THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

I never thought it would take me this long to pop in and update you on our sweet baby boy's arrival. Please forgive me. I guess you could say I'm under the spell of Max—also known as sleep deprived and smitten! Since he made his debut on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at 3:40 pm, I've tried to find the right words to describe these past three weeks and what they've meant to me. I'm still not entirely sure I know what to say, but I suppose it's worth a shot. As a rambling insomniac with a case of mom brain, bear with me as I share a few random thoughts...

MAX & MOTHERHOOD:

• Approximately twelve hours after publishing my last blog post, my water broke. Yikes! We settled into bed to watch an episode of New Girl on the DVR. I exchanged a few texts with my sister, got up to get a drink of water, and BAM! I stared at Flyboy with a dumbfound look on my face and my entire body started to shake. At 9:05 pm, it was officially GO time. I had no idea it would be another 19 hours before we finally met our little love nugget.

• Those who know my mom and dad know they go to bed really early and they rarely answer the phone. In the days leading up to Max's birthday, my mom kept telling me that she'd leave her phone on in case we were headed to the hospital. Well, her cell was downstairs charging and my dad's phone was in his gym bag. Flyboy and my sister tried calling, but neither one picked up their phone. I wasn't too concerned; I didn't want them to lose any sleep and it's hard to tell how long this whole process could take. My persistent sister (in Missouri) grew concerned and concocted a plan to wake up my parents (in Washington D.C.). I later found out that she called the police and asked if someone could swing by my parents' house to wake them up and tell them their oldest daughter (in Texas) was in labor. Ha Ha! God bless the officer who shared the news with my parents and props to Aubrey for her creative plan. She's one crafty gal! Hearing my family relive this scenario was a real hoot. I just adore them!

• The admiration I have for my mother intensified when I became a mom. I honestly didn't think I could love her any more. Now I get it. Also, I had the help of an epidural. How did she give birth NATURALLY and twice?

• As far as nurses go, we had a cast of memorable characters. I will forever be grateful to the group of women who helped us in the first few days of Max's life—even the old bitty who accused us of taking the wrong baby. Yes, THAT happened!! With hormones raging, I tearfully scrolled through photos on my iPhone to ensure it was indeed our baby. In case Max is ever really rotten, I might try to return him to the Swell Rio hospital. "Hey, you said this wasn't my baby!" Ha Ha!

• I spent almost ten months fretting over how life would change as we welcomed a child into our life. Oddly enough, the moment we brought Max home and I walked him around the house, everything felt right. It all seemed to click, and I couldn't imagine our life any other way.

• I'm convinced that one of life's greatest gifts is watching your parents hold your baby. Having my family around for the first two weeks of Max's life was a true blessing. I'm so thankful for the love and support they've shown us.

• When your dad asks you where he can purchase matching cowboy hats in Swell Rio, don't ask any questions. The hunt may take a few hours and he'll end up visiting multiple stores in search for the perfect hat, but when he returns have your camera ready. A photo session is about to go down with Max and it's going to be epic.

• It pays to purchase the same shirt in multiples. For instance, one day Max peed all over me three times in one day and my family had no idea I changed. We later learned that all of these accidents were a result of the Desitin and Vaseline that coated his diaper post-circumcision. It was like a giant oil slick causing everything to shoot out of the diaper.

• This past week, Flyboy returned to work, so Max and I have spent some quality time together alone. It's been a combination of scary and fun. Once again, I'm reminded the only constant is change. It's thrown a real curve ball at my Type-A(shley) routine, but I think he's teaching me to live more in the moment and take things one day at a time. I don't have to figure it all out at once. Of course, this is easier said than done, but I'm willing to give it my best shot.

• On days that are really hard (like this past Tuesday) and he won't stop sobbing, I think I'll remind myself of the way I felt in the delivery room when we experienced some complications and all I wanted was to hear him cry.

