Getting to 31 weeks had a little more excitement than I would have liked but we are there and Easton is great and so am I. 

It’s been a bit of a rough week, but I’m blessed and thankful that everyone is okay and we made it to 31 weeks. 

I’ve had some work issues which caused a sleepless night or two and some stress.  Luckily, that’s over. 

Then it was so amazing to see Easton in 4D at an ultrasound on Tuesday. I know we are biased but he’s perfect. He’s precious.  He seems to be a thumb sucker and has the most precious lips and chubby nose you’ve ever seen. 

It was so incredible to see him move around, pose for us, smirk a little, and try and suck his thumb. It makes me want him here so much more. I can’t wait to meet him in person!

Yesterday officially marked 31 weeks and what a day it was. 

Easton is now the size of lettuce and a foam finger.  Seriously, the app says a foam finger.  I swear who ever comes up with that stuff has a seriously unique imagination. 

Just as I was headed out the door of school to head home, prop my feet up, and grade some papers before a girls dinner at Melting Pot I slipped and fell. Someone left some puddles of water on the floor and I ended up doing some form of the splits and landing on part of my knee and my butt and hip. Ouch! 

Immediate tears for fear and shock of what I’d just done to the baby. Got myself up and called the boss to see if I was okay to leave or had to fill out official paperwork first. Called the doctor on my way home…just in case and shortly after I was on my way to the hospital per doctors orders. I had no idea it was going to go that far. 

I’m a planner and none of this was in my plans for last night. 

Called the husband of course and he met me at the hospital. They had me hooked up to monitors by the time he arrived and I started to calm down and not panic so much when I could hear his heartbeat. Easton slowly started to move around and I thought I would be in and out of there in just a few hours. 

NOPE! 

God had other plans for me and I believe it was probably part of a reality check I needed. Slow down and take care of myself kind of thing. 

Those beds are not comfortable and there was nothing on TV. Not to mention I suck at relaxing. 

About an hour on the monitor and contractions began. Little ones. Not even real painful at all. Just a slight twinge of pain. The problem was they weren’t going away and they were getting closer and closer together. This is when I really started to panic. Total panic. 

We had an amazing nurse, who I’m totally requesting when we go back to actually deliver. She was loving but truthful. When she came in to tell us they wanted to check my cervix and run a predictor test I knew we weren’t going home soon. 

Cervix checked and I’ll spare you the details of that. Checked out good. 

Then a predictor test to see if I’d be going into labor in the next two weeks. This was rough. Not only painful but also an hour of waiting to hear if it was positive or negative. 

An hour of thinking….we are totally not ready for you little man!

An hour of tears and wondering how we could make this all work.  I knew we could. I prayed and He comforted me a bit. I still worried because it’s nearly impossible for me not to, but I knew that if it came back negative we would make it all work with the help of family and friends and if it came back positive I needed to rest and take care of myself a little better. 

It was NEGATIVE and I sobbed and thanked God and Easton’s own little guardian angel for the negative result. 

I couldn’t have never prevented that fall so it had nothing to do with taking care of myself. However, I do need to make sure I do my very best to take care of Easton and bringing him into this world as safely as possible. 

My husband was amazing. Loving and caring as usual. I was scared and couldn’t have done it without him. I know it all panicked him a bit, too, but he was right there beside me the entire time just like he’s always been. I’m so lucky. 

We got home after midnight and I’ve spent the day resting and relaxing. Quite sore from the fall but feeling him kick quite often and knowing that taking it easy for the day is perfectly fine. It’s always a pain to make sub plans and not be at work….but sometimes it’s necessary. I’m thankful for an amazing coworker, Jordan, who is super supportive!

My sweet husband brought me my favorite breakfast with his own sweet message. 

He loves to make me smile. 

I can’t wait for my baby shower this weekend and just one more week of work to get through before two weeks of fall break. 

Not that I’m counting down or anything…..Ha!

There’s a lot of reasons we love his name. 

Easton – 

To me, it sounds country. It sounds southern. It sounds a bit old fashioned or vintage. 

It’s also special because our very first concert together was….Easton Corbin. 

It was a group date out with friends and we went to 8 Seconds and had super close seats to the stage. Lots of fun and we have always loved the name Easton. 

Wayne – 

Multiple reasons here. 

I’m a huge fan of using part of our family on the naming of our children. We considered several first names that would have fit this as well. 

Wayne represents two (and more) very important men in my life. 

Wayne is my dad’s middle name, my brother’s middle name, and my oldest nephew’s middle name. Sure, it’s been used (obviously) but it’s still very special to me to include it in our son’s name. We thought about several other family name options (Lee, William, Alan, Michael) but Wayne just flowed the best.  

