Ellie May's Birth Story

Ellie May's Birth Story

It was about 10:00 as I was watching all of my TGIT favourites. I started getting some painful contractions, nothing crazy but definitely painful. I finished my shows and let Matt know what was going on. I tried to go to sleep but was too uncomfortable so I got in the tub. I started texting my sister Jacie because I know she's a night owl and would still be up. She told me to download an app and start timing my contractions they were anywhere from 9- 2.5 min apart she told me I had better call my mom just incase since my mom is an hour away. I didn't know what to expect for early labour because with Lane I was induced! So I called my mom and paced my house timing my contractions for a good hour. They seemed pretty consistent but I was sure if this was "IT" my mom got here at 2 am and we went up to the hospital I was put on the monitor and assessed by the doctor and she told me it seemed like I was in early labour but was only 2 cm dilated. So back home we went to try to get some sleep I didn't get much because I was still on and off contracting but tried to rest anyways. My whole week had kind of been like this so I honestly didn't even think I was in labour. I kept telling myself not to get my hopes up. My mom took Lane home with her for the day and I prepped for my girl friends shower I was supposed to be throwing the next day (luckily I did this) my contractions never really went away but I never felt like they were getting any worse. I bounced on that dang yoga ball, walked around my house, got in the tub, ate pineapple... the list goes on, I decided to just get ready for the day because I probably wasn't having a baby today. So I put on my makeup and curled my hair and then headed down to finish up my shower prep for the next day, and then as I was making sand which roll ups for the I suddenly felt like it was harder for me to breathe. They were getting stronger so I told Matt we better go get checked out just incase. We headed up there at about 2:30 pm. I remember walking into the hospital and getting some "looks" ya know the ya right like that girl is in labour kind of looks lol. So the nurse had me put a gown on and came in to assess me. I remember thinking please at least be three cm! I have to be getting somewhere. Then she says oh Ya your 8 cm! I was shocked ok great! Can I still get the epidural?! Haha that's all I was thinking get that needle in me before I have to push! Right away Dr. Gelber was in there giving me the epideral, they assessed me and then broke my water boom contractions on top of contractions

I was breathing through my contractions and pushing that epidural button as many times as I possibly could. The nurse very politely informed me it was on a timer and I could 

only get more every 30 min but if it was therapeutic to keep pushing it! Haha my contractions were strong and I just had to focus on my breathing, my amazing hubby rubbed my back through every contraction and was the support I needed to get through it! Before I knew it the doctors were in there and it was push time so I gave that epidural one last 

push and hoped for the best! I gave one push and the doctors stopped me. she was coming! They got all of there equipment out and ready and no word of a lie next push she was here! In my arms

Ellie May Smith born at 5:40 on Friday April 28 2017. 6 lbs 13 ounces and 20 inches long. So perfect she let out one adorable little scream and then just looked up at me and was so alert. Oh man love at first sight that perfect little Angel had mom and dad wrapped around her little finger already! That is the most spiritual, amazing feeling having that baby on your chest after carrying her for over 9 months and then her finally being there in your arms, so perfect, so beautiful It's such a miracle, the most beautiful thing I have ever done, and lucky me I got to do it twice with two healthy beautiful perfect babies! My heart is so full and we are loving the new dynamic she has brought to our family. 

A special thank you to my amazing best friend Kelsey Livingston for capturing these beautiful moments. And for being a part of one of the best days of my life!! 😘 go check out her photos she is amazing! 

Get Out...... please!!

