Day #15 - ROAD TRIP

Day #15

I'm so thankful for road trips.  This past weekend Lauren and I road tripped it up to Nashville to visit Claire.  Lauren and I talked the WHOLE way up and the WHOLE way down.  That's what I love about our friendship...we can just talk and know we're not being judged.  Believe me, some of our conversation people would have judged me in a heartbeat but not Lauren!  Anyway, we got to Nashville around 4:30 and we hung out a little bit and then went to dinner at Chuy's.  I had a yummy margarita and a delicious Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom chicken enchilada.  DELICIOUS!

After dinner we went to the grocery store to pick up some ingredients for the yummy chili that Claire made for dinner on Saturday.  We got back to the apartment, chatted a bit and we all went to bed by 9:30.  However, before I went to bed, Trey sent me photographic evidence that Madison was alive and he remembered to feed her.

Saturday we woke up, made and ate blueberry muffins and I face-timed with Madison and Trey.  It was so sad though.  Madison didn't really react to seeing me at first but I started being playful and she started interacting more.  Then all of a sudden she takes the phone from Trey's hands and walks me over to her toys.  Trey thinks she assumed if she put me there, that she could go back and see me when she wanted.  Of course when that didn't happen and Trey took the phone back, she started crying and it broke my heart.  Trey texted me reassuring me that it didn't take him long at all to comfort her.  After all that, we headed to Opry Mills - the outlet mall in Nashville.  Wow...we shopped til we dropped!!  So much fun.  I got most of my Christmas shopping done in one day!!  I also indulged in some clothes for myself.  We also went to another mall (not sure what it was) and did some more shopping.  Here's Claire's trunk with all our goodies:

Trey texted me some more pics of his time with Madison.  The first one is Madison staring at all the kids at the Apple Store kids section.  The other pics are of Madison putting her daddy's South Carolina hat on.

After shopping we came to an apartment that smelled so delicious from the chili that had been cooking all day in the crockpot.  Jeffrey, Claire's boyfriend, came over and I was able to finally meet him.  He definitely won me over and received my approval.  We watched the LSU v. MS State game.  Felt bad for Jeffrey because he was not saying "Geaux Tigers."  He was a gracious loser though.  :)  After the game, Jeffrey went back to his place, Lauren went to bed and Claire and I got sucked into The Last Song.  The movie where it all started for Miley and Liam.  We started it in the middle, so now I'm itching to start it from the beginning.

Sunday we woke up bright and early to go eat at the Pancake Pantry.  On Saturday the line was RIDICULOUSLY long.  We got there around 7:30.  Taylor Swift was actually pictured eating here a few times with Jake Gyllenhaal when they were dating.  Anyway...it was so delicious!!!

Mine - YUMMY

Lauren's

Claire's - I don't think she was taking a pic of her food

After breakfast I was itching to go to the Opry Hotel.  It was sooo beautiful!  All their Christmas decorations were up.  It's definitely some place that I want to go next year when Madison can enjoy it more.  They also have ICE where they pick a theme and everything is made out of ice.  This year it's Shrek.  Anyway...amazing!!

After we left the hotel, Claire took us to Franklin in search of famous people and their homes.  We drove around for a bit and returned back to the apartment and Lauren and I hit the road back.  I was definitely anxious to get home to see Madison.  We finally get home and I run inside to see Madison.  She's out back being pushed around in her Cozy Coupe by Trey.  I stood by the door and Trey pushed her to the door so she could see me.  At first it was so sweet...her mouth dropped wide open, she kicked the door open and seemed like she was going to run to me.  Then I guess it clicked for her and all of a sudden she gets back in her car, slams the door shut and yells no!  I was heartbroken.  She was so mad at me.  I pushed her around a bit but then I sat on the patio furniture and just looked at her.  She just stared back at me and then started crying, kicked the door open and finally came to me.  It was so sad and sweet.  I hate leaving her because she always gets upset with me when I get back.  It's a good think I don't plan on leaving to go out of town any time soon.

By the way - so proud of myself...just wrote this blog yesterday (aka today is Wednesday).  I'm doing much better with this blog.  This is the most posts I've written in any month.  Hopefully I'm starting to get the hang of this blogging thing.  Baby steps...

Lots of Thankful for...

