Monday, February 18, 2008

Perfect in the City

Moving from one of the greastest cities in the world to a smaller city has been hard on me. My husband knows very well of my love affair with Chicago. I love the theatres, the restaurants, the energetic night life, the posh people, the opera, I love the culture. The cosmopolitan culture. I will always be a city girl. I have cried knowing that my children will not.

I could remain bitter about living in Ohio. Or. I could learn how to live in Ohio.

I try to do the best with what he have here in Ohio. I want my children to experience as much city culture as possible. I want them to embrace the amazing fine arts, I want them to experience scrumptious Ritz-Carlton brunches, I want them to learn about exotic music, I want them to feel comfortable at a swanky coffee house. I want to cultivate them to find comfort in the city and enjoy life.

Just about every week, I take all three kiddos into the city, on my own. We have museums, gardens, tea houses, ethnic grocery stores, concerts, and the performing arts.

This weekend, we searched our closets for our theatre bests and met some friends for a play downtown. It was wondeful. When the play was over the theatre quickly emptied and parents feverishly ushered their children back into their minivans for the suburbs. No one with kids actually lives in our Ohio downtown.

I ushered my three children to a coffee house for a muffin snack. We created stories about each customer and watched the city in action. "What do you think that Dog's name is? Look at that pretty lady, do you think she has any kiddos, how many? What do you think that couple will have for dinner" My fieldtrips to the city are paying off for we laughed, we sipped, we watched, we relaxed, and talked for some time together at our table for four. They were perfect at the theatre, perfect at the coffee house, and perfect walking the streets. It was a perfect day for a city girl in heart.

50classy comments:

Kristen said...

Good for you!! And Great for your kiddos! Way to go super Mama, you are going to have wonderful well rounded kids. :-)

Kudos!

Laski said...

Oh Mommy . . . did I not know this? I, too moved from Chi Town to a little town in Ohio! I second your post! Good for you for making the very best of it and making a great experience for the kiddies.

Amy said...

you are a brave momma! i am not daring enough to take my children into boston, on my own. i feel like a little girl in a much to big world! wimpy, i know.

cute picture!

Wendi said...

Wow are you good... I don't even brave a night out to Target with my three!!!

Amy said...

Lola looks ready for the city in all black!

lattemommy said...

I really give you credit for just packing your kids in the car and going into the city for the day on a regular basis. I'm such a chicken/pessimist - I could easily take my kids into the city, but I always talk myself out of it. I convince myself that it will be too hard on my own, that there will be meltdowns, that I'll never manage to see anything anyway so why bother. It's a terrible attitude. You've inspired me to get out of my rut and just get out there!!!

Beth from the Funny Farm said...

Ohio is better than Pennsylvania....

Email me... I go through Ohio all of the time!

:-) Beth

Janice {Run Far} said...

You are such a good mommy.

Your kids are so stinking cute.

Mom Of 3 said...

Ohio is not so bad. We dont live there anymore, but we did for 2 1/2 years in Cleveland. I came from a place where there was absolutly no snow, to a place with LOTS of snow. I thought how much I hated it, until we moved away, now I miss it. I also made some of the greatest friends there. We love our new area, but sometimes I still miss Ohio.

Anonymous said...

What an awesome treat for you and your kiddo's!

Sometimes I think I would love country life, and then I think about how I am so used to the convenience and lifestyle of the city and I know I'm probably a city girl at heart.

Lizzy in the Burbs said...

Hi!

I think it's great that you are teaching your children there is more to life than the street they live on! Introducing them to culture is so important. I live in the burbs of Chitown, so I'm partial I guess, but Chicago is a beautiful city!

BTW, I love their smiles in that photo! :)

Lizzy

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

I felt this way after moving from the San Francisco Bay Area to Idaho! You're a great mom for making the effort to introduce your children to theater and the city. Good for you!!

Anonymous said...

I love that you take them to plays!! That is great stuff OhMommy!

Love the picture!

Karen said...