• Everyone tells you that these first few weeks are brutal, and they're right. In an odd way, there's sort of a rush that comes with being a new parent. There are moments of exhilaration and other instances in which you feel hungover. I feel up to the challenge and eager to smother this new life with oodles of love, but there are also times in which I'm defeated and downright exhausted. The highs and lows that come with the territory can be awfully confusing. Then your baby smiles—a result of gas, I'm sure—and you're left with a glimmer of hope.  

Thank you for the sweet words of encouragement and for your patience as I attempt to adapt to our new normal. I appreciate it!

Blog posts will continue to be intermittent through Thanksgiving. We have family visiting Texas over the next few weeks, and I want to make sure I'm present. I want to capture every moment as we share Max with our favorite people.

BABY MAMA DRAMA

I'M KIDDING...KINDA, SORTA, BUT NOT REALLY...

As soon as I left the Emergency Room last night, I immediately worried about THE BLAHG! Gawd forbid there wasn't a post to be published and I might make everyone think that I was in labor. Oh, the horror! Flyboy assured me this was the least of my worries, and he was right. However, I thought I should check in and let you know what's gone down in the past 24 hours. For those of you who'd rather get to the point—there's NO baby. Max is still hanging out in m' belly on the corner of awesome and bomb diggity.

Here's the deal. I always imagined that if I had a boy, he'd be an ornery little guy. After marrying FB, I realize this was a given—I just didn't think Max would be scheming so soon! Yesterday's events had me referring to our baby as "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." Was he going to make his entrance or not?! I just know that I never wanted to be that preggo who was alerting her family, only to take the exciting news back hours later. I guess I'm reminded once again that I have little to no control of the current sitch. That's pregnancy!

Yesterday started with an appointment to see my nurse. After a relaxing weekend cozied up on the chaise lounge, I figured my blood pressure had surely improved. With Flyboy by my side, they strapped the cuff on me and I was still registering around 160. WTF, mate?! After multiple attempts to try to get me to "relax", they opted to hook me up to a machine and monitor my heart rate, the baby's movement, and my contractions. Of course, Max decided it was nap time and I was ordered to eat a granola bar to wake the fella up. C'mon kid, work with me! After an hour of evaluations, they sent us home and told me that depending on the protein levels from my 24-hour "specimen" collection (sorry, that was the prettiest way to word it...), there was a good chance I would be induced as soon as Monday evening. Flyboy went back to work, and I hung out around the house waiting for their phone call. I tried my best to relax, but for me that usually entails cleaning. Naturally, I whipped out the ol' steam mop and scrubbed my worries away.

Around 2:30 pm, my nurse called and said I needed to report to the emergency room for more observation and to bring my hospital bag in preparation to be induced later that evening. Of course, my doctor was out of town, so I'd be seen by someone else. Hey, I guess that's a perk to only meeting the guy twice, right?! I called FB to fill him in on the news and immediately called the local kennel to see if they had any availability for Tripp and Beesly. I packed kibble and toys for the pups, laid some clothes out for FB, and within thirty minutes the four of us were headed into town. I couldn't help but be overcome with emotion; I thought D-Day was upon us.

Long story long, I changed into a hospital gown, they strapped a bunch of machines up to me, and monitored my BP for 1.5 hours. After a brief discussion with the nurse on duty, we bonded over our mutual white-coat syndrome. Finally, I felt as though someone understood what I was going through! I obviously didn't want to take the elevated BP lightly, but I also know that I'm a bundle of nerves. As soon as she advised me to lay on my side and started taking my blood pressure again, we were back down to 114. Phew! Before they could allow us to go home, we needed Max to start moving again. I downed some orange juice and sucked on a Werther's. C'mon kid, work with me! Finally his movements were regular and I didn't seem to be having any contractions, so they sent us home around 6:30 pm. Part of me felt a giant sense of relief (I was REALLY hungry!), but I think a tiny piece of me hoped we could get the show on the road already. I guess that's a good sign I'm ready—or as ready as one CAN be. For now, we continue to sit and wait. The pups are still at the kennel (just in case), and my hospital bag remains locked and loaded in the back of The Rig.

