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Declan 1YR9MO2WK3DAYS

Time is moving slowly today; an unexpected and pleasant gift for the two of us.

Quality vs. Quantity

First post of the week, YAY! 

I'm going to celebrate because I'm going to take in all the 'plus' that I can. I had a sick baby, ya'll. No lie. It happened to me. Well, him. Poor little guy even had an allergic reaction to his medication. Unfortunately, it seems his daddy's luck was an inheritable trait! Thankfully he also inherited him mama's immune system and has seemed to kick it to the curb. *fingers crossed* 

Declan likes to do what we all like to do when he's sick... watch television. My 5 month old is in LOVE with Disney's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I mean, I like it too, but he REALLY likes it. I wouldn't usually let him watch so many episodes in one day, but he was quite persistent about it. He was so darn cute. I wish we had a photo. This will have to do... it's an 'awwww' moment just the same:

*no, I do not have my sick baby at the fair... this was before*
*no, I'm not wearing make up... I look weird, eh?*

Man, I've been through it this week. My husband's ex decided to waltz back into our lives this week demanding visitation rights that she lost quite some time ago. I learned this week that it is even harder to take the high road than I thought. We discussed every option and finally decided on one that benefited everyone, we think and hope and pray. It's so so so hard to work an extended family. If you're considering it, with no clue what you're getting yourself into, ASK. Find out what you're up against. I was raised in it and was lucky enough to learn from it but it has not made it any easier and I still feel like I have no flippin' clue what the hell I'm doing. Find a solid support system too. I mean that. You'll need someone telling you to either stay sane or get sane. You better have tough skin too. I can best describe what I mean with this: Have you ever seen the Modern Family episode where Jay is recounting the visit Manny, his 'stepson', had with his 'real' dad once or twice a year? Jay says (and I paraphrase), "I know I'm not Manny's father... but maybe I don't like being reminded." or something like that. That is because of things like this:

O'Ryan: "Mom? You know what'd be cool? If I had a Lego figure of you!"
Me: not expecting to see this 15 minutes later:

I love my husband. I love my sons. I love my family.

I wanna 'RAWR' right here right now like a mama bear.
If for any reason, just to prove my point. <3

My Darling Declan

Oh! My bebe Declan is 5 months old already! He's starting to crawl and I am a complete mess over it. I want him to grow but I want it to be slooooowly. His little baby days are flying by! I wish I were one of those super moms who managed to remember to have pictures of her baby taken on a schedule... but I'm not. Ha... in my book, to be a super mom, just remember your babies milestones. Heck, or remember their birth weight on cue!

So here's a collection of my favorite photos since his birth. They make me smile just the same! 

I love you like Sunday Morning.

What a day! It's only 10:35 and we're moving right along.

I woke up to a love note on my pillow! Suddenly, I no longer need my coffee to start the day.

Look at my baby! This was taken shortly after he was devoured by kisses. <3

Look at what I won! THANK YOU LENA!!!! Check her out: Mom2MemphisandRuby 

Check her out:

Such Ado About Everything

Look forward to this:

I'm joining them.
I've been there too. 
I'm a child survivor of physical and sexual abuse.
I'm an adult survivor of mental, emotional, physical and psychological abuse.
This week I will be 'coming out with it' for the first time online.
I'm not ashamed.
I'm not damaged.
I'm living despite it all.

I'll finally share the details of my wedding!

I made up my mind.
I made my flowers. DIY Post!
I married Brett!

I will be sharing with you what I use while caring for Declan!

Get to know what I love, what he loves, and what we both can't live without!

I have a VLOG confession.
I battle daily with a serious problem.
I'm looking for support, love, and advice.








However, I'm taking today off. I am going to get out of this house and make new friends... and all over a common interest: seeing a bunch of sweaty men take their clothes off. Although seriously ladies, I have YET to see what the fuss about Channing Tatum is. I'll let you know if I figure it out... ha!

Holy Frackin Cracken!

I took a break, eh!? I have SO missed this! I can't even grasp where to begin... again.

We all know I had a baby... well, he's freakin awesome! I have a chubby little red headed, curly haired, deep ocean blue eyed boy! His little baby rolls are irresistible! Get this, he sings! Coo's constantly, for reals. See? 

You Are My Sunshine from Ashley Marie on Vimeo.

Then there's my boys! O'Ryan turned 9 a couple of months after Aiden Gray's 5th birthday. We've been able to do so many awesome things already this summer and we can hardly wait to do more! Our family is growing closer and we're making memories every day.

They were lucky enough to be on the same soccer team!

Ok, something you should know about me: I tend to NOT get excited about things I should and vice versa. I think I just go overboard on trying to control my excitement and overcompensate. ANYWAY, so I never told y'all I tied the knot! (See what I mean? I GOT MARRIED!) That's one hell of a big deal but I was so overwhelmed by the whole thing and couldn't even face the tremendous load of editing that's to be done and then all the details there are to share! I did the whole thing by hand, by myself, and under $100! I promise deets are soon to follow!

Ha! I never thought I'd stand prego in a wedding dress. Better yet,

I never thought I'd stand prego in a wedding dress

on a wonderful day in my life

and with a heart full of the purest happiness!

Oh yes, we moved! We moved into my dream house on dream property. This is my view of the mountains, across the valley, from my desk in my new living room:

We're renovating this place one room at a time. With over 2500 sq ft of ceilings, walls, and floors (not to mention the 40 acres of hillside) we have our work cut out for us! I'll be sharing all of my 'get it done' techniques from now on too. My favorite part so far about this place (besides the view) is the creek that runs alongside the property:

It's great to be back and I can't wait to spend the rest of the summer with you!


xo
Ashley Marie

Self + Declan

I'M BACK! I HAD A BABY!

Remember the post about coming back with a vengeance? Well, here goes! 

I am thrilled to announce the birth of our Darling Declan.

I went to my check up on Thursday and they sent me to the hospital. 2 hours later, after 10 minutes of labor, he was here! I couldn't be more pleased with him. He is a dream baby. A textbook sleeper, eater, and snuggler.

I'm preparing my posts but be sure to stay tuned for some amazing guest posts from a few of my bloggy besties! First up, Lena from Mom2MemphisandRuby is sharing a post on my blog tomorrow!

<3
Mama Ashley Marie