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 

5 Things Cooper Loves Already

I told you on Monday how nervous I was about not feeling Cooper move around very often.

Well guys, I'm happy to report my little man has been a wiggle worm lately!

No, not any dramatic movements or punches that nearly knock me down to the ground.

(Which is probably a good thing).

He doesn't seem like he will be a boxer or a member of Fight Club,

But I've been feeling him move around and slightly "fist bump" me - just to tell me he is okay.

Life is good.

He is fine.

We are both fine.

I have noticed Cooper moves around more when I do any of the following things:

1 - Watch Pretty Little Liars.

Thank goodness for Netflix.

2 - Eat buffalo chicken dip.

My food crush.

3 - Listen to the song "Blurred Lines."

What rhymes with hug me?

4 - Drink a coconut mocha iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts.

I know, I feel like I'm cheating on Starbucks.

5 - Snuggle with Bandit.

Best big bro ever.

Seems like Cooper and I will have similar tastes in TV shows, food, music, food, and animals. 

Much love,
Ashley

Doctor, Doctor Give Me the News

Who had a doctors appointment 1.5 days after her Vegas vacation!?

This girl. 

I have to admit I was a little terrified about gaining too much weight from eating out nearly every meal. 

And even though I walked a lot and probably sweated out all my calories, I wanted to make sure I maintained a healthy weight gain. 

Not because of a number on the scale...

Because gaining too much weight in a short amount of time isn't good for me or my babes! 

But the weight gain and scale aside, I simply wanted to hear my little man's heart beat. I honestly don't feel a ton of movement... And I try not to let it freak me out, but sometimes it just does. 

Is he okay in there? 

Am I doing the right things to make sure he keeps growing into a healthy baby boy!?  

I have learned extremely early on that parenthood will be a lot of worrying about your little one being okay.

And safe.

Safety and health will never stop being a top concern. 

Walking in the hospital, I completely spaced on which floor I needed to get off on. 

How can I not remember this!?

It's only been three weeks! 

Oh crap- 2 or 3...

Just then an adorable older man got in the elevator and said, "Ohhhh - I know what floor you're going to!" 

Thank God someone does. 

He hit floor #3. 

"Why thank you," I said. "I almost forgot where I was going!" 

He thought I was joking. 

But I wasn't.

And I was thankful for him! 

"Do you know what you're having?!" he asked me. 

"Yes, a little boy," I said back with a big smile. 

"So many boys!" he said. "It's like we are planning for a big war or something! Is there a draft I don't know about?" 

We shared stories about all the boys in our families and parted ways once the elevator dinged on floor 3.

"Good luck with everything young lady!" he yelled back. 

Oh, I just love COMs and kind strangers. 

COM = cute old man (in case you forgot). 

So, how did my appt go?! 

Good news #1 

I only gained 3 lbs since my last appt!!!! I was so pumped. 

Take that, Vegas! 

Good news #2

I had a "nice and calm" blood pressure rate per my nurse. 

Good news #3 

The moment the doctor walked into the room, he said, "Girl - look at you! You look wonderful- how do you feel!?" 

He told me I passed my glucose test with flying colors and assured me that my belly (aka baby) is growing at a normal and healthy rate! 

Good news #4 

Little Cooper had a very steady and healthy heart beat. 

I could listen to it all day. In fact, how much do those things cost!? Can I put one on my baby registry!? 

I told the doctor about how I don't feel a ton of movement, but he assured me everything is fine. 

"You really will start to feel him moving around more and more," he said. "You will be saying something different at your next appointment." 

His confidence and smile were both encouraging. 

"Well girl," my doctor said. "I am kicking you out of here. You look amazing. You're doing amazing. Keep it up!" 

The positive appointment was exactly what I needed today. 

I'm feeling blessed and thankful for my healthy body and baby...especially with D-day two months away from today!! 

The bump.
Don't mind the stains on my tank top.
I think it's water, but I can't be sure these days.

And yes, my belly is exploding!

Justin even had to put my socks AND shoes on tonight so I could walk Bandit!

Once he laced up my last shoe, he looked up and said, "You truly are so beautiful!"

His eyes and smile told me he really meant it. He leaned up and gave me a kiss.

Justin always knows how to make me smile and feel great about myself- even if I have giant cankles and stains on my t-shirt.

I am not sure how my belly can possibly get any bigger, but I know it will! Justin even got the measuring tape out to show me how much larger my belly will probably get over the next two months. Here we grow...

Looks like Bandit is going to run out of room on the love seat soon. 

Much love, 

Ashley 

How I Won $300 and Survived 110 Degree Weather

Justin's parents have planned a Vegas trip to celebrate their 50th birthdays for a long time now.

I was really excited to go, but knew it would be a challenge to survive Vegas while 8 months pregnant. 

Walking too much = cramping back and feet. 

