Brrrrrr Rabbit!

Why is it that the winter that breaks all records and we get the first white Christmas in forever is the winter that our heater decides to stop working?  It had happened a few weeks ago, but we thought we had fixed it...apparently not.  Yesterday evening Drew and I realized it was pretty chilly in the house and soon we noticed that the vents were blowing cool air.  Perfect.  When it was time for Jackson to go to bed it was 63 degrees in the house but we hoped for the best.  Yeah, that last about an hour and he was awake and his face was chilly.  We fought that battle twice before I realized we weren't going to win.  I grabbed by new amazing robe, slippers and a big blanket and headed for his room.  We snuggled up together like 2 bugs in a rug trying to stay warm.   I think he was more successful than I was.  This morning when Drew was heading out the door he popped his head in and said that it was 55 degrees in the house.  Yep, that sounded about right.  The back of my knees were frozen where I couldn't cover them all night, but we had made it!  He hadn't slept completely through the night, but it was a lot better than it would've been.  My joints were so achy when I stood up out of that chair I felt like that 1 night aged me about 60 years!  Oh the things we do for our little ones.

White Christmas!

Yes, those are my rain boots.

3 months under the belt!

I can not believe Jackson is 3 months old today!  Crazy!  Ok, so we've got a few hours until it's official.  I don't know if your moms ever did this to you growing up, but I feel like I've morphed into Penny.  Ever since last night I've been telling Jackson, since he understands, when I took the magic drugs and how long we were in the hospital before he decided to make his debut.  Maybe it's a right of passage, or maybe when you become a mother you just lose your mind and you think your children want to hear that.  Whatever it is it's happened and poor Jackson has to suffer because of it. 

Here's the 3 month break down:

1.  Apparently you have decided my sneezes are scary.  No matter how happy you are as soon as I sneeze you throw that bottom lip out and start wimpering.  I hope that goes away before college, that would be sad.

2.  You've slept 8 hours at night a handful of times now!  If we could only figure out why you do it so we could make it happen more often, that would be awesome!

3.  You weigh 14 lbs. 5 oz.  I don't know percentile because we don't see the doc until 4 months.  We don't know length either because you're too squirmy, so according to my measurements you've shrunk.  Yeah, I don't think so.

4.  You are so happy in the morning and talk up a storm!  It is so fun to walk in your room when you wake up and you grin from ear to ear when you see me!

Duke had to get in a picture. 

While the cat's away...

Sunday morning Drew had to go to work and I was going to go out to Norcross to meet him for lunch.  Well just about the time everyone started church it hit me.  I don't know what, but it hit me.  I thought I was going to be sick, pass out, oh and I had a migraine all at the same time...not good.  I called Drew, lunch was off.  I needed help and Drew had a deadline for work.  Who could help? Who could help?  By the time church was out I had already almost od'd on what I knew I could take, so I was feeling slightly better.  I thought I could make it through the afternoon, but the thought of being alone Monday gave me chills.  Mom to the rescue.  I put in the call and she came running with soup and chicken pie in hand. 

She entertained Jackson while I plopped myself on the couch and didn't budge.  I'm glad somebody had fun.

There is no way I could've survived a 93.5 degree fever without her!  Yeah, I know it's a talent that I can run a fever and go below normal.  My mom gave me that ability that I apparently have given Jackson (figured that out today...oh boy).  She just left this morning after staying up all night with the wee one.  Only a grandmother would do that! 

Dear Santa...

Jackson had one of the most important meetings of a baby's life...Santa.  They had met briefly before in Montgomery with Luke, but it was traumatizing because Luke screamed the whole time and it was in October.  Jackson hadn't had time to get his letter to Santa written yet.  So today was the day.  The Clarks met us at B. Braithwaite for the official meeting.  We made an appointment earlier, but we still had to wait in line.  Thoughts of The Christmas Story flashed in my mind.  "You'll shoot your eye out kid" "What would you like for Christmas little boy?".  Poor Ralphie!  I knew Jackson had it in him, if we could just get one smile in one picture I would be happy.  It was his turn, we sat him in Santa's lap and off we went.  I was afraid Jackson was going to blow it...

But I knew he had it in him...

Way to make us proud! 

WBE

We spent Thanksgiving in Montgomery this year with mom and Tim this year.  It was fun, but wow how Thanksgiving has changed!  Instead of going back for seconds I was taking a crying baby outside to walk around in the sun.  Good thing it was perfect weather!  I've decided Jackson is just like me in certain ways, he's quirky.  He seemed to enjoy going to the Auburn football game, but seems to get stressed out when he's in a confined space with a lot of people talking.  As much as I like to be around people, I need alone time too so I'm cool with it.

Jackson in his Thanksgiving day outfit on his break from the crowd.

After the craziness of Thanksgiving day had come to close it was time for some football!  We thought we had found the quietest spot in my mom's house for Jackson to take naps so the yelling wouldn't wake him up.  So what if it was on the floor of my mom's closet, he's man enough to handle it.  Yeah, that didn't work too well.  Between Drew accidentally yelling in his ear over a crazy celebration penalty and Jackson trying to yell WAR BABY EAGLE!  Whatever it was, he didn't nap well but hey we won!

Halftime

Finally the game was over, the commotion calmed down and Jackson went to bed.  Poor kid was worn slap out!  He slept for about 8 1/2 hours straight!  I woke up freaking out that my monitor was broken, nope he's just still asleep.  Don't worry though that was just a one time deal.  We're back to our normal 5-6 hour blocks. 

2 months and growing like a weed!

Ok, so I'm a day late but I have a great excuse!  We were at my nephew's 1st birthday in Birmingham yesterday.  I can not believe Luke is 1!  He demolished his cake!  It was awesome!  I know this year is going to fly by!

To catch up on Jackson's 2nd month birthday:
1.  He weighs 13 lbs. 7 oz. (90%)
2.  He is 25" (above 95%)
3.  He is eating right at 5 oz. at every meal, which the doc confirmed this morning is a lot of food for his age.  "But hey, if apparently he needs it.  So, great."
4.  He is wearing 3-6 month or 6 month clothes.
5.  He definitely knows he is smiling at you and not just when he is relieving himself.
6.  The longest he has slept at night is 7 1/2 hours.  He has only done it about 5 times and not 5 nights in a row, but hey I'll take it!  He usually goes about 5 hours at a time at night and 3 during the day between meal times.