Thanks for hanging in there as blog posts are intermittent. When he does arrive, you'll know. I promise!

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

"THE DETAILS ARE NOT THE DETAILS. THEY MAKE THE DESIGN." — CHARLES EAMES

Skipping (erm, waddling) around Swell Rio is sweeter when you get to wear your favorite flats.

Proof my plants are in full bloom. Well, never mind the brown parts. I'm going to blame that on the sun. It has nothing to do with the misting.

When all else fails, it's polka-dots and a stack of colorful books to the rescue.

The most delightful dose of snail mail to brighten my week. Thanks, friends!

I made an attempt to paint my toes one last time, but the results were hideous. Let's just say I visited the nail salon for a pedicure the next day.

This past Saturday, we celebrated ONE YEAR with The Rig. Who knew we'd add a car seat so soon? In a few days, there will be a love nugget seated inside.

Beesly and I decided the ladies of the house have to stick together. We'll be outnumbered very soon.

A peek into Max's nursery. I have a feeling we'll spend a lot of time in this little corner.

Another great reminder courtesy of Austin Kleon.

Making some time for a little last-minute correspondence before the wild rumpus begins.

Happy Monday, m' dears! I hope your weekend was just peachy. Obviously today's post is just another sign we're waiting on Max's arrival. Any day now, good sir... When Flyboy and I went to our appointment last Thursday, the staff decided that being so close to the due date, it might be important to see the doctor again. Little did we know we'd wait three hours to see him. Yikes! Despite that minor detail, it was nice to ask him some questions and get a little more face time before D-Day arrives. While we visited, they took my blood pressure a few times. Throughout this pregnancy, my blood pressure has yo-yo'd. Whenever it was high, I would usually just chalk it up to nerves; however, they started to worry about how high my number was at 39 weeks. I stopped by the clinic again on Friday and it was STILL really high, so they hooked me up to a machine and monitored the baby and me for an hour. I was afraid they were going to induce me right then and there. I got ridiculously scared, and I think the nurses could tell. After running a few tests, they decided to send me home for the weekend. I'll spare you the less-than glamorous details, but I spent Saturday and Sunday lounging around the house on bed rest. In other words, I totally showed the sofa who's boss! I initially thought I'd get a lot done (blogging, emails, snail mail, etc.), but instead I opted to read outside and take oodles of naps. I guess it's what I needed! When I wasn't snoozing on the chaise, the nurses gave me a few ways to monitor my blood pressure and protein levels. I have an appointment this morning, and I'm hoping for good results. Depending on my blood pressure, I may end up getting induced on Wednesday. The planner in me silently cheers because it will take some of the guessing out of going into labor. I'll keep you posted!

Now, what's something fabulous that you did this weekend? What made you grin from ear to ear?

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

Here's what made me feel all twitterpated, smile contagiously, giggle uncontrollably, etc.

• Bloomsbury Park Trumpet Vase // This filled with a handful of bright blooms? Absolute perfection.
• Bon Weekend Tote // Welcome the wonderful weekend with this canvas tote. I think it would look darling adorned with my favorite Ban.do pom-pom embellishments. You saw that one coming, didn't you?!
• Perrier Print // An ode to my mom's beverage of choice. It's time we stock the fridge, because she'll be here in eight days.
• Notebook Set // How many notebooks do I "need" to feel like I've got it together? That's the million-dollar question.
• Dolla Dolla Bills Pouch // A cheeky way to clear up the clutter in your purse. I'm fairly certain this is a need, right??
• The Lime In My Coconut Idiom Bangle // I dare you not to sing the song. It's impossible. I said doctor!
• Roll-Sleeve Tee with Bow // I can't get enough of this delightfully dainty tee. Simply adorbs, J.Crew!
• Kate Spade Fall Style Book // Today's list is heavy on Kate Spade. I'm sorry, I'm not sorry. I've been poring over the website lately trying to decide what I might fancy for my 29th birthday. It's the best kind of hunt!
• Georgie Suede Tassel Loafers // These shoes in vintage red. Oh. Em. Gee. Tomboy chic at its finest, my friends.
• Oreo Caramel Walnut Bars // Dubbed one of the BEST DESSERTS EVER, I think I can see why. Holy moly!

