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