I'm way behind in saying what I'm thankful for...so this will just be me trying to catch up on some:

Day #8
I'm thankful for all our current and retired armed forces.  I know that living in a free democratic country is not actually for free.  Thank you for all you do!  I wish I had the courage and strength to even think about enlisting...but I don't.  THANKS!  Here's a pic of my cousin Jose who is in the army and has served two tours in Afghanistan.

Day #9

I'm thankful for Trey's Aunt Linda!!  She has been one of our best babysitter since we moved to Memphis.  Not only has she babysat Madison numerous times BUT she babysits Bennett & Buster!!  She is so sweet.  I was really nervous about her liking me when Trey and I first got married.  Now, she's definitely my favorite aunt.  I absolutely love her.  Two years ago she and I got season tickets to the Orpheum and went together to watch all these musicals.  She's absolutely amazing and I love her.  Once again, I'm so glad I married into such a wonderful family!  Here we are after eating dinner at Blue Fin and before South Pacific musical with Linda (middle) and Trey's other great aunt, Allene.

Day #10

I'm thankful for Bennett and Buster.  These dogs drive me crazy but there were my first babies and I'll never forget that.  They're pretty good with Madison.  Granted, they have their moments...especially when she's eating, they just won't leave her alone!  Otherwise, they're wonderful.  Madison now loves yelling at them to get in their kennels (while I'm actually telling them to kennel - she tries to say kennel - too cute) and once they get in their kennel, she slams their door and then opens it again, pokes her head in and giggles at them.  If that was me, I would have bite that nose.  haha  Anyway, I love them and give them a hard time but I can't imagine life without them.  Crazy dogs playing with a rogue crawfish.

Day #11

I'm quite thankful for the education I was able to receive.  School was never anything that I thought I would look back on and appreciate.  However, I really do...especially Millsaps.  When I started Millsaps, I was an extremely shy, insecure (and really skinny) 17 year old.  I really grew into myself and found such a variety of people there.  I felt so welcomed and able to just be myself without being judged.  However, my freshman year wasn't the greatest but that was just a roommate situation that was corrected Sophomore year.  Anywho...I love that place and definitely miss it at times but so grateful that it got me to where I am in life right now.

Day #12
I am extremely grateful and thankful for my job at First Tennessee Bank.  I started out at a public accounting firm.  I enjoyed working there mostly due to the amazing people that I met there and I'm lucky to say that I still keep in touch with a ton of people from my first job (i.e. Sarah).  However, my last tax season there I was bullied into working 7 days a week even though I had met my hours...I knew right then and there that I could never be a mommy and work there.  So I jumped ship and landed in paradise at First Tennessee.  Yeah, work is work but I really do enjoy it there.  I worked there for a year and then got pregnant right before my one year anniversary.  It's such a wonderful place.  I work from 8-5 and absolutely no overttime or weekends.  I get to spend optimal time with my beautiful Madison and no one makes me feel guilty for leaving at 5.  There are times where I think about how much more money I would be making at TD but at this point in my life money isn't the main factor for me (I mean, it's still important and up there but my time is definitely more important).  They also offer flex-time and I am DEFINITELY planning on utilizing that some time in the hopefully near future.

Day #13

I'm thankful for tv.  I know that sounds awful but I just love watching tv.  I'm thankful for my trashy reality tv (i.e. Jersey Shore, The Challenge), Reality Competition shows (i.e. The Voice, So You Think You Can Dance), Comedies (i.e. Awkward, Inbetweeners, New Girl), Teen Dramas (Pretty Little Liars, The Vampire Diaries) and Dramas (Grey's Anatomy, Homeland, True Blood).  The few moments I get to just lay on the couch and watch tv make me so happy.  Don't judge.  

Day #14

I'm thankful for social media.  Yeah it can be creepy and stalkerish but I love being able to keep up with friends past, present and future.  Also, I love seeing pics of my niece and nephew and my cousin's kids.  I feel like I'm not missing out on as much since I live all the way up North (in TN).  It's also great to be able to reconnect with your friends from when you were in 2nd grade and to see that they now live in LA as a fairly successful model/actress (true story).  I guess this blog is considered social media...so thanks for that.  Anyway, it's great that we have such great minds in this current day that they come with this.  Why can't I be smart and come up with a small but genius idea that would make me a millionaire.  One day...

