Road Trip

Wesley and I went home to Mississippi this weekend. We left Thursday evening and got back last night (Monday). Our trip began with a stop in Atlanta and dinner with a few friends who live there. It was great to see Julie and Charles, Jamie B. and Slim (his adorably fat tabby cat). We stayed the night at Jamie's house and hit the road early Friday morning, destination: Gulfport.

Friday evening we hung out with Wesley's mom and his youngest brother, Christopher, who leaves for England tomorrow. We had a great time playing Wii, eating a tasty dinner, and enjoying each others company. I never get tired of letting people feel the baby kick around and seeing their reactions. It amazes me how surprised people are when they meet Ninja-Baby. I also find it amusing when people get a little weirded out by the "alien." Christopher's reaction was equal parts astonishment, gross-out, and "That's so cool!"

Saturday morning Wesley and I drove over to New Orleans. We haven't been back since before we got married and both missed the city, it's life, music, and food. Cafe du Monde was packed so we headed up to Magazine Street and got coffee and a muffin at CC's coffee house. We then walked around a few blocks of the garden district, admiring the homes. We found a great baby boutique on Magazine and had a lot of fun checking out the toys, clothes and nursery goodies. They had a wrought iron four poster crib that was as gorgeous as it was pretentious and a robot building kit that made Wesley light up with glee.

We went back to the Quarter and walked the block around Jackson Square, admiring the art and hearing the sounds. A local Jr. High band was playing in front of St. Louis' Cathedral. It made my day to hear that Big-Brass New Orleans sound. Afterward we walked along the riverwalk back to our car. We saw the Natchez steamboat on the Mississippi River, had a sno-ball, and passed by the aquarium. We talked about how great it will be to come back to the aquarium and zoo with Baby DB one day. We also discussed- again- how if we ever move back to the South, we will live in New Orleans.

Back in Gulport by 1 o' clock for my book shower that was hosted by Wesley's mom Lucy and her friend Lori. Lucy's friends were incredibly kind and Baby DB has a great collection of books now. Fairy tale books, board books, Dr Seuss, Corduroy (one of my favorites), and sweet books for us to read together at bedtime. Not only were there great books and a bouncy seat from Grandmother Lulu, but there were cucumber sandwiches and the best cupcakes this side of the Mississippi river. Chocolate cupcake with strawberry filling, chocolate icing, and a chocolate covered strawberry on top. Oh my goodness!

After the shower we continued our trek up to Jackson where we had dinner at Keifer's with my dad and his good (best?) friend James and his wife Mary. Keifer's is a staple in Jackson and they have the best gyro I have ever eaten. Ever. As happens when dad and James are together, there was much talk about cars, motorcycles, and a little bravado. We had a great time, I just wish I could have spent more time with Dad this trip.

Sunday morning Mom and I spent time in the pool while Wesley and Mark, my step-dad, went for a bike ride at a new trail in Madison. The pool was a great relief from all the Mississippi heat and the weightlessness felt wonderful. After their bike ride the men joined us in the pool then we had burgers for lunch. Mark has become a master grill-man and the burgers were mmm good!

My aunt Michele hosted a shower for me Sunday afternoon. I was so excited to see family and old friends and really wish I could have spent more time chit-chatting with everyone. Two friends from nursing school were there and my oldest friend, Wren, came too. There were so many people dear to me there that it made me feel a little homesick for Jackson. I do miss being close to everyone but Asheville is home now.

Mom and Mark cooked us a good ol' southern meal Sunday night- something you can't get in Asheville no matter what they say. We had grilled chicken on the Green Egg that would make you slap yo' momma, crowder peas, Mom's awesome cornbread, my favorite marinated cucumbers, and creamed corn. It was a feast!

We got back home last night. The house looks like a tornado ran through it and the animals are all happy to see us. Time for life to return to normal for a little while.

*sidenote* As I read this entry for proofing, I realized I mentioned food in every paragraph. Think the kid is trying to tell me something? Off to the pantry I go...