November Jet-setters

To celebrate Anna's first Thanksgiving, we decided to fly east. It was a trip to remember and all that entails.

Let's start from the beginning.

I'm known for packing the night before; so you'll be shocked to learn I started packing on Monday for a Saturday flight. No, that wasn't a typo. I packed several days in advance. Taking enough clothes for five days--which translates into 10 outfits for Anna--for a nine-day stint in Tennessee. (My sister graciously allowed us to wash clothes not once, but twice during our stay.) And even with making a long list of diapers, formula, and toiletries to pick up once we landed, we still managed to lug four suitcases to the airport. We were a production--and a sight to behold.

Like a champ, Anna did wonderfully waiting until we boarded, and then slept through the flight to Nashville. Whew, what a relief. 

We enjoyed the weekend in Nashville. Anna adjusted quickly to her Tennessee family, especially her cousin Kullen, who was by far her favorite (much to my sister's chagrin). And a little girl who was slowly, cautiously crawling when we arrived quickly turned into a speedy kneester . . . all thanks to a teeny doggie named Kloie at the Williams' house. Anna chased that dog endlessly, even learning how to play and shake the toys for the dog's attention.

The highlight of that weekend was the Sip-n-See in Anna's honor hosted by Lori, Emilee, and Tina. It was a delight to show off our girl and see friends we've not hugged in awhile. Also, I gorged on sausage balls; they were sooooo yummy.

Come Monday we drove to east Tennessee to visit extended family, stopping first at my aunt and uncle's house. And then there was Monday evening. Sigh. I cringe even typing about it.

Around midnight, we awoke to Anna's screaming. For the next several hours, she would only sleep in short interval of 20-30 minutes. She was congested and running a fever. It was the same symptoms of her sinus and ear infection just two weeks before. The next morning our family was so sweet to love on Anna while we tried to track down a physician to evaluate Anna. Unfortunately, we couldn't find any urgent care facility to take her except the emergency room. We opted to monitor her and take her in Nashville on Wednesday. Thankfully, her fever broke that afternoon.

Tuesday afternoon we drove north of Knoxville to visit my grandmother and other aunts and uncles. When my aunt walked in from work announcing we were eating soup and sandwiches with other family members at the nearby church fellowship hall, I was a bit suspicious. I thought, "Aw, my aunts have set up a little get together for Anna."

Boy, was I surprised.

We walked in to see nearly every cousin I have and all of my aunts and uncles AND my sister and niece and nephew. Shock.

My sweet sister planned a wonderful Alice in Wonderland "un-birthday" party for Anna to celebrate her joining our family. Too. sweet. You know, when people extend acts of kindness to you, it is touching and nice; but when they do so to your child, the feeling grows exponentially. We felt so humbled and honored to witness such love for our girl. The party will forever be a special memory for us.

Oh, and to whomever gave Anna a sweet pink card with a Visa giftcard, much thanks. The card wasn't signed, so we're not sure where to send the "thank you." Teehee.

The next day, we drove back to Nashville and quickly took a number at the urgent care medical center. With one look into that little right ear, the verdict was in: ear infection again. After three near sleepless night, I can't say that we were that surprised. A new round of antibiotics did the trick, thank God!

Anna enjoyed her first Thanksgiving by simply playing with family and munching, er sloshing around, some turkey and veggie baby food.

Like fools, my sis and I decided to venture to Kohl's for the midnight opening. OH. MY. WORD. The line was long . . . and the line to checkout was RIDICULOUS. We shopped for an hour and purchased nothing because we refused to wait for three hours. Now I remember why I no longer "do" Black Friday.

The last Sunday we were in NashVegas, we were so humbled to attend my old church, where my pastor officiated Anna's baby dedication. Such a sweet, special time.

The flight home was uneventful too--hallelujah. Our girl slept again. So, the next time she's not sleeping at night, we'll just hop a plane. Right?

Pictures of all these happenings will come at a later date. Stay tuned.