Going through the Big D...and, yes, I mean Dallas!

Georgia Kate with her Uncle Bill and Aunt Katie!  :)

 Well, my friends/family, it's been a while so I thought I'd catch ya up to speed!  Georgia Kate and I visited the great state of Tejas for 6 days last week (2 being driving days).  We drove, just the two of us, the looong 11.5 hr trip.

I had some anxiety going into it--mainly related to how Georgia would handle being in her car seat for so long...and how I would handle all the stops on my own.  We got tons of advice from our Sunday Bible study group and my Tuesday Mom's group.  It was all super helpful and it all worked out well.  Here are some tips I received and learned along the way, in case any of you may be taking a long road trip:

1. Have a bag of toys (including a few new ones) next to you in the front seat.  When she starts to fuss or get bored, toss one back to her.  -- This really helped me!

2. Plan out pit stops along the way at Cracker Barrels.  They are safe, have relatively clean restrooms, and you can take a break from the road by rocking on the front porch!  -- This was A-mazing advice from my mom's friend.  Especially, since I was driving alone, it gave me peace of mind and a nice break. I would change GK in the restroom and then sit on the porch and rock her while she ate.  It was perfect!  One drawback, though.  See #5

3.  Get a DVD player with music and videos. --- We opted not to do this for budgetary reasons, but I'm sure it would help!

4.  Stop about every 3 hours so the baby can take a break and stretch and also to keep their diaper fresh.  -- Learned this one the hard way on the trip there.  I tried to push it to 3.5 -4 hours and I suffered the consequences-- overflow due to her going #1 on our first stop in Jackson and overflow due to #2 when we made it to Coppell (which ended up all over the car seat!)

5.  Find a restroom that has a changing table INSIDE the restroom.  That way Mama can do her business. -- Now, if you are not driving alone, this isn't an issue.  But, if you are like me-- all alone-- this can be an issue.  I loved stopping at CB, but their changing station was outside the restroom, which meant I had to awkwardly (pardon the TMI) take GK with me into the stall and hold her, while not touching anything and not letting her touch anything and somehow do my thang... Least favorite part of the trip!

6.  Get a baby mirror.  --I didn't have one of these before this trip and didn't really feel the need, but if you are going on a long car ride, it really helps to be able to see their face and what they are up to.

7.  Leave as early in the morning as safely possible.  That way you can get a good bit of driving out of the way before the baby is 'up' for the day. --I left around 4am (see pic below)

Georgia's a pretty laid back baby (unless food is involved!) and she didn't disappoint!  She was amazing and chill the majority of the ride.  She only fussed for a few minutes right before she nodded off or if the sun was in her eyes.

We had a blast with family and friends!

GK sleeping after Marmee Dear took her to work to show her off to coworkers!

Georgia in her first blanket fort!!! 

Demolished! -- I guess she's too young to appreciate it just yet.

Saturday night we were able to see James' parents and extended family-- a wonderful treat!  I wish I had taken pictures, but it's hard when it's just you trying to watch the little one.

Sunday night, Katie (my sister) and her huz hosted the Shearin extended clan for a housewarming/GK meet-and-greet!  Katie and my mom have spent the last few months decorating Katie and Jarrod's new home-- and it looks gorgeous!!!!  Check out the pics--

Perfect weather!

I love the landscaping!

Cute fall decor around the door! 

Living room/entry/skylight/updated 80's wet bar

They have a double fireplace.  This is the other side in the den area.

Porch/Back yard

The Hostess with the Mostess in the breakfast nook.

Formal dining.  LOVE the new chandelier and large windows!

Living room with the beautiful stacked stone fireplace.

Gorge kitchen!  I die!

Other view of the den.

Details! -- side table and lamp from a shop here in Bham.

Great built-ins

Love the FP.

Great chair and rug.  Seestar has great taste:)

Aspen paintings.

more built-ins and window seat in the Kitchen.

I'm a bragging sister, but don't you love it?!

It was so great to see everyone (last time was at Easter!) and we even got to see my cousin Brandi (on my mom's side) and her family!  Georgia Kate loved playing with her cousin, Gracie Kay!  Again, I wish I had taken more pictures of everyone! 

Sweet Cousin kisses!!!

GK: "Hey!  Can I play with you?!"

Many onlookers! :)

Sharing.

Showing Great-Aunt Susan one of her favorite toys...

And, her preferred placement of every item within reach-- HER MOUTH!

GK:  "A present for me?!"

GK: "Yummy!  Tissue paper-- my favorite!  Oh, my actual present is inside?"

GK:  "I think I prefer the tissue paper."  J/k!  The dress is precious!!!

"Please don't take my picture.  I'm on an important call." :)

Smiles!

Enjoying chillin with Great-Uncle Mike!

Tuesday, I hung out with my cousin, Mary, and got to see my college roomie -- Lauren, her mom, sister, and sister's 5 month old!

Us with Lauren and her nephew.

What a fun trip!  We are blessed and can't wait to head back that way in late Oct/early Nov.

We'll be flying this time..solo again...this could get even more interesting...