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

Cooper's First Rap Song: Drop It Like It's Hot

I found this lyrical brilliance on my pregnancy timeline comments.

And all lyrical credit goes to my dear friend: Melanie Allen.

Enjoy.

When the owl pillow is in the crib Coop
Drop it like it's hot
Drop it like it's hot
Drop it like it's hot
 

When the Braxton Hicks try to get at ya
Deep breaths like it's hot
Deep breaths like it's hot
Deep breaths like it's hot
 

And if Justin get a attitude
Side eye like it's hot
Side eye like it's hot
Side eye like it's hot
 

I got the hospital bag on my arm and I'm ready to go
And I got extra tissues cuz the tears are gonna flow

Much love,

Ashley

The Final (Cooper) Countdown

"When are you due!?" a woman asked me in the restroom yesterday.

"Next Sunday!" I said back. 

Holy cow - I am due to have a baby next flipping weekend!!! 

I almost crapped my pants as I spoke those words...guess I was in the right place for that to happen...

Can you believe I am almost 39 weeks!?!!?

I had a doc appt today. I was a little anxious because I knew they would check to see if I was dilated or not. And I was warned last week that this can be a painful exam (depending on your definition of "pain"). 

Justin actually joined me for the doc appt today - it was so nice to have him there with me. 

First, I gave the traditional urine sample. And yes, I always draw a smile face on the cup!

Happy pee.

Next, I went to the dreaded scale. I gained 1 lb from last week. I finally caved and bought a scale for the home again. I am usually 3-4 lbs lighter in the morning - so I wasn't surprised when I saw the number on the scale (my appt was at 2 pm). 

To date, I've gained 40 lbs during my pregnancy. 38 lbs on a good day! I wanted to only gain about 25-30 lbs, but hey - I'll take it! I'm still proud of myself for being so active throughout this pregnancy. And for the MOST part, I ate pretty healthy!

Next, the nurse took my blood pressure. I had a feeling (based on the heat and my swelling) that it would be higher than normal - and it was. My BP was 140/90. Higher than normal, but nothing to panic about.

The nurse gave me a robe and told me the doctor would be in shortly. Justin helped me put the robe on, which I found adorable! 

"Look at your little butt!" Justin said. 

"There is nothing little about my butt," I said back. "There might be a little BIT sticking out, but that thing is definitely not little..." 

We both laughed - I don't mean that in a negative way. I enjoy my booty and curves. And so does J! 

Does anyone else think I look like a meerkat in this picture?

Also, this is what a pregnant meerkat looks like for comparison:

You're welcome.

The doctor came in and found Cooper's heartbeat - 132 bmp! 

Perfect. 

I wanted to run out of the room - with my butt cheeks flopping in the wind and all - and break into the ultrasound room to see pictures of him! We haven't had an ultrasound since week 20 when he looked like this:

I am so eager to see what he looks like now.... And most importantly, I just want go know if he is healthy. 

Next came the big ol' exam! I definitely thought it would be way worse...I had a little discomfort, but nothing that made me want to cry or moan in pain. 

"Oh wow," she said. "That's good."

Hmm what's good!? Did you just high give my baby down here!? 

"You are 1 CM dilated," she said. "And your cervix is already 80% thinned out." 

"Sooo that's a good thing!?" I asked, slightly confused about what this cervix talk means. 

"Oh yeah!" She said. "You could have a baby tomorrow...or it could still be a few weeks." 

Justin and I just looked at each other and smiled. 

"But your cervix looks great," she said. "This was the best cervical exam I've done all day!" 

I felt like I should have received a certificate. Or at least a high five! 

But instead, I settled for a moment of uncomfortable silence and then I probably said something awkward. I honestly can't remember because I was too busy daydreaming about the moment I get to see Cooper for the first time! 

"And I am on call this weekend," she said. "So who knows- I might just see you this weekend!"   

Oh. My. Gosh. 

Cooper is making his way down and the pathway is opening up. Sure - it could be a few weeks. I've heard people say they (or someone they know) as 3-4 CM for weeks. 

But all I know is - no matter what - I will be giving birth to a beautiful baby boy in less than two weeks! 

Now if you will excuse me, I am off to walk bandit, do some free weights, and bounce on my ab ball... Gotta work this baby out of me somehow! 

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

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