are so proud!