Everything Esh

37 weeks and whiney

2011-12-14T11:00:00.000-05:00

So I am 37 weeks. Only 20 more days to go!

All things considered, I am still doing well. I have begun to complain about things a bit more these days, though.

Sleeping has gotten to be a bit more of a challenge. Between flipping so much and trying to sleep with as much stuffing under my head to ward off indigestion, there isn't really much actual sleep....

I am starting to really swell in my hands and ankles/feet. The swelling in my hands results in stiff joints and the swelling in my ankles/feet just freaks me out. I try to put my feet up as much as possible, but that is hard when you are working 8-5 and have things to do in the evening as well.

The kid is finally in my ribs- especially on the right side. Especially at night.

See, told you I was whiney.

Other than that everything is fabulous! We are just ready to meet this sweet baby girl.

Here is another picture from our maternity session with Anne Yarbrough of Anne Yarbrough Photography.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T15:38:00.001-05:00

Skooshy at 36 weeks courtesy of Anne Yarbrough Photography.

More to come soon!

Baby Shower #1

2011-11-04T10:06:00.000-04:00

The three of us are incredibly lucky to have so many family members and friends that want to get together and celebrate!

On October 23rd my aunts, Robin and Risa, and my mom's best friend and my pseudo-aunt, B.A., threw an absolutely gorgeous shower for Skooshy and me at The Commons in Stone Mountain Park.

Here are some pictures that hardly do the incredible afternoon justice (though the pics are amazing!).

We have our second shower with some of our Athens friends coming up in a couple weeks and a work shower at the end of November. Skooshy is one lucky little girl!

30 1/2 weeks

2011-10-27T16:36:00.002-04:00

So here we are. Third trimester. 7.5 months. 30 1/2 weeks. 224 days.

Only 67 more days to go....if she stays put until the end!

We've had our first baby shower, which was an amazing, yet super overwhelming experience. Everything was so perfect and beautiful!

Still feeling great and super happy. I had a day of horrible indigestion, but it was because I ate pizza way too late and went to bed shortly thereafter. I know better now!

GO DAWGS!

2011-09-21T13:40:00.000-04:00

So Skooshy has been to two UGA football games so far this season.

First off against South Carolina on September 10 and then against Coastal Carolina on September 17.

Here are a few pics from the Coastal Carolina game. It was too hot and cramped to do much of anything at the South Carolina game.

25 weeks

2011-09-21T13:32:00.000-04:00

25 weeks and counting! 103 days to go. Nothing much new- still sleeping, eating and playing well!

Last night I worked out and then we attended an event at Full Bloom called Meet the Doulas. At first I wasn't sure we wanted/needed a doula, but as time has gone on and the more we have learned about what a doula's roll is in birth (as well as before and after), we are now seriously considering having one.

There was a great article in yesterday's AB-H about Meet the Doulas here.

5 3/4 months!

2011-09-06T14:00:00.000-04:00

So yesterday was the mark of my 23rd week. It was a rainy, nasty Labor Day perfect for a bunch of couch sitting and sleeping, which is exactly what we did!

The Hubster got to feel Skooshy (have a mentioned that has become her nickname? Not sure the child will every actually have a "real" name...) move for the first time last night. I felt her move on the outside for the first time on Saturday night when I was reclined with my back arched a little. So last night I layed on my back in the bed and arched my back a little and he was able to feel her kick! It only happened once, but it was super duper cool.

I fed Skoosh Barberitos for lunch (complete with freshly diced jalapenos), and she is currently doing the Mexican Hat dance in my belly.

Today the weather is cool and overcast for the first time in months. Tropical Storm Lee passed through up from the Gulf and brought some nice rain and a cooling trend. I hope it lasts through our first UGA game of the season this weekend.

Our Pixie kitty (she will be 6 at the end of September) is in the beginning stages of kidney disease and has become a mainly outdoor kitty. She has already braved a few rainstorms under her lean-to that the Hubster built her. When she does come inside, she eats and then crawls under the covers to get some shut eye before heading back out the door. She goes outside willingly for the most part, thank goodness! She doesn't use the litterbox anymore and hasn't inappropriately urinated anywhere since she has become a mainly outside kitty. I miss her because she is a super snuggler, but we still get in some good snuggles in the evening before she goes out for the night.

