Why My Mind is Blown

Happy Friday, you guys!

I usually do a "Favorite Outfit Friday" post today, BUT I totally spaced to take a bathroom mirror selfie picture before work.

Hopefully you aren't too disappointed.

Instead, I'll share with you my adorable mustache scarf that I wore today.

Adorable little staches.

I am still in denial that I am growing this baby and he will be here ANY DAY now.

I mean sure- my belly is huge.

I waddle like a chubby duck.

I resemble a pregnant meerkat (as we learned in my previous blog post). 

I feel Cooper kick and punch me...or as I call it "dancing."

I have Braxton Hicks contractions that are picking up more and more each day.

I hear the heart beat often.

I have ultrasounds to prove he exists!

And the doctor said I'm starting to dilate + thin out! 

But honestly, it truly BLOWS MY MIND that a baby...a little, tiny person is growing inside of me.

With fingers.

Little tiny toes.

Big (but not too big), beautiful brown eyes (I'm guessing on this one).

A brain ready to be filled with knowledge and happy memories. And lessons learned the hard way too...

A beating heart.

A smile that will completely melt my soul.

A laugh that will certainly take after one of my MANY laughs. We can only hope that he inherits my machine gun laugh.

And hair. Probably not a lot of hair, but he will certainly hopefully have hair.

And ....have I annoyed you yet or should I keep going?

I just don't know how explain how I feel in words...so I'll let this picture do the talking. When it comes to having a baby in about a week or less, this is how I feel:

I mean, I could have a baby tomorrow.

Or even tonight.

Or even after I post this blog...

So what am I doing this weekend?

Well -besides playing the waiting game... I'll be spending time with my family, cleaning the house a million times, and watching Prison Break on Netflix - which will subsequently lead to nightmares that keep me up all night.

It'll be great.


Much love,
Ashley

Favorite Outfit Friday: August 23

Tomorrow, I will be the big 3-8 ...aka 38 weeks pregnant!

He seems to be dropping! Maybe? Yes?
Pretend and humor me...say yes!

Where has time gone!? 

It seems like just yesterday I was posting this picture and sharing the news about our little babes.

Original post of the good news:
We've been keeping a secret from you guys.
And personally, it's driving us crazy.
So after hearing our little baby's heart beat today, it's time to announce...
THE SIEB HAS BEEN PLANTED!!!!

I am thankful this pregnancy has been smooth (for the most part). 

Sure, my feet are swollen. 

I pee a lot ...at least 87 times a day and 2-3 times each night. A few of these times include peeing my pants.

My face is broken out like you would NOT believe - seriously, you can play connect the dots on my chin for at least 30 minutes.

I waddle, which means I am off balance.. So my back hurts most days.

I ripped a piece of my nail off this morning while trying to pull up my pants (read: nothing fits me anymore).

My hormones make me crazy. I cry at the sight of a happy dog, adorable old couple, sad movie preview, or even a dying shard of grass.

And the other day I got so mad at Justin for no reason.

Literally, he didn't say a word to me and he came over to grab my butt while I was doing dishes and I said, "Leave me alone!" 

"What is wrong with you!?" He asked quickly and then added, "What happened to hakuna matata!?" 

"I don't know what's wrong and I don know what happened!" I said and then I laughed. "I honestly have no clue!!!" 

We laughed about it hours later, but that's just part of being pregnant. 

Things change, body parts swell, and you feel like you're going crazy at times. 

But I try not complain about these things. What's the point!? 

I am growing a healthy baby (as far as I can tell). I get to experience this wonderful journey that so many people long for... It seems so silly to complain about swollen feet or the number of times I have peed my pants when someone asks how I am doing.

Complaining just makes things worse.

And no one likes to be around a complainer. 

In all reality, I am doing pretty darn awesome!! 

We had a doctor appointment on Wednesday and the doctors seem to agree.

My blood pressure was 130 / 70.

I only gained 2 lbs in the last two weeks (PRAISE JESUS!!!!).

And the doctor and nurse once again complimented me on how great I look! Maybe they do that to everyone...but it sure makes me feel great when they boast my spirits with kind words and positivity.

He did the strep test where they swob your lady parts and bum to check for a certain bacteria that can be passed to your baby during delivery. IF I test positive, I'll just need to be put on antibiotics when my water breaks and throughout labor - shouldn't be a big deal.

And the test itself wasn't a big deal either...Of course, I packed an extra pair of underwear and cleansing wipes to freshen up before my appointment (in a panic that every woman experiences before her OB appointments), but I obviously forgot to use them....

But nothing traumatic happened.

"Do you want me to check to see if you are dilating yet?" the doctor asked me.

"Well, what do you think?" I asked him.

"It's totally up to you," he said. "It'll probably be painful because I doubt you're that far dilated, if at all."