And one last thing...just in case you ever question your mother's love I have given up dairy for now.  We think it upsets his stomach.  It's been a few weeks since I quit cold turkey and everyone is saying I should "test" it to see if it really is a dairy allergy or if his digestive system wasn't fully developed yet (apparently they're not fully developed until 6 weeks).  I've held firm because if I'm going down it will be in a ball of flames.  So I would like to warn my family steer clear of the mac & cheese this week!  I'm coming through!!

Is it 3rd time's a charm or 3 strikes and you're out?

I don't know how to explain it.  Should I blame it on El Nino?  Centrifugal force?  Some random gravitational pull the Pilot has that I'm unaware of?  Whatever it is it needs to stop.  If you haven't guessed it by now the Pilot has wrecked yet again.  Yep, 3 times in a year.  Unbelievable.  I mean until this year I haven't been  in wreck since my junior year in college.

Drew had to go to Birmingham for work so he twisted my arm and I went to hang out with Gina and Luke while the guys worked.  We had just left Brian and Gina's house yesterday afternoon and were headed back to Atlanta.  Drew was working away on emails and I was happy, I had a sleeping baby in the back and I was headed to Milo's.  We couldn't have been 5 miles from their house when some ********  decided to make an illegal u-turn in the middle of a busy road right after a busy intersection without looking.  Crash!  Oh, I'm sorry was I in your way?!  As soon as I knew it Drew was yelling "It's a hit and run!".  I looked up and the guy had sped away and was turning.  Drew wanted me to chase him, but I didn't feel safe doing it.  So we pulled off and called 911.

While we sat there I got all the cussing out for the next 10 years.  Don't get me wrong we are so happy that everyone is healthy, but for the love if you ever see a hit and run please either make sure the car that was hit is ok or go after the car that hit them!  I just have to know that this person is already wanted for something else and they will go to jail for the drugs their selling or something. 

Praise the Lord we're all safe and sound!  I just pray that these things really do come in threes and we're done now!

Try this one, Cam!

Yeah so what if you can break all of Auburn's records.  Big deal if you can run through tackles.  What other quarterback can go for a catch in the endzone from our old QB?  Big flippin deal!  (Love you Cam).  My question is can you get a baby to go 7 hours between feedings at night at 7 weeks old?  I don't think so!  But I can!  That's right it happened last night!  I knew Drew was working late so I decided to test it out and put Jackson down a little earlier than usual and try to catch up on my sleep.  Well, Jackson ate at 6:15pm, went down at 7pm and didn't wake up until 1:20am!  I not only got more than 5 hours of straight sleep, but I was so confused when I woke up I stood up and looked and thought "What am I supposed to do now?".  He didn't do it again, but maybe we're on to something!

For the record I have slept for 5 hours straight before, but it's only with Drew's help.  Drew takes the first bottle on the weekends so I can get a longer stretch, but this was the first time I did it by myself.  Jackson's been going 5 hours for about 1 1/2 weeks now so I'm really excited about 7.

Cam, now that I think about it maybe we should stick to our own jobs.  I don't think I could run 40 yards with 5 guys on my back.  So go ahead feel free to win the Heisman and the National Championship while you're at it and I'll stick to being a mom.

A baby bump

Well, it's happened.  It happens to every mother but I thought "not me, I won't let it happen", yeah right.  So, Jackson was just playing on his play mat on his back having fun and I thought let's have a little tummy time.  I picked him up and started trying to balance him.  I've done this before but it's always a little trickier than I would like.  Holding his legs, body and keeping his head still while I turn him over is harder than it sounds.  We were almost there and then he decided he would move his head just enough to pull it out of my hands...boom!  His poor little forehead on the ground.  I mean it did hit his play mat which was on the rug, but still it's pretty hard.  He curled up in a ball like a scared rolly polly and then started screaming.  Oh my gosh!  I hurt him so of course I started crying.  I did not want to be the first one to hurt him.  I knew it would happen but not this soon! 

After a few minutes we both calmed down and he went to sleep and I took a hot shower.  We both needed to calm down!  I told Drew about it and he said "Maybe he went to sleep because he had a concussion.  Have you asked him his name yet?"  Very funny.  Only a mother knows how I feel.  My mom told me I just needed to sit on the couch with him and not move.  It's been a rough day for poor little Jackson, but maybe we'll survive.  Tomorrow's another day.

Boo Baby

Decisions, decisions...

Not scary enough...

WAY too big...

Just right! 

A couple of firsts...

It's not quite as exciting as a first step, but we did make it church for the first time.  We even got there on time!  Drew was so impressed.  Jackson did good considering it was his first time.  No crying, just a little grunting but what do you expect out of a 5 week old? 

 Jackson also played on his playmat for the first time today and had a little tummy time.  He loved it!  He kept staring at himself in the mirror.  So fun!

Happy 1 Month!

I can not believe it's been a month!  A few things I may want to remember when I'm old and senile:

1.  You eat 3-3 1/2 oz. every 3-4 hours, porker.
2.  You smile a good bit, but you may just be making a present for mom and dad.
3.  You're starting to try to lift your head by yourself, but you still look like a bobble head.
4.  You've officially out grown a number of outfits.  You fit into 3 mth. and some 3-6 mth. clothes.
5.  When you're asleep you go from laughing to poking your bottom lip out.  Quite a range of emotion for such a little one.  What do you dream about?

You are definitely not under loved, under fed or unclothed.  You've got it pretty easy kid.

Eagle Brand

I can not believe it but Jackson went for his 1 month check up this morning.  He'll be 1 month Thursday!  The doc said he looked great.  He weighs 10 lbs. 12 oz. (75%-90%) and is 23" long (90%).  The doctor's exact words were "He's a big boy".  We went to the doc 2 weeks ago and since then he's put on 2 lbs!  When I told my mom how much he had gained she told me I was feeding him Eagle Brand milk.  If you don't know what Eagle Brand milk is, look it up.  It's the fattiest, sweetest milk ever.  My mom always used it when she was baking something.  

