Well, we’ve officially been here for a week now. And I’m just now getting around to writing a blog post about our moving adventures.

The last week leading up to our flight was a whirlwind. Our family helped us pack up our things so well and so compact that we were able to hop onto the flight with five suitcases. That, along with the shipped car with several things, was all we brought with us to Chicago.

Since we were renting furniture in Moreno Valley, we had no big items to move and it made it a lot easier! Still, time consuming. But easier, for sure.

Thankful for our family who stuffed and vacuum sealed and organized our suitcases so well. Each of our suitcases was just under the 50 pound limit!

Before leaving, we sold Ankur’s car. Since we’re living in the city for the next few years, we decided we only needed one car. Ankur’s commute is a hop, skip, and jump away from the apartment. And I don’t have a commute (yet). So, only one car. For those Costco runs and trips to the airport to pick up our fam and friends!

We left last Sunday. We didn’t really know what to expect for Ishu’s first flight so we packed as many things as we could that could serve as entertainment. A few Indestructible books (super thin, rip proof, chew proof, and non-toxic!). Some pop fidget toys (which was also fun for his mama). This busy board that is also super thin and slid right into the diaper bag. And a TON of snacks.

Well, he stayed awake for takeoff. And, at exactly 10,000 feet, I looked down at him and saw that he had fallen asleep. And he stayed asleep for the first 1.5 hours of the flight.

When he woke up, we had just finished our drinks and he was entertained for most of the remainder of the flight with our leftover ice.

If you’ve been around for a while, you know that I have an intense fear of flying. The airport bar used to be my favorite place to hang out until I boarded the plane so I could get nice and numb before flying.

Anyway, I didn’t experience any sort of anxious or intrusive thoughts on the flight to Chicago. And I think it’s because I was so focused on him.

Who knew having a kid would help so much with my flight anxiety?!

Once we landed, we picked up a rental car, installed the car seat, and then drove on our merry way to downtown. Since we didn’t have any furniture yet, we dropped off our suitcases to the apartment and then checked into a hotel for our first two days there.

Sister was a sneak and ordered us this cookie cake that they handed over to us when we checked in!

Ishu was a little hesitant, but within no time, he had frosting all over his fingers (and all over his hair and the carpet and the walls).

We had dessert first while we waited on room service. They didn’t have any milk (?!) so we DoorDashed some groceries. My mama heart was so happy when Ishu finally ate a banana and strawberries and had a bottle of milk after eating next to nothing all day.

Since that first night, I’ve taken so many photos with the intention of uploading them and sharing them here. Picture of our empty apartment. Our empty mattress boxes (YEAH, our mattresses came in a BOX). Our first few meals in Chicago.

But, sometimes, when SO much time has gone by between posts, I feel like there’s too much and it becomes too difficult to decide what to share, how much to share, and all the things.

So, I’ll just leave with this.

We are officially residents of Chicago. I made my first friend (I hope!). And getting shit done is significantly harder with a toddler.

I’ll be back tomorrow to some regular posting. Because it’s always easier to write more frequently than it is to have days and days in between updates!

Have a happy happy Monday (and day off for those that get it!).