A Good Investment: 12th Anniversary/Babymoon Getaway

Eric and I have a tradition that every year for our anniversary we get each other a gift that has something to do with the traditional gift for that year.  Sometimes it is easy (Paper, Candy) and sometimes it is not (Willow, Wool, Bronze).  This year it worked out great that what we really wanted for our anniversary also tied in nicely to the 12th anniversary traditional gifts: Silk & Linen.

You see, with being very busy, working parents of a two year old, time alone together has become a rarity.  Although, we have both thoroughly enjoyed the last two years with our little guy, we both miss our date nights together, which there have only been about a handful of since Asher was born.  Now, with another baby on the way, we know things are about to get even crazier and really just wanted a night together and kid-free (well as kid-free as an almost 8 month preggo can get).  Early in the summer, I suggested that rather than getting gifts for each other this year, that we just do a night away somewhere, giving us a quality (much-needed) date night and Asher a trial run with us away for a night before 'M' arrives.  Eric thought it was a great idea, and when I proposed the idea to my parents, they readily agreed as well (thank you SO MUCH Mom & Dad).  Thus, we had a babysitter, and a gift idea (which went with our tradition as any hotel is loaded with linens!), now we just needed to figure out where we were going to go.

Since I was almost 8 months pregnant and we had never left our boy in someone else's care for more than a few hours or overnight before, we wanted to stay close.  Thus, we decided that we would spend a night in downtown Chicago.  We did tons of research looking for a place to stay, and wanted to stay somewhere nice, since I wouldn't be able to do much walking or site-seeing.  We found a few options on Priceline that looked good around the River/Michigan avenue area.  Then we looked at Priceline's exclusive deals.  There was one deal for a 4-star hotel and another for a 5-star hotel.  Although Priceline will not tell you which hotel the deal is for, it will tell you the area the hotel is in and the amenities that it has.  Although the 4-star hotel would have been great, by process of elimination we were almost positive that the 5-star hotel was Trump Tower, which also happened to be somewhere that I've always wanted to stay.  It may seem cheesy, but I've always wondered what it would be like to stay in a 5-star hotel, and Trump Tower is of special interest to me because it was the "site" of my Architectural Thesis and was under construction during that time.  Thus, I am quite familiar with it.

So to make a long story slightly shorter we decided to risk the deal and see what we got (fingers crossed).  We were happy to find that our guess was correct and that we would be staying at Trump Tower for one night.  It was still quite a splurge for us (especially a cheap-skate like me), but we were excited to do something special for ourselves and planned to use not only the money we would have spent on gifts for each other, but also money that we had been gifted in the past that we'd set aside for date nights together.  As my sister-in-law said to me, dates are the best investment you can make for your marriage.

Trump Tower under construction in 2005

Trump Tower under construction in 2006

Trump Tower under construction in 2007

Trump Tower under construction in 2008

On August 9th (the day before our 12th anniversary), after a breakfast with Mom & Dad, we said goodbye to our little man and then headed South to Chicago.  Eric had called that morning to see if we could check in early, thinking that we'd be down there by about 1pm.  We were told that we could and that our room should be ready.  We left a little after noon, thinking that we'd be there in about an hour.  What we didn't plan on, was the Cub's game that afternoon that severely slowed down our drive downtown.  At 2:30pm, we finally made it to Millennium Park, where we parked the van, grabbed our bag and then walked a few blocks to Trump Tower to check in.

Trump Tower in 2014

We arrived at the hotel at 3pm, which was standard check-in time.  Although we had been told we could check in early they apologetically told us that our room would not be ready for another 20-25 minutes.  So, we checked in and then headed out to find a bite to eat for a late lunch.  We ended up finding a McDonald's behind the hotel and since we had planned to go to a nice dinner that night decided we would just get something small there to save the room in our tummies and the cash in our wallet (well, metaphorical cash as we rarely have anything other than plastic in our wallets).  Before I leave this thought though, there is one more thing that took place between checking in and lunch at McD's...I had to use the potty!  ...this is not exactly blog-worthy news I know, but when I asked where I could find a restroom, I was pointed down a hallway and told there was a single male/female room down it and that if it was occupied there was a ladies room upstairs.  As I headed toward the lavatory, there was a lady saying something to me, but I couldn't understand anything she said.  I found the door to the bathroom, which was closed, but not latched.  Thinking that meant it was unoccupied, I opened the door to find a guy standing at the toilet peeing!  I didn't see anything that I shouldn't but it was still a very awkward moment (in a 5-star hotel mind you), and all I could think afterwards was "who uses a bathroom in a luxury hotel (or any public place for that matter) and doesn't close the door all the way?"  I could see if the door didn't lock for some reason, but wouldn't you at least make sure it was latched all the way?