The doctor recommended that we start letting him cry himself to sleep so he'll learn how to self soothe.  He told me this on Friday when we went for something else.  Apparently Jackson is in an "uncomfortable" stage because he's going through a growth spurt.  I would say gaining 20% of your weight in 2 weeks is quite a growth spurt.  Poor kid.  He seems to be learning pretty quick though.

So, if you're walking around thinking how you need to clean out your purse because it's so heavy just think you could be toting a 11 lb baby and a baby bag.  I'm very glad our boy is growing like a weed, but my arms better be ripped soon!

Freeze frame

 No, I'm not talking about that awesome song "freeze frame".  I'm talking about the great pictures we had taken last Saturday.  We had Michelle Marie Photography (Michelle & Steven) come over and take some pics of big'n.  They were here for 2 hours and got some of the greatest pictures ever!  They even gave Duke some face time.  If you're one of the 5 people who isn't on facebook I don't know what to tell you.  They posted a sneak peek of the pictures on a link on my wall.  I can not wait to get the cd with all of the pictures!  I can't copy all 20 pictures from facebook, but here are a couple of my favorites. 

One sick pig

 Is anything more pitiful than a sick baby?  If you say yes you obviously haven't seen one.  Poor little Jackson has a baby cold.  You know that feeling when you feel a sneeze coming and you just can't quite get it out?  So frustrating, right?  Poor Jackson has had that off and on all day.  It is cute to hear a little sneeze, but I can't help but get frustrated for him when he can't get it out.  Luckily he's a champ and isn't complaining too much.

On a better note the massive amounts of food he's been demanding have paid off.  We went to the doctor Monday and he's 8 lbs. 15 oz.  Already a good bit above his birth weight!  The doctor laughed at it and said he was in no way worried about his weight.  That's good because these food demands every hour were getting tiring!  That's right, every hour!  It's not every day and night, but when it rains it pours.  So this little porker will continue to get food whenever he wants. 

Duke doesn't know quite what to think of his new brother.

Jackson 2 weeks old

Welcome to motherhood!

I thought hazing was illegal or close to it, but apparently babies are exempt.  Jackson did quite a number on me last night.  He woke up at 1:30 am to eat, so being the good mother that I am I jumped up to feed him.  As he was eating I heard him clearing his pipes but thought I would wait to change him until after he ate.  Then I realized my hand was wet, which happened to be on his back.  Jackson officially had a blow out.  Poop out of his diaper onto his pajamas and my hand.  I picked him up quickly and said "Everybody up, everybody up!"  So everybody, me and Jackson, got up to change him.  He was so mad!  Not only was I changing his diaper, wiping him down but I had the guts to interupt his feeding!  He changed outfits and went back to eating.  After a few minutes he acted like he needed to burp so I sat him up to burp him and spit up like a waterfall comes spewing out of his mouth all over me and him.  Perfect!  I thought well why stop now.  We were both disgusting and he now had no liquids left in him so he ate some more.  When he was done I changed and wiped him down again.  As I was changing him I looked at him and said "What else, pee?"  Oh yes, pee like a fountain up and onto the rug.  I barely escaped that one,  I had to laugh.  Only a mother could get pooped on, puked on and almost peed on and not only still like the one that did that to her, but absolutely love him. 

Happy Birthday Jackson!

I can't believe it, he's here!  After 40 weeks and 3 days and 17 hours of labor we finally got to see his sweet face.  We were going to be induced on Thursday, September 23, and Monday morning, September 20, I woke up before 5 am with strong contractions.  After timing them for 2 hours the doctor said to come in.  It was a long day full of drugs and waiting.  By 8 pm the contractions were insane!  The doctor said they were going to start a slow pitosin drip at 10 pm and if I wanted any sleep I needed to go ahead and get the epidural.  Wow, drugs are good!  Drew and I got sleep off and on trying to rest up for the next day.

My family had come in when I called them Monday morning and had to wait for nothing Monday.  My mom spent the night in the waiting room and everyone else went to their hotels or our house to sleep.  The doctor ramped up my pitosin about 6 am on Tuesday and that really got things going.  Our friend, Becky Steed, just happens to be a L&D nurse and took amazing care of us all day.  I had to get a re-dose of the epidural a few times and then got a crazy cocktail about 9 am that did the rest of the job.  I started pushing about 12:45 pm and turned on my music to keep me distracted.  The doctor and nurse loved that I was playing Black Eyed Peas and Beyonce.  You have to have something to focus on!

Jackson Doyle Ashby was born at 2:10 pm on Tuesday September 21.  He weighed 8 lbs. 7 oz. and was 22 inches long.  It was amazing!  My music was still on and Hillsong United came on.  It was amazing to bring things into perspective.  One of the nurses knew the song and was singing along.  I couldn't help but just be in awe of everything that had happened.  This person had been growing inside of me and now was in the world.  What a miracle!  Praise the Lord!

We have had an amazing few days and love this little boy more than he knows.  We're getting used to his schedule and love noticing every little thing about him.  He has already changed so much!  We are so happy! 

Our nurse/friend Becky Steed

A fun filled weekend

It all started Friday afternoon about 4:00.  I had just gotten back from the pool with my friend Meredith, I know rough life, and I started having contractions.  I didn't pay any attention to the first few but soon I realized they were coming pretty close together.  After about 45 minutes of timing them and realizing they were every 5 minutes I called Drew at work.  "I don't want to freak you out, but...".  Probably not the best way to open, but he was very calm.  I told him to stay at work for now and I would call the doctor.  She asked a few questions and said we needed to come in.  When we got there I got hooked up to about 3 different things.  One monitor was watching the contractions.  It made me feel justified because they were coming every 5 minutes and lasting for a minute, it wasn't my imagination.  The doctor sent us home after about 45 minutes and told us I was definitely in a pattern but the contractions weren't strong enough yet.  Ok, a little disappointing but we all just knew Jackson would come over the weekend. 