I think we've had enough entertainment down there for today, I thought to myself.

"And if you're 1-3 centimeters, it really won't change much," he said. "We'd still plan to see you next week and just tell you to call if your water breaks or you go into labor."

"Well," I said. "Let's just not worry about it. I'd rather just wait until next week since I'll be closer!"

So I'm holding out until next Wednesday to learn more about Cooper's grand appearance into this world.

I am surprised about how relaxed and laid back I am about this entire birthing process. This type of patience and "going with the flow" attitude is SO unlike "Adult Ashley."

But really, I am not in control of ANY of this...

So I'm just going with the flow.

Taking it day by day.

And not planning a thing - okay fine, I am planning what I want to eat post-birth. Right now, I am torn between a BLT with avocado or the biggest turkey sandwich in the world. Tomorrow, I'll probably want Scotty's brewhouse waffle fries or raw sushi - you know, because they are comparable.

But, I have the carseat in my car.

I ALMOST have my bag packed! I keep pulling out things I need to wear again because- as I said - my wardrobe is getting pretty slim.

Cooper's bag is ready to go though! I don't have a lot in there...just some diapers and wipes in case he has a blow out on the way home, some Cowboys pacifiers in case he is born during the Cowboys game that Sunday, two adorable outfits, and a few other things.

In the meantime, you can follow along on Twitter with the hashtag #CoopWatch ...and when I'm in labor, I'll share the good news about #CoopTime (shout out to my friend Melanie for these great hashtag ideas).

Or maybe I'll just pull a royal baby and go into labor without telling anyone...and then I'll call the press to show off my new babes. I'll lift Cooper in the air Lion King style at the hospital for all of the world to see. YOLO.

Kidding, you guys know me too well...I can't keep this exciting news a secret for more than 10 seconds.

Thanks for following along and sharing in our excitement. Cooper will be one VERY loved little boy.

Much love,
Ashley

Favorite Outfit Friday: August 16

Comfortable and causal, that is my style these days.

Chubby cheeks and sleepy eyes.

Can you believe I will be 37 weeks tomorrow!? 

I find myself constantly thinking and dreaming about Cooper. Does that mean he will come sooner rather than later? Doubtful- this little man seems pretty comfortable inside my belly. 

Also, I cried on the way to work today because I heard that country song "rock me mama" - no particular reason other than picturing me holding my babes in a few weeks. 

Random exciting facts about my weekend: We are hitting up the farmers market tomorrow and State Fair on Sunday! I refuse to leave the State Fair until I eat cheese curds and a grilled cheese. Fine, I'll share - but I am not leaving until those two foods enter my belly. You've been warned, Justin Sieb.

Do something fun and get outside to enjoy this beautiful weather! 

Much love, 

Ashley 

Favorite Outfit Friday: July 19

Despite how AWFUL and painful my feet looked yesterday, they did not fall off last night!

Victory.

I promise my feet look worse than they actually felt.

Even though I slightly panicked after reading through a few comments on my picture, I got some really good tips for helping with the swelling:

• Check your BP with the swelling gets bad.
• Get compression socks.
• Rock some TED hose (not sure what those are...will be Googling them later).
• Wrap your feet in cabbage (my friend swears it works)
• STAY CALM (everything is probably OK - Thanks for this reminder / tip Mindy...)

Most importantly, you guys helped me realize swelling feet is a normal side effect of being pregnant in the summer (for the most part). And I'm not alone.

I went checked my BP (it was a little higher than normal, but not by much), went home to relax, had dinner with a good friend, and then went to bed early! My poor little feet look much better today.

Speaking of today, Bandit and I are twins! 

My boys.

Spots on spots on spots. 

And of course, I am rocking my bow tie necklace today!

The bump gets bigger by the second.
Well, at least the day.

I left the house without my coupon for Motherhood Maternity. Obviously, I am spending my lunch break shopping for some clothes that fit me - see above - spotted T-shirt barely fits.

So, I ran back into the house and grabbed it. 

I blew Justin a kiss and said, "Just shopping on my lunch break and forget my coupon- love you!" 

He lifted his head from the pillow and blew a kiss into the air. 

"And I am just kissing my money goodbye," he said.

Happy wife, happy life. Remember that, bud! :)

Happy Friday you guys! 

Do what makes you happy today!!!  

Unless, of course, what makes you happy is illegal or could harm other people. In which case, you need to find a different hobby.

Much love, 

Ashley 

Favorite Outfit Friday: June 28

Happy Friday!!

You guys have seen this dress and purple necklace about 10 times now.

FRIDAY!

But it's not the same as last week - despite the quick glance.  So how about we focus on my new hair and happy eyes! 

Tomorrow is my first baby shower for Mr. Cooper! I can't tell you how excited I am to everyone who can make it + hopefully eat some Decatur Pizza Hut salad bar. 

