Well, what can I say, this past year has been full of surprises, and today’s post is no exception.
I’m having a baby!
I’ll keep this short and sweet today. There will be much more to share weekly as we go along!
I would have gushed the story earlier, but honestly I did not even know myself! I basically went from zero to 3 months overnight! …Talk about wrapping your brain around something! I went through tons of emotions, but finally came back around to the simple fact that there are no accidents. Within a week after finding out the news, I realized that my whole life and especially the past few years have been preparing me for what is supposed to happen.
I am beyond thankful that I have been living a plant based lifestyle. This pregnancy will be a new and awesome experience in my vegan journey. I want to nourish my body and my little being with all the goodness from mother nature. (So far the baby and I are obsessed with watermelon and sautéed spinach…but not eaten together! Lol!)
I tend to keep parts of my life a bit private, but as I go along, I slowly open up more about my personal life. Obviously I cannot keep this pregnancy a secret, nor do I want to. I am elated to be sharing with you such a beautiful part of my personal journey.
As I write this today, we are at the finale of week 12!
In week 12, the baby is the size of a large plum.
What a cute little fruit baby! This is a landmark week during pregnancy as all of the baby’s body systems and vital organs are fully formed. It is such a surreal feeling to know that all this magic is happening inside of me!
At this point I don’t know anything about babies or being a mom, although I have lots of books on order and I’ve signed up for mommy classes! Breastfeeding classes? Yep! Pregnancy yoga? Yes please!
I can’t wait to start sharing this journey with you!! Eeekkk….so excited!
26 comments
Congratulations Ashley! You are such a beautiful person with an amazing energy. You have inspired me so much and I know that your little one is going to be surrounded with happiness and love. I am just so happy for you mama❤
Hi Rachele! Thank you SO SO much! Your words are so kind and they make me smile; thank you. XOXOXO!
Yay! Im so excited for you, and these pictures are beautiful! Can’t wait to see your progress! Congrats!
Hi sweetness! Thank you for your kinds words! So excited! XOXOXO, Ashley.
We are so excited for you both! I
Can’t wait to watch the growth of this bundle! Yay!!
I am so happy to have you as my friend and having you in the baby’s life! You are incredible! Thank you and LOVE YOU!
Ashley!!! You’re going to be such a wonderful mother!!! And don’t worry, none of us know what we’re doing! But thats the beauty in life, just wingin it and enjoying the flight! enjoy this new chapter and adventure! I can’t wait to meet your adorable lil one <3
If you ever want to chat, i am always here for you! May God bless you and your precious new life!
Thank you Melanie, that means so much! I am nervous and excited, but I’m super happy! You are so kind, and YES, I will need to have mommy chats with you!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU! ❤❤❤❤ Congratulations!
Yay, thank you!!!!
Congratulations!!!! So so so happy for you both. Can’t wait to see that little plum of yours!
hehehe thank you Victoria! 🙂
Ashley!!!!!
I am so happy and excited for you!
Congrats to you and your guy!!
You’re gonna be a great momma! Sending you love & light on this new journey!
xoxo
Melodee!! Thank you sunshine! You are amazing and wonderful; thank you for your support!
Love. Life. Family.
Yes, and I love you! 🙂
What amazing news, whether expected or not! I am a mom to three beautiful boys, my first one after a 4 year struggle with fertility, the second one a huge surprise when I was only 5 months post partum, and the third an “oops” baby 3 years later after trying NOT to get pregnant…so I have been through it all! It takes time to wrap your head around this all and I am here to tell you that you will never be prepared for this amazing journey, so now or later it doesn’t matter! My number three who was not planned is the most wonderful baby ever. He is just one now and I couldn’t be happier he entered our lives (although it too took me time to wrap my head around it since I only wanted two kids). You look amazing and will love this roller coaster you are about to ride. My biggest piece of advice is: just go with it. Don’t stress about what everyone tells you is wrong or right, listen to your gut and do what works for you. There are a LOT of opinions in the mommy world, lots of judgment too, but you are the mom and you will know what’s best for you. Find some non judgmental mom friends, let them be part of the ups and downs (and there are plenty of both) and enjoy life! Oh, and FYI it is totally normal to feel crazy after you give birth. It takes a good year until you finally feel like yourself again! Best of luck!!
Hi Sophia! Oh my, you really have been through it all! 🙂 Thank you so much for your advice. Yes, I have heard that there are LOTS of opinions in the mommy world, but I agree, we just have to do what feels right for ourselves. Also, thank you for letting me know that it’s ok if I’m crazy after the baby, at least I somewhat know how to prepare…or maybe how to prepare those around me haha! XOXOXO!
Hi Ashley! I am a 22 year old mommy to two beautiful children. My oldest is 4 and my youngest is a year old. Being a mother is wonderful in so many ways! Congratulations! Can’t wait to follow you on your road to motherhood 🙂
Hi Tessa! That is so wonderful to hear! I’m excited; thank you!! I can’t wait to share the journey!
Congratulations you two! the baby is lucky to have you both as parents!! sending you lots of love and happiness <3
Thank you so much Sundara! We are so thrilled! 🙂
Congratulations!
Shane is an friend of mine since highschool:) I am thrilled for the two of you and this journey he has choosen with you. I am more than sure his parents are in love with you and over the moon to be grandparents!
I’m a mom of 4 ages 9,8,4, and 4 1/2 months. You’ve got it down, food, and natural you are already set up for success.
Best tips: I went natural last baby best experience of my life, here in Dallas at a birthing center. Wish I did it with all 4 but I wasn’t open at the time and wish I had been.
Don’t stress about all the opinions.
Breadtfeeding hurts if you don’t get help on how to do it right! Lol!
Take child birth classes together, you’ll love it, bond .
Baby whisper was my favorite book I read that helped me que into how to find my own inner knowledge with my babies.
“It’s just my nature,”was a book that has helped me with learning my children’s language.
Essential oils for everything! No need to buy toxic products you can easily make, that are safe.
Set up after birth new born photo shoot 1 month before your due. These pictures are amazing! We did in our home at ease and it was amazing!
Take a few trips and a baby moon before babe arrives.
Oh get food brought in 3 weeks after baby arrival… You have plenty of people to call on for the goodness. It helps to jot have to think about it so you can just feed eat and sleep… You and baby.
Drink water lots of it after baby.
Fennel for milk production
Sometimes when your pregnant you don’t act like your self. (?)
After all this, take what you like and discard the rest… Love love and lots of love to your baby most of all.
Hi Tracy! Thank you so much for all these incredible tips! I will definitely be looking back through these. You are so sweet for taking the time to message and leave all this valuable information. XOXOXO!
Congratulations to you and Shane! I can’t wait to meet this cute vegan baby. And you are Ashley the most beautiful mama to be. Lots of love for you guys ❤️?
Aleksandra
I love you Aleksandra! Thank you so much! You are going to be the greatest vegan auntie ever!