Saturday I drug Drew around the whole neighborhood, with a pit stop at Waffle House trying to speed things up. About mid afternoon the contractions started getting stronger.  So after 2 hours of timing them the doctor said come in.  She said she may even want to start pitosin to help me out.  When we got there they checked me out and said I had 2 choices, to start pitosin and possibly be in real labor for over 24 hours or go home and see what happened.  As much as I would love to see Jackson I do not want to be in labor that long if I can help it, so we took the Ambien they gave me and left.  I was so upset that I had become that girl who goes to the hospital and gets sent home.  Drew was very encouraging of course and we left.

Yesterday when I woke up the contractions were much more irregular and had lost some of their strength, so we went to Drew's brother's wedding in McDonough.  I was so glad Drew didn't have to miss the wedding and  I was glad to get out of the house so I wouldn't obsess over every little twitch.  No matter how many times I had to hear "You're not that swollen" or "You've lost some of your water weight", it was worth it.  I would like to give a little piece of advice though.  If you see a really pregnant woman and you want to say something but you don't know what just tell her how great she looks.  Please don't feel like you should be the one to tell her her face is getting bigger and please don't just feel like because there is something living in her stomach that gives you free reign to touch it.  Yes, we know it is as big as a house but people don't just come up and touch your stomach so please think before you act.

Moral of the story is we had a very interesting weekend, but Jackson is not here yet and doesn't seem to be in a rush.  Hopefully the doctor will have encouraging news for me tomorrow and we will get to meet him soon.  Only 5 days until my official due date!   

Freedom

Before this week started a few friends asked me if I thought I would be lonely.  Really?  Obviously they don't know how much I need to get done before Jackson arrives.  This is day 3 of not working and it is amazing!  I have a list of things that need to get done and if I don't sleep at night (which is a common occurance) I can just take a nap.  What a concept!  So if you see me wandering around a store just saddle up beside me, but only if you're ready to walk slow.

Pennster

Happy Birthday Mom!  I can't believe you're 30 already!  Who knew it was possible to only be 2 years older than your daughter.  I won't go into some long, sappy letter but I would like to thank you for a few things:

1.  The school talent shows you helped us with.  I don't think anyone can beat the "Little Old Lady from Pasadena".  Only a mother could tell me that was cute.
2.  The crazy Halloween costumes.  A garbage bag into a California Raisin?  Really?
3.  The karaoke machine you got me.  You seemed happy for me, but why?  You knew I was horrible!  You were just torturing yourself and Brian.
4. Telling me when you were at the next to the last straw.  I still don't really understand where all your straws went.
5.  Giving me my first makeup when I was like 5.  And you wonder why I'm still obsessed with having a ton of it, but never wearing it.

Just a few things that have made me who I am today. So, drink a fruity drink for me and enjoy your day!  

I looked and looked for an embarrassing picture of you to put up (like the one when you're eating bologna with that hideous pink crochet sweater from 1985), but lucky for you I couldn't find any on the computer.  So, instead a picture from VA.  I'm glad we're closer now!

Are you ready?

That is the question that I get about 10 times a day now.  I really think it's a trick question.  How can you be ready for something that you have no idea about.  The question should be "Are you tired of being as big as a house?".  To that it's easy, YES!  It is nice having Jackson in one spot for now and not hearing him cry or having to worry about him, but wow can I get any bigger?  But, I guess for now I would rather get kicked and know he's putting on the lbs.


The countdown is now under 3 weeks and I have had real contractions.  They started Saturday and have been off and on since.  The doctor was asking me about them today and she said she thought they were real.  She was happy that I was having them so my body can "warm up" to labor.  Really?  Is that something you want to warm up to?  I think I would rather wait until THE day when I can get drugged up and not feel them.  How can this go on for 3 more weeks?  Boy am I glad this is my last week at work!  Between the contractions and not sleeping this whole working thing is quite a task!  I can feel it wearing on my patience.  On my way to the doc today there was a policeman directing traffic right where I needed to turn to go to the hospital.  How dare him!  He wouldn't let me turn left...jerk.  I so wanted to lean out my window and yell that I was in labor.  I just wanted him to realize that he was inconveniencing a 8 1/2 month pregnant girl and it would not go unnoticed.  So, let me go ahead and apologize for all of the snippy comments and horrible looks I am sure to give over the next few weeks.  Drew, I will try a little harder with you because I know you mean well and you have to live with this...sorry.  Don't get me wrong I fully realize that I have had an easy pregnancy compared to most, but I think everyone understands that the last few weeks can not be easy on anyone.

Who do you think you are?

Dear Mr. Hicks,


I would like to kindly ask that you leave me alone.  I hear that you are just teaching me what to do when the time comes, but if you could please not visit while I am asleep or at any other inconvenient time.  I thought that I would get through without having to meet you face to face, but you have made yourself known quite well and quite annoying at that.  I would like you to know that it is not just me you affect.  Poor little Jackson gets squished every time you stop by and then I get kicked for it.  Please understand that I appreciate the thought but I am sure I will get enough practice when D-Day hits.  So for now I ask that you pack your bags and go visit someone else.  I promise next time I won't be so nice.


Good Day

Ignorance is Bliss

Well, it was a long weekend of learning for us.  We went to our childbirth class Saturday.  Let me just say after watching the videos of the women having babies naturally I would like to ask my OB to meet me at the door with the epidural.  We have some friends that went natural and I knew it sounded hard, but are you kidding?!  I have a whole new respect for them and I was just reassured that I have no desire to see what that feels like.   I walked into the class pretty calm about the whole thing and came out quite scared, while Drew went in scared and came out calm.  In fact during the class Drew looked at me and said "maybe you could go natural, or at least hold off on the drugs for a while".  I wondered if he was serious and the look on his face said he was.  I quickly reminded him that his part would be easy, all he had to do was tell me how great I was doing I would be the one with my head spinning around.  He gave that idea up real fast when he saw how serious I was.  After the class I understand the phrase "ignorance is bliss" now more than ever.  The class was helpful, I'm sure, but for now I feel a little scarred.  Once we made it through that, then we went on a tour of the L&D Sunday.  I wanted to make sure that Drew knew where we were supposed to go so that I could get that epidural as fast as possible.  The hospital seems great and it took away some of the sting from the class.


