Leaving My Baby With Strangers

"Move your arm, move your arm," I whispered as I tried to sneak a glance of Cooper before I walked away.

As if she - the stranger- heard me, she moved her arm and I caught a glimpse of his face.

His smile.

My whole world.

Oh God, I'm going to cry. 

He looks so sweet.

And happy.

He smiled.

And kicked his legs.

He is having fun!

Dear Lord, someone make me walk away. I don't want to walk away.

He was sitting in a bouncy chair. The daycare lady was feeding another baby and two other toddlers were crawling around the room.

Before I had the courage to walk out the room, I kissed his little forehead and told him that I loved him.

"Mommy will be just a few rooms away," I whispered to him. "I'm going to workout so I can chase you around a lot quicker one day."

My friends have all had a great experience with the daycare workers at the YMCA. But to me. To Cooper...they were strangers.

And when you leave your baby for the first time - especially with someone who isn't a family member - you'll likely feel a sense of anxiety.

And worry.

Or maybe you won't. But I did. I honestly felt like I was leaving my baby with strangers.

You are just preparing yourself for when you return to work. Walk away. You can do this.

The women at the daycare were incredibly kind to Cooper and myself. They smiled when they talked to him. Told him he was handsome. And asked about his favorite things.

Does he like a pacifier? No- he usually gives you a super dramatic face, almost insulted that you'd give him something to put in his mouth that wasn't food.

Does he like a bouncy chair? Absolutely - especially if it vibrates! Although it could trigger a poop. He loves his poop chair. Opps.

Back at the window, I watched Coop for a few more seconds.

Coop looked up and smiled.

This smile.
I live for this smile.

He looked around at his new friends, studying them and probably wishing he could talk to them.

Seeing his smiling face and talking to the kind daycare workers made it (A LITTLE) easier for me to walk away.

If the YMCA daycare workers need you, they walk around the gym with a giant clipboard that has your baby's name on it. Very similar to the sign the limo drivers hold up for you at the airport (I wouldn't know from experience). But in this case, you don't get a fancy ride and adult beverages. You get a poopy diaper or a hungry baby.

Either way, I found myself constantly looking at the front door - waiting on someone to walk in with a giant sign that said, "COOPER SIEB."

To my surprise, no one came looking for me! I managed to get in 20 minutes or cardio and 15 minutes of strength training...and I felt incredible! 

But I must admit I found myself watching the clock and counting down the minutes until I would see Coop again! I'm sure that's how my workdays will feel when I return to work again.

Time is going by too quickly.

I walked back to the daycare and saw my sweet baby Coops- completely content and passed out in the bouncy chair.

They assured me that he did amazing; slept almost the entire time.

I know Cooper will never remember this day.

The day that I left him with strangers for the first time.

But me, well, I'll always remember this day.

And I'm thankful that we had such a positive experience.

I've always heard that leaving your child at daycare is harder on YOU then the child. And that was proven true today when I saw Cooper smiling and studying his new friends.

Now, this new discovery doesn't make leaving him any easier...walking away from my babes will always be hard. But at least next time I will know that he is having as much fun as a baby can have at the YMCA daycare.

"Mom, you're too sweaty for snuggles." - Coop

Pretty soon, the daycare workers at the YMCA won't be strangers anymore. They will get to know us. And we will get to know them. Hopefully Cooper will quickly love the YMCA as much as I do! And in the long run, I hope exposing Cooper to new places, people, and experiences will help fuel his adventurous spirit.

Much love,
Ashley

Celebrating Little Moments

"Oh Coop, please go back to bed," I begged him as I rocked the bassinet. "Please let mommy sleep in. Just 30 more minutes."

Just as I was about to pull myself out of bed, Justin said he would get up with Cooper.

"Just let me brush my teeth and get dressed for work," Justin said. "I'll get him!" 

Instead of 30 minutes, I got an extra TWO HOURS of sleep. I woke up feeling so refreshed! So during Coop's morning nap, I decided to see if I could finally fit into some pre-baby clothes.

To my surprise, my Banana Republic shirt fit! The shirt was a little tight, but at least I can breathe / don't have a giant muffin top!

Pre-baby clothes for the win!

When I got downstairs, I noticed that Justin had made (Starbucks) coffee for me. Even better? He left out a coffee cup for me. My favorite coffee up.