I'm getting pretty serious about asking for a gallon of their famous ranch dressing to take back with me to Indy. 

I also keep taking pictures of Bandit - because I am a creep and will miss his face so much! 

Seriously, mom. That's enough.
Can't I just get some sleep around here?

Eight days without his kisses, hilarious photobombs, walks together, and snuggles seems impossible! 

How am I ever going to leave my kid if I feel this way about leaving my fur kid?! 

Much love, 

Ashley  

Favorite Outfit Friday: June 21

Happy first day of summer! Despite the fact that I'm going to be a sweaty beast every single day, I am really looking forward for summer. 

Weddings. 

Pool dates. 

Vegas. 

Evening walks with my family. 

Cookouts. 

Baby showers! 

Maternity photoshoot! 

Birthday parties. 

The NYOTB concert with 98 degrees and Boyz to Men - hopefully Cay and Meg are ready if I go into early labor! 

Summer tea.

Baseball games. 

Summer dresses! 

Speaking of summer dresses, here is what I am wearing today to celebrate the first day of summer! 

Take at least 30 minutes to enjoy your day! 

Walk outside. 

Eat outside. 

Dance outside! 

Draw something with chalk.

Play at a local park - you're never to old to enjoy the swings. Unless you exceed a weight limit like I might these days. Kidding, but really ...

Sing with your windows down. 

Plant something. 

Go for a swim. 

And be genuinely excited that today is Friday! TGIF! 

Much love, 

Ashley 

Favorite Outfit Friday: May 31, 2013 (Johnny Cash Day)

I might change my "Favorite Outfit Friday" series to "Whatever Ashley Still Fits Into by Friday" - What do you guys think?

Every morning before I leave, I give Justin a kiss goodbye. Barely awake, he kisses me (sometimes missing my lips) and says, "You look so beautiful!"

Even though he has eye boogers and I know his eyes are half open, I always appreciate the compliment.

This morning, I leaned over and gave him a kiss. To my surprise, his eye widen and he said, "YOU LOOK LIKE JOHNNY CASH!"

Okkkk...sir. What does that mean?

"I mean, with all black like that!" he said, before I could ask if he was implying I look like a man.

Cute bow tie necklace!

You can't even see the toilet behind me anymore!!!

"Well, thanks!" I said. "But I'm wearing black and DARK blue jeans!"

"Same difference," Justin said.

I shake my head and begin walking downstairs as I shouted up to him, "HAVE A GREAT DAY!" 

And then, (obviously) he started singing his Johnny Cash voice, "And it burns, burns, burns -in the ring of fire."

Much love,
Ashley

Favorite Outfit Friday: May 10

I will admit- adjusting to a number on a scale that exceeds what I ever dreamed of going over + fitting into sizes I've never seen before is difficult.

But you know what?!

I am growing a human.

I love my bump.

And I really really love my little Cooper.

Yesterday I went on a bit of a shopping spree because nothing fits me anymore. I think I wore that black maxi dress 4 times in 9 days!

And we ALL know the damage a maxi dress can cause if you aren't wearing leggings, biker shorts, or Body Glide!

I felt a little guilty so I confessed the damage to Justin before he would see the amount on our account.

And this is what he said: "As long as you are cute, comfy, and happy!"

So I cried like a fool in the parking lot of Motherhood Maternity. That can't be the first time a woman broke down in that particular parking lot! Right?

So today, I am embracing my bump.

Loving my big belly.

And counting my blessings that I can experience the miracle of life each day!

 

Much love,

Ashley

Favorite Outfit Friday: April 12

Yes, I am taking a bathroom selfie picture at work.

And yes, I wore this purple necklace last Friday. 

In case you're wondering, no one caught me AND one woman was in the bathroom at the time.
I am such a risk taker!

Not pictured = bright purple leggings.

Much love,

Ashley

Favorite Outfit Friday: April 5

In elementary school, I remember always saving my favorite outfit for Friday.

Let's not discuss my definition of "favorite" at the time....because that could mean I was wearing a floral dress with sandals (AND SOCKS). Yes, I did that...I'll try to dig up some pictures for you. Although, I'm pretty sure my sister Sarah has one saved up for blackmail somewhere...haha!

Or maybe my "favorite outfit" meant I was wearing an over sized Garfield t-shirt...even though I never really watched Garfield?

Either way, the habit of saving my favorite outfit for Friday has continued with me 20 years later!

Love my necklace? Me too.
Check out modernego.com for amazing deals!

Pregnancy is no excuse to give up your love for fashion and beauty. 

But if you want to wear a Garfield sweater or sandals with socks- then by golly sister, you rock it. I'm not here to judge. 

Just love. 

Much love,
Ashley