Cheers to another snazzy week, m' dears! As always, thanks for stopping by.

P.S. If things get quiet around here and there's no post on Monday, I probably went into labor over the weekend. 

I'll be sure to keep you posted via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. xo

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

"MATISSE GOT AS CLOSE AS ONE CAN GET TO HEAVEN WITH A PAIR OF SCISSORS." — ROMARE BEARDEN

THANKFUL FOR: This is going to make me sound like a giant dork, but every morning I water our plants and I get incredibly tickled by the mist option on the hose nozzle. I'm not even completely sure what plants require "misting" on a regular basis, but it's fun and makes me feel like I'm in tune with my inner gardening goddess. Not to mention, it doesn't appear to be killing them, so I think I'll chalk that up as a win. The instant I roll out the hose and start watering the shrubs and foliage, a smirk of accomplishment imminently follows. Yet another reminder that it really is the little things in life... 

EATING: If given the choice, I could eat salmon EVERY night. In fact, my enthusiasm for the fish is enough to convince the gentleman at the HEB meat market that he's my biffy (AKA bestie, BFF, etc.). On Fridays, I make my way to the grocery store. I typically order a pound, but he usually cuts me off a generous slab that's closer to 1.5 lbs. When he weighs it, he looks at me and asks if it's okay. I give him two thumbs up; it's a happy accident! We part ways and I mosey over to the dairy aisle beaming like I just received a gold medal. I suppose I could go ahead and order 1.5 lbs. on my own, but this is more fun and it feels like I'm getting a special hookup.    

LISTENING TO: When I'm at home during the day, it's pretty quiet (for now... Ha!). I occasionally listen to iTunes radio, but I never turn on the boob tube. Lately, I've made an exception to the rule because I've found it helps drown out the nutty voices chattering about in m' head. Also, our Internet connection has been rather shoddy and I get tired of listening to T.Swift and Maroon 5 buffer every ten minutes. Oddly enough, I've found solace in listening to the wise words of Phaedra Parks and Patti Stanger as they rattle on in Bravo reruns. It keeps the mood light around here and that's greatly appreciated. Once again, it's Andy Cohen to the rescue!

FEELING: At this point in my pregnancy, I completely understand if each and every one of you wants to slap me if I discuss how "real" it all feels and how "scared" I am. Heck, I want to slap myself every five minutes when my feelings flip-flop from a state of excitement to anxiety. It all seems SO ridiculous, but they're honest feelings that I can't seem to escape. I won't pretend to. Ten days shy of D-Day, I truly feel like a walking question mark. I wake up every morning wondering if today will be THE day. I feel pain in new places and think, "Oh boy, what could that be?" Then I usually brush it off because I'm not exactly what you'd call ready. "It's nothing. Definitely nothing." I get a little antsy whenever Flyboy leaves for work. I hate being needy, but I can't help but ponder how it will all work out if I go into labor and he's up in the air. Um, yikes! I nervously giggle about the idea of having one of his students pick me up and take me to the hospital in case of an emergency. Ha Ha! This is honestly our back-up plan for the time being, and the idea of making small talk with someone I've never met during such a tense moment has all the makings to be grade-A awkward. "Hi, nice to meet you! Thanks for picking me up. Where are you from? Do you like it here? Did they say when my husband might land?" It's kind of the ultimate reminder that I have absolutely NO control over how this will all go down. My only choice is to let go and let God.     

THINKING ABOUT: You girdle, gurrrrl! Laugh it up, but I'm seriously considering a postpartum girdle. As old-fashioned as it sounds, I've read a ton of reviews and people RAVE about the benefits. A quick Pinterest search and an hour of research later, I'm more intrigued than ever. Have you heard anything? I mean, it can't hurt! Here are a few of the options that I'm looking at: Bellefit, Gabrialla Abdominal Binder, and The Belly Bandit. Is this certified crazy? Wait, don't answer that. Would YOU try one?!