What a wonderful day with the kids! They will thank you for this - and it sounds like it's such a treat for them already with their wonderful behavior.

Being born and raised in the country (suburbs don't even describe it) I feel totally lost and helpless in the city. Your kids will have an advantage.

Lisa said...

How great to give them so many wonderful experiences. Some days I'm afraid my girls will expect nothing more a Starbucks drive through and a Super Target!!! I vow that we will do Chicago in all of it's grandness this summer though!!!
PS - Even if that picture is forced & posed, they look so adorable!!!

Irene said...

Hi! When I was younger, all I wanted was to live in a big city. And I did for a while, until I got married and moved into nowhereland. I do really enjoy going to the "city" (which actually is a fairly small city compared to Chi-town). But now, after a day in the hustle and bustle, I am really love coming home.

I do have to also give you credit for taking your kids on your own. I definitely would like to do that as well, but probably not until my youngest is just a little older.

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

What a very cool thing for you to do! I bet your kids will remember these outings forever.

Dziadek said...

Tak.Ja tez pamietam jak z naszymi dziecmi zwiedzalismy Chicago i chodzilismy razem.Moze pokaz swoje zdjecie jak bylas mala z zwidzania Chicago
To bylo piekne.

Stephanie said...

That picture cracks me up. It reminds me of a picture I have of my two frowning like, as a friend said, I interrupted an evil planning session. HA! I'm with you on the city thing. I'm the opposite, I'm a country girl who moved to the "city" (if you can call it that, but it's more of one than where I came from!), and I want my kids to enjoy the fine arts and music and food. I never got to enjoy those things. I've only been to one REAL concert in my life and only a local play or two. Good for you wanting your kiddos to enjoy those things despite the "country!"

GoMommy said...

I'm from a small town and moving to the "big city" scared the bejesus out of me! Good for you for raising your kids to be so well-rounded! And they are adorable!

Anonymous said...

How's this for lame? I adore going downtown FOR ANY REASON but I am intimidated by the idea of getting lost. After living in this area for almost 20 years, I am afraid to go to the Westside market with my kids b/c I don't know exactly how to get there--and I even know how to use Mapquest.

I think that you've imspired me.
Time to venture past the city limits.

the dragonfly said...

That sounds wonderful!

Maria said...

No way! Forced smiles? Well your brave to do this with all the kids alone. I need to do more of that. We always wanted to visit Chicago. Where's the best area to stay, and what are some good things to do with/without the kids?
Maria

Anne B. said...

That sounds like fun! Not that I'd ever wish away time, but I can't wait for to have older children for days like that.

Momo Fali said...

Well, having lived in the little city who's downtown you visited for my entire life, I may be a little biased, but I love it here. Though, I live pretty close to downtown and we enjoy what it has to offer at least a few times a week. I think it's great that you are exposing your kids to "city life". It doesn't compare to Chicago (not in the least), but it'll do.

Amy said...

Oh I am a city girl too!! But we only live 3o minutes from downtown and there is nothing but civilization between us and there. I can't imagine living in a small town. My hubs wants to buy some acreage and build a house in the middle of nowhere, and all I can do is say but where will I shop?

Grandy said...

Oh...I envy you. I am very much a city mouse that moved to the country for hubby. I try to introduce my guy to as much culture as I can. I think what you're doing is GREAT!! Thanks for the idea, I need to do this more and often forget.

LunaNik said...

I can relate. I'm a city girl at heart too. BUT, I don't have the patience to take my kids into NYC. They wouldn't sit still during a play, movie, or a meal. Maybe once they get a bit older...

Ashlee said...

Sounds like a fun day! I need to start doing stuff like that with my wee ones. The nearest "BIG" town is Boise, 2 hours away. No TOO bad. I just need to get on the ball. You are definitely on the ball!

Anonymous said...

You are awesome. I cant even get my kid to settle down in Target.

Miss Lisa said...

Hey I grew up in a teeny tiny Ohio town and I have to admit I loved it! Now I'm in Big D and I am so missing days without a bunch of traffic.
Take care!