Day #7 - South Carolina

DAY #7

I am so very thankful for my friends.  They're definitely my support group.  They all mean so much to me.  We'll start with the left.  Jennifer - probably one of the most amazing person/woman I have ever met.  She's the strongest and most inspiring person I know.  She keeps me grounded and was really there for me the first few weeks of Madison's life.  She let me cry to her and was so understanding and made me feel better.  She was definitely my life support.  Thanks Yennifer - I love you!  Next: Lauren. What to say about Lauren.  She's more than just a friend to me.  She's definitely a sister.  My best friend, my partner in crime, my confidante.  She knows everything about me.  She's having a little girl (6 days before Madison's 2nd birthday), Sidney, and I just know her and Madison will grow up and be best friends just like their mommies.  :)  Moving on...Sarah!  I feel like we're the same person.  I found my soulmate in her.  We are just so similar but different at the same time.  She's been my person (she's my Christina and I'm her Meredith) since I moved to Memphis and we sat next to each other at our first big girl job.  I don't know what I would have done if she wasn't there at TD!  She made work bearable!  I miss seeing her every day but I just LOVE the fact that we're still best friends and don't need to see each other to still be so close.  I think that truly defines a great friendship.  Two left...Helen.  Moving to Memphis I knew NO ONE.  I was really scared and had no friends up here.  The first couple of weeks Trey decides to play soccer and we meet up with a guy he grew up with and went to college with (yes, I went to college with them as well but they were older and Helen lived off campus) and his wife tagged along.  I had met Helen a few times beforehand but she was pretty reserved and quiet and I didn't know what to think of her.  However, on the soccer field we just bonded!  She was pregnant with Stephen and it was so much fun getting to experience that with her.  She really made me like Memphis and feel welcomed here.  Our daughters are literally 2 weeks apart and I hope they get to become good friends as well.  Finally, Claire.  Claire and I went to college together and I feel like we just knew each other.  We have so much fun together.  She's so sweet and driven and always gives out great advice on life and relationships.  I definitely miss having her around in Memphis but I'm SOOO proud of her moving to Nashville and becoming a pediatric dentist!  How awesome is that!?!?!  She's also more like a sister to me.  We don't talk often but whenever we see each other, it's like no time ever passed.  Lauren and I are actually taking a road trip this weekend to see her!  I CAN'T WAIT.  I could say so much but I was planning on writing about my trip to South Carolina...so I will cut this with this last thing: No matter how often we talk or see each other, y'all mean the world to me and I'm a firm believer in that it's the quality of friends vs. the quantity of friends.  All I need is you 5 for the rest of my life and I'll feel like the most popular girl in the whole wide world!!!  LOVE YOU GIRLS!!!!

Well, this is going to be a long post but mostly because I have a ton of pictures to show from our trip.  Thursday we flew out and Madison did great on the first flight.  A small tantrum where she threw her box of crayons and they flew out but was quickly avoided by handing her some chocolate.  The flight was during her nap so I was hoping she'd sleep on the flight - WRONG.  Awake the whole time.  There was a baby behind us that was noisy, which made Madison look like an angel.  We literally walked off the plane and Madison passed out in my arms!

Playing on plane

Mmmm...chocolate

Nap time for Madison

Nap time for Pawpaw

While waiting for our second flight, Papaw bought Madison an ice cream sandwich and definitely felt the love after that.  She let him carry her on the plane and she rode with her grandparents the whole time which allowed mommy and daddy to nap.  Got to South Carolina and it was crazy hot!!!  Not what I was expecting.  Anyway, headed to Trey's aunt and uncle's house so Madison could meet her Great Great Grandmother.  It was very sweet.  I wish I had a picture but his aunt took one of four generations (Madison's Great Grandmother did not make the trip) and I will post if I ever receive it.  It was a great picture.  Friday I pretty much got to babysit Madison and Trey's cousin's daughter with my mother-in-law.  It was fantastic...

The girls playing on Friday

Friday night we had a Low Country Boil aka a Shrimp Boil.  It was yummy.  Madison had fun walking around and chomping on some corn on the cobb.

Saturday we went to the South Carolina vs. Tennessee game.  SO MUCH FUN!!!  That game was so worth the trip over there.  However, it was the game that Marcus Lattimore severely injured his leg and is now gone for the rest of this season and next season and hopefully will play again in 2014.  Here are some pictures:

Marcus Lattimore

Some big football players

Trey and me in our SC gear (well, I'm wearing Trey's hat)

Um...hello Darius Rucker.  He went to SC and also sang the national anthem but before the game gave an impromptu concert and even sang a Hootie and the Blowfish song...AMAZING!