We did work on the nursery to get everything ready.  Drew finished his work on the new door he installed on the room to help keep sound and light out.  I scotch guarded a few things, finished washing the last load and made his bed.  After making his bed I would like to thank my mom and Caroline for the ultimate cribs sheets they gave me because there is no way I can change the sheet every time.  Also, if it weren't for my sister-in-law Gina we would still have everything out in the middle of the room and I would have stared at it not knowing what anything is.  After my shower a few weeks ago she was nice enough to come over and organize the room and tell me what everything was.  So, here are a few pictures of the final product.  We love it and we hope Jackson will.

Thank you!

Thanks to all my wonderful friends my baby shower last weekend was a huge success!  I had no reason to be worried about all of the things we needed before Jackson gets here.  It was so good to see friends and family that I don't get to see a lot.  I was so happy that I decided to have my presents opened for me and just brought to display.  It took off so much of the pressure and allowed me to visit more.  Drew was shocked at everything when we brought it in.  I think he was slightly overwhelmed.  I can not say thank you enough to all of my dear friends who hosted the party and all of those that came.  Y'all are amazing!

It's the small stuff

How can something so small need so much stuff?  I was feeling so good about myself for pretty much having my nursery done.  I went to my registry online to check on something when I realize I haven't even thought to register for a changing pad.  What kind of mother would I be without a changing pad?  I am sure mothers did just fine without it for centuries.  I can just picture trying to change a baby on the back of a horse or on the floor.  I know it's silly, but it's these silly things that can drive a person mad.  I knew I shouldn't put Jackson through the torture of not having a plush pillow to lie on while I changed his diaper.  I am still in counseling because of trauma like this.  Of course I'm kidding, I know this is more for me.  I don't really want to have to clean baby poop off of furniture.


So knowing that I want one I searched both websites for one and turned up with nothing.  I did however remember to register for changing pad covers.  Surprise surprise I remembered the cute thing and not the necessity.  I knew I could count on B. Braithwaite, the cutest store in the world, to come through in the clutch.  The lady on the phone assured me she would add one for me.  My furniture thanks you.  I am sure that they talk about women like me and laugh, but let's face it it wouldn't be the first or the last time someone laughs.  So, moms out there please tell me other things that I will need that I haven't thought about.  In case anyone was doubting if pregnant brain is a myth, think again!








 

Hungry Hungry Hippo

Why was I under the impression that my appetite would stay fairly normal during the last trimester?  Oh, wait because my doc said I would probably "level off".  I love that phrase, it's like my body is getting as big as it possibly can before I tip over.  Given my pregnancy has been just about the easiest one I have ever heard of and my 2nd trimester was like I wasn't even pregnant (except the gut).  So why does your body revert back to things that happened in the 1st trimester?  Is it bad of me to go in my closet at work sit on the dirty floor and try to stay awake just enough to hear someone knock?  Really?  While I am trying to fight the tired at my computer I can't stop thinking about how hungry I am.  Yeah because I want to just keep packing on the lbs.  I am hoping at least that Jackson will be a good size baby because a) that would make me feel better about having eaten so much and b) I hear the fat ones sleep better.  So, tip a cold one (coke) back with me and keep telling yourself that this "baby weight" will just melt off and enjoy those m&ms!

Amazing

We celebrated our 6 year anniversary over the weekend.  It is so crazy how fast the time went!  Drew surprised me and took me to this awesome boutique B&B in St. Simons.  It was so good to get away and relax.  This trip is our last trip before Jackson's arrival in about 9 weeks, so we really took time to appreciate everything.  We have had such an incredible 6 years and are so excited about the future.  We sat out on our huge porch both nights just talking about everything that we have learned in our marriage.  We both agreed that the Lord has taught us incredible lessons and a lot of them have been just in the last year.  I am so blessed to be married to Drew.  God picked him out for me and knew how great we would be.  He is such a great provider and is so motivated to get out there.  I love that he has such a huge desire to provide for me and our future children.  I can't wait to see him become a dad.  I know our love and respect for each other will continue to grow over the next 80 years.  I love you Drew, thank you for being the man that God made you.

It's a dead gum big deal!

Today is Drew's birthday!  It kills me every year that he doesn't get excited about it.  I guess it's the way you're raised, but in my family birthdays are big.  Hey, it's kind of a big deal you were born and you've made it this long!  So, I had a countdown for him.  This morning he woke up to an overly cheerful wife saying "Happy Birthday!".  Of course I wanted him to open my presents, but no no he wanted to wait until after I get home from work.  Dang!  Probably only Drew knows this about me, but I am horrible at holding a present.  As soon as I buy it I want to give it!  I explained to Drew it's not that I don't have patience, it's that I just can't wait to make people happy with the perfect present I picked out.  Ha!  So, as soon as I get home it's present time!  I also have tried to train Drew that you're supposed to get an official birthday dinner.  Where ever you want when ever you want.  Well he chose Fox Bros. BBQ with a few friends.  Maybe I've at least got him on that train.  I've told him this is it, the last birthday without little kiddies around.  Enjoy it!  I feel like we should stay up late, drink and go crazy, but I know in reality I can't drink and I'll be asleep by 10.  Party pooper!  So, happy birthday Drew!  I am very happy you were born today and that I have had the honor of knowing you for almost 9 years!

We're going for a record here.

Well, I went to the doc yesterday unexpectedly.  Don't worry, everything's fine we just had to double check.  Apparently this heat can do crazy things to a girl!  While we were there the doc wanted to do another ultrasound.  Another ultrasound...perfect!  (As I jump up and down on the exam table).  Ok, heart, brain, yada yada yada.  Wait how much does this little heifer way?  3 lbs. 5 oz?  Are you sure because I'm supposed to still have about 11 1/2 weeks left.  Yep.  Oh and what is that?  Hair!  That's right you could see little fuzz hair already.   So I figure the baby is supposed to gain 1 lb. a week during the last month, which if we stopped now that would make him 7 lbs.   The funny thing is I have about 7 weeks before I even hit the last month!  Apparently Jackson has decided to go for the biggest baby ever!  Don't get me wrong, I want a fat baby.  They sleep better, they eat better all that good stuff but please for the love let's at least keep it under 11 lbs.!  I was 10 lbs. and Drew was 8 lbs. and something, so who knows what Jackson will make his entrance at!  The good thing is for now more than 3 lbs. of my "weight gain" is not really me at all!  So, take another bite of that ice cream and enjoy!

