7 Years (And 70 to go)

Seven years ago today, Justin stood on the steps of his dorm and asked me to be his girlfriend.

Our first picture together!

We have shared hundreds of memories...

Camping...and I am NOT a camper.

Eventful vacations

Liquid courage before our flight.

After jumping into the freezing cold ocean. I'm dying at his facial expression!

Beach kisses.

Our very first vacation together.

A wonderful puppy

BABY BANDIT!

Our first apartment

Family pic in our first apt together.

A fabulous wedding celebration

Getting low on the dance floor during our first dance.

Our first kiss.

A first home

The key to our first house!

King & Queen - decorating the house!

And (almost) a baby later...

I love him more than ever before...

I was only 19-years-old when we first met. It seems so long ago, but I'm so blessed that I've literally grown up with Justin by my side. 

I shared this post on Facebook and Justin's reply was SUPER adorable.

He wrote: "Wow. I can't believe that was 7 years ago. We were 19!!! If the past 7 years had that many adventures and memories, I can't wait for the next 70 years (yes, we're living past 90)! I love you."

I am so incredibly blessed.

And thankful.

And happy.

Tonight, we shall celebrate by letting the pre-baby makeover continue...I am getting pedicures with my best gals! Then Justin and I are making pasta with homemade sauce!! I'm going to show him how to make homemade garlic bread using hotdog buns, cheese, butter, and garlic powder - a childhood staple of mine. I'll be happy to supply you with the recipe - just message me.

Oh, it is love. 

Much love,
Ashley 

10 Signs You're Ready for Children

Though I'm not a parenting or pregnancy expert, I've come to realize there are 10 signs that indicate if you're ready to have children or not.

Here is the list (in no particular order):

1. You have a tree in your background that grows thousand dollar bills.

(Read: You'll never have enough money).

2. You have an extra set of arms and legs. 

(Read: You're only one person. You will always wish there were more of you, though).

3. You have eyes in the back of your head.

(Read: Although some people have this gift - I am convinced my grandpa did - this is biologically impossible as well).

4. You feel 100% happy and content with your job.

(Read: You'll always have work stress and goals ...whether it's the desire to move up in your company, find a new job, or make more money).

5. Your body is flawless. In fact, you look better than you did in high school. 

(Read: You'll never be at the perfect weight or size. Sorry).

6. You can afford 3 nannies to live in your home 24/ 7 - special shout out to that money tree growing in your backyard.

(Read: The money tree doesn't exist and you aren't delivering the Royal Baby).

7. You have traveled the world and don't feel pressure to see another new location.

(Read: There will ALWAYS be more places to explore and visit, especially if you have an adventurous spirit).

8. You have more patience than Mother Theresa and Gandhi combined.

(Read: Does such a person even exist?).

9. You have the biggest house in the world. 

(Read: You'll always want more space).

10. Your marriage / relationship is amazing...you never fight, always have sex, and never hold grunges. 

(Read: Let's not get too carried away...even the best relationships have bumps in the road and mountains to climb).

Hopefully this list made you laugh. Obviously, I am kidding about the entire concept.

I don't think anyone is ever 100% TRULY ready to have children. Sure, I believe there is a certain level of maternity that makes you more "prepared" and obviously extra money helps out, but the change a child brings to your life is so big...and life changing.

So just remember....

You will always have challenges to face and conquer - as a parent and partner.

You will always wish you had more money.

You will lose your mind at times.

You will want to run and hide - either to cry your eyes out or just have some peace and quiet.

You will see pictures of your friends / family traveling to new places, drinking fancy drinks, or wearing wonderful dresses and wonder how they afford that lifestyle. 

I guess the biggest lesson to learn is to NOT compare yourself to other families. And I will surely need to remind myself of this lesson as I begin my journey as a mother.

Live for what you have and work for what you want.

Never give up on your family.

Fight through the tough times.

But don't forget to stop and enjoy the happy moments.

Mr. Cooper isn't here yet, but I can hardly tell that his presence alone will completely change our world in unimaginable ways. I'm up for the challenge, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous.

2.5 more weeks!!