The other guy I want to rembember left our lives in 1997 and I have some very fond memories spent with him. Fishing with Uncle Wayne and his buddy Gee were always my favorite. He was just the coolest dude ever and let me get by with way more than my parents would as a kid. My love for Harley rides is something I blame on him and I can only hope he and my mom enjoy the best views up above of their families.  It’s basically unimaginable that he’s been gone for almost 18 years. It was one of the first major losses in my life at 13 years old and it made me realize life was way too short. I had no idea 4 years later I would lose a parent like my cousins did. It’s definitely tough to think back on those days. 

Lastly….

Everyone has told me you have to be able to yell the name. 

I tried and it works. 

I’m sure he’ll be perfect, though, and I’ll never have to shout his precious name once. 

Ya, right! 

Why yes. Yes we have. 

And this one is a tad creepy, but also adorable. I believe he’s smiling at us saying HAHA I’m about to rock your world!

This doctors appointment was complicated.  And long. We had an ultrasound and I was excited to check on Easton but unfortunately he hasn’t moved away from the opening of the cervix and I’m still on pelvic rest. Hopefully in 4 weeks when we check again he will have moved. That’s all we can hope and pray for! There are risks with placenta previa but these are things to discuss closer to time and although the C word for labor was mentioned I’m still praying he can arrive in this beautiful world through the exit I’d imagined he would. I’ve realized if he can’t, it’s more important that he come out safely. 

Then I had to drink the ever dreaded glucola. Honestly, it wasn’t that bad. It was orange and thick and I chugged it as quickly as I could. I thought it would make me throw up but more than anything I wanted to get the taste out of my mouth with a couple of swigs of water…and couldn’t. Nope, not allowed. 

An hour later my blood was drawn and the negative Nelly I’ve been lately was convinced I would get the result and have to return for the 3 hour test. Great news! Found out yesterday I aced that test! No gestational diabetes!

Then back up to the doctors office for a Tdap vaccine and my RH- shot….which is a shot in the butt, by the way. A long, painful shot. Awful. No fun at all. Bonus: I get to do it again postpartum. Fun!

So I shed a few tears after the long appointment and asked my husband if we could start rolling the ball on new car shopping. New to me, car.  We knew it would have to happen before Easton for more room. It was just a matter of time.  

Took one home and two days later…..it’s mine!  I love it. An Acadia and so many bells and whistles I’m totally not use to. Feels like luxury!

Now I can ride in style in my mommy ride!

This week my goodies I ordered from the BIG sale through Oshkosh arrived and I’m so in love. This might be hard to believe but these are the first new clothes I’ve purchased for Easton. To be very honest with you, he does NOT need clothes. Between this purchase, I’m sure the gifts he will get from his loved ones, and the loads of hand me downs from his best friend Walker and cousin Brody….he is totally set. 

But check out these adorable outfits…

A shirt to be a mini daddy. 

Then there’s this super cute coat from Papaw and Mamaw P. He’s totally ready to style it this winter and will look so handsome!

We had a wonderful time at my cousins wedding and on the same day Easton’s cousin, Jack, was born! Such an exciting day!

The hubs and I enjoyed date night and getting dressed up. 

His room is coming right along thanks to daddy!

Beautiful gray walls. 

Beautiful barn wood crib

Beautiful vintage dresser from Marshmallow Monkey for such a steal!

Then daddy surprised me with a new ceiling fan too!

And I found myself for the first time taking advantage of this dude. 

I’ve tried to avoid taking up this space in the event there’s something way more pregnant than me needing it. But then I felt I needed it. It was hot. I was over the day already at 10 am and I needed a dress for the wedding. So, I used it. 

I hope everyone has had a fabulous week. 

I bet you are all looking forward to this 3 day weekend as much as I am!

I plan to do a little nursery organization, spend time with my husband if he isn’t working, spend time with family, and relax in the pool. 

Truly fortunate, 

Ashley

This spoke right to my heart. 

It’s been one whole year and as I told my husband earlier this morning I could never express to him how grateful I am that he made that huge sacrifice and decision for himself and us.  I could never tell him how proud I am of him because words just aren’t enough. . I wouldn’t trade going through this life with anyone else but him for anything. I am his #1 fan and I hope he always know how much he is loved. 

REPOST from November….

Over 90 days ago we became two different people. 

A good different. A better different.  

Just a month before this major decision I walked down the aisle to say “I Do” and told him I wasn’t ever going to give up. Til death do us part. 

This major decision has changed us in many ways but deep down we are the same. In fact, I believe the two of us are better because of it and quite possibly more true of ourselves than we were before. 

