If you ever want a hassle-free flying experience, get yourself a baby. (Disclaimer: Best to find a baby who doesn't cry too much). I swear, for all of my nervousness over how it would go, it was a piece of cake. Monday morning we were up at 4:15 am to get to the airport. We breezed to the front of the security line via a special line for parents with small children and airport employees. Way too cool. Then, Luke took over as a total pro - he nursed and then promptly fell asleep for the duration of the flight - both directions! And, EVERYONE is SO nice to you when you have a baby! Even the TSA person in Chicago struck up a conversation with me as we went through the metal detector and wished me a Happy Mothers' Day. But, the best part was that we got a whole can of soda - must have been the fatigued parent look on our faces.
In all seriousness, the week has been a complete whirlwind. Hence, my lack of blogging. So, we arrived in Chicago at 8:30 am on Monday and met our realtor, Janice at 10:30. Over the next 3 days, we saw 24 houses, Luke in tow. Despite 85 degree temperatures, nursing in the back of an SUV, and basically being confined to a car seat for the better part of 3 days, Luke handled the whole thing relatively well. He just relaxed in his daddy's arms, checking out the various forms of 1970's style wallpaper in his would-be bedroom, the addition or lack of a playset in the backyard, and how many cars would be driving by when he decided to run around the yard without clothes later in life. Mike and I were looking carefully at the kitchens, the lots, and drooling over the basements (in most cases). We found some really nice things, and ultimately, were able to focus our search to the areas of Arlington Heights, Palatine, Buffalo Grove, and Vernon Hills. Overall, a very good trip to get us started more seriously.
We flew home on Thursday evening and on Friday morning, my mom flew in for a weekend of taking care of Luke while Mike and I painted over our beloved master suite to "neutralize" it. Let me say that we thought we had the perfect plan - fly Mom in to take care of Luke and paint like crazy because SURELY no one would want to see our house on Mothers' Day weekend. WRONG. So, Friday, we primed the bathroom, and as we relaxed over dinner, our realtor called to tell us there would be a showing on Saturday afternoon. Saturday morning, I did a garage sale (literally because it was a rainy morning) and Mike painted two coats of Warm Buff in the bathroom. We left a "Please Pardon Our Dust" note, and went shopping. We came home and put the first coat of primer on the bedroom. While Mike and I were yawning through our dinner date (thanks, Mom!), the phone rang again, and our realtor told us that the same people wanted to see the house again on Sunday afternoon.
My very first Mothers' Day was wonderful, despite my 4-month old deciding to act like he was 5 weeks old again overnight and wake up every 3 hours. And, there was lots and lots of painting and hanging out at the hardware store. Ruthie the Paint Lady and I bonded over the choice of color. Apparently, I now have Oprah's favorite paint color in my master suite. Maybe THAT will sell our house. Mike cooked us a beautiful breakfast and then we started painting like crazy. We put a 2nd coat of primer in the bedroom and then managed to get a first coat of paint before leaving the house at 3:23 for a 3:30 showing. We saw the family coming as we were leaving, so thinking that they'd be here just for 30-40 minutes, we drove back home, only to keep driving and driving until 4:45, when the cars were finally gone from the driveway. Surely, that must be a good sign.
This morning, we finished the painting, took Mom to the airport, and took Luke to his 4-month checkup (he now weighs 16 pounds 2 ounces, double his birth weight - Woo hoo!) I can safely report that we are all completely exhausted. Maybe it wasn't the best idea to try and cram so much in, with the inevitable variable of having a baby who may or may not choose to sleep very well. Just when I thought I was back in control of my life...I know, I'm too much of a dreamer. :-)
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