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 

Putting Everything Into Perspective

I've 100% surpassed nesting and entered into an extreme new phase of organizing and arranging (and re-arranging) everything. I am even finding ways to re-arrange the bathroom and living room.

My next organizing victim will be the kitchen....who wants to come help me? Or save Justin before he goes insane from all of my questions and ideas.

I went to Target today to pick up some much needed storage totes and organizing elements for the bathroom. As I was in a panic about which shower caddy to get, I noticed a young girl walk by.

She was with her mother and two siblings.

She let out a giant laugh, so I was instantly drawn to her smile and positive spirit.

I loved her adorable purple outfit (my favorite color). I noticed she was losing her hair.

A lot of her hair. I couldn't help but wonder if she had cancer.

Was she going through chemo? What disease was she battling at such a young age?

And then I thought about the email I received from my friend Meggie Dials.

We were emailing back and forth about a recent recipient for The Sussy Project. I told her how thankful I am for being a part of this project that connects me with such amazing and inspiring people - who have such happy hearts and positive outlooks, despite their often unfortunate circumstances.

She told me that being a part of this project gives her so much perspective on life. Yesterday a woman died before Meggie had the sussy her (a sussy is a gift for no reason - check more more here: http://thesussyproject.com/).

I stopped my cart at the store and took a moment to just put everything into perspective. Everything will be fine. Cooper is coming into this world with or without the perfect towel rack. The only thing that matters is having a healthy, happy baby and making it out of the whole birth experience as a healthy mommy too.

It's easy for us to get caught up in never-ending list of tasks.

Run to the store.

Make dinner.

Buy this gift.

Send an email (or 5).

Clean this room. 

Organize that room.

Mow the lawn (never on my list, thankfully or it would look like alien crop circles in our backyard).

Visit this person.

Exercise.

Complete this project at work.

Pay this bill.

And then pay another bill.

Write all those thank you cards.

It's a little overwhelming.

And when you look at everything in a list like that, you can find yourself feeling discouraged and dissatisfied about your life. So much to do, so "little time."

But is that really the case?

Do you really need to do everything today?

I bet those dishes will still be waiting for you tomorrow if you can't do them today.

The grass can't REALLY grow that much more overnight, can it?

That email you need to send can probably wait until the morning.

Put everything into perspective and try to focus on what really matters today. Right now. 

I started this blog post last night, but when I got home - I didn't finish it.

And even though I purchased all sorts of organizing racks and totes,  I didn't finish organizing Cooper's room.

I simply cooked dinner, snuggled with Bandit, and decided to tackle ONE thing on my list that evening: write my thank you cards.

And when Justin came home from golfing last night, I was laying in my nightie and I had already showered by 8 pm.

He asked what I did that evening, I said, "Nothing really. And it was awesome."

Instead of checking my email at every stop light and stop sign on the way to work this morning, I kept my phone in my purse. I took time to watch the children running toward the school bus. I noticed a young boy, who was anxiously looking up at the sky while waiting on the bus.

What was he thinking?

What was he dreaming about?

What was he hoping for?

And then I thought of Cooper. I pictured him years from now - waiting for the school bus. What would be thinking? What would he be dreaming? What would he be hoping for?

If I can learn to put things into perspective - not try to over analyze and over plan every second of my life - I'll be around to ask him to answer those questions. And instead of being distracted by my never-ending list of tasks, I'll open up my ears and heart to listen to each word that comes out of his mouth.

So here is to learning how to put everything into perspective.

Finding more balance and peace in my life.

And slowing down.

I'll bet the little girl with cancer and the woman who recently passed away would encourage me to do the same.

Much love,
Ashley

Operation Set Cooper Free

Photo Credit = My Uncle Kris

Cooper is due on September 8th.

The opening day of Football season.

And my best friend Kaila's birthday. 

Will he come early?

Will he come on time?

Will he go over my due date?

These questions run through my mind on a daily basis. But after today's doctor appointment, I am feeling confident that he will stay in as long as possible. He is perfectly happy break dancing in my womb and kicking my rib cage when he gets hungry.

Before my appointment today, I went to the store and picked up a cookie cake. I wrote a short "thank you" note - simply thanking the staff, nurses, and doctors for being so amazing and making me feel so comfortable from Day 1.

