Atlanta Trip

Last weekend (Thursday Mar 26 - Monday Mar 30) Sandra and I took a trip to Atlanta, GA to attend Jenelle's wedding. We decided to leave Markus with his grandma and this was the first time we would be away from Markus for an extended period of time. We were very emotional during the days leading up to the trip as we felt guilty and sad that we were leaving him. Everyone said that it would be okay, and we knew he would be safe, and his grandma LOVES him, etc., but it was hard to shake the feelings.

We dropped Markus off Wednesday night. He was sleeping, but woke up around 11:00 as we transported him to his crib. He had some trouble falling back asleep, but grandma (abuela) reassured us that he was okay and she would take care of him. We went home and it was sad being home without him there. We had to NOT go into his room.

The next day we woke up and flew to Atlanta with no problem. We had a lot of things to occupy our minds and it wasn't as bad as we though it would be. We also felt comforted knowing that we could Skype and see him when we wanted. The first day we went to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch and then later met up with our friends Jack and Jess for dinner. We ate at a local microbrew called Max Lager. (YMCA at the Hard Rock)
So far so good! We went to the Aquarium the next day, which was a lot of fun as well. We saw so many little kids that it was hard not to think of Markus. We didn't get sad, but were excited thinking about the day we we would take him to the aquarium and he would get excited. (Raph, Sandra, and Jess at the Aquarium)

We wanted to Skype with Markus that night, but we had technical difficulties. That was hard for us because we wanted to see him, and were prepared to see him, but it wasn't happening. That was probably the hardest part of the trip. Friday night was the Bachelorette party, so I got to hang out with Jack and Joe, aka "the husbands", at a local Hooters and watch the NCAA tournament. We started pounding down pitchers of various beers and barely watched the games because they were all blowouts. Joe retired early as he flew in that same evening. Jack and I continued to drink and ended up at a local Irish pub. The girls were at an entertainment club and we all came back to the hotel around 3:00ish.

Saturday Sandra, me, Jack, Jess and Joe went to the Coca-Cola Factory/Museum/Brainwashing Asylum in the afternoon. (COKE!)
It was fun and we got to try all the different coke brands from around the world. Later that night we got to go the rehearsal dinner at a family members house and we capped the night with a few cocktails at the hotel lounge. We actually did that every night except Friday! I found that I actually like Gin and Tonic (thanks Jack!) and jazz lounge music is addicting. It just puts you in a great mood. (Us, Jack and Jess enjoying some drinks and jazz at the Ritz Carlton...nightly). The wedding was Sunday afternoon and it was lovely.
at the wedding). Jenelle looked absolutely stunning and we were so very happy to see her get married. It was an afternoon wedding, so we met up with Jack, Jess, Meredith, Joe and Jack's brother Chip and his girlfriend to eat at a Mexican restaurant (Jalepeno Charlie's or something) and finished off the night, where else?, the LOUNGE at the Ritz Carlton! =)

There was so much stuff happening that we weren't completely focused on Markus all the time. We left Monday morning and were so excited to see and hold and kiss the little guy. Which is exactly what we did.

Final thoughts on Atlanta that I forgot to mention earlier:

• We were in downtown Atlanta, and I was surprised that the area was so shady. However, I've never seen TWO gold teeth shops on the same street before, and now I have. So that was cool.
• No pharmacies in the middle of downtown Atlanta. You have to traverse through said shady areas to obtain contact solution.
  
• The Lakers were staying at our hotel and we go to see Pau Gasol. Sandra actually left her seat to follow him in the elevator, but the rest of us were too "relaxed" on Gin and Tonic to say anything.
• More pictures! (Markus x2, girls with the bride, Sandra and bride, Jess Jack Meredith Joe Sandra Me)
  

And I tried to keep it short....