Kat said...

Wow! What lucky kiddos! You are a brave mama! But it sounds like they really enjoy it and were on their best behaviour! Yeah!
I LOVE Chicago. I go whenever I get the chance. It is only about 2 1/2 hours from my house. Such a great city!

Anonymous said...

hey, what stops me is looking for parking in nyc!!!! it's a freakin hassle and never mind paying for parking. it's ridiculous..i grew up riding the silver bullet. so whenever i've taken my kids to the city, we use the subway. an experience in it of itself, at least for the them. i'm over it!

Amber said...

I jokingly say I cry every Wednesday because I miss my old home so much. I understand how you feel, but good for you for getting the kids out. It sounds like you have the right attitude.

Karen MEG said...

Oh, we love the city too! We try to take the kids down a couple of times a month (my sister and her family live in the heart of it, so it's an easy excuse); I've done the downtown thing with one at a time, but never two in tow with me alone. You are such a great mom; I think it's very important to expose our kids to all the culture and the life that the city has to offer too.

Love those "plastic" smiles too, your kids are so adorable!

suchsimplepleasures said...

yeah...i'm in my 30's for another year and a month!! maybe i'll switch! i'll let that idea marinate for a little bit...
thanks for the awesome comments!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxo

Jen said...

What a GREAT day! They look like coffee house pros already.

Happy Days said...

you are so brave! I am so impressed! Cute picture!

Flea said...

Those are definitely cheesy smiles. :) You're such a great mom!

david mcmahon said...

I'm a city slicker as well, but I love the Outback .....

Kellan said...

It sounds simply perfect and I love that picture (caption: they were forced to pose - too cute). Glad you had such a good time. See you soon. Kellan

Unknown said...

Ohio's not too bad... but it's nothing compared to Chicago :( I miss Chicago too.

Unknown said...

the best thing about your kiddos is that they will have the best of both worlds...both your ohio experience and a chicago experience when they visit their babcia and dziadek!! great you are making the most of it...even in this horrific winter. UGH...will it ever end??

Victoria said...

You are raising your kids in such a cool fashion - seeing the little things and the big picture. I try to do that too. For us - it's traveling.

Cute pic!! Love the "forced" smiles. =)

Stephanie said...

I hear ya on the city girl thing. I don't know what I'd do if I had to live elsewhere. Looks like you are getting along good though and giving your kiddos a taste at both sides of life!

Susie said...

Your love for Chicago is why I tagged you!
Anytime you come visit the city by the lake--let me know--I would love to meet you!

Oh, and wtg taking your kids to the big city! Sophie has only seen the shed aquarium and comiskey park so far. (in actual downtown that is) Maybe this summer....

Don Mills Diva said...

I love that picture - I must get to Chicago - I keep hearing how wonderful it is but you're not exactly in the sticks...

BTW - I am sorry I have been AWOL - I didn't know you had moved and my feeder had your old site showing no posts!

Marie around the World said...

Hi ! I am so impressed, I couldn't imagine taking my 2 kids downtown like you did, because of meltdowns maybe. You gave me ideas, I'd try next Wednesday (their day off) to do it. I am sure they'd love it but I am not sure I won't regret it. I'd let you know how it goes.
I feel guilty because I was brave enough to leave my country and my work to follow my husband and live in the States with a 6-month old baby but I don't go downtown with them !!
I like your blog and also the bikini pic ! ;-D

Marie around the World said...

Hi ! I am so impressed, I couldn't imagine taking my 2 kids downtown like you did, because of meltdowns maybe. You gave me ideas, I'd try next Wednesday (their day off) to do it. I am sure they'd love it but I am not sure I won't regret it. I'd let you know how it goes.
I feel guilty because I was brave enough to leave my country and my work to follow my husband and live in the States with a 6-month old baby but I don't go downtown with them !!
I like your blog and also the bikini pic ! ;-D

Kash said...

Actually, this is my favorite picture of all time. Your kids are asking, Can you take a "chill pill" on the camera time? LOL

 

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