People never forget when you bring them treats and kind notes.
Trust me on this one.

I was under the impression that this doctor appointment would include the infamous Group B streptococcus (GBS) culture.

What type of test is that, Ashley?

Well my friend, I'm glad you asked.

The doctor simply swobs your rectal and vaginal area.

You're welcome. 

While GBS is harmless in most healthy adults, it can be passed to your newborn during delivery and cause a life threatening infection. So while I don't dream of getting my V and B swobbed - it's really important so that proper preparations, testing, and treatment are considered before Baby Cooper arrives (should I carry GBS).

Here are some key stats from my doctor appointment: 

Weight: I've officially gained 40 lbs. I told myself I wouldn't look at the scale (like I always say), but I did (like I always do). I am trying not to stress or worry about this number. The doctors haven't mentioned my weight being an issue (even though I know deep down it is). I'm not at a healthy weight. And I'll definitely have my work cut out once I adjust to mommyhood.

Blood Pressure:  120 / 80 (nailed it!!!!!)

After the nurse was done, the doctor came into the room and asked how I am feeling.

"I'm feeling wonderful," I said. "I'm a little tried, especially today..."

Today was awful. I hate to complain, but it was really NOT a good day...

"Well you look wonderful," she said. "You hide it well!"

"I am having a little bit of pressure down there...nothing major though," I said. 

She said that was normal, especially with the baby making his way down.

Next, she measured my belly and told me that everything is measuring perfectly.

Then she measured Cooper's heartbeat, which is music to my ears. A reminder that no matter how bad of a day I'm having, my baby boy is alive. He is doing well. He is growing and moving and being awesome on a daily basis.

140 bpm.

"Nice, healthy, and strong heartbeat," she said.

"That is what I love to hear," I said.

"Well - you're doing great with everything," she said. "Next time, we will do the strep test and see how you're moving along."

Ummm hold the phone?! I thought. No strep test. I've come prepared! Now I have to wait another two weeks!!

I said nothing and simply smiled.

"Do you have any other questions?" she asked me.

"I think I'm good!" I said back, still debating if I should just ask to get the test done today.

My next appointment is in two weeks...I'll be almost 38 weeks pregnant!! They sure don't seem too concerned about Cooper coming early. 

What's my gut feeling? I think I'll go over my due date by a few days. But I also thought I was having a girl...so who knows how legit my predictions are these days.

 So, what's your bet? When will Cooper be set free? 

Much love,
Ashley

Puppy Brother: The Story of Bandit

Some of you know the story of Bandit.

Nearly all of you know how madly in love I am with this beautiful, loving, intelligent, and hilarious fur child of mine.

He makes every single day better.

He makes me laugh - like 40 times a day - with his facial expressions, funny habits, and general adorableness.

He is very special to me.

The mere thought losing Bandit makes me want to curl up in a ball and cry in the corner. I know, I'm pathetic...Let's change the subject before I start crying....

But for those of you don't know how Bandit came into my life, it's an interesting story.

It was March or early April. Justin was about to graduate from college, so the year was 2009.

I went home to visit my family and my sister told me she got two adorable puppies for the boys, Milo and Chloe. She asked if I wanted to come see them. Obviously, I jumped into my car and couldn't wait to meet the pups. She said they were border collie and blue heeler mixes.

I'd never heard of a blue heeler, so I was curious to see what the puppies looked like.

I could hear them barking as I pulled into the driveway.


I saw a little nose sticking out of the fence.

OMG, I'm in love.

I went out back and instantly fell in love with Milo.

He had so much energy.

He was a small ball of fur- so full of life.

Milo and Chloe playing in the backyard.
Spoiler alert: That is Bandit's butt in the background.

Still playing.

Look at those little fluffy butts!!

I sent Justin a picture of Milo and me snuggling.

Can we get one? I asked him via text message.

Justin, who was living up the final few months of college to the fullest, had been day drinking with his friends. He was an easy sell.

"I WANT THAT ONE," Justin text back.

"This one is Sarah's," I said. "But I will find one just like him!"

My sister told me she got the puppies for free from a farm. The woman had recently lost her husband and felt keeping up with the farm, animals, and new puppies would be very difficult. So she put an advertisement in the paper: free puppies.