My grandpa always leaves my grandma's coffee cup out for her.
Every morning.
And today, Justin did that for me.

Life is full of little moments that are easy to dismiss or overlook. And as a new mom, I find myself appreciating even MORE small moments.

Taking a hot shower.

Getting extra hour of sleep.

Eating dinner at the same time as my husband - instead of taking shifts eating so one of us can hold or feed Coop.

Watching "The Voice" after dinner.
Coop and I both have a crush on Kat.

Enjoying a trip to the gym.

Walking Bandit on a perfect Fall evening.

Snuggling with a happy baby.

Best smile.

Painting my nails.

Calling an old friend to catch up on life.

Emailing a dear friend that moved away for a life update.

Getting the kitchen table organized (yes, all of our clutter ends up on our kitchen table).

Having time to put away the socks in the infamous sock basket .

Dancing across the living room with my babes.

Don't be too busy.

Too negative.

Too stressed.

Too scared.

Or too upset to enjoy life's little moments.

This morning, I made an honest effort to appreciate every extra minute of sleep.

I gave myself a high-five when I fit into that Banana Republic shirt.

And I sent Justin a text message thanking him for leaving out my favorite coffee cup for the day.

As I push forward with today, I'm reminded that I'm so blessed to get time with Cooper at home. Some moms are already back to work at this point. Even though I'm incredibly sad my leave is already half-way over, I feel so lucky to get another 5.5 weeks with Coop!!

My beautiful baby boy.

What little moment(s) will you celebrate today? 

Much love,
Ashley

Why I Am Doing the Advocare 24 Day Challenge

At the peek of my pregnancy, I hit a number that absolutely terrifies me.

A number that you see on the scales of The Biggest Loser.

A number that I never thought I'd see.

A number that was almost 100 lbs higher than my freshmen year of college weight.

Oh, I could just cry.

What happened to me?

It surely wasn't all pregnancy.

I let the stress of life and work and everything inbetween fuel my emotional eating habits. If you're an avid reader and follower of my blog, you know that I've ALWAYS struggled with my weight. Always.

I've tried many diets.

I've tried new exercise programs.

I've trained for many half marathons.

I've came EXTREMELY close to hitting my goal. I was under 200 lbs for the first time in YEARS in May 2012.

I felt amazing, but pretty soon I let the stress of failed pregnancy tests bring me down. And then it happened! YOU GUESSED IT! I started eating my emotions and stopped working out as much.

Despite gaining nearly 30 lbs back, on January 1, 2013 I discovered the best news of my life. Our little miracle was official!

I was pregnant!

I can safely say I enjoyed every single minute of my pregnancy - including the extra calories (primarily in the form of tater tots).

Now that Cooper is 6.5 weeks old, I am ready for a change...which is why I colored my hair blonde and got extensions!

Kidding! This wig is for my Halloween costume on Friday!

But really- I'm ready to get back to the gym!

I am ready to work harder. I've been cleared by my doctor to start working out again...and I'm ready to get this body back in shape!

My body in present day.

NOW - before someone tells me that I shouldn't worry about a number on the scale...trust me, I am not putting my life on the line for a number. I'm a FIRM believer that a number on the scale shouldn't determine your self-worth! I do have a goal number in mind by the end of 2014 (195 lbs). But I will also measure my success in other ways...like the way my clothes fit, the way I feel, and the results at the doctor's office.

And to help me hit my goals, I am going to kick-start my weight loss journey this time around doing the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. I've been hearing about these products and this challenge for years.

But honestly, I was hesitant to purchase the products because I didn't want to spend a TON of money and have failed results. I also didn't want to live my life by drinking meal replacement shakes for every meal - that's totally unrealistic for me.

But I talked with my friend Bobbi Shane who sells the products and felt inspired! Instead of making an impulse purchase, I did my research.

I asked friends who had used the products about their experience.

I read testimonials from independent bloggers.

I read reviews from all over the place.

I did my due diligence.

And last night, I purchased the products needed for the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. In a nutshell, the challenge is supplementation and nutrition plan.

The first 10 days of the program is a cleanse program, designed to rid your body of toxins and chemicals to help your body better absorb the nutrients needed for a healthy body and mind.

The next 14 days use the supplements and nutrient plan to provide sustained energy, appetite control, core nutrition, and overall wellness.

At this point, I NEED to lose the weight.

Because I want to live a really long and healthy life.