Hell hath no fury like a pregnant woman in her last few weeks of pregnancy!! Oh my gosh!! JUST GET OUT ALREADY!!! I swear I have been pregnant for eight bajillion years!! And to the reader who's thinking "they come when they come just be patient and enjoy it." You my friend can keep that commentary to yourself!!! Lol I am so ready to meet my little girl. And selfishly to have my body back! And by this I don't mean abs I mean just not have to harbour a human anymore!!! Lol I feel like I've tried just about anything and everything and read just about anything and everything I can find about naturally inducing labour. And as crazy as I may look or sound I'll keep on doing/ trying them till something works!! Yup I've bounced on my ball, ate spicy foods, ate my weight in pineapple, curb walked, worked out, yoga, baths, you name it I've probably done it today! Lol I feel crazy but I honestly just can't stop. I feel like I have everything ready for her to be here. I have been contracting since Sunday. I had a minor panic attack on Sunday when I got in the tub and couldn't feel her moving! Usually she moves around a lot when I get in the tub so I got out and laid on my side, still nothing! I was pushing on my stomach and patting, still nothing. I made a hysterical phone call to my amazing sister in law who is a labour and delivery nurse and she calmed me down and told me to go get checked. So I did! They did a stress test and everything was great she started to move around like crazy thank goodness! What a relief! The nurse said my contentions were pretty consistent and that she wouldn't he surprised if I was going into labour!! Yay but so far no such luck! Still contracting but nothing has worsened! I'm trying to be patient but let's be honest if you've ever been pregnant you KNOW the state of mind your in at the end! So I don't lie I'll keep on keeping on and do anything and everything I can to safely get her here!! Hopefully my next post will be about her delivery!!! Xoxo 

Baby-moon

Baby-moon

I highly suggest taking a baby-moon before you have a baby! Especially if it's not your first! I loved getting to spend one on one time with my hubby reconnecting and enjoying each other's company before this sweet baby girl comes.

I was honestly dreading packing for Vegas at 34 weeks pregnant I felt like a whale in every single thing I tried on! I ended up narrowing it down and tried to be ok with the fact that I wasn't going to feel overly pretty in Vegas! I honestly could not have been more wrong. Never have I got so many congratulations and people stopping to tell me how beautiful and great I looked. So thank you Vegas for boosting this pregnant mommas ego! It was pretty amazing that complete strangers would smile and come to talk to me about my pregnancy. It really opened my eyes to how one little comment and compliment can make your day!



We got lots of Cardio in this trip! We took the stairs every time and yes I got looked at like I was crazy!! Lol I loved exploring the strip hand in hand with Matt. We didn't have much planned other than BRITNEY!! And oh my gosh she did not disappoint! I was in absolute heaven and will never ever forget that experience. My hubby is THE best. It was so nice just relaxing, walking around, trying new restaurants, shopping and taking it all in. One of my favourite things to do is people watch and I can honestly say Vegas is hands down the best place for this. If you haven't been you should go! It's unreal, almost like it's own little world!




I honestly don't think I could have gone longer than 3 nights 4 days! We both missed Lane SO much! We found ourselves thinking about what Lane would do or say if he were there. He is seriously such a character and always keeps us on our toes. One of my favourite things he has been saying lately is "bet you didn't see that coming!" Pretty sure he got that from his dad! We love that little monkey so much and as I'm writing this we are on our flight from salt lake to Great Falls and I can hardly wait to hug Lane, I think I might cry lol I'll blame that on the pregnancy hormones!!


I am starting to get anxious now about this sweet girl coming! I'm so excited and so nervous! I worry about finding balance but I know I can, it will just take time. I'm so excited for Lane to be a big brother and to see their relationship grow. A friend told me this quote "the best thing you can do for a child is give them a sibling" and I think of the love and friendship I share with my siblings and I know it is SO true. My siblings are truly my best friends and I do not know where I would be, or what I would do without them!

I'm feeling very refreshed from our getaway and I'm excited to get home and get ready for this babe. Feeling so extremely loved and blessed! Life is so beautiful. Xo

Ashylla

Mom

Mom

A three letter word that I never knew held such purpose. The quicker time goes by the more excited and nervous this MOM gets.

I have absolutely loved these three years with Lane. We have this indescribable bond and love that I will never take for granted. It's been hard and it's been great. Messy and perfect. Lots of laughs and tears and learning for the both of us.