Justin was on board with getting a puppy. Of course he was! Milo was adorable. His siblings are free. And he was drunk.

Sarah and I drove out to the farm and my heart simply melted when I saw the puppies come running to the fence. I couldn't decide which one I wanted...they have fluffy ones like Milo and some short-haired ones running around too.

I picked up one that looked like a panda bear and sent Justin a picture!

"What about this one?!" I asked. "She is so cute and fluffy!"

She quickly replied, "NO! She looks like a panda!"

I put her back down with her brothers and sisters, slightly disappointed.

"Try to find a boy," Justin said. "That way we don't have to worry about a female getting pregnant or something."

I searched around for a few male dogs.

There was a puppy hiding in the corner behind the dog house. He really didn't want to be found. And when I went to grab him, he tried to curl up and hide from me.

He was the runt of the group.

I sent Justin a picture with the little guy.

"I want him." Justin said quickly. "He's the one!"

I called him right away, "But this one is boring! He was hiding in the corner and is shaking on me."

"Well, he is just scared," Justin said. "And doesn't want to be taken from his mommy!"

(He was a mommy's boy from the very start!!!!). 

I sighed.

"We get this one or no one," Justin said.

"Okay, maybe you're right," I said back.

I looked at the puppy's face. He was so little. So scared. So nervous.

I gave him a kiss on the forehead.

He is our puppy.

He is the one.

We quickly decided on the name Bandit. And it was perfect. I took him home that evening and we slept on the couch together. He cuddled with me all night.

Mommy's boy.

Look at those baby blue eyes.

So bashful.

Look. At. That. Face.

My boy.

I woke up a few times to him crying, which made me sad.

I tried to get him to eat, but he wouldn't.

And when I took him outside to use the restroom, he would just stare me.

I was worried he would be boring. And quiet. And hate his life.

BOY - was I wrong.

Within a few short days, his personality started to shine.

And he started to feel more "at home."

Smiling.

Kisses.

Snuggling.

By May, Justin had graduated college and took Bandit to live with him and his parents for the summer.

My adorable family.

I HATED being apart of Bandit, especially during his early puppy years. But Justin and his parents did such an amazing job training him. Each time I saw Bandit, he was doing something different.

 Showing me a new trick.

He was growing up so quickly...

Eventually, Justin and I moved in together so we were reunited as a family. And you guys know the rest:

Happy New Year!

Bandit hating the snuggie we got him for Christmas.

Bandit is famous for photobombs and kisses.

Our first Christmas together!!!

Bandit thrilled to be celebrating his second birthday.

Kisses for the bday boy.

Another puppy pic!

Look at that face!

My running buddy.

Watching his daddy in the garden.

Bandit Sieb, King of Silly Faces

The classic "Dear in Headlights" look.

So embarrassed.

When can I finally sit on your lap again, mom?

Bandit + the backyard  = pure happiness

It's a boy!!!

So will bandit be a good brother!? 

Absolutely. 

Will he be jealous!? 

I'm certain...but what child isn't jealous (at least for a while) after the new kid arrives!? 

But I know with all my heart that Bandit and Cooper will be best buds. 

We asked our vet about how to help Bandit adjust to the new little guy entering our world soon. His best advice was to maintain a good schedule with Bandit. Dogs, especially dogs like Bandit, are creatures of habit. So, we shall keep our walks and evening snuggles together. 

He also suggested laying out toys so Cooper gets used to random things laying around the house. We've already taken a walk with Bandit + stroller, which went well! 

Get pumped for some awesome puppy brother pictures and stories to come...

P.S. I'm still looking for that blue service dog vest so Bandit can come visit us at the hospital. 

Much love, 

Ashley 

What Makes A Good Mom?

My sweet little Coops,

You will be here SO soon! Everyone keeps asking if I am excited. And I am absolutely beyond excited to meet you.

To see your sweet little face.

Hear that first cry to let me know you're OK.

See your little tiny toes and hold your small hands.

I'm sure I'll be crying my eyes out when they place you on my chest for the first time. And I just stare into your eyes...I'm crying just thinking about that moment now.

