Allie Invades Texas

We loaded up the truck on the 22nd and headed to the great state of Texas to spend Christmas with my family, non of whom had met Allie. Who knew babies needed all of that stuff? The inside of the truck was packed to the brim and there was also a lot of gear in the bed. We probably could have gotten by with a quarter of the stuff we brought but we are first time parents and wanted to be prepared.

The first day we drove to just past Memphis. We stopped a few times along the way to eat and to feed and change Allie. It's kind of awkward to breastfeed in the parking lot of a gas station but you've gotta do what you've gotta do sometimes. We went on a wild search for some Memphis BBQ thanks to the GPS system and finally ended up at B.B. King's on Beale Street in downtown Memphis. We felt kind of guilty about taking a baby to a Beale Street but Allie seemed to enjoy it. She loved looking at all of the neon lights and listening to the music. After some good food, we headed about 45 minutes west where we stayed the night in the grossest hotel I've ever seen. Let's just say we DON'T recommend America's Best Value Inn, no matter how nice it looks on the outside. We didn't let Allie touch anything and got up and got moving pretty early the next day.

After a quick breakfast we headed on towards Dallas. It was pretty rainy and gloomy most of the day but not too bad. We finally arrived at Casa de Shedgar (our affectionate name for my Dad and Step-Mom's house) around 5pm. Chris and Kelsey came over that evening to meet Allie for the first time. It was so great to see their reactions to our beautiful daughter. Kelsey, who doesn't like kids, just kept repeating "I love her" over and over. It was so cute. Even Uncle Chris got in on the holding action.

My Dad and Shelley enjoyed meeting their very first grandchild! I'm not sure I've seen my Dad smile as big as he did when he held Allie for the first time. He ended up being sick for most of the trip so he didn't get to hold her as much as he wanted to but he did manage to sneak in a little cuddle time.

Victoria came over the next day to meet Miss Allie. There was a lot of talk about her stealing Allie and taking her home so Nick and I made sure to monitor all of the doors whenever Victoria was holding her. You can't be too careful right? Just kidding Victoria!

She also got to meet Kristen, Ryan (two of my step-siblings), Ryan's girlfriend Lindsey, Shelley's Dad and Shelley's brother Rob but I don't have those pictures on my camera. Allie enjoyed meeting all of you and can't wait to see you again. She's looking forward to her next trip to Texas in May for Chris and Victoria's wedding!