Because I want to wear my wedding ring again.

Because I want to watch my son and his children get married one day.

Because I want to run more half marathons- and at this weight, my knees and hips couldn't handle the extra pressure this weight is putting on my body.

Because I want to feel the natural energy gained from eating and drinking the best foods and drinks.

Because I want to chase my son around one day without running out of breathe.

Because I want to wear jeans again - not only leggings or jeggings.

Because I want to wear the size Medium dress I worked SO hard to get into two summers ago. 

Medium.

Because I want to BELIEVE my husband when he tells me I'm sexy and beautiful.

Because I want to feel comfortable again when wearing a swimsuit on vacation.

Because I want to run on the beach in my swimsuit and not worry about my fat jiggling all over place.

Because I want to sit in an airplane seat and not feel like I'm toppling over on the person next to me.

Because I want to walk into a store and feel confident that they will have something in my size.

Because I want to go to an amusement park and not worry about exceeding the weight limit for a ride.

Because I want to encourage my son to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

Because I want to feel good and positive about myself more often than not.

Because I want to feel proud about the decisions I make for my health.

Because I don't want to live my life constantly feeling guilty for the emotional eating and bad habits that haunt me each night.

Because I want to try crossfit.

Because I want to look like this again.

BAM!

And do this agian.

Hey best mile time EVER!

 Because I want to complete a sprint triathlon this summer.

Because I want to have another child or two (and don't want to weigh 300+ lbs at the end of it all).

I'm doing this challenge because at the end of the day, my health is what keeps me here with my family and friends for many, many years to come.

And I NEED to lose weight for these exciting moments and memories to occur. Heart disease and diabetes run heavy in my family. I refuse to let these diseases take me down...without putting up a strong fight, anyway!

Wish me luck.

Cheer me on.

And follow along!

I am not 100% sure when I will start the program. I'm thinking sometime in the next couple of weeks.

But don't worry -I'll be sure to post pictures, share exciting developments, and write an HONEST review when I am done!

Until then, I have these guys inspiring me each and every single day.

My boys.

And this guy too!

Can't forget about B!

Much love,
Ashley

How Running Changed My Life

I was in fifth grade.

And it was my least favorite day of the year.

I know it was Fall because I remember being told to dress warm.

And I remember complaining that the cool air made it harder to breathe.

But my gym teacher didn't really care if I liked warm or cool weather- we must accomplish the task at hand. It was the infamous "mile day" at school. We had to run around the playground and school four times....but it felt like forty-four times.

I wanted my mom to call me in sick.

No, I actually wanted to break my leg.

Maybe I could trip over a crack in the sidewalk on the way to school.

Or fall off my bike. Yes, that's it!

I'd fall off my bike and then I'd be out of the timed mile.

As I rode my bike to school that day, I remembered the plan I thought of the night before. It's simple. Just crash your bike. You don't have to get hurt THAT bad - you can fake some of your injury.

But alas- I didn't have the balls to wreck my bike. So I peddled along and tried not to cry thinking about my least favorite day of the year - with lice check day being a close second. Seriously- don't act like you didn't fear lice check day too. It's like a random drug search at school - you aren't warned it's going to happen and you secretly worry the person next to your coat (or locker) is going to screw you over. Anyway, lice check day is another blog post...moving along!

It's not that I couldn't run. I was physically capable of running. But I was overweight, which meant that I would be one of the last kids to finish. If not THE last kid to finish.

And I felt that finishing last would be one more thing the kids could use against me when they taunted me about my height and weight.

I hated running.

And I hated mile day at school.

Flash forward 15 years.....

I'm not that insecure, chubby girl that gets teased and picked last for everything. 

Well, chubby - maybe (I mean, I just had a baby!!!) - but my self-esteem is higher than ever before.

Three years ago (as of yesterday actually), I ran my first half marathon.

And the hilarious part? Remember how I told you that I wanted to get out of mile day at school by wrecking my bike? Well, I got in an awful bike accident the week OF my first half marathon! I share the full story of that bike accident in this blog post: Always Wear Your Helmet

But in a nutshell, Justin and I went on an evening bike ride the Monday of race week. I wanted to "take it easy" and not injury myself before the big day. That plan completely back fired and I ended up crashing into a guard rail.