I have been busy making blankets and cloth wipes and bibs and burp cloths and all kinds of stuff for Skooshy. I will post soon with some pics of what I have created. It has been so much fun!

Anatomy Scan and Test Results

2011-08-19T10:39:00.000-04:00

We had our anatomy scan on Tuesday, and everything checked out normal! Here are a couple of pictures from the event.

My favorite. Her lips and nose (and arm).

Spine

Foot!

Second Fav. You can see all 10 of her fingers!

Heartbeat at 144 beats per minute (120 to 160 is normal).

Side view.

The results of the ultrasound were right on. Great amniotic fluid, bones measured fabulous and she was tuchas down (breech). She weighed in at 10 oz. and is 11 inches long.

We also received the good news that the Quad screen came back normal.

My blood pressure was 107/67 and I have gained 8 pounds so far. I am feeling fabulous and getting more and more ready to meet this girl.

Half Baked

2011-08-03T15:40:00.000-04:00

So Baby Esh was officially half baked as of yesterday.

I am really only 18 weeks and 3 days (4.5 months), but August 2 to January 2 is 5 months, so I am going with the half baked theory.

In addition to the baby baking in my belly, mama is baking in all this insanely hot weather! It is supposed to reach 100 degrees in Athens today. 100 degrees without the humidity factored in. I heard it was supposed to feel like 110 today. ONE HUNDRED AND TEN, WHAT?!

I heard on the radio that today's heat could break a 54 year old record.

From Channel 2's Meteorologist David Chandley

The hottest day of the year is upon us with temps well into the 90s and the heat index levels nearing 105. Only a few spots will get some heat relief through showers and t-storms, but that risk will increase toward the weekend.

Rest of the day: Heat advisory today. Sunny, with highs in the upper 90s. Heat index 103-107. Winds West 5-10 mph.

Tonight: An isolated t-storm possible otherwise fair and really warm., Lows in the 70s.

Tomorrow: Heat Advisory until 8 pm. Heat index values from 104-108. Actual temperatures in the mid to upper 90s. 40% chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Winds NW 5-10 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny; 30% chance of thunderstorms. Winds NW 10 mph. Lows in the upper 70s; highs in the mid to upper 90s.

And that is for the ATL. It is always hotter in the ATH.

Yeah. This mama is staying inside (besides that absolutely necessary T.J. Maxx run at lunch....).

Don't want to risk baking this babe any faster than she currently is. Goodness knows we have too much to do to get ready for her arrival!

Thank goodness it will be winter when this baby girl is fully baked!

Watch Me Grow and Pop it Out

2011-08-01T15:16:00.000-04:00

Okay, not really.

That is the name of the three sessions Anne Yarbrough of the fabulous Anne Yarbrough Photography and I gave to my maternity pics and the session a few days after Baby Esh is born.

I wanted some photos of our family the way it currently is: Jason, Pixie, Jinx, Odie, Alice and me before we add another member to the mix. Anne came out to our house a couple of weeks ago and was able to capture some amazing photos of our little family!

Here are some highlights:

Our pups love Anne so much and I know Baby Esh will, too!

Can't wait for our next session. It won't be until I am 7.5-8 months pregnant or more. Hopefully it won't be 100 degrees then.

It's a Girl!

2011-07-28T09:49:00.000-04:00

Baby Esh is a girl and we couldn't be more excited.

We went to a 3D/4D ultrasound place last weekend and got to see Miss Priss chillin' out. We could hear her heartbeat and see her in 2D, 3D and 4D (4D is seeing the actualy movement as opposed to just 3D pictures). I thought the 4D may have been scratch and sniff, but alas, I was wrong.

We have four pictures from the session that I will post soon. During our session they recorded the ultrasound and the link to it is here. Be sure to have your sound turned up to hear the sweet background music and the heartbeat. (disclaimer: you don't have to watch it, but I wanted to post the link for future reference)

The past few weekends have been insane and this one proves to be nothing less. I am ready, though. We are going to go shopping for baby things! The Hubster has Saturday off and we are going to dive headfirst into all things BABY!

Can't wait.

Four months and ravenous.

2011-07-18T11:13:00.001-04:00

I am four months today! I cannot believe it- where has the time gone?

I am also insatiably hungry. So far this morning I have had 8 ounces of oj, an apple on the way to work, a Trader Joe's fig breakfast bar and a half of a cup of cottage cheese with a small can of mixed fruit. And I might still be hungry....

