A Birthday Surprise

I can't believe I'm typing this from the 15th floor of the Radisson hotel in downtown Salt Lake. Rachael called me Saturday to offer a 2-day stay as a birthday present and so far, I'm having a total blast. (Michael not so much.) It was super-short notice, but since it's not too far from home and Michael can still get to work easily, he said it was okay. I had just been telling him how much I would love a birthday surprise--something cool. And how much cooler can you get? Rock and I are in walking distance from a ton of super-fun things!

We checked in yesterday afternoon and settled in and explored the hotel. We walked around the pool and talked about the stinky water and pool safety. I can't wait to go and play in it today. It's going to be great. Rock had a really good time standing on the a/c unit and staring out the window at the tiny cars and people and trees and everything. He wasn't afraid at all to look down and point at things. He's having such a good time.

They brought him a little portable crib that is just so cute. He liked it when we were just trying it out, but after he had a bath and it was actually time for bed, he couldn't stand it. Then he took over our bed and I was so glad there were two beds (picture coming). Michael didn't sleep too well, so he just turned off the alarm and left for work ten minutes before the alarm was even scheduled to go off. He is a little sicky icky, and he used up all the tissues here. I guess I didn't sleep too well, either. I jumped out of bed every time I heard a little whimper or cough coming from Rock, which Michael didn't stir for at all, so then I started trying to be really still as I tried to ascertain whether Rock was awake or just whining in his sleep. But Rock has only woken up crying twice so far, and he called for me both times. That is comforting to know that he loves me. Usually, he calls out Superman first, then daddy, then mama. I worry sometimes that those are really in order of importance to him.

But what a fun surprise! And tomorrow (later today, I guess, when it's daytime) we'll go play in the pool and go explore the hotel and then we'll hang out downtown. I simply can't wait. I don't know if I'll be able to get back to sleep. But Rock is breathing peacefully, so I know he's asleep, so I should probably try to get some sleep now, while I still can.

Wow! What a fun birthday surprise! I seriously can't think of a better one. It came as a complete surprise and just in time to celebrate my birthday before I start freaking out that my baby is turning two years old two weeks from today. Also, it's nice to have something nice just for me without overlapping with Rock's celebrations. Even if Michael is being kind of a stinker about it. I told him it was okay if we didn't go--I knew he didn't want a longer commute to work when he has to be there by 5am and he still wasn't feeling great, but he knew I was lying, and I'm glad. I really wanted this. We haven't stayed in a hotel since we got married--over 5 1/2 years ago. And I absolutely love staying in hotels. Stealing the soap, having someone else wash the sheets and towels, even make the bed if I could let myself not do it. I seriously love it. How can Michael not love it? There are fun activities for Rock to do and explore all over and it's all new and different and there is such a fun view--I mean, the TOP floor! I am having a total blast. I now see there is no way I will be able to get back to sleep. HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!