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Saturday, January 05, 2008

Sophia's Big Trip, part 2: Sophia Meets Lots of People

For the reasons stated below, this post is dedicated to my friends who continually open their homes and hearts to me, sharing their experiences and opinions and who always, always make me laugh.

As this was our first trip to Chicago since Sophia was born, there were so many people who had not yet met Sophia and wanted to while we were there. Both family and friends had to be squeezed in around Christmas and Christmas Eve for introductions to be made. Overall, I think we did pretty well, but the holidays are always hard and there are always a few people with whom we can't connect with over Christmas. I think this means I'll just have to plan another trip in the Spring or Summer so Sophia can meet all my friends.

Our first full day in Chicago was spent meeting a big group of my friends. One person was kind enough to open her home for the afternoon and we had a potluck style lunch. Husbands and babies attended as well. I love seeing my friends and their families, and I'm always amazed at how much we have all changed and stayed the same. This year, the children finally outnumbered the adults, which was sort of a culture shock for me.

It makes me reflect sentimentally on how long we've all known each other (15+ years). It feels like yesterday that girls night out merely required a phone call and 2 or 3 days notice, and was exactly that: a girls only night out. No husbands, fiancees or the like to worry about. And we all carried really tiny purses*, danced on bars and stayed out all night. But we've all graduated and have careers and own homes. We traded tiny purses for diaper bags, paying a cover for paying a mortgage, 4 am bars for 4 am feedings and nursing hangovers to nursing sick babies. But most importantly, we really haven't changed that much- we still look fabulous and enjoy each other's company immensely.

In order to orchestrate this afternoon potluck, planning began in July (that's right, I said July). The food and company were excellent. There was even a group diaper change! (I suppose we had to exchange the "boob shot" for something else, eventually)




This was also my opportunity to meet Deana's new baby, Stephanie, who is 6 mos younger than Sophia. Deana and I are determined to make our daughters BFF's, just like we are. Of course, Stephanie is adorable and has a truly incredible head of hair (Sophia was jealous!). I also met Kristen's newest addition, Barrett. Barrett is 3 mos younger than Sophia, and a very big boy! Sophia thought he was pretty cute, and kissed him**!!!

The Ya-Ya's and our petite ya-ya's

Barrett tries in vain to get everyone to look at the camera.


Everyone also gracioulsy agreed to wrangle their children for a group shot. We're a long way from where we started, but the view is nice from where we are, don't you agree??

Before:


After:


The Husband and I also journeyed to Wilmette to see my friend Andy and his brood. Andy and I have been friends since our first day of college and he has one of the most beautiful families- ever. His five year old daughter, Tigi, was very happy to hang out with us and show us how smart she is. Tigi goes to Greek school, and knows all of her colors in English and Greek. Naturally, we were very impressed. While Andy's sons were not as interested to hang with the grown ups and the baby (boys will be boys), his oldest, George, agreed to pose for a picture. The other boy lives across the street and is George's BFF. Andy's other son, Socrates, asked not to be photoed.

Tigi's shows Sophia the ropes

George, Tigi and Sophia

Neighbor kid, George, Tigi and Sophia


I would feature a "beforfe and after" series for Andy and I as well....but strangely, I don't have that many pictures of him and I together. We were friends before there were digital cameras and picture phones. It's probably best that we don't have many of our antics caught on film. What happens in Greektown, stays in Greektown.

I miss all of my friends every day. Thank you to those who found the time in the always hectic holiday season to squeeze my family and me into your schedules. It was truly a highlight of the trip for me.



*What exactly happens to you in your 30's that makes it impossible to carry a small purse? It's like we all have luggage now to tote our wallets and makeup....
**While Kristen and I both counseled our childred that "boys/girls are dirty" we also agreed that if necessary, a pre nuptial agreement would be circulated

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