Who's is this?!

We ordered most of our furniture a couple of weeks ago and it has already come in.  So early!  In fact, I'm slightly freaked out now.  What was a messy, unused office full of Drew's random books is now what seems to be a baby room.  Duke had high hopes for a while that we just added a rug for him to lay on, but now he's officially scared I think.  As soon as he saw the mini bed he went to the back and has hardly resurfaced.  He better make room for me because I think I may join him! 

I do LOVE what we have set up for Jackson's room, but come on who made me adult enough to be a parent?  I know why God made women pregnant for 40 weeks.  At first you're in denial.  Then you warm up to the idea.  Next you feel the baby kick, sweet.  Now the baby gets big enough to where you can not only feel him kick but you can feel him shift around.  And lastly, according to friends, is just uncomfortable.  I've officially entered my 3rd trimester, so I'm assuming that last stage is coming my way.  So far, I've had just about the easiest pregnancy ever.  I'm hoping and praying that I keep that going. 

Jackson's room is pretty much looking like what I dreamed of. It's not finished yet. We have some odds and ends to get and some stuff to still move out, but for the most part I can see what it will look like and I must say I'm excited about it.

Here are some pictures of Jackson's room in the making.  Also some pics of a beach trip we went on with Brian, Gina, Luke, Big Daddy and Yaya for Father's Day.

This is the dresser with cute little yellow and brass pulls I got from Anthropologie.  You can also see part of the rug.

This is my glider (thanks Pops) and my pretty yellow lamp.  We're looking for a side table for the lamp.

And my dream bed (thanks mom).  Good neutral colors but doesn't look too much like a baby.  Love.

Dinner at Great Southern.

Our amazing new pants.

Love Seaside. 

and...I'm done!

How is it that when I'm healthy and not pregnant I don't get in a wreck for 8 years, but as soon as I get pregnant I get in 2 wrecks in a month?!  That's right I've been hit again.  Stopped at a red light behind Drew and wham...hit from behind.  Really?  It's a red light.  What about me being stopped surprised you?  So I motion to Drew and we all 3 pull over.  The guy was acting really shady.  Hey, obviously I'm pregnant and you're not going to ask if I'm ok or that you're sorry.  Whatever it's cool my husband/lawyer will just grill you within one inch of your life.  Luckily when the cop came the guy stuck to his story about it being his fault.  "I guess I just didn't stop in time".  Ya think?  Oh wait, it can't be that clean though.  "License and proof of insurance".  What you don't have a license?  Really?  He said he left it in his wallet at the house.  Oh, but where is his house?  Who knows?  Not him.  He said about 7 numbers and I think I heard a niner in there.  So, I'm hoping the dingy piece of paper he brought out for insurance is legit.  Until we know I would like to apologize for making Drew drive around a torn up car and also to the people that may see his car.  It's not that we're too broke to fix it or that we decided to use our money on KFC, just please be patient.  For those that have seen me and our cars please be honest.  Do I have a sign that says "I'm pregnant and I love being hit"?  If not, then please learn the rules of red lights.  Both people that hit me obviously missed that lesson.  So, if it's red STOP and if you don't have a green arrow don't just turn without looking.  Poor little Jackson's never going to want to get in the car with me!

Oh no...

As many of you know I am a big fan of the Rick & Bubba show out of Birmingham and even though Atlanta doesn't carry it you can listen online.  I have heard many pregnant women call in and get baby predictions, which R&B say they have a 97% success rate.  Ever since I got pregnant I've been wanting to call in, but you have to be at least 6 months along before they'll talk to you and even then they don't do them often.  Well, today was the day.  I'm 25 weeks (6 months and 1 week) along.  I was sitting at work listening when I hear the phone troll start (when they take random calls).  I called and waited and waited...dang I didn't get picked.  Oh well, maybe next time.  I went on working and hear another phone troll start just 10 minutes before the show ends.  It's my chance!  I called back and the intern told me they didn't have time and to email Speedy to figure out a time.  As I'm hanging up I hear them call my name to answer my call.  What the?!  Silly intern!  So of course I immediately call back and they pick up!  Baby prediction time!  They asked all about what Drew did and his hobbies, if I have a 'stache now and what I would rather have between icecream or chips.  After all the questions they said they hope I have alot of pink paint.   Pink paint?  What?  Why would a boy's room have pink paint?  I told them the doc said boy and they laughed and said the docs were the ones that used to put leeches on people!  Good point.  Then I got in trouble for painting before I talked to them.  They told me to let them know how SHE comes out.  I mean it would effect their success rate!  So, either the ultrasound tech is seeing things or it is a girl.  Who knows, but it is a 50/50 shot.  I'll just have to keep the receipt for everything just in case!

A little sun

Oh, I love the beach! We just got back from being down there for a week and 2 days. So fun! We started with a long weekend with the fam and then met friends for the rest of week. Luckily we beat the oil and had incredible weather for most of the time. Drew and I know the time is coming where we won't be able to go without worrying about a baby, so we really enjoyed it. Everything was normal, except I decided I may have looked like a beached whale. I didn't think it was too bad until I was slapped with reality. I would like to thank Becky for taking that picture that opened my eyes. Oh well, I might as well enjoy it while I can. So, after the vaca I have decided there are now reasons why I love the beach and why the beach can be depressing if you have an ever-growing belly.


Reasons why I love the beach!


5. Drew answers by all kind of nicknames
4. Getting away from work for a week!
3. Going to Modica Market for breakfast
2. Hanging out with family and friends
1. Feeling sand in my toes and getting sun


Why the beach was slightly depressing...


