Georgia Goes to Graceland

This past week Josh and I went to Panama City Beach for a few very relaxing days, we didn't want to leave. On the way there we just happened to be rolling through Memphis at an early time. Me, being the Elvis fanatic that I am, knew that in the morning there are free walk up times to the Meditation Garden at Graceland. The Meditation Garden is where Elvis, his mother, father, and grandma are laid to rest in the back yard of his home. It was fresh off of Elvis Week 2012 which marked the 35th anniversary of EP's passing, so there were flower arrangements and memorials from fans all over the world on display. I asked Josh "Can we stop at Graceland?" He says "Yeah" I ask when we get there "Will you take my picture" He complies. I ask when we leave "You want to sign the wall with me?" He says "Sure" Ummmmmm...WHO ARE YOU? This is not the Josh I know. He usually would grunt and moan through any Elvis experience. But I'm not complaining, I guess he is becoming more relaxed in his old age (25 years in a couple of weeks!)

Happy as a lark! In front of one of my favorite places on the planet. If you have never been, you should go. Even if you aren't exactly as obsessed with Elvis as I am. The place is a time capsule. Frozen in the past, it's actually somewhat educational. Really.

 

Mommy and Georgia at the foot of Elvis Aaron Presley's grave. (Yes for those of you who like to argue: Elvis' middle name on his birth certificate is spelled Aron. He later changed the spelling to Aaron which is the biblical spelling. The difference in spelling on his birth and death certificates is not proof that he is still alive. RIP) Should you smile at a grave? Well I am, I love visiting Elvis! I always remember how lucky I am to live just 2 hours away and to have the convenience of dropping by when I want. PS: look at my left foot and you can see my Elvis tattoo.

This is Georgia's first encounter with Gladys Love Smith Presley, the lady she is was named after. It always has bothered me that Vernon, Elvis' father is buried between Gladys and Elvis. But Vernon was the last to pass away and this was his wish to be placed between the two. Originally Elvis and his mother were buried in a cemetery in Memphis, but people wouldn't leave the graves alone so both bodies were moved to Graceland. Gladys' original tombstone was placed in the Meditation Garden. If you could see it, it would be in the right side of the picture. Most people don't know that is what the big ole monument is when they visit. SO when you go visit Graceland now, keep an eye out for it.

Fans are now encouraged to sign the rock wall that surrounds Graceland. I had a sharpie in my work bag so we busted it out and commemorated G-Love's first trip to the big house.

This is Josh signing the wall (much to my surprise) I was so curious to see what he was writing. When he was finished I ran over to look and he had written our cat's name. I don't know what possessed him to do this, but he does love that cat. Georgia: please notice your Daddy's mouth is open. He does this when he is thinking really hard. It is so cute! But also a little pathetic that he was in such deep concentration about writing a pet's name on the wall at Graceland.

 

 

Well that concludes our short but blissful trip to the home of Elvis Presley. Hope have enjoyed reading about it as much as I enjoyed being there. In other pregnancy news I am starting to really feel pregnant. Not in a miserable way at all, but in a "Holy cow I'm really having a baby" way. I want to go through and document how I have felt so far, since this blog is Georgia's baby book. (You can have your blog printed into a hard back book, how cool!)

In the first trimester I had next to no problems aside from nervousness. I was ready to add some weeks to my pregnancy and not worry as much. I never had any "morning sickness" just a little queasy feeling that lasted most of the time. It made me feel better to snack...ALL the time. At one doctor's appointment I was floored to learn I had gained 5 pounds in just 2 weeks. But after the first trimester ended, so did the uneasy feeling in my stomach. I quit eating all the darn time and proclaimed "I feel good!" Still not one pregnancy puke to date. Knock on wood!

Second trimester has been so good to me as well! In the first 3-4 weeks of it I had some bad headaches. Every single day. I was taking Tylenol around the clock it felt like. But one day the headaches just stopped. So I cannot complain. I will take a couple of weeks of headaches over hugging the toilet every morning. When the second trimester showed up, so did some spotting. It happens often. Sometimes every single day, and it had me really worried. My doctor examined me and determined that I have a big ole vein on the face of my cervix that just gets irritated. So now when it happens I'm not as concerned, just a little cautiously worried. I pay close attention and keep my doctor's number on speed dial, but we are doing okay! As of lately, my back is starting to hurt. Nothing that is debilitating, but it has made me pinch myself that HELLO A BABY IS COMING! SH*T'S ABOUT TO GET REAL.

I am also totally embracing my baby bump! I am so glad to have it. I actually look pregnant in my clothes and not just like I am putting on weight. I have taken a few maternity pictures just in case my belly gets all stretch marked up soon. (Which runs in my family, woo hoo) And here they are!

This is at 19 weeks. I have started a little project with a photographer here in town, Jay Malone, and I can't wait to see the finished product. He is amazing!

21 weeks. Had some beachy pictures done while we were on our little vacation!

Not many more pictures like this until we are a party of three!

Our halfway there chalkboard picture!

Loving the bump! Up until this point I have only sported one piece swimwear. I just looked bloated. But now I'm bumpalicious...bring on the bikinis!

Such a nice trip to the beach! We were super conscious of the fact that next year's trip will be all about our little girl so we focused on spending lots of time together before we are parents. No more just going to a restaurant and holding hands while waiting on our food. It's gonna be unbuckle the car seat, grab the diaper bag, find a high chair, etc. We can't wait!

 

 

Okay, okay. I'm wrapping up this blog entry. I promise. I just don't want to forget anything!!

 

Peace, Love, BabyBump