I lay awake at night and worry that my bond with Lane is going to somehow be weakened by the arrival of his baby sister. I never want him to feel second best, or put on the back burner. I don't know how I'm going to do it and adjust but I know I will do it with love. I will do my very best and I will always try to take the time to make them both feel loved, and special and to always remember that I am enough.

Us moms tend to think we need to be "perfect" but our kids don't need us to be perfect, they need us to love them, to teach them to be present and to be our best so they can be their very best.

I have 8 weeks left until our family will grow by one beautiful baby girl. I am trying to cherish these last weeks just me and Lane! He has decided he's too cool for naps now which has been hard on this 32 week prego momma, but we are adapting and I'm enjoying making him a part of my "me" time. He loves joining in on my workouts and he loves helping me prep and cook supper. Some days (most days) it would be 100% easier to get a good workout in by myself and to cook supper by myself but I'm learning patience, and I love the fact that he wants to be just like mom and help out.

I've been told by my massage therapist that I shouldn't be picking Lane up anymore... I guess 37lbs is a bit much for a mom in her third trimester but it's been so hard! Soon I really won't be able to pick him up, and soon he won't want me to! I've just started to sit and hold him (when he will let me!) lately he has been non stop wanting to race, play fight, nerf war, and play ninja turtles! I'm lucky if we get a few "breaks" during the day. when 8 o'clock bed time rolls around we are all ready for bed!!

I'm SO excited for Lane to become a big brother! I know the transition will take some time but I'm so excited to watch them learn and grow together.

I am so thankful for this beautiful life Matt and I have worked hard for and created together! I'm so thankful for that handsome hubby of mine! He works so incredibly hard to provide for our family! And then after a long day comes home and plays with Lane while mommy takes a break. He always knows when I need a good hug, back rub, coffee or a bubble bath. He is the best husband and daddy and I'm so thankful for him!! There is no one else I'd rather live this crazy bra life with!

As much as I hope these 8 weeks fly by so I don't have to be pregnant anymore and so I can hold this sweet baby girl in my arms. I also hope to truly enjoy and cherish these weeks as a family of 3! Being a mom has truly completed me and I am so very excited and maybe a bit nervous to become a mom of two! Life is beautiful when you do what you love. Xoxo

The best 3 years 💙

My whole life changed in a instant 3 years ago today. I will never forget the moment I held my sweet Lane in my arms for the very first time. True love at first sight! We have both learned so much these past three years and grown in so many ways. Being a mom is my absolute favourite thing and I will forever be grateful for the privilege of being Lanes mommy! My heart is so full as I write this blog post. I'm so thankful for my beautiful family and for their love. Motherhood is not easy, nor should it be! It is a gift and it truly completes me. It has taught me great patience, the importance of deep breathes, coffee and a good glass of wine (only 10 more weeks ppl 😜) I have changed and grown up and become a person I am proud to be. It's been three years of self discovery and learning to love myself and my family and learning to always put "us" first and I can hardly wait to add to our family and keep living this truly beautiful life we have created together!

We celebrated Lanes bday with my fam on Saturday before my parents left for Arizona! Here are a few highlights of that day

Today we woke up I made Lane his fav breaky "Cheesey eggs" while he played with his new TMNT sewer layer we are breakfast and chatted about what he wanted to do for his birthday. We played some turtles, snuck in a workout and then we got ready and went swimming. Lane is such a fish he loves the water! We enjoyed some lunch and I just layed him down for a nap. He fights me on them daily but he still needs them and I don't mind getting to snuggle him to sleep! 💙 tonight we are having the Yanke's over for pizza Lanes favourite and enjoying some more birthday fun!

On Saturday we are heading to wear m out to continue the celebrations with Lanes friends! Then Sunday we are going out to Nana's for another party ( holy parties I know!) Lane doesn't mind he loves getting a birthday week!

I am 30 weeks pregnant today!! So crazy only 10 more weeks till we meet our baby girl!! We are all so so excited!!

