Windy City

Last month Orelia and I flew out to Chicago to see Anika and her daughter Arianna.  

We had a really amazing time, but neither Orelia nor I appreciated the Chicago weather much.  Orelia broke out in red dry patches from the cold, and we had to start applying lotion to her for the first time.  (Doesn't she look so much like John in the photo above?)

After venturing outside the first day, Orelia and I decided that was enough, and literally holed up in Anika's house for the rest of the trip.  Anika was sweet enough to let us stay put while she did all the errands by herself.

There was no need to leave when we had such great company.  Anika adored Orelia, and Orelia adored her right back.

But no one is more fun to a baby than a toddler, and Arianna proved to be the most entertaining playmate of the year.

 Orelia loved watching her big-girl friend jump on the trampoline or dance along with Rock and Roll Elmo.

Arianna was so sweet to Orelia, and was more than happy to entertain her all day long.

Arianna was more than happy to share her toys with O, and loved to imitate her baby antics.  Orelia was chewing on a puzzle piece while lying on the floor, so Arianna found a different piece to the same puzzle and put it in her mouth while lying on the floor.  These kids, they are impressionable.

A huge thanks to Anika for hosting us and providing us with every item of clothing and piece of baby gear we needed for the trip.  We didn't even have to bring a car seat!

And an even bigger thanks to Anika for taking all of these beautiful six month photos of Orelia.  If you're looking for a Chicago photographer, give her a call!