WATCHING: On Monday morning, I waddled into the bathroom after the alarm went off at 4:20 am and I glanced at myself in the mirror. I looked at Flyboy, pointed to my belly, and asked "Does it look smaller to you?" I watched him squirm in an effort to find the right words to answer me without offending me. The expression on his face said, "Is this a trap?" His lengthy pause cracked me up, and I realized the way I worded my question wasn't quite right. No, I don't believe I've shrunk in any way—I'm 38 weeks pregnant. It's just clear my bump has dropped quite a bit and the bulk of the weight has shifted. I guess Max is getting ready for his big entrance.

READING: My mom continues to send us books to add to Max's growing library. I was especially touched by the recent addition, Henri's Scissors by Jeanette Winter. It's no secret that Matisse is one of my all-time favorite artists, and this sweet story makes you feel as though you're seated next to him spending an afternoon in his colorful and captivating world of paper cut-outs. 

LOVING: You guys, there's a light at the end of the tunnel. I will get to wear NORMAL clothes again and that makes me want to do cartwheels!! Obviously, a lot of work has to be done before I can fit into the bulk of my wardrobe, but the idea of expanding my options thrills me. I'm currently alternating three different outfits, and I'm bored beyond belief. When I found out I was pregnant, I swore I'd wear polka dots to EVERY baby appointment—because spots and dots make me happy, of course! I'm proud to say that I've kept my vow, but I've had to get kind of creative with the ways in which I incorporate those polka dots into my appointment ensemble, especially as I've expanded. These days I turn to a set of bangles or ballet flats, but I'm more than determined to finish with a bang. I may not know a thing about bringing up baby, but I know how to stick to my stylish guns. Yay for little victories!

Enough about me. How are you feeling today? What are you up to? Thanks for stopping by!!

IMAGE CREDIT

HELLO, OCTOBER!

It's no secret I love the month of October. This year, it feels extra special as we welcome Max into the world and my family joins in on the celebration for a two-week stay in Swell Rio. Woo Hoo! There's so much goodness to look forward to, I'd be remiss if I didn't share it on m' blog. Here are just a few things that make me exceptionally giddy...

• Sweater Weather & Fall Favorites // I'll be honest, I hate missing out on Fall weather; however, it's pretty much been the case for the past six years. I usually get jazzed if I there's at least ONE day in October where I throw on my favorite sweater and pretend there's a slight chill in the air. It feels like the best birthday present ever!  

• Max's Arrival // Last week I made my follow-up appointment with my midwife and she asked "How does October 2nd sound?" I almost choked when I responded, "That's next week? That's ten days away from his due date!!" I honestly don't know how we got here, but as D-Day gets closer, I pray for the healthy arrival of our baby boy. 

• My 29th Birthday // When my parents said they planned to visit for two whole weeks in October, I couldn't help but get a teensy bit excited when I realized they would be around for my birthday. Yahoo! The last time I celebrated my birthday with them was when I turned 18 years old. How crazy is that?! My goodness, a lot can happen in 11 years...

• Quality Time with Family // Cue the confetti guns and whip me up a gin cocktail, I can't wait to be surrounded by my dear family! So many aspects of this next chapter freak me out, but knowing I'll be in the company of the people I love the most makes me feel incredibly blessed. The unknown seems more like a celebration and a little less scary.

• Pumpkins and Mums Galore // October makes me eager to bust out the pumpkins and Mums, but I've had to hold off due to the warmer Texas temps. In a few days, I'll probably give in and display them around the house because it's my favorite month and I do what I want. I purposely waited until October to have my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season. I guess a part of me believes Autumn officially begins during my birthday month. That sounds very Ashley-centric. Oops!

What's something exciting that you look forward to this month? Do tell. Pretty please...

IMAGE CREDITS: Sweater // Hendrick's Gin // Party Hat // Colossal Confetti // Calf-Hair Flats // Crown Illustration // Onesie // Pumpkin