Chicago

We spent New Year's weekend in Chicago this year. It was a much needed relaxing end to a very long and busy holiday season.

The drive there was uneventful. We left after I got out of work. Lilah colored and read stories in the back seat, asked to get out of her seat a dozen times, chattered nonsensically for awhile, then fell asleep. We made it there with very few hitches (barring paying our toll with a 20 dollar bill and getting back almost 18 dollars in "pirate money" gold dollar coins).

We decided to exchange gifts that night, keeping Lilah up until nearly 1am. In the morning, Ann and I took Lilah via public transportation to Michigan Avenue for a special girls only afternoon. She was dressed to match her Bitty Baby in cream dresses, blue tights, and cream berets. Lilah had her red wool pea-coat on as well and looked tres extraordinaire. While on the L, a couple of people in our car lit a joint and smoked up the place. I was irritated, and multiple people pointed out to them that there was a child in the car, but they didn't acknowledge anyone else. A man got in to help a handicapped woman off the train and smelled the car. He made short work of locating the offending individuals. He had a few stern words with them (which they laughed off), called it in on his radio, and got off. Thankfully, they didn't light up again. Lilah on the other hand, was lulled to sleep (whether by a lightheadedness I shared with her or the gentle rocking of the train). We hopped off the L, put her in her stroller, and walked toward Michigan Avenue while the busy world of Downtown Chicago honked, beeped, and sped around her. She never even flinched.

Ann and I explored the Water Tower Place while Lilah slumbered away. Our final shop was Candyality. Lilah finally opened her peepers and looked around in awe. We wheeled her sleepy self to the American Girl Place where her eyes got even wider. She couldn't believe the dolls, clothes, accessories, and general atmosphere of the place. She held Eloise the doll tighter and took it all in. We got on the elevator to go to the lower level and Lilah lost it. Instantly overwhelmed with visions of everything a little girl could want, she watched the cold metal doors of the elevator close that world off to her, in her mind forever. She dissolved into hysterical sobs. Grannie Annie tried to comfort her and we both assured her we weren't leaving. She was immediately cured as soon as we got to the second floor.

We checked in with the hostess and were ushered through double doors into the cafe. It was a beautifully bright room full of natural sunlight, black, white, and burgundy decor, and various Christmas trees elegantly decorated. We were seated at our table. Lilah was confused and enchanted by our waitress who gently took Eloise from Lilah's arms, placed her in a chair of her own, and seated her at the table. The care those employees take with the dolls and the little girls who love them amazes me. She brought us two pink lemonades, a pomegranate juice and champagne for Ann, and a tiny teacup and plate for Eloise. Lilah squealed delightedly and proceeded to "feed" Eloise. We were presented with a plate of warm cinnamon rolls with icing. As soon as we were finished, that platter was replaced with attractively prepared veggies, strawberries, cheese, and pretzel rolls with dipping sauces. Lilah Rose immediately pounced on the food and demanded a celery stick for Eloise. Our entrees arrived when we were ready for them. Lilah was allowed a bowl full of baked macaroni and cheese (a treat for the lactose intolerant) and star-shaped fruit skewers. When she'd eaten as much as she could hold, she and Eloise took a stroll around the cafe to admire the other girls in their pretty dresses and the dolls who smiled silently beside them. Finally, dessert came - a sugar cookie with pink icing, a tiny flower-shaped angel food cake with delicious white icing, and a flower pot with chocolate mousse and a tiny daisy.

I caught Lilah neatly packing the tiny plate and cup into a bag to take home. She was very sad to learn they weren't hers to keep. We whisked her from the cafe. I hoped I could distract her with shopping. I told her she could pick one thing to take home for her or Eloise. She ran to the first display case she saw. I figured she was just easily distracted, but I noticed that she was picking up items, inspecting them, and putting them back down. She was looking for something. Finally, her stopped breathing for a moment, then squealed in victory and held up her prize. In a plastic case were four pink plates and four teacups, just like the ones in the cafe. "Is this what you want to buy? Do you want to take this home?" She didn't verbally respond. There was a lot of squealing and dancing about. Ann picked up a tiny chair like the ones from lunch and asked if Lilah wanted to take a chair home too, as another Christmas present from Grannie and Grandpa. Again, no words. Just happy noises. We toured the stores and made our way to the nursery. Lilah saw all manner of dolls, toys, and clothes. She was very excited about seeing and touching everything. Since she'd chosen such a small present, I asked her, "Lilah, do you need anything else? Is there anything else you want to take home?" She grinned at me. "No, I don't need anything. I'm so happy." I was so proud of her.

We took the L home. For most of the time we were on it, there was a street preacher who "had a word" and was making sure everyone knew it. He moved from one end of the car to the next, shouting and gesturing. Some in the car shouted "amen"s and "preach it, brother"s back. Others shook their heads or wrung their hands uncomfortably. He went on about a "Jezebel spirit", and that not every woman was a wife. Women were better in the Bible when they were happy to eat the crumbs that fell from the master's table. Lilah was very curious about the proceedings. I was less than thrilled with the message of doomsday and sexism.

She kept asking questions. "What'd he say? What's wrong with him? Whaaat?" Finally, when he paused for a breath, Lilah informed me, "He shouldn't yell at people." I wholeheartedly agreed with her.

On the bus home, she was prattling on about her new cups and plates. She waved them in front of a man to show him how great they were. He chuckled. "My youngest daughter is 29. I have 4 grandsons. Didn't know little girls still played tea party anymore." I smiled and kissed her head.
"I'm not sure. She does though."

All in all, it was an excellent weekend sampling a little bit of what Chicago had to offer a toddler well on her way to being a wise little lady well-equipped to handle the world around her.