5. Getting killed by hard waves and eating sand
4. Getting sand stuck in place I didn't know I had.
3. Realizing my stomach hangs out of a tankini.
2. Having to dig a hole in the sand to lay on my stomach
1. Realizing I'm acting like a fat kid

The longest ride to prom ever...

It all happened a week ago Friday. I was downtown by myself taking a friend to her hotel and was on my way home when bam! A car nails me. Really? All I saw was smoke and liquids coming from their car. I jumped out and realize these 3 kids were all dressed up in prom clothes. Luckily it wasn't my fault because they didn't have a green turn light, but decided to turn anyway. I call Drew and the cops come. As soon as Drew gets there he goes into lawyer mode. "Don't talk to the cops if it was your fault" (he didn't know). Then he preceded to make sure the high schoolers weren't drunk. All I could think about was Jackson. Just imagine having to call your dad and telling him not only did you get in a wreck, but it was your fault and you hit a pregnant woman and her husband is a lawyer. Worst nightmare ever! We got everything figured out with insurance and realize these kids are stranded. They were trying to call their friends who were already at the prom, but couldn't get anyone. So, in the back of the Honda they went. The driver did drive his wrecked car behind us, don't ask me how that thing even rolled. We drove them 1/2 mile down the road and off they went to their Senior Prom. Who knows how they got home to Clayton county, but we had done our job. I felt like such a parent taking my teenager to prom, who knew he was going to get a whoopin' when he got home. When we made it home Jackson still hadn't kicked since the wreck. Oh, there it is...a kick to the bladder! Whew! So relieved!


Luckily, I knew I had an OB appointment and an ultrasound a week from the wreck so I felt better about seeing Jackson. So, from the appointment we have new pictures that are great (no, I'm not biased). Everything looked great! We were able to see a close up of his nose and mouth. The nurse said his nose looked like a good mix of both. I think she knew I would cry if she said he looked just like Drew. No offense to the most handsome hubby ever, but I like a good mix and match (Drew knows that better than anyone)! He is definitely a boy and was just a movin' and hasn't stopped since. That may be the last time we see him until he makes is appearance. So, see you in 17 weeks!

Hello?

Little Jackson has kicked his dad for the first time! I've learned that he always moves around bedtime, so last Thursday I called Drew over to see if he could feel it. After a little coaxing and Drew trying to wake him up, Jackson gave a pretty big one and Drew was able to feel it! Now that I know that's what I'm feeling I know that Jackson kicked for the first time at the Auburn A-Day game a few weeks ago. I thought that is what it might've been and my mom said definitely, but I was't sure. Jackson cheered for the first time! We knew we would brainwash him to be an Auburn fan, but it looks like we won't have to. Some people are just born a genius! I am so happy to finally be feeling him so I know this belly is not just a gut. So everyday at lunch time and bedtime I get little reminders that I have a little one that I am dying to meet.

Decision made!

After going through a book of 100,001 names we have decided! We narrowed it down to 2 names quickly because I dated a guy with that name, or that guy was weird. I was afraid that we would have a hard time because I love pretty names (Drew would say hippy) and Drew likes classic names that somehow end up with a political background. So we have decided on Jackson Doyle! So cute! Jackson made both of us happy because it's not a name you hear everyday, but Drew immediately went to Stonewall...whatever. Doyle came from Drew's Bible study leader from college that he is still close to named Dr. Doyle. Doyle made me very happy because it is so unusual and strong. We have tried to think of any nickname that would get him beat up and have chosen a few friends and family members to do the same. We couldn't think of anything and I know if anybody could it would be us. Love it! My mom told me that in Scottish Jackson means God has been gracious, God has shown favor. Pretty cool since Anna means gracious, full of grace. So true that God has been gracious to us with little Jackson! Now, if we can keep him from taking after his parent's crazy days!

Carbs, carbs and more carbs!

What is about being pregnant that makes people go crazy for carbs? I thought it was all an excuse to eat more, but now my eyes have been opened to how good carbs really are. Whether it's Sonic tots, mashed potatoes, chips, fries, bread, whatever bring it on. At first I thought I was crazy until a few of my friends told me they did the same thing when they were pregnant. And it apparently has nothing to do with what you are having, since some of these friends had girls. Is it the yummy potato taste? The saltiness of fries? The butter of potatoes? The crunch of perfectly made garlic toast? Or just the sheer loveliness of the carb? Whatever it is it is wonderful! I've never doubted that God knew what He was doing when He invented different foods, but come on give Him some credit for the carb! Dang genius!

Drumroll please...

We're having a boy! We went to the doctor yesterday to do the down syndrome test and the doctor asked if I had any questions. I asked when we could make the appointment to find out the gender. After she found out exactly how far along I was she said they might be able to work us in. We didn't get our hopes up until she came back in 2 seconds and said "Let's go, they can take you now!" What?! So as we sat in the ultrasound waiting room I was so nervous! I asked Drew now that the time was here what he thought we were having and he said a girl. When we went back they looked at everything else first. Yes, I'm glad there are 4 chambers to the heart, 2 sides of the brain, working kidneys, but come on! Finally the truth was revealed! Drew saw it before the nurse told us. I didn't see what they were looking at, but how do you know what you're seeing in those things anyway? Right after we saw what we needed to see baby boy decided to move around and we couldn't see anything. The nurse said he was being difficult, but I like to think he is just modest. Please Lord don't let us have a difficult child! Either way we are excited! Drew breathed a sigh of relief that he didn't have to learn how to raise a girl and I officially started freaking out about raising a boy. As we were leaving we were talking about the whole thing and how everyone thought we were having a girl (except Brady and Katie). I reminded Drew that for the past few weeks I had been saying I thought we were having a boy. I didn't know if it was because everyone said girl or if I had that mother's intuition (I'm going with the second). We are so excited! We looked at names last night and luckily we are both picky so we don't have many we like. We won't keep it a secret, but we're not decided. So, say hello to little baby boy.

(That is his foot by his head, apparently he kicked himself in the head. Already clumsy, sorry!)

Thank you one and all...