As a result, I had bruised ribs, scraps all over my hands and elbows, and a gigantic bruise on my hip! My bike was ruined - I actually had to push it back to our apartment- two miles away! I am chuckling now as I remember that walk home:

"We walked home in silence, only to the sound of the rhythmic squeal from the wheel. Then a laugh. Then a moan from me. Then another laugh."

Despite that awful bike accident, I decided to run the race: To Run or Not to Run, That is Thy Question  is the blog post that explains why I made the decision to run.

Running toward the finish line!

The best running partners a girl could have for her first race!

Dancing across the finish line. Obviously.

The best cheerleaders!

And once I danced across that finish line, I said goodbye to that insecure fifth grade girl living inside of me. I proved all of those kids wrong who said I was weak or slow or incapable of being a good asset to their team.

I was surrounded by loving and supportive people. I was sore - extremely SORE - but I was inspired. I went home that very day and signed up for my next half marathon.

Since then, I've completed five half marathons, two full marathon relays, and countless 5Ks.

I've achieved new records and personal bests with friends by my side!

And I've ran races where my friends stuck by my side when I've done my personal worst.
Brittany - I adore you and I wouldn't be the runner I am today with you staying my side and encouraging me through every single race! xoxo!

I've raised nearly $700 by running and fundraising for the American Heart Association.

I've ran races in extreme heat!

And bundled up for races in cold months!

I've worn my medal as a fashion statement.

I inspired my mom and brother to run their first race!

I've logged many, many miles with my best friend.

Amd I've made best friends with complete strangers!

And I've met people who inspired me to finish when I wanted to give up.

I've had fabulous race photos.

And hilarious ones too.

I've ran fast.

And walked slow.

I crossed the finish line five months pregnant.
Coop's first race.

But no matter the race - no matter the distance - I always had fun.

 My transformation all started with a single decision.

A single plan to run a race.

At first, I simply wanted to lose weight.

And sure, I lost those extra pounds holding me down -both physically and emotionally. But I gained so much more...

I went from hating running to living for running.

I went from a weak, insecure girl to a strong, confident woman.

I went from having no fitness motivation to living off a half marathon training plan.

Today, I believe in myself.

I run toward new challenges instead of running away.

I have balance in my life.

I have an outlet for managing stress.

I have a way to set and achieve both personal and fitness goals.

I am confident in my strength - both mental and physical.

And I wouldn't be this person without running.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not an amazing runner. I've struggled through countless miles. Cried thought lots more. I'm slow. I take walking breaks. And I certainly have room to improve. But that's the fun part - knowing that with each step I take- I am becoming better and stronger!

 I'm so thankful for all of the people, races, friendships, distances, medals, memories, and stories that running has brought into my life.

As a new mother, I'm overly excited to share this passion with my son. I dream of us running races together and living a fit, active life. Maybe I can inspire him to LOVE mile day at school. But I suppose if he hates running - he can at least come cheer me on, right?  He will make a pretty cute spectator.

Much love,
Ashley

One Month Check-Up: The Stats

Today we had Coop's one month check-up. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew I wanted him to look stylish.  I dressed him up in his adorable fleece outfit. 

I adore him.

And we obviously had to take a mirror selfie. 

We kind of matched, right?

"Yo mom, what's with all of these layers?!"

Smirking in his chair (aka taking a poop- hey at least he did it BEFORE the appointment).

Once he was done "taking care of business" - we left for the doctor. Usually he falls asleep during the car ride, but he was WIDE awake when we got to the doctor's office. 

He was cracking me up with his facial expressions (per usual) and I was talking to him like a normal person. I also started singing along to the music playing in the office + making him dance in his car seat.

 

People watching.

The nurse came into the room and recognized us from our earlier visits.

"Nice to see you again, Cooper!" she said. "Look how much you've grown!"

She took his head measurements and temperature. Cooper was EXTREMELY dramatic about the entire process- he definitely gets that from me. He started screaming the moment she took his temperature under his armpit. Obviously the temperature taking didn't hurt him ONE bit, but I think he didn't like the idea of having someone hold down his arm. He likes to wiggle and move around at his own will. How dare someone hold down his arm.

Once she finished taking his temperature, Coop stopped crying instantly. He just looked at her as if he was saying, "Alright lady - I think you're done now."

Both of us were cracking up!

"Oh Cooper, you're making me laugh today," she said.

Then it was time to weigh him! 

