Chicago

Some time at a dawn-ish hour a text came in from my daughter telling me that Juniper was Covid negative. This is good news of course. I stayed in bed marveling at how the lab worked round the clock to get these results to parents. But this spot of good news didn't erase the sleepless night the little girl had, nor did it free her to go to school today. And so I pack my bag and go up to the empty hotel lobby (this hotel has its lobby on the upper level) and check out, casting one glance at the spectacular view they have of the Chicago skyline.

(I ignore the free breakfast which, as in most chain hotels, is really there to keep you from overeating. Absolutely nothing tempts you. My daughter's granola and fruit later in the morning will be way better.)

I tug my case and trudge up one commercial street...

... turning into the leafy residential area where my girl lives.

And now I truly can be helpful, though not in the way we had imagined it. With me here, my daughter can get some work done. I start off with taking Primrose to school...

(ready!)

... with Juniper along for the ride. I am trying to keep the babe awake so that I can nap her later. Primrose is a great help here.

Okay, school girl, have a great day and we'll see you at pickup!

Now Juniper, please stay awake!

She does.

At home I cycle through the routines: nap, feed, bathe, play, nap, feed, play, walk. A baby's life. Oh, sure, what you do in the waking hours changes. Juniper is playful, upright and raring to go.

Still, there is a schedule and it helps her and me if we more or less stick with it.

(quick post bath hug)

The day is beautiful -- really gorgeous. A walk is brilliant. In fact, I don't know many babes who do not relish outdoor time, even in less perfect weather. The stimulation of sounds and sights, the movement, the dappled sunlight -- it's all one great adventure. And Juniper is one who loves adventure.

And we have a terrific destination goal: just a couple of days ago, a new place opened in the neighborhood: Dolci Amori, with lots of fresh, beautiful, delicious Italian cookies.

Dessert for today and a big box of cookies for Ed!

Eventually I head out to pick up Primrose. Juniper is not up for another walk so it's just us two. 

And guess what! I spot a daylily!

It's been a full day and my daughter is going on far too little sleep so we call it quits early tonight. Still, there was time for lunch together and now there is time for a spritz of wine and just a little reflection. About all the good that the day has brought us. About the sweet moments and delightful smiles. Half full indeed!

With so much love...