It all started months ago when Luke was born. I was in B. Braithwaite and saw the most beautiful bedding a baby could dream of. I was in love until I looked at the price tag. Dang. I secretly held on to that dream and went out looking for cheaper bedding, but nothing stacked up. A good gender neutral bed is hard to find. No, I don't want purple. No, I don't want Mickey Mouse and no I don't want my child to be scarred by random zoo animals. I showed my mom the bedding about 10 weeks ago and she loved it too. She had told me she wanted to buy our baby crib, which we were very excited about, but I still had the task of finding something to go in it. As I searched and searched and tossed and turned nothing impressive came up. Then I was talking to Penn one day and she said that when she said baby crib she meant the bedding too! Wahoo! I was not about to ask her to buy that expensive dream, but it was still great news. I tried to forget about the bedding and start with a clean slate, but it didn't work. Suddenly, a glimmer of hope. Last week we went to the Braves game for Katie Clark's birthday. Katie and Becky had gone to the Mart earlier in the week in search of Katie's crib. As we were talking somehow it came out that a store in the Mart sold my dream bedding and you could buy it without a store license! I was so excited! I told my mom about this potential deal and she said she was going to buy it full price. What are you, crazy? I guess you do crazy things for your kids. Anyway, I called the store in the Mart and it was true they had it and they would sell it to me! So, I got my dream bedding and saved $150! Meet my bedding, Serena and Lily -Cameron. I can finally sleep! Thank you!

It's magic!

How is it that I'm a semi-grown woman and nothing excites me more than to see that clock hit 2:45pm? That is my official snack time. It's sad really that I countdown the hours until then and when that magical number appears on my clock it has the power to take away any bad day, any drama, any feeling tired, it's a miracle! I throw my hands up and want to yell I'm so excited! It may also be due to that fact that I drink my 1 caffeinated drink then. I have learned if I drink it any earlier I will pull a Costanza, hide under my desk with my secret bed and take a little nap. So, as I walked downstairs (for the millionth time today) I glanced down at my watch and low and behold it was time. My day is great! The weather is perfect! The weekend is quickly approaching and I have a Coke! Yes sir, life can't get any better!

The perfect man

Well, I'm am about to do something I've wanted to do since Brady had Sanders 1 year ago...buy a Bob! He's the perfect man. He's quite, smooth, lightweight, dark, handsome and he never tells you he's tired of walking. REI is having a sale for the members and I get 20% off (or Drew does and he's letting me use it). The Bob only goes on sale once, maybe twice a year and so now's the time. You may be thinking this is a little early, but when is it too early for a date with Bob? I may just pack Duke in it and go out for a stroll. That may be the death of Bob though. I am so excited to go out and get the Bob! I've heard so many rave reviews and have pushed one many times. So, yes Caroline, Brady and Gina I'm joining the club. Thank you for making me a rabid

Bob fan!

A nice surprise!

Sometimes on Sunday mornings we will show a short video on different things. I was told that I was going to be able to go to a video shoot yesterday to interview the women at a pregnancy center. I was so excited to be involved in that part of it! I did not think that one of the guys I work with had a hidden agenda. When we arrived we were talking about what shots we wanted to get and who would be interviewed. When the ladies found out that I was almost 14 weeks pregnant they all looked at each other and smiled and then told me "the best time for a sonogram is at 14 weeks". I told them I was not scheduled for another one until 20 weeks. Then my co-worker walks up and said that the pregnancy center had an ultrasound machine and he was hoping that I would do it so that we could have a live shot of a baby on the monitor. Well, twist my arm! My dream of being Katie Holmes has come true! So, I hopped up there and off they went. We were able to see a little nose and a mouth, two arms and two legs. He/she even turned and looked at us for a second! It was wild! Everyone said how beautiful he/she was and how healthy he/she looked. What do they expect from the Ashby's anyway? The ladies that work there said that this is the best time because the baby is big enough to fill up the screen and is so well developed. So when the video is shown in church, probably in June, little baby will be famous! Not only did they print out pictures for me, they let me take my iPhone and tape the loop they made, so here it is. Grandparents, it's time to go crazy!

A taste of the other side...

So, we read that the baby is now 3" long and is pretty much done forming now he/she needs to put on some lbs. I had no idea that 3" could take up so much space and need so much room! For these 13 weeks I have been so lucky not to have had morning sickness or even felt queasy. Well, I have been home today sick for the first time. Unfortunately Duke hasn't felt good for the last couple of days, so we've been asleep on the couch all day. I told Drew this morning that this was the sick couch, kind of like the sick waiting room at the doctor's office except a whole lot more comfortable. So, I've had a 110 lb. dog snuggling with me/trying to push me off the couch all day. If I have to be sick the best way to spend the day is on the couch in and out of consciousness with the laziest dog ever. Even though we have determined that I just had a bug I can not imagine being sick everyday for 3 months or 9 months! I have realized today just how blessed I am to have felt great. I now have a lot more respect for my friends that were sick (especially Caroline)!

I go back for my 4 week check up next Tuesday and I am so excited! I am feeling a little bit like Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes because I want a sonogram every time so I can actually see him/her, not just hear the heartbeat. I guess people thought they were/still are crazy, so maybe it's not a good idea to invest in a sonogram machine. I guess I'll stop jumping on the couch and wait for the next one at 20 weeks. For now enjoy this picture from 6 1/2 weeks.

Habla Espanol?

We've made it to 12 1/2 weeks now and I have only felt semi-bad one day! It's a miracle that I have not had any migraines yet, even though this gross weather is starting to play games with me. I am very happy to feel so good and so hungry!

I work with 3 guys at Apostles and we always go to La Parilla once a week. Well, today was the day and when we left my stomach had grown so much because of that yummy queso! The guys were laughing at me because of all that I ate. So what if I had an enchilada, taco, rice, chips, salsa and queso? Doesn't the baby need to eat too? I've been eating so much Mexican food, this baby may have a Mexican accent!

For those of you who haven't heard www.babycenter.com is such a good website for learning about what's going on. According to babycenter.com the little baby is 2" now, the size of a lime, but somehow has made my stomach grow a lot bigger than that! The website says that the big deal this week is reflexes. So he/she can clench their fists and curl their toes and even grimace! Hilarious to think if I do something not preferable he/she can grimace over it!