When we were checking into the hotel, we were offered this slab of stone with an Orchid flower on it and two hot, moist towels.  Being the uncivilized folk that we are, we had no idea what we were supposed to do with it.  The guy at the desk told us that we could use it to "fresh-up".  I don't recall if he said anything about our faces or not, but we had it in our minds that we were supposed to wipe our faces with it, and there was NO way that I was going to do that in public, so we declined.  Thinking back on it, I'm wondering if we were supposed to wipe our hands with it...still strange to me, but makes much more sense.  Oh to live the life of luxury!

A water feature behind the hotel.  I loved the colorful lilypad flowers.

An odd "fountain" in the same water feature.  I couldn't help but imagine a Ninja Turtle popping up through it!

Yep McDonald's...we really do live a life of luxury!  :)  It was appropriate though.  On our honeymoon 12 years prior, we went to Maui.  Our first meal there was at Taco Bell! :)

While we ate our lunch, Eric got a call saying that our room was now ready.  We finished up eating and then headed over to check out how rich people get-away.  We were pleasantly surprised by a very nice room with 2 King-size beds, an abundance of pillows (which makes a pregnant lady happy) and several other amenities.  Eric was so afraid to touch anything when we arrived, that he called down to the front desk twice to see what was free in the room and what was not...we had to get our money's worth you know!

Relaxing on the bed.  Although we had a great weekend in Chicago, I could have been happy just laying there and watching movies the whole time too!

After setting down our stuff, we spent the next several minutes checking out the room to see what non-typical features we would find.  Here is what we discovered:

First, at the nightstand, I found...

A Pillow Menu

The inside read: "Your room is appointed with luxurious pillows comprised of a 50/50 blend of comforting Goose Down and White Goose Feathers.  We are also pleased to offer a menu of additional specialty pillows to ensure your comfort while away from home."  The pillow selections included: The Airway Pillow, a Junior Body Pillow, a Body Pillow, a Leg Bolster Pillow and a Synthetic Pillow.  They also had 5 options of Aromatic Pillows which were "Five signature silk-wrapped, herbal-blended pillows inspired by the personal intensions of The Spa at Trump: Calm, Balance, Purify, Heal or Revitalize."  Since silk was the other traditional gift, and I have been having a terrible time sleeping anyway, Eric called down and ordered one (it was free) for me.  Within a few minutes our doorbell (yes the room had its own doorbell) rang and my pillow arrived so that I could "experience stillness and quite thoughts.  Sage, safflower and orange blossom are blended to relax, sooth and prepare your body for a restful evening of deep sleep."...Hey, it was worth a shot, and I did sleep fairly well that night!

Next, I found the room-service book, and I spent some time purrosing the options and prices ($8 for a glass of orange juice!).  At the back of the book, since this is a pet-friendly hotel, I found a section entitled "Pamper Your Pup & Kitten".  In it were the following options (which I was amazed by...especially considering there is a Walgreens and a grocery story behind the hotel that probably has everything you would need for MUCH less):
Voss Water: $10
1 Glass Overweis Milk: $7 (which is about what Eric & I pay for 2 full meals at Taco Bell)
Foo-Foo Dog Food (mixture of dry dog food & ground beef): $19 (which is about what Eric & I pay for 2 full meals typically at Qdoba, Panera or similar)
Doggy Delight (filet ribs slightly seasoned): $28
Purr-Fect Kitty Supreme (poached salmon with spinach): $26
Dry Entrees for Dogs (duck & sweet potato, chicken a la veg): $22
Canned Entrees for Dogs (chicken thighs, beef entree): $22
Dry Entrees for Cats (duck a la veg, salmon a la veg): $22
Canned Entrees for Cats (shredded chicken, beef entree, tuna entree): $22

Over by the window we found...

A collection of fancy bottled water.  The "Bling" water was $28 a bottle...that is a LOT of money for water!

The view from our room...it is not the river or the lake, but still a nice view.

At the TV Cabinet I found...

...a Yoga DVD along with a block and belt that I can only assume is to go with the DVD.  There was also a Yoga mat in the closet.