I have been feeling great. Still no morning sickness or super weird cravings, which is fabulous. I did have a sinus/allergy/cold thing for about a week and a half that had me even more exhausted than usual (aka I went to bed at 7 p.m. a couple nights and slept the whole way through two weekends) and that kinda got me down. It has been smooth sailing since then, though (knock on wood)!

I am starting to show a bit and only fitting in maternity pants now. I need to take a belly picture. I haven't done so yet, and I don't really think I will miss it. I am not super excited about documenting my every expanding waistline- whether it is because I have a baby in there or not.

We go back to the Midwifery* this Wednesday for our 16 week check-up. Both the Hubster and I are super stoked about it.

*We are going to Athens Regional's Midwifery for our prenatal care. We love it. We don't feel like a number there. The midwives take all the time we need/want during our appointments. There is no wooshing in and out of the room like some doctors tend to do. You don't talk to a nurse first, the midwife comes in and hears everything you have to say. That is one of the best parts, in my opinion. I always feel that I can tell the nurse everything, but when the doctor comes in, I sometimes forget certain details. Not at the Midwifery!

I can feel Baby Esh moving around at certain times of the day and night. Especially when I have a full bladder. Sorry- a bit of TMI, but it is true! Even more when I have a full tummy in addition to the full bladder. I told the Hubster Baby Esh was doing the can-can in my belly yesterday. It is an amazing feeling.

We have started to look baby stuff. And wow is there a plethora of "stuff" out there for baby. Who knew?

I attended a baby shower on Saturday and got to see all the adorable things my friend received for her bundle of joy, and it made me that much more excited for what is to come! Now I just need to get into nesting mode so I can clean up and out some of the stuff we have hanging around that we don't and won't need anymore to make way for BABY!

We should have more news to report soon! I will keep you updated.

First comes love, then comes marriage

2011-06-21T09:55:00.000-04:00

Then comes Baby Esh in a baby carriage!

Yup, that's right, we're expecting.

We are 12 weeks along to be exact with a due date of 1.2.12.

The Hubster and I are elated!

I am feeling great. More on what I am doing to stay healthy and fit during this time coming soon.

Oh Snap!

2010-09-03T16:30:00.000-04:00

GOOOOO DAWGS! SIC 'EM! WOOF WOOF WOOF!

Yes, the Hubster and I are tailgating and using our first set of season tickets ever tomorrow! Hopefully we will still have a couple of football players on the field...

Happy National Dog Day

2010-08-26T09:25:00.000-04:00

August 26 is National Dog Day!

Read more about it here, but all in all it is a day that calls attention to the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year as well as acknowledges the dogs that are dedicated to their families and jobs- whether it is protecting that family, sniffing out bombs or drugs or criminals. They give their lives while providing unconditional love and support for those around them. The day also is against any "breed ban" so no doggie is left behind!

What could be better than paying homage to our four legged homies?

I must admit I didn't know it was National Dog Day until I heard it on the radio this morning, so I am not prepared for a huge celebration, but the Hubster and I have already tossed around a few ideas to do with the pups this afternoon in order to honor them on their day.

What are you going to do to honor your four legged friend today? Do share!

What Have We Been Doing?

2010-08-22T11:11:00.000-04:00

The question is....where haven't we been doing?

A whirlwind, last minute trip to Myrtle Beach, awesome breakfasts, lunches and dinners, a coupla emergency trips to the vet for one Jinxy kitty, an interview or two, plenty of jewelry making, music recording and just living life has kept us over here at Everything Esh super busy!

Just a few pics from the last couple of months:

Hubster has perfected his omelette all-the-way. This one had bacon, mushrooms, green peppers, onions and cheese. Um, yes please!

BBQ shrimp from the shrimp left over after our low country boil on July 4th.

Bok Choy, Mushrooms with an amazing sauce that the Hubster served over rice.

The view from our balcony at Beach Colony in Myrtle Beach. We couldn't pin down a date to go, so the Hubster made last minute reservations one Friday morning and we drove down the same day, stayed Friday and Saturday night and drove home Sunday. A whirlwind trip that was just what we needed!

The dog bed that frequently has a line of animals waiting to chill on it.

Pretty Pixie.

Love.

Like brother like sista. Sista now weighs about ten more pounds than brother, but she is taller and lankier!

Some new VLT Originals.

