Last night on a whim, we decided to go out and about for dinner in the neighborhood. The weather had been cold all weekend and I was feeling a bit stir crazy, and so when R woke up from her nap a little before 5, we gathered our things, I strapped her into the ergo, and off we went.
Our favorite pizza joint was bustling as it always is, and even at a little after 5 on a Saturday night, we waited half an hour for a table. Once seated, our sweet girl sat in a high chair and happily ate pears like the astonishingly awesome and big girl she is. We sipped wine and beer and enjoyed delicious pizza before bundling up once more for a brisk walk home. Husband's arm was looped through mine to ward off falls due to sneaky ice spots, and R was cozy against my chest, enveloped in layers of down and shearling. The night sky was clear and bright and a few minutes into the walk, it opened up and released thick and perfectly symmetrical snowflakes that fell and swirled calmly around us as we turned the final corner toward home.
There are so many days and moments - especially at this time of year - when I really don't much care for Chicago. When I really don't connect with our great city or feel quite like this will be our forever home. Last night, in the swirling snow hand in hand with my little family, was not one of those moments.
It's so simple. I just want a little open space and room for adventures with my favorite people. The ability to stretch our legs and fill our lungs with fresh air, wonder about and discover the small things together. When I find moments like that, I embrace them. Hard.
This certainly gives a mother and now a grandmother a great sense of peace knowing you are happy and content in your place in this world!
Posted by: Lee Ann Brock | January 06, 2013 at 10:47 PM