Next to the TV there was a weight set.  I am not sure if all of the rooms have these or not.  The room we stayed in was on the "Spa Level", so it made it sound like it had some things that other (non-spa-level) rooms did not have.

My next stop was at the Mini Bar/Mini Fridge.  Don't worry I didn't touch anything, only looked....

There were fancy glasses, and an assortment of treats and beverages.

There was also a LeCube personal Espresso/Coffee machine.

After checking out the Mini Bar, I headed over to the closet...

I found some slippers for us to use while there, along with a bag to send my shoes out if I wanted to get them shined up.

I also found a towel warmer, which I believe is another Spa-Level-Room only feature.

Inside, I found a neck wrap and eye wrap...which was perfect as I sleep with a warm neck wrap on my back almost every night these days (although it didn't get even close to warm enough for my liking).

After checking out all of the main room, the last place left to check out was the bathroom...

His & Hers sinks, with a TV in the mirror, tons of toiletries, and a make-up mirror.

Toiletries on a platter: Mouthwash, Make-up Remover Pads, Sewing Kit, Shower Cap, Facial Soap Bars & Q-Tips (I wish all hotels had Q-Tips as we often forget them!)

A huge tub...which I had to try out before I left...complete with 2 candles (battery operated) and more toiletries: A Bath Sponge, Bath Crystals, Sugar Scrub & Body Butter

A large shower with both a hand-held nozzle and rain shower head, along with His & Hers robes.

A separate toilet room for added privacy

 note the frosted glass door

Once, I (we) had finished exploring our room, we spent a little more time relaxing in it and then headed out to walk around for a bit (both inside the hotel on the Spa Mezzanine and outside around Michigan Avenue) and figure out where to go for dinner (we should have made reservations as many places were full, but we are terrible at figuring things out in advance...too indecisive!).

Here is what we found on the Spa Mezzanine (which can be used both by the hotel guests and those that actually live in the building's condos)...

A massive work-out room (or should I say rooms?)

The bar alone was enough of a lift for Eric! :)

I think I'd work out more if I had a view like this while I did so (well maybe not, but still)

An attempt at a couple shot...I am horrible at keeping my eyes open! 

Once we had checked out all of the Spa Mezzanine (including a weight room, stair steppers, tread mills, yoga room, flavored waters and more), we headed down the elevator to wander Michigan Avenue.

I'm not sure what this face was for.

The Hancock Building

After going to the Hancock building, we walked over to one of my favorite places: The Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop.  I really wanted to get an awesome sundae, but knowing that we were going to have dinner later, I restrained myself.   I was leaving the option open to just skip dinner and eat one of those instead though!  ;)  Even though I wasn't going to get a sundae, I did still go inside to get a free sample (which they always provide at the door).  It happened to be my favorite flavor: Milk Chocolate with Caramel filling!  I was a happy girl...especially since Eric always gets me some of these for our anniversary, but since we didn't do gifts this year, I didn't get any.  While I was inside, Eric  was outside calling to see if he can get us a reservation to the Hancock's Signature Room.  We were told the only reservation left was for 10:15pm (do people really go to dinner that late?), but that we could just show up and see if we can be seated.  When he was done, I made him go inside to get me another sample! :) (Unlucky for Eric, but lucky for me, he doesn't really like sweets that much).

After pocketing my free samples, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for dinner (we decided we'd try showing up at the Signature Room and see what happens).  On the way, we found these guys at a nearby fountain who were obviously up to no good.  Knowing exactly what they were planning (as we observed the camera man, the look-out friend and the bicyclist in the background), we waited around to watch the show.  The look-out must have decided we were okay because after other crowds had left and a few policemen had made their way down the block, he declared the coast to be clear and the show was a go.

It was only a few seconds, but worth the wait...I wish I had got a picture of the splash though!

Not long after arriving back at our room in Trump Tower, the doorbell rang again.  Eric went to see who it was and was given a small box and a card.  We had no idea what it was, but opened it up to find an apology from the hotel for making us wait for our room to be ready along with a box of chocolates...they had my forgiveness!