So much on this mom brain lately! I'm realizing how quickly my due date is approaching and how much more on top of things I was with Lane than I am now. Haha I need to finish the nursery, start thinking about my hospital bag, start getting all the "supplies" for post pregnancy! This is what I fear the most not birth! I'm excited for birth it's the after math of my body that I dread.... I'm trying not to think about it, because it's all coming back to me annnnd I'm a bit terrified lol good thing babies are so worth it!! I also am trying to get my post baby wardrobe sorted out! Nursing friendly, comfy but not frumpy.... you know all those important things! Haha sleeping has become even more of an issue I can't get comfortable and I cannot shut this mom brain off!! Things at the Smith house are great I am slowly but surely getting everything ready and prepared for the babe and enjoying and cherishing Lane and mine one on one time while we still have it!! I hope your all having a fantastic week!! Xoxo 😘

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day 💕

And I Choose you, in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality. I'd find you, and I'd choose you.

I have always loved celebrating! Birthdays, anniversaries, all holidays really any excuse to celebrate this beautiful life! I love making people feel special, picking out gifts, writing in cards, planning parties! All of it! I get it from my amazing mom. She was always so good at making every occasion special and making every holiday fun. If you ever drive past her house she will have decorations for all the holidays, seasons and birthdays. She knows how to celebrate life and how to make the special occasions fun! Thanks mom for passing that love on to me 💕

It is Matt and I's 9th Valentine's Day together! He is always very thoughtful and makes the extra effort to make me feel loved. Since having Lane we have made Valentine's Day more of a family occasion! We usually stay home cook steaks, exchange gifts and enjoy the night as a family! Lane and I are going to decorate the house V Day style to surprise dad when he gets home for work! This year I made him a "man bouquet" full of all of his favourite things! I had lots of fun making it.

I find any occasion or holiday now a days can have so much negative feedback on social media. It makes me sad. Why can't we all just enjoy and celebrate this beautiful life. I get that not everyone is going to enjoy Valentine's Day, especially if they are unhappy in a relationship or single but instead of focusing on that, treat yourself! Get some girl friends together and go for supper, treat yourself to a pedicure, do something to make the day great. Self love is so important.

I'm a firm believer in positive thinking and choosing to see the good. Trust me I have my down days but I try to always chose to see the good and to enjoy this beautiful life as much as I possibly can.

I have hit the 28 weeks Mark! So crazy this baby girl is sure active and I am more often than not uncomfortable lol but I am so excited to be in my third trimester!! This pregnancy is flying by! 12 more weeks! I am feeling good and still enjoying working out. Sleeping is becoming more and more difficult but that's to be expected! We have decided on a name!! And I am putting the finishing touches on her nursery! I'll post pictures once it's done! I am so in love with it! Lane is very anxious to meet her! He loves giving the belly a smooch and calling her by name. ❤ we are all so excited! Lanes newest thing is pretending he's a doctor and trying to find her heart beat lol it's so cute! (Can you tell he comes to all my appointments) Dr Gelber let Lane "help" him find babies heart beat at my last appointment so naturally now Lane thinks he's a doctor and would love to give you a check up! Lol

I mentioned to Matt last week that for my birthday in April I wanted to get away just the two of us before the baby comes. I had already talked to my mom about watching Lane while we went on a weekend "baby-moon" she of course said yes! I was looking on Groupon at Banff, Canmore, Calgary and waterton. I mentioned these places to him and he didn't seem overly enthused "what are we going to do in any of those places you cant ski your pregnant!" Which is true but I more or less just want to relax toddler free, enjoy some one on one time with the hubby, soak in a non interrupted bubble bath and get some reading in!! (How heavenly does that sound!!) before I knew it he was looking into flights, so I quickly googled how far along you can be to fly! It's not recommended after 36 weeks FYI! So we would have to go before my birthday! Then Matt said why don't I take you to see Britney! You've always wanted to see her!! (I have dreamed of this since I was a little girl!) Umm YES PLEASE!! so we are booked in at the cosmopolitan for 3 nights 4 days! We are going to see Britney, lounge pool side, shop and just enjoy each other's company!! I never thought I'd be going to Las Vegas pregnant but I'm not complaining!! I'm excited but what does one wear pregnant in Vegas?! (Lol any and all recommendations are welcomed!) I am feeling extremely spoiled and loved and the countdown is on till the baby moon!!

