Our trip to the Windy City and The Importance of Getting Away

This past Memorial Day weekend, Mister and I got away to Chicago.

We spent Sunday through Tuesday in the Windy City and let me tell you..... it was amazing.

Like whenwasthelasttimeishoweredforanhourjustbecauseicould amazing.

My hour long longer than average shower was only one of things I did to "indulge" on our vacation.

I spent over an hour getting ready- like actually did my hair, makeup, shaved, put lotion on.

Went through outfit after outfit, adding accessories that I normally wouldn't wear since my child would

break poop on lick ruin them.

And perhaps my favorite thing I did was rest here. 

The hotel lobby- which was stocked with a free coffee bar, an oversized chair, and a beautiful view of the city. Yup, basically heaven. I got up early (I'm programmed to getting up with baby girl) and went down here for some quiet time while hubby slept. To say I enjoyed it is an understatement.

We did many fun touristy things....

Checked another Hard Rock off my list (I'm a hardcore Hard Rock pin collector... more on that another day!)

Ate one (or two) Chicago style hot dogs

Saw Wrigley Field

Sat by the water at Navy Pier

And chatted with this handsome fella while we enjoyed the view.

Indulged in some Gino's deep dish pizza

Looked down on the city from the John Hancock observatory

Roamed Millenium Park

Took some corny pictures at "The Bean"

Yes, obligatory "Bean" pictures were a must.

Noshed on some focaccia at the wonderful Eataly (DISCLAIMER: if you are going to NYC or Chicago any time soon you MUST visit Eataly... it is divine!)

Kicked our feet up at the Pier once more

Snuggled up on a boat ride on Lake Michigan

And sat back and enjoyed this insanely gorgeous view.

While sightseeing, eating, and shopping were wonderful,

the thing I enjoyed most was just spending time with my Mister.

We talked, we laughed, we cuddled, we strolled hand in hand,

and we didn't have to worry about bottles strollers blowouts kid stuff for a few days.

Of course, we missed our little E girl terribly.

But we tried to make the most of our alone time together and I can honestly say that

EVERYONE.... (yes, that includes you)

needs to take some time away from their kids.

You heard me.

Leave the kids, pray about it, get up, and go.

I know to some that seems like a crazy idea.

But it is SO valuable to your marriage.

We felt like a dating couple again getting to just go out and enjoy things we don't get to do much anymore and that was so refreshing.

I know the anxieties are intense, believe me.

I worried about little E not sleeping,

not eating,

choking,

missing a bottle,

falling and getting hurt and getting rushed to the ER,

but did that happen?

No.

And even if it had, things would have been OK.

It's so easy to get worked up over the small stuff and to let fear keep you from doing things.

Ultimately, this battle is about trusting God.

We pray over our little girl every night and know that even when we aren't there to protect her,

God is.

And He is bigger and more powerful and has all the control over her life.

He is watching her in the wee hours of the morning,

and He is even watching over her while we are away.

If leaving your kids is something you struggle with,

I encourage you to pray about it.

Ask God for the strength to do something for yourself, 

and leave your kids (and your fears) in His hands.

Now trust me, I KNOW this is not easy. I struggle with this constantly. However....

I believe that God wants us to have the strongest, healthiest marriage we can have.

And ultimately, sometimes we need to make sacrifices and get away from the day-to-day routine to strengthen our marriages and give our husbands some quality time

without dashing off for the next diaper change.

Mommas,

I encourage you to rest in Him.

Grab ahold of the peace He provides and those little fears will disappear.

Take a step in faith and go on a little adventure with your hubby,

even if that means going out for an hour-long date night.

I promise you He will watch over your precious babes while you are away.

And you might even enjoy yourself too. ;)