Eating out too much = swelling up like the blue girl on Willie Wonka due to all the sodium 

Not drinking = being completely sober in the city that never sleeps. And yes, signs all over the place reminded you of the dangers of drinking while pregnant...in case anyone was unsure: 

Flying = sitting still for a long time in a small seat with minimal leg room 

But I knew focusing on the negative would make the trip awful, so I focused on the positive! I was bound and determined to have a great trip ...even if the odds (and outrageous heat) were against me. So I declared this a birthday celebration and a babymoon! 

I picked up my "grown up" magazines and a bagel sandwich at the airport. 

Then we were off to Vegas! 

Thankfully, a little boy (about 11 months) named Cruise was in front of us. He made me smile and laugh the entire time. He was such an amazing baby. 

He did, however, have a massive blowout that made me want to puke! I better get used to that...

We arrived around 8 am Vegas time. We took a limo to the hotel, which always makes me happy! If only they had the chicken limo...

Obviously, I was ready for lunch right away. We headed over New York, New York for pizza, but we had to wait about 45 minutes until the pizza place opened up. 

I was walking around the casino when a burst of negative hit me. 

I am not into gambling - how will I survive this trip!? 

What will I even do!? 

Who will hang out with me? 

But I quickly gave myself a pep talk and walked toward the bar for a virgin piña colada! 

This trip will be what I make it, I reminded myself with that first sip. 

With time to spare, I headed over to a slot machine that had an owl theme. It reminded me of Cooper, which is the main reason I went for that machine. 

I put in $15 and won $8 on my first spin! 

I better cash out now, I thought! 

But for some reason I kept going ...once I got down to about $10 I went to another machine. I got down to about $3 and then gained back $5. 

Goodness, I need a new machine or better luck...I told myself. 

I walked toward a Paris themed penny slot, but it looked boring. I turned around and saw another machine called "Hot flashes." 

Well, that's exactly how I feel! So I sat down, put in my $8 bucks, and hit "max bet" - suddenly the game started going crazy. Apparently I went into a bonus road. My machine kept ringing and dinging - the points were added up by the thousands! 

Justin and his dad came over and I said, "I have no clue what's going on, but it looks good!" 

Rodger leaned over to Justin and said, "30,000 credits...that's $300!" 

The dinging stopped and Justin said, "Holy cow! Cash out now." 

I won $300 bucks! 

I was in complete shock! Not only do I have the worst luck, but I never ever win anything. 

Being a good wife, I shared $100 with Justin. I used the rest to play a few more games. And yes, I lost about $50 before I realized my mojo was gone).

How else did I spend my winnings?

Well, I obviously bought delicious food!

Mini cupcake bites!

Serendipity frozen hot chocolate!

And bought a funny bib / onsie for Cooper: 

I planned on spending the rest on a pregnancy massage the next day, but they told me I was too far along (no wonder the robe didn't fit)! 

Hey - at least you can see a few toes down there still!

And how could I forget our favorite waiter?

His name was Steve and he reminded me of Cam from "Modern Family."

He told me I looked fabulous pregnant (which is all he really needed to do because I felt like a swollen blob when we walked around too much).

Not to mention, the food was incredible! 

A-ma-zing!

And so I left him a generous tip. 

So how did I survive the heat? 

Well- believe it or not, it was simple! 

I drank lots and lots of water! T the hotel had fresh fruit water, which made my heart sing.

Water in the spa!

I hung out by the pool (often in the shade) + kept the water flowing! 

Swimsuit #1

And swimsuit #2

Virgin strawberry margarita aka a strawberry slushy!

And Justin drank for all 3 of us!! 

When we went exploring Red Rock Canyan, I took a liter of water with me and lathered up on sunscreen! To be completely honest, I was really dreading this part of the trip. To my surprise, it was actually my favorite part of our vacation!

The view was so incredibly beautiful and peaceful. I also enjoyed that we drove the 13 mile driving view and only stopped at the trail heads for photos and closer views. 

My little friend!

The whole crew!

Family photo!

And despite my fears of getting attacked by a rattlesnack or giant spider, we didn't see any wild animals...except for my little lizard friend (pictured above).

I honestly can't get over the beauty of nature.

And obviously the boys had to climb up a mountain.

How else did I survive Vegas while 30 weeks pregnant? 

I wore comfy clothes when going on long walks and explorations. 

Hey girl heyyy!

And I always propped up my feet when I found comfortable chairs! 

No shame.

Overall, we had a wonderful time. I loved spending time with family, eating great food, lounging by the pool, and making new memories and friends! 

If I go back to Vegas, I'll make sure we have a babysitter come for Cooper. And we will bring Bandit.

Even though Bandit was having the time of his life with our wonderful grandparents, I really missed his little face and kisses. Hey, I saw some dogs out there! I think Bandit would have a blast and really love the lazy river at our hotel!

How can I unpack when I just want to snuggle with my little alien dog!?

But right now, I am so happy to be home. 

When I am away, I remember how much I love Indiana. 

I love Indy. 

I love our little neighborhood.

I love the cornfield views. 

I love that asking for ranch dressing for my fries is a normal request. 

I love the friendly people in the Midwest. 

I just love home. 

And I am so happy to be here....

Much love, 

Ashley