I hope you all have a fantastic Vday! I hope you all feel special and loved!! Xoxo 😘

Only 14 weeks to go 💕

Not so patiently awaiting the arrival of my baby girl! I'm not going to lie these 26 weeks have flown by! And I have actually not been  puking every single day!! Yay!! Being pregnant and having a busy toddler is HARD it's exhausting lol. I thought I was tired the first time around... I had no idea!! Haha at least I'm not puking (I keep telling myself) positive thinking right!! Only 14 more weeks to go and then I'll really be tired!! Haha but I can hardly wait to hold that sweet girl in my arms and add her to our sweet family.

Matt and I had planned on painting the nursery this past weekend. We got the walls washed, and taped and then Matt got called out to work. So yesterday I got the bright idea to start painting the nursery.....
I never should have tried to paint the nursery #nothandy #nopatience #myhusbandhatesme I just really wanted to be helpful... but I think I should leave the rest of the painting to my hubby because it is clearly not my jam....

Oh it's February.... Valentine's Day when your huge and prego just doesn't seem right! Lol the last thing this momma is feeling lately is sexy so definitely no lingerie this year (sorry not sorry Matt) haha so I am opting for a "man bouquet" a bucket of his fav things!

Lanes new fav thing is to play hide and seek with daddy! Which is quite entertaining!! He prefers to find daddy but only wants to count to two and then chase daddy! So I usually have to keep him with me and make him count to 10 and daddy usually has to make noises for Lane to find him! When Lane hides he meows very loudly like a cat and or comes out immediately haha he hadn't quite figured that part out yet plus he always hides in the same spot! It's quite humorous to watch Matt pretend like he can't find him and Lane melding VERY loudly hahaha we love when daddy gets home! There is always some pillow fighting, wrestling, catch, hide and seek and basically as much playing that Lane can get before bed time! He's such a good daddy

Sleep? What's sleep?! I am getting to that point where I'm so uncomfortable and when she wants to party as soon as I crawl into bed.. once I finally do drift off I have crazy dreams/ start hearing things and thinking Lane is awake or in my room?! And to top it all off Lane has decided to wake up at 6! Lol so much fun! I've started just going to "bed" when he does so I can manage to get some sleep!

Lately I have really been trying to Make more time for personal growth. I've started working out earlier in the day which has become one of my fav things I love when Lane participates (most of the time) then once I snuggle Lane to sleep at night time I have time to meditate, read or listen to a podcast and just enjoy some soul searching ME time! I am Trying to stay centered and positive but it can be HARD when your hormones are going crazy and your mood swings are NO joke (send me good vibes ppl)

Mostly I have been focusing on remembering how truly blessed I am for this crazy beautiful life. I have really been trying to make more time for my hubby. I have decided to limit my phone time! Some nights I feel like we can both just get so caught up in our phones that we barely even talk. So I've made it a rule to put my phone in my room once he's home and be present and enjoy our time together. I'm also working on Being more present with Lane! I noticed he acts our a lot more when I'm on my phone too much! He just needs me to get down and play so I've started to limit my time on my phone! In the morning after breakfast Lane watches cartoons I enjoy my coffee and scroll through my phone! After that I try to limit my time and be more productive and present! I'm not perfect I'm still working on it but I know how fast he grows and how limited our time is just the two of us so I'm trying to soak it all up 💙 lastly I've been working on being kinder not only to others but myself. We can be so quick to judge and I'm really working on minding my own D business and to be happy! And working on giving myself the love and credit I deserve! I hope you all have a fantastic week!! Xo