Eden's Travels: Day 2: Making it to Mississippi!

On Wednesday, our second day of travelling, our "plan" was to leave Nashville as early as possible after Eden's breakfast in order to make it to Olive Branch, Mississippi - the home of Allison Rodgers Photography, a.k.a. my cousin Allison and "cousin-in-law" Jeff and their girls Fable and Ever - by mid-morning when they'd have a break in their busy day and time to visit.

Well, that didn't really happen. Guess we (and by "we" I really mean just me) really should get used to not planning with set times. We ended up leaving Nashville mid-morning, stopping a few times when Eden woke up, and making it to Olive Branch by mid-afternoon - during the ARP studio busy time :).

The drive, however, went just as well Day 1. I realized when putting in these pics that Eden's first time picking up her toy actually happened on Day 2 - here's the proof ...

On the way to the studio, we just had to drive through Memphis/Germantown, Tennessee, which is the home of Graham's favorite BBQ spot. Earlier, when I asked if he strategically wanted to have a late lunch to take advantage of being in Memphis, he replied, "Hmm, I don't know ... Well, maybe just a sandwich. I just want a taste" with a twinkle in his eye.

We did of course stop at the Germantown Commissary; their motto: "So good you'll slap yo Mama."

When we did finally make it to the studio, the whole gang went gaga over Eden. It was such a joy to have Allison, Jeff, and everyone at the studio meet Eden; and, they were of course great enough to let us feed her, eat our lunch, and basically set up camp in the studio for a break from our drive.

And then, the greatest thing ever happened ...

As soon as Allison had Eden in her arms and after a few quick cuddles, she said, "Ok, get her clothes off!" It took me a second to realize what was going on ... she was getting Eden ready for her first ever photo session at ARP! If you're reading this blog and have never checked out the work produced by ARP, you're missing out! (Just click on the link on my favorite sites to check out their blog).

I had always hoped that I'd have the chance to see my baby through Allison's fantastic talent, and this week it actually happened. Of course, I had to capture the moment myself -- my cousin taking photos of my baby girl, how sweet!


Thank you, Alli, for sqeezing Eden into your break time -- these will be some of my most cherished photos, mainly because you and Jeff made them.

In addition to experiencing her first professional photo session, Eden also met one of her biggest fans - Miss Fable Rodgers. We heard Fable even asked her grandmother "Do you think they'll leave before we get there?" as she was on her way to meet Eden. I can understand her excitement :).


My favorite pic of Eden and Fable -- baby toes really are fascinating ...


And to top off the visit even more, I got to see my sister's wedding album. It really should have a different name because it was so amazing, a truly beautiful custom-made book. Fable, who was the flower girl at the wedding, had a great time remembering that day.

As we looked at the book, she looked at a picture of Whitney and said, "I love Whitney. She's so beautiful." Then she looked up at me and said "You're beautiful, too." It was so cute because she was so sincere with her compliments.

After we finished our great afternoon at the studio, we made the last part of our drive and headed to my parents' house. Eden discovered her newest friend on the drive, her tiger "lovey" from Jennie and Thomas. The tiger was a diplomatic gift since both Auburn and LSU are tigers. Eden loves her lovey.

When we finally made it to CC and Granddaddy's, Eden had already had quite a full day for her first time in Mississippi. CC and Granddaddy were so excited about her arrival that they were sitting on the front porch swing waiting as we drove up. They did at least say, "We said we'd say hello to you first. Hello, Graham. Hello, Ashley" before they continued their direct path to Eden.

The rest of the night was spent ooing and ahhing over Eden's many faces and attempts at communicating.

Oh the joys of a first-born (grand)daughter. Everything is exciting.

Well, Miss Eden has been asleep for awhile now, so I'm headed off to sleep myself (after I stare at her sleeping for a bit first ;) ). There's much more to tell about Eden's first full days in Mississippi ... more to come.