I stripped Cooper down to a fresh diaper - can't let an extra pee or poo add to the scales!

Poor baby had gas today - look at that belly!

Last time, Cooper was 8 lbs and 5 ozs.

He was born 7 lbs even and dropped to 6 lbs and 3 ozs when we wasn't eating well / had jaundice issues.

So I was guessing he'd weigh about 9 lbs nad 6 ozs. But lil Coop exceeded my expectations!

The Stats:

Weight: 10 lbs and 5 ozs / 57 percentile (looks like our feeding plan is working out JUST fine!)

Height: 23 and 3/4 inches / 99 percentile (looks like we have a future basketball player on our hands)

Head: 37 1/4 cm / 44 percentile (looks like that cone head is going down after all)

One hour vs. one month.

Little man, I'm so happy that you're growing into a happy and healthy little babes. Maybe next month you'll start sleeping through the night. Yes? Maybe? At least two nights a week? DEAL!

Much love,
Ashley

Working Mom: A Dry Run

No, it's too early. 

Go back to sleep.

Apparently babies can't read minds because his crying got louder and louder.

I looked at the clock.

1:24 A.M.

I feel like I just went to bed... 

Please fall back asleep Coop...

Instead of feeling sorry for myself and my lack of sleep, I pulled myself out of bed.

"What's the matter sweet baby boy?" I whispered in Coop's ear and kissed his forehead.

I carried him across the dark bedroom and greeted Bandit in the hallway.

"Hi buddy," I said to Bandit as I almost tripped over him.

We reached Cooper's bedroom and I put him in his crib for a moment. I started to warm up his bottle in the bottle steamer for our nursery, which is a great invention and investment whether you are bottle feeding breastmilk OR formula feeding. 

His crying got louder and louder. 

"Baby boy," I said. "Everything will be fine! I promise!" 

I picked him up and took him over to the changing table (aka his dresser with a changing pad on it). I took off Cooper's diaper (it was only pee) and went to grab another one. I usually have a diaper ready before I start the changing process, but I was extremely tried so I wasn't on my "A game."

Before I could get a fresh diaper under Cooper's bottom, it happened.

I knew the day would come when something like this happened...

He sneezed, farted, and then let out a giant poop ALL at once. 

I literally had to check the walls for poop because I was nervous the poo flew across the room too.

Poop was all over Coop and his jammies. 

He instantly stopped crying and made the funniest face in the world. I didn't have time to take a picture (obviously),  but his face and expression reminded me of Steve Urkel. 

If he could have talked, I know he would have said, "DID I DO THAT!!!?!" 

Urkel aka Cooper Sieb.

But despite the hectic morning, we had to get up early for my sister's baby shower. We were running late and I had to make a tough decision.

"I can't believe you're doing this," Justin said as he was getting ready to jump into the shower.

"Doing what?" I asked.

"Leaving..." he said, "I mean, obviously we can't all go or we'd be extremely late. And I don't know what I would do all day while you're at the shower."

"Well actually WE are leaving," I said. "I was just waiting until you got into the shower and then I was going to kidnap Coop and leave without telling you." 

I was kidding (or was I!?!), but I REALLY didn't want to leave my boys for more than 13 hours.

"You'll be fine babe," Justin said. "Just pretend you're practicing for when you return to work and have to leave him for 9 hours."

I gave Justin a sad look and snuggled up with Coop  / gave him a bazillion kisses before I left.

By myself.

Just me.

Without my baby.

Trying to figure out how he used to fit inside there...

I had to stop at Marsh to pick up some cupcakes for the baby shower. 

That's when I saw a pregnant lady. 

And the woman in front of me at the check-out line had a baby with her.

I miss my baby. 

I'm going to pick them up.

It's okay if I am a little late, right?!

No, they need you there early to help decorate!

None of the bottles are clean in the house. 

And you'll need to feed him and rock him to sleep before you leave.

You won't have time.

But everyone will want to see him!

And you'll miss him like CRAZY! 

Just go back home and pick them up.

After having a conversation with myself (hopefully not out loud), I called Justin.

"Already?" Justin said when he answered the phone.

"I'm going to pick you guys up!" I said. "I can't do this!!!!"

"Ash, you'll be fine!" he said. "We will be fine. We will have a guys day...I'll teach him all about fantasy football and how to pick the best spreads."

"But..." I started.

"Go," he said. "We will all be fine!"