Trey trying to scalp a ticket while telling me not to take a picture

Inside the stadium

Where's Waldo??

Day #6 - not much else

DAY #6

I am extremely thankful for my In-Laws.  You always read and watch in movies about having terrible relationships with your in-laws.  I definitely do not have that.  At times I think Trey's mom loves me more than Trey!  haha  They are absolutely wonderful parents to us and even better grandparents to Madison.  Trey's dad built us our house and Trey's mom babysits for us ALL THE TIME.  Case in point - she babysat tonight so Trey and I could play soccer.  They're just really great people that do whatever they can to help anyone around them.  I really don't know what we would do without them.  I'm extremely thankful and lucky to have married into such a great family.

Look at those cheeks!!!!

The above picture was taken almost exactly a year ago!  I can't believe how much she's changed!!  She has the most kissable cheeks I've ever seen...EVER.  Anyway, just "played" soccer and now just watching the election and just kind of sad that I'm about to be working my butt off to pay of my debt but also end up having to pay insurance and handouts for the rest of the country that don't want to work and feel entitled to receive my money that I've worked hard for.  This is my blog and this is just MY OPINION.  To each their own.  I'm definitely not a political person and hate talking politics so this will probably be the only time I will say anything about this.  I respect everyone's ideals and politics but I may not agree with them.

Other topics-I think Madison is still having some trouble adjusting to the time change.  Before the time change she would sleep until 6:45 to 7 and now she's waking up between 6 and 6:15, which isn't awful but I really need those extra 30 minutes back!!  I don't know why she hasn't adjusted but it may be due to the fact that her room gets brighter sooner.  Who knows...but Trey's mom didn't put her down until 7:30 so maybe I'll get my 30 minutes tomorrow.

That's all...off to bed (it's already 9:54)!!!

Day #5 and Go Majors!

DAY #5

I'm thankful for my parents, duh.  Without them there would be no Jessica Paola Pumpkin Pie!  But besides creating me they definitely shaped the person who I am today.  Growing up I always resented how strict they were but since having Madison, I so get it now.  They just wanted to protect and shelter me from anything and everything bad.  My mom may be a bit difficult to handle but she's definitely a fun person to be around.  I definitely get a big portion of my personality from her.  We both have a fun-loving, hyper energy.  She was also so very loving.  I always remember as a kid her wanting to just snuggle on the couch and she would either scratch my back or play with my hair.  I also have my dad's personality.  We're both very laid-back and easy going people.  We let things roll off our shoulders and we don't really like conflict.  He was definitely a great dad.  He went to all of my softball games and most of my softball practices.  He was pretty involved.  Thank you for being great parents.  I was definitely lucky even though I don't always show or say it.

Way back when on October 20th, Millsaps came to Memphis to play Rhodes and of course we went to show our Major pride!!  We actually didn't stay for the game.  We just went to tailgate and it was a lot of fun.  Madison was great.  She has a tendency to be shy and overwhelmed when she's surrounded by people she doesn't know.  She was content to sit on a chair, eat some chex mix and drink a Capri Sun.  She was so sweet and so low maintenance.  Every so often she would come by and grab my finger and we would walk around.  She mostly wanted to watch the small younger boys that were playing their own game of football.  Here are some pics of her and us tailgating:

Also, I think Madison can read.  HAHA  I say this because the post I wrote right before the game was the post where I had wished Madison and I napped more together.  The same weekend as the Millsaps game, she slept in my arms before the game and then again on Sunday.  I guess I spoiled her but I don't care - she's growing up WAY too fast and I just want to relish every second and moment of it.  So what of it, she's not a brat and that's all that matters.  If I indulge her, that's my prerogative.  Anyway, here we are napping (well, I didn't nap - I just stared at her):

I can't remember if I mentioned this or not (if I did, just skip but I don't really think any reads this anyway) but we bought Madison an activity table.  SHE LOVES IT!!!  She sits in it and she's so into coloring now, so she has her crayons and coloring book.  We also do snack time at the table as well.  It's just so cute.  At first, she wasn't able to get into the chair on her own and always needed us to sit her up but as time went by she got the hang of it and now can get into it on her own.  With this new independence, she now pulls the chair to the table and puts the chair backwards to the table and gets on the chair that way.  Of course it's dangerous and of course she doesn't care.  She ended up falling last night and smacking her head on the wood floor - it was so awful and scary!  I'm hoping she learned her lesson.  She didn't do it tonight but we'll see.  