I have also made a move from here

Law School to the Vet School! I have been there a week and a day, and I love it!

There has been a lot more that has happened since I last blogged, but I don't want to overload you too much! I hope to keep up with my daily blogging once again. I think our crazy schedule will settle down a bit now that the summer is officially over!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-07T16:45:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday: Neighbors

2010-06-30T10:34:00.000-04:00

Buckeye Fun

2010-06-15T14:53:00.006-04:00

So the Hubster is from Buckeye country; however, this post has nothing to do with his heritage.

It does, however, have everything to do with our friend and fellow UGA fan K trying to play a prank or two on one of her friends, an Ohio State Buckeye fan.

Checkout these pics:

Yup. The Hubster is dremeling a UGA "G" into that Buckeye nut.

Check out the results!

I got in on the action and Modge Podged UGA stickers onto a couple Buckeyes.

K's pup Scout cried when Hubster left my studio!

Odie and Scout

Whatchu talkin' bout, mama?

The Buckeyes came out amazingly well. K had also made UGA G soaps and candles to send up with the buckeyes Hubster and I helped with.

Never knew Buckeye nuts could be so decorative.

Top 10 Things You Didn't Know About Doughnuts

2010-06-04T13:06:00.000-04:00

So today is National Doughnut Day.

Not exactly sure how it came to be, but Time's News Feed just informed me of the Top 10 Things I Didn't Know About Doughnuts.

Who knew? Not me, obviously!

Now I am craving a doughnut though I really won't be in the vicinity of a Krispy Kreme or a Dunkin' Donuts at all today. Maybe I can take a doughnut detour on my way home.

How could I pass up the opportunity for free fried dough?!

Nutria CD Release Partay

2010-06-03T14:05:00.001-04:00

Tonight.

Nutria's CD Release for Permanent Reminder of a Temporary Emotion.

40 Watt.

9 p.m.
(well Nutria is playing second....so it will be more like 10:45 or 11)

Be there or be square.

Cool article about Nooch in the ABH here.

Mention in the Flagpole here.

The Hubster also updated the Nutria website.

Cowboy Angel Music site.

Can't forget their MySpace page.

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Also a shout out to Chick-Fil-A for my free spicy chicken sandwich at lunch. Way to go from a PR ~~major's~~ fanatic's standpoint! I might have never tried it otherwise, but it was delish. Will be sho' to order me up one or two of those in the future.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-02T13:35:00.000-04:00

VLT Originals Feature

2010-06-01T16:53:00.000-04:00

Today VLT Originals is featured on the blog Everyday Living!

Woot!

Pet Fest was a VLT Originals success as well. More on that soon.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-26T12:38:00.000-04:00

About 1/4 of the VLT Originals for Pet Fest this weekend!

YEEK!

(sorry, iPhone pics again this week)

Beadin' Fool

2010-05-25T11:39:00.000-04:00

Been a minute (again).

Not sure where the time has gone, but glad I am taking a time out to blog a little today.

Been a beading fool lately getting ready for Pet Fest this weekend.

Come out and see me if you are in the neighborhood!

This is actually my second show at Birdhouse. I was invited for another show several years ago and I had an amazing time. I am super excited to be back there again and especially for such a good cause.

Anne from Anne Yarbrough Photography (AYP) will be there taking pet portraits and booking sessions for later dates.

Angie from Fetching Collars will be there, too! I cannot wait to get Alice and Odie each new collars for their collection. (Seriously. I think they have five to six collars each at this point. Spoiled much?)

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Anne of AYP created a new logo for VLT Originals that I am just in love with.

The new business cards and other materials are on order and should be in today. There is nothing like a new and fresh look to pump some inspiration into a person.

Also, the Hubster bought me my own piece of the internets! Go here and see our work in progress. I emphasize the in progress part. I am just so excited about it I can not wait to share it. We are checking out e-commerce information so I can sell straight from my site. Anyone out there have any expertise/knowledge in this field?

I have done nothing but bead and wire work in my spare time the past couple of weeks. I think it will pay off though because I have a lot of different price points and a bunch of different designs. I hope I will have something for everyone.

Come out and mention this post and get 10% off your entire purchase! I would love to meet any readers out there that are local "stalkers." :) (Feel free to start publicly following at any time!)

There is lots more that has been going on, but I have to sign off for now.

Have a great rest of the week!