We finished getting ready (which included trying out the nice shower and then finding that they awesome towels that were literally the size of a twin bed sheet), and then headed out to get some dinner.  When we arrived back at the Hancock Building, we saw the huge line of people waiting to get to the Signature Lounge (above the Signature Room restaurant, were you can get an awesome view of the city for the price of a drink or appetizer), and figured we would have to join them.  Eric told the guy managing the line that we were hoping to eat at the restaurant.  The manager was doubtful that we'd get in, but called up for us so that we didn't wait for nothing.  When he returned, he said we could be seated in 20-25 minutes and that we could go right up.  We bypassed at least a hundred people waiting in line, hopped on the elevator and were on the Hancock Building's 95th floor in no time.  Within another 10 minutes or so we were seated at a table (granted the only table left and not the greatest of views from the restaurant, but it was still nice).

We enjoyed the great view of the Lake, Navy Pier and the city while we waited to eat and then enjoyed some incredible food (Eric ordered the Grilled Petite Filet of Beef and I ordered the Roasted Chicken, and we shared both), the company and conversation of one another and also the proposal (& acceptance) of another couple.  Good times.

Not a great shot of me, but check out the yummy food!

After dinner, we headed back toward the hotel (but not before stopping at Ghirardelli again to get some more free samples) to catch the Navy Pier fireworks before bed, which we watched from a nearby bridge.  Along the way we took a few photos and then headed to McDonald's for a Hot Fudge Sundae and M&M McFlurry for dessert.

Eric was amused by this: The pregnant lady that ate Chicago!

Then, we headed back to our room to get some much needed rest...but not before trying out the gigantic tub to relax my restless legs and soothe my achy muscles!

Our very own doorbell.

The next morning, we awoke after a pretty good night of sleep (had I not been pregnant it probably would have been a great night of sleep, but these days pretty good is as good as it gets!).  We got up fairly early so that we could enjoy the pool for a bit together before I went off on my own to enjoy another gift from Eric (which was actually a gift promised from the last 2 mother's days and unused until now): a Massage!

Me climbing the stairs to the Spa Mezzanine in my Trump robe & slippers!  :)  Our floor was the only one with direct access to the Spa Mezzanine floor.

 On the way to the pool, I took a few more photos of the views and the nicely done Women's Locker Room.

I like the frosted glass shower doors.

Then, we were ready for a relaxing swim.  It was really nice, since it was early morning and no one else was in there.

Me enjoying a moment of weightlessness.

After the pool, we headed back to the locker rooms, so that I could get ready for my massage.  Since it was empty, I decided to give the Deluge shower a shot.  Once, I figured out the controls, it was pretty great, although I did soak my robe in the meantime, thinking that I would be out of the spray zone once I figured out how to turn the shower on.  It was very nice, and I couldn't help but think that many of my clients at work have simple luxuries like this in their home and think nothing of it.  Makes me wonder how much I take for granted in my own life!

The shower controls.  It took me a bit, but I figured it out eventually.

Once I was ready to go, I headed to the Relaxation Lounge to await my massage, where I enjoyed a few handfuls of almonds and cranberries (I'm pregnant and was very hungry by that point) and the morning view of the city.  Then I followed the masseuse into a room where I enjoyed 60 minutes of pure relaxation!

The relaxation lounge tea and snack bar.

The relaxation lounge

The massage room.

The massage room.

 When my massage was over :( I headed back to our room to find Eric eating breakfast in bed (McDonald's again) and a "breakfast" surprise for me too: Chocolate donuts and OJ (my favorite...although not usually together).

We enjoyed our "breakfasts" and a few more minutes of relaxation before getting ready to check out and head back home.

Me enjoying my "Calm" pillow, neck wrap and eye wrap one last time before we left.

Meanwhile...Eric enjoyed "relaxing" in the extra bed...

 Eventually, our time was up and it was time to pack up and head home, but not before a few more photos, one more quick walk up Michigan Avenue (to check out the Lego Store and yes, Ghirardelli)!  :) and a short jaunt through Millenium park.

"Foot Selfie"

??  But he makes me laugh! :)

The Trump Hotel lobby

Lego Trump Tower

Eric pretending to be a Lego Man.  Get it?

So that was our 12th Anniversary/Babymoon adventure.  Although it was only a 24 hour getaway, it was one of the best times I have had with my husband in a while.  I kept thinking, "I don't remember the last time I laughed so much".  It truly was a great investment to make for our marriage and great memories made before our little family is grown by one.

...and to top it off this past Sunday, when I woke from my afternoon nap, Eric surprised me with one more anniversary gift: a giant (sheet-sized) towel...it's so nice to have something to wrap up with out of the shower that actually covers my giganto baby bump! :)