You'll be here so soon...

Everyone also keeps saying that I'll be such a great mom, which makes me feel wonderful when I'm feeling nervous and scared about what the future has in store for us.

Despite what some people may believe, there is no magical playbook for parenting. Sure, people have some tricks up their sleeves and they're always eager to share...but when I think about what makes a good mom - a few things come to mind.

So, here is my list of promises to you.

First and foremost, I will always love you. Always.

I will tell you I am proud of you often. 

I will read you bedtime stories and maybe we can create a few stories of our own!! 

I will teach you empathy - how to care for  others and give back, especially to those in need. 

I will remind you that failing makes you stronger. I will leave the competitiveness to your father (competiviness isn't my greatest gift). 

I will hold you when you cry - no matter your age. 

I will inspire you to always try your best.

I will try to teach you patience. We can learn this virtue together. 

I will teach you to give back by participating in community events, fundraisers, and making donations. 

I will remind you the world doesn't revolve around you, but you can make a giant impact on this world by being you! 

I will discipline you to help you learn right from wrong. Yes, you will be grounded. And yes, you will get mad at me. We will both get over it. 

I will teach you forgiveness - see above. 

I will make you clean your room before spending the night at your friends house. And you'll have chores to do as well.

I will not let your dad blame his farts on you. 

I will never ever tolerate you making fun of another kid or being the class bully.

Never. Instead, I want you to be the kid who defends the weak and stands up to the bullies. 

I will make you eat what is for dinner - no special trips. (This one is easy to say for now). 

I will let you pick out any meal for your birthday. And if I am skillful enough and have the time, I will make fun birthday cakes for you each year. 

I will teach you to have an adventurous spirit. We will travel fun places together - both near and far. 

I will take you shopping - your father doesn't have a taste for fashion...but he can certainly teach you any hobby or sport. And cooking - your father is a wonderful chef!

I will probably dress you in suspenders and other outfits you hate. But I promise, you will look back one day and get a laugh out of your style, hair cuts, and school pictures. 

I will ask you the low point and high point of your day every single night at dinner. It will be our tradition. 

Speaking of traditions, I will create fun traditions for us to share as a family. Sorry, but Elf on the shelf probably won't be one of them. 

I will teach you how to be a young gentleman. This includes holding the door open for everyone, letting others go before you, opening the car door for your lady on every single date (not just the first one), and always saying thank you!

I will probably embarrass you in front of your girlfriends. But the keeper - the one you marry - she will think I'm funny and won't mind my silly ways. This I know...

I will help you make healthy decisions and live an active lifestyle. I would love to do races with you! 

I will do my best to make it to all your events, conferences, games, shows, and activities. But remember, I am working hard for this family so there will be some things I miss.... I will stalk people to take pictures and videos for you to show me. 

I will always do my best for you. 

I will dance with you in the rain and play with you in the mud. After all, that is why we have a washing machine! 

I will pick time with you outside vs. keeping us both stuck inside watching TV. 

I will teach you to laugh off hard moments, but know when to be serious. 

I will dance with you any time, any place - this might be embarrassing for you later in life... but we will have fun! 

I will motivate you to face your fears, no matter what they are (unless it involves scuba diving with sharks or chasing down aliens or tornadoes). 

I will make you eat your vegetables and fruit.

But we will have bacon on occasion to balance it all out. 

I will help you with your homework, but I won't do the work for you. Apply yourself and you will reap the benefits. 

I will rescue you when bandit is giving you too many kisses - but he means well and loves you dearly!!! That's what puppy brothers are for...

I will teach you how to work for what you want ...and no, you won't have an iPhone in kindergarten. I don't care how many of your friends have one... 

I will make sure we learn things in our own time and way - refusing to listen to how other kids are learning or growing.

Comparing yourself to others is no way to live. 

I will accept that these things are hard. 

We will have bad days. 

We will breakdown. 

Tears will be shed. 

Mistakes will be made. 

We will fail on our promises sometimes - but remember, failure makes us stronger and wiser. 

I am confident we will learn something new from each other every single day. 

I can't wait to see how we both end up changing and inspiring each other.

See you soon, my little man.

Much love,

Mom