Adventures in a Hometown - Auburn

It feels most appropriate to start these adventure blogs within Auburn, IL, our charming little town. I have only occupied a home here for a couple of years. Perhaps that is why I treasure the novelty of this place. Just under 5,000 in population, with 13 bars, 10 churches, 2 Mexican restaurants, a coffee shop, and a botanical store, it's just like any other small town and yet possesses a unique quality that sets it apart.

While even local playgrounds were outside his ability at this time, and my pumping limited our range, we found entertainment in preparing for our outings, taking in every little detail on the walks, and fostering relationships in our new community.

Every Friday, there was an added anticipation, as it meant I got to curate a fashion statement for his outfit. When I found out I was going to have a boy, I felt a twinge of disappointment despite still being incredibly grateful for having a healthy baby. I missed the idea of dressing up a little girl in frilly dresses and pink sparkles. Most of the boys' clothes I saw seemed drab, and I shuddered at the thought of his whole wardrobe being filled with superheroes and trucks. However, I discovered baby boy fashion through meticulous scouring across many resale shops.

What's more, he enjoyed our fashion time together. He loved the vast options of colors and experimenting with how they felt. He was a natural in front of the camera and did a fantastic job keeping all the accessories in place (although now that he has hair, he's not as keen on wearing hats).

One of our favorite local spots is the Roasted Bean. Though the line outside could be daunting, the inside hardly has crowds, offering a peaceful, relaxing space. Here, I would sip on warm cocoa with a shot of cookie dough syrup or pick from the incredible list of lotus drinks (typically getting them blended because you are never too old for an icee). They have a wonderful butter cake that I allowed myself to indulge in from time to time.

This shop is one feature that makes our town unique because they don't stop at the typical frappes and lattes. They also sell wine and beer and have a few liquor bottles on a shelf. It is by no means a hipster spot with coffee-inspired cocktails. The wine doesn't get much fancier than a box of barefoot wine.

I would get myself comfy on the only plush chair they had set off to the side. I'd tell Reve about my week and what to expect in the upcoming fortnight. During one of these meetings, he gave his first genuine, reactionary (and not to gas) smiles.

On days we needed to pick up the drinks and run, I would leave our wagon stroller parked out front. Make the order. Then, the staff would go above and beyond by carrying my drinks to the stroller while I strapped in a wiggly little boy.

While I pushed his wagon stroller through our neighborhood, I still had to feed my vice of avoiding silence. I would play audible classic novels. That felt like a good mom thing to outweigh my vice. Taking the time to absorb stories such as Treasure Island instead of relying on pop culture references to give me the cliff notes gave me a feeling of sophistication. Reve enjoyed the reader's soothing voice and always giggled when he made dramatic interpretations of scenes.

Bewitching Botanicals is another unique part of this town. I can't wait to tell you about the fantastic Witches Night they host in a future post. During our visits, the shop transformed into a sensory bar. When spending so much time with someone new to the earth, I have found myself slowing down to rediscover what he is discovering for the first time. It has created an appreciation for little delights that ignite all my senses. The scents of the soap, candles, and incense, the vibrant colors of crystals, paintings, and herbs, the luxurious feel of the soft bamboo fabric shirts, and the delicious taste of their pumpkin snickerdoodle cookie make for an enchanting experience. Every time I stepped inside, the shop had a new layout and stocked new intriguing items, giving it a fresh and exciting feel. This is where we found a book about positive boy heroes and boy fairy tales that were less about the knight fighting and saving the princess and more about cooperation, empathy, and diligence (check out my Good Reads to learn more). The owner, a super mom, always greeted us warmly and showed incredible patience, especially when Reve would get a little fussy. Her mother, who sometimes worked the register, once saw that my father had taken Reve to a parade unprepared for the weather. Without hesitation, she rushed out of the store with a blanket they had for sale on the shelf.

One day, we embarked on an ambitious 45-minute walk to our local grocery store for distilled water. Along the way, I made up songs, pointed out the playful starlings and counted all the shades of morning glories, and zigzagged through the streets as I pretended we were in a jungle running alongside zebras. I found that every week, as he developed more capabilities, I embraced my inner child, whom I had been too embarrassed to take out until now. I am playing, using my imagination, and letting myself get distracted by the beauty I pass by daily. This feels like happiness.

Before we headed home, we stopped for lunch at Potrillo's. The staff was patient and helpful as I maneuvered our awkward wagon through the door. Their menu is a wonderful collection of unique options. My go-to is the California Burrito, as it has fries on the inside, so efficient. Being a vegetarian, I always ask for it with beans instead of meat. Another favorite is their vegetarian chimichanga – one of the best I've ever had. Back when I was pregnant, I constantly craved their Piña Colada, made with real coconut cream. I'd order it sans rum, and to this day, I still indulge from time to time to reminisce about those immediate cravings. As we were leaving, one of the lovely waitresses advised us to savor the moment because time flies by so quickly. While it sounded cliché, how she said it made it feel like she was reliving those precious moments when her baby was just as tiny.

Exploring this quaint town with my son teaches me that the most profound experiences come from the everyday joys and the small discoveries within our community. Whether savoring a quiet moment at the Bean Counter or enjoying the sensory delights of Bewitching Botanicals, each outing reveals a new layer of our town's charm and a deeper connection to the world around us. These moments, filled with laughter, exploration, and simple pleasures, have become our adventures. As Reve grows and our routines evolve, I look forward to experiencing even more of what Auburn offers and sharing them with you.

Pinpoints:

Roasted Bean Coffee and Wine Bar

Description: Coffee, tea, lotus, smoothie, salad, breakfast sandwiches, baked goods

Website: https://m.facebook.com/RoastedBean2019/

Hours: Daily 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Highlights: Lots of flavor options, peaceful

Bewitching Botanicals

Description: Shop with natural self-care products, handmade gifts, Inspirational books, Herbs and more

Website: http://bewitchingbotanicals.com/

Hours: Thursday 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm; Friday 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Highlights: Unique items, friendly staff, fun events

Potrillo's Mexican Grill

Description: Authentic Mexican food with creative style and fresh ingredients

Website: http://www.potrillosrestaurant.com/

Hours: Daily 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Highlights: Lots of vegetarian options, something for everyone in the family, a large selection of margarita flavors, authentic ingredients used in dishes and drinks