My husband took it upon himself to seek some help. He left his pride behind and announced to the world that he wasn’t bigger than the alcohol. He was powerless to it. His family and himself were way more important and he needed some guidance to get back on track and become the man he wanted to be. For himself. For me. For us. For our future family. 

Our close family and friends have supported us in this journey completely. We wouldn’t have made it through without them. 

I was hurt, scared, and totally shocked when it all came about. I had no idea how out of control things really were. I freaked a bit. 

My purpose in this post isn’t to dwell on the past. It’s the past. 

My purpose is to tell you how incredibly proud I am of the man I am lucky to call my husband. 

He set everything aside for 5 days to really focus on himself and start fresh. Start new. 

Then he devoted 3 nights a week to a group of wonderful men who needed the same support. There were nights he came overloaded with strength and pride and there were nights that were a bit more rough. There were ups. There were downs. 

We said this together. A lot. 

I read books. I went to support groups. I heard some crazy flipping stories. Here is what I’ve learned: 

1. It’s a disease….and if he had been diagnosed with cancer I would have never walked away….so I’m not walking away from this. 

2. Just when you feel like life is the worst it can possibly be God tends to slap you in the face and say, “Girl, you have no idea…..how lucky you are.”

3. When we got married we weren’t promising to each other that we would never disappoint one another, because at some point both of us will do that very thing.  What is important is that we never leave.  We don’t escape.  We don’t leave one another….just because we are disappointed.  That is the meaning of fidelity.  

I’ve learned it is far from over.   I’m willing to face each and every day with my husband. I know there are days he will feel the urge to drink. There will be days he may think he just can’t take it anymore.  

I can only hope that every day he remembers how totally loved he is….how incredible of a man he is….how much he means to me and so many others.

I do ask this of all of you – for goodness sake don’t not invite us to a party or a gathering.  We are fully capable of having a good time without the buzz.  Promise you that. 

Yours truly,

Today was a good day 

I have an incredible class of 23 cherubs and their unique and spunky personalities had me knowing their names within 30 minutes. It is a class overloaded with boys but I’m guessing that is God’s way of preparing me for what’s to come with my own little guy. 

I did learn that “J’s” are not shoes you can wear for gym class. They are way too “fresh.” Every year I learn how far from the cool scale I have deflated. 

It was so nice to get a special treat from a student with a gift card to Olive Garden so I didn’t have to cook tonight. Just perfect! 

Our classroom was ready to go and I’m ready for day 2. There was SO much we didn’t get to but it can wait for tomorrow. I can’t wait to learn more about all of them! 

I’m hoping my kids don’t notice the multiple restroom breaks I have to sneak away for. It’s hard to be quick and stealth like when you waddle. 

Today was also CW’s first day of 6th grade and his first day at his dream school. His momma sent me this pic and it made my day too. I can’t believe he’s at the beginning of the halfway point. I don’t even want to think about it!

AND today marks 23 weeks of growing for our little guy. 

This has been a fantastic pregnancy and I’ve loved every minute. I’ve gagged a few times but never thrown up. My nausea is slowly subsiding. I haven’t had any incredibly crazy cravings. Quite frankly the worst part has been the emotional roller coaster. I’m sure the fact that I’m becoming a “motherless mother”‘doesn’t help that. I’m doing the best I can. I try to let it all out without looking insane. 

He’s about the size of a…

His hands are still so little!

And the most frightening part is the time left. 17 weeks. 

I like to think of more as 3-4 months. We have nothing prepared for him so I’m starting to really stress out. His daddy’s to do list just keeps growing and work is not slowing down. Not sure how it will all get done!

We get to see him again next week and maybe a few photos. 

We saw him 3 weeks ago and found he was a he. 

Here’s proof!

He’s so perfect in every way. I just love every chance I get to feel him or see him. I’ve waited my whole life to be a mom and I feel so blessed to be pregnant. 

This shot looks like he was praying. 

Maybe for me to eat more double stuffed Oreos?

We’ve been getting so many wonderful gifts for him. 

This adorable plaid outfit so he can match his daddy all the time…

Thanks Jordan!

Bags upon bags of hand me downs from his buddy Walker. And in those bags some hand downs from his older cousins CW and Brody Boy that passed down to Walker as well! Hand me downs from his buddy Caleb, thanks Court! I love hand me downs. If I never have to purchase this little guy a new outfit for the first year, two, or more I will NOT be mad at all! 

Such a great day full of smiles with a few tears

Feeling very fortunate!

Ever wake up and immediately try and recall what you ate because your dreams were so bizarre?