So I hung up the phone, started crying, and drove until I found the nearest Starbucks.

***

An hour later, I called Justin to check in everyone.

"Where are you?" Justin asked.

"Exit 286," I said.

"Oh wow, you made it a lot farther than I thought you would!" Justin said.

"Well actually I'm back at home," I said. "I'm looking at you holding Cooper right now through the back window." 

Justin laughed.

"I can see you on the couch together," I said.

"Wrong - we are on the computer changing my fantasy football line-up," he said.

"Ahhh- of course," I said. "Well I miss you guys!!!!"

Despite my many urges to turn around, I made it to Decatur with time to spare. I helped my sister(s) decorate for Britt's shower  - we shared a lot of laughs and couldn't stop singing, "What Does the Fox Say?"

Two of my lovely sisters.
Happy baby shower day, Britt!

Once we were done decorating, I took my nephew to run some errands before the shower started.

Of course, he wanted to pick up some toys from Dollar Tree. I said yes - as along as he picked up some toys for his brother too. I told him they could each get two things - so I let him pick out whatever he wanted.

Bad idea.

After we checked out, Braxen looked up at me and said, "Thanks Aunt Ashley! I can't wait to play my flute!"

He had picked out a recorder - you know, the ones you get in middle school and feel like a total rockstar when you can play the theme song to Star Wars?

"Oh my gosh - that's what that thing is?" I said to him. "Your mom is going to kill me..."

Don't mind us- we were just singing "What Does the Fox Say?" while waiting on pizza.

Once we got back to the hall, I realized he also picked out sticky bugs.

Yup, your mom is definitely going to kill me.

Braxen ran down the hallway with his toys and started playing his "flute".

"What's that?" Sarah asked.

"I may or may not have let him get a recorder today from the store," I said with a guilty face.

"ASHLEY!" Sarah said, while laughing.

"I told him he could pick out whatever he wanted!!" I said. "How can I tell him no!?"

Sarah laughed.

"You're such a sucker..." Sarah said. "Just remember this...I'll get you back!"

We couldn't stop laughing. I found Braxen and asked him to put him his recorder.

But that didn't last long...half way through the shower, it got really quiet and in the distance you could hear a recorder playing.

Sarah and I made eye contact and she shook her head.

She mouthed the words "PAY BACK" to me.

And I couldn't stop laughing.

Then I spotted Braxem in the hallway, skipping along with his recorder.

"Hey B!" I shouted to him. "What did I say about that recorder?"

He stopped playing and told me he was just testing it to make sure it still worked.

Oh kids. Always so clever. 

After Britt's shower, I stopped in Muncie to cheer on my little brother at his football game. He made the Homecoming court and I was beyond proud of him! We could only stay for the first quarter because I was taking Britt to see her mom (my step mom) in the hospital.

Unfortunately, my step mom got really sick this past week and had to be admitted into the hospital in Indy. Britt was really sad her mom couldn't be there for her baby shower and I promised I'd do whatever it took to make sure she saw her mom on her important day.

My beautiful baby sister!

13 hours later, I finally made it home.

I 

Coming home to this smile will NEVER get old.

That's the longest I've ever been away from Cooper. I felt like a piece of me was missing - literally I felt as if a piece of my body gone.

I know Coop was in safe hands with his father, but that didn't stop me crying and constantly thinking about him! Thankfully, Justin kept me entertained by sending me updates and pictures throughout the day.

Do you think our daycare will send hourly updates and pictures for me too?

Maybe? 

How about just for the week or year? Either one.

Kudos to all you working moms out there...

Not that being a stay-at-home-mom isn't a tough job!!

I firmly believe that being at stay-at-home-mom is an extremely important and hard job too. 

But it's tough leaving your little one, especially with a "stranger" if you aren't fortunate enough to have family or friends available to watch your kiddo while you work. And I know people who have returned to work in as little as 4 or 5 weeks ...that's how old Coop is now!

I can't imagine going back to work already...I feel so blessed that I get 12 full weeks off with Cooper. But it's hard to believe that I am ALMOST half-way done with this journey though...Cooper will already be 5 weeks old this Thursday!

"Please leave me alone while I PIP (poop in peace)."

Pretty soon, Cooper will be running around our house with a recorder that my sister gave him as a sussy (aka gift for no reason).

Because that's what aunts do!

Much love,
Ashley