Speaking of independence, Ms. Independent here now has to climb into her car seat on her own in my car.  Her car seat in my car is in the middle, so I have to let her down right when I open the door.  I made the mistake of putting her down before I opened the car door and when I opened the door and was putting all her crap in the car, I look down and she's trying to climb into the car on her own!!  I'm not ready for all that to start!

Well, see you tomorrow for day 6!  Off to watch the rest of The Voice!

I love you Madison.  Tonight was so much fun.  Playing with you just brightens up my day.  You are truly the apple of my eye and a diamond in the rough.  Thank you for all the smiles, giggles and laughter.  Mommy loves you to the moon and back.

What I'm Thankful For...

I've been reading all these "I'm thankful for..." posts on facebook.  At first I was confused but then I realized it was due to November being here and Thanksgiving being just around the corner.  Once I figured it out (no, I'm not a blond and yes, I'm a ditz) I thought it was such a great idea.  I have four days to make up and a whole to catch everyone up on.  I'm just going to do my 4 thankful things and update you on my many weekends past later on.

DAY #1

Obviously, I'm most thankful for my sweet girl, Madison.  I'm so thankful that I've been able to experience extreme unconditional love.  I would always hear/read all these lyrics/rhymes that talked about your heart swelling and aching with love and now...I GET IT!!!!  Madison, thank you for letting me be your mommy.  You are my everything and I don't really remember life before you.  I love you to infinity and beyond, and to the moon and back.  Since being a mommy things make me weep easier especially songs that are really love/romantic songs but I always change the meaning to have it directed towards Madison.  Here's two of my favorites:

Ho Hey by The Lumineers:

I belong with you, you belong with me
You’re my sweetheart
Love we need it now
Let’s hope for some
So were bleeding now
I belong with you, you belong with me
You’re my sweetheart
I belong with you, you belong with me
You’re my sweet
Ho Hey

I Will Wait by Mumford & Sons

And I came home

Like a stone

And I fell heavy into your arms

These days of darkness

Which we've known

Will blow away with this new sun

And I'll kneel down

Wait for now

And I'll kneel down

Know my ground

And I will wait, I will wait for you

And I will wait, I will wait for you

DAY #2

I'm extremely thankful for my amazing and patient (sometimes) husband.  Trey's definitely a great daddy.  He loves that girl more than anything but what's amazing, he loves me unconditionally.  Since having Madison, obviously, my life and myself have changed.  I'm more erratic, Madison is definitely my main concern (Trey unfortunately takes the backseat most of the time) and I'm always tired.  However, Trey just remains my rock and has taken up some other responsibilities.  Since getting the Green Egg, he cooks on a weekly basis.  It's so nice not having to either skip dinner, eat take out or cereal.  I do take the majority of Madison's daily care but the second I ask him to do something or assist me, he jumps up and helps.  Madison and I couldn't ask for a better daddy or partner.  We've been together 10 years and married for 5 and I can't wait to see what the future holds for us.

DAY #3

I have the MOST amazing sister in the whole wide world.  I don't know what I would do without her.  Since having Madison a lot of insecurities crept up on me and she's always on my corner rooting me on.  I feel so lucky that my best friend is also my sister-so no fight could really severe any relationship.  :)  Growing up in an in extremely strict household was never fun but she always fought for me if it was for my curfew or to be allowed to go to a concert ('N Sync, come on) even though she may not have been giving those same liberties since she was the first one.  As sweet and great as she was/is to me, she also knows when to lay down the law and tell it to me straight.  Granted, I was not appreciative of it at the time but I know it was all done out of love.  She's definitely my role model and someone I look up to and I hope Madison can learn a lot from her as well.  I love you Gita!  ;)

DAY #4

My niece and nephew/godchildren.  Thank you so much in showing me that I'm actually capable of unconditional love.  Y'all have brought me so much joy in your short life.  They make me laugh and are so much fun and wise beyond their years (well, Mia is).  I remember the days each of you were born and place in my arms for the first time.  Mia, you always made me feel loved even as a small child.  We lived miles and miles apart but the minute we were reunited, you'd put your arms up for me and want me to hold you.  You made me so happy to be an aunt.  Evan, I just laugh whenever you're around.  You just light up a room with your energy and sweet humor.  I'm so proud to be your aunt and my life has so much more meaning since you two entered into my world.  Love you to the moon and back!!!