Pregnancy, C-Section Guilt & Morning Sickness

Summary

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Always Here – Episode Summary

Episode: "Pregnancy, C-Section Guilt & Morning Sickness"

Podcast: Always Here
Hosts: Abby Howard & Abby Howard (Daylight Media)
Date: March 27, 2026

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Overview

This heartfelt and humor-filled episode centers on real pregnancy experiences: from announcing a new pregnancy and the emotional process after a previous loss, to managing morning sickness, handling C-section guilt, and answering listener questions about VBACs and motherhood anxieties. Abby and Abby candidly discuss the ups and downs of growing families, navigating difficult emotions, and offer solidarity to listeners with authentic, vulnerable conversation and the lively energy unique to close sisters-in-law.

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Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Family Illness, Immune Systems & Mom Life Chaos

• The episode kicks off with stories of a recent stomach bug that swept through the family. Both hosts describe how illness impacts their routines and parental anxieties, especially after returning to activities post-lockdown.
• Abby B mentions a listener voicemail about increased anxiety over sickness with each child:

  "I think because my capacity was so maxed out these last six months…if my kids got sick, it would just tip me over." (05:12)

• Reflections on being nervous about handling vomiting kids—as well as their own aversions to throwing up—spark humorous and relatable tales about the less glamorous sides of parenting.

2. TV, Reality Shows, and Brain Rot

• The hosts riff on how screen time, particularly when sick, now feels less harmful than doom-scrolling on phones (10:04).
• Lively banter covers family habits with TV, March Madness, and the emotional rollercoaster of TV cancellations (notably The Bachelorette being cancelled mid-season).
• Discussing shows like "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," the sisters-in-law touch on the differences between reality TV, real-life drama, and why neither of them would make good reality stars.

3. Pregnancy Announcement & The Complex Journey After Loss

(22:01–41:00)

• Abby C. announces her pregnancy (currently 19 weeks) and reflects on why she waited to share it publicly.

  “I feel like for so long…we’ve been dodging it. I just got so comfortable not talking about it.” (21:38)

• She recounts discovering the pregnancy on her birthday, then facing confusing early tests and weeks of uncertainty—including bleeding at six weeks, which brought difficult memories of her previous late miscarriage.
• The challenges of a high-anxiety pregnancy after loss are discussed candidly. Abby explains the emotional gap between “pre-loss” pregnancies when she was “blissfully ignorant” versus the fragility she feels now:

  “It’s so interesting, like the way it happened for me…having two healthy pregnancies and then a loss…It’s like, I can’t even actually relate or remember those pregnancies before.” (53:00)

• The hosts share family reactions and humorous tales of “stealth” pregnancy investigations (tight dresses, food aversions, suspicious behaviors at family outings!).

4. Morning Sickness, Cravings & Real-Life Pregnancy Survival

• The discussion shifts to practical advice and real talk on morning sickness:
  • Unisom+B6 is the go-to OTC combo that prevented vomiting for Abby after her first pregnancy.

    “Try [Unisom + B6] as soon as you find out you’re pregnant…my friend just got through her first trimester and no one ever told her about that, and she was really sick.” (34:04)

• The hosts laugh about failed attempts at healthy eating, McDonald’s cravings, and unique food preferences in pregnancy.
• Abby C. reflects on the “fourth pregnancy” mindset: “I give zero rips about anything regarding my body…Every symptom, so welcome…even when I was nauseous, I was like, ‘yay!’ So excited.” (38:33)

5. C-Sections, Guilt, and Redemption

• The realities and emotions of C-sections get a deep dive with no sugar coating.
• Abby C. describes her emergency C-section experience and the contrasting relief and oddity of a scheduled one:

  “I had self tan on, I had my makeup done…fully rested…checked in at noon, holding my baby at one o’clock…that was incredible.” (46:36)

• Both Abbys discuss working through feelings of body betrayal and guilt after unplanned C-sections:

  “I felt a lot of anger at my body because I felt like my body failed me. I was just, like, mad…for the first time ever it just didn’t do what I was needing it to do.” (63:55)

6. Listener Q&As: VBAC Advice, Pregnancy After Loss, and Processing Failure

• Abby B. provides detailed practical and mindset tips for pursuing a VBAC: daily walking, “spinning babies” exercises, and timing the epidural (56:31).
• The hosts offer empathy and honest advice for listeners:
  • Coping with low progesterone and the “fear of the unknown” in family planning:

    “There’s no way out the other side, but through it…therapy helps a lot…there’ll be good days and there’ll be bad days…not all gonna be bad days, not all gonna be good days.” (59:22)

• Both encourage a posture of surrender, leaning on community, and accepting that most parenting and pregnancy outcomes are beyond our control.
• On the pain and processing of C-section guilt, both share their journeys toward acceptance and warn against comparing experiences or advice too deeply.

7. Book Club: “Atmosphere” & Memorable Quotes

(73:03–84:59)

• The trio reviews their February/March book club pick, sharing laughs over speed-reading techniques, favorites and criticisms, and two standout quotes:

  “Men are hard and brittle. But being soft and flexible is always more durable…” (76:29) “You have to have something on the line for it to be called character.” (80:11)

• Summary consensus: Enjoyable, with strong female leads and interesting historical space context, though some wanted more technical detail about the astronaut storyline.

8. Recipes of the Week & Closing Moments

• “Always Hungry” recipe segment:
  • Abby B’s Beef & Broccoli (ground beef for quick easy meals)
  • Abby C’s homemade southern-style Strawberry Shortcake (“the greatest way to welcome in spring/summer!”)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On hiding a pregnancy:
  “It was just kind of like I wasn’t ready to talk, open it up to the whole Internet…so halfway, which is exciting.” (22:13)

• On pregnancy after loss:
  “Pregnancy after loss, like…you have your pregnancies before, and then you have your pregnancies after, and they are vastly different.” (53:00)

• On C-section guilt & recovery:
  “I was, like, mad that I had to do that after…going through labor for so many hours. I used to look at my scar…I’d look in the mirror and, like, ugh, my body betrayed me.” (64:48)

• On appetite, cravings, and McDonald’s:
  “I never eat McDonald’s. I want it in the first trimester. I think McDonald’s is really kind of gross. [But] need it?” (33:44)

• On “mom talk” versus reality TV:
  “If they did us, it’d be, like, splash pad, burn, boot camp, gym…Let’s eat dinner and go to bed by 9:30.” (15:44)

• On embracing the 'miracle' and the uncertainty:
  “With modern science and innovation, we can control family planning more than ever, but we still cannot control family planning. And that is just the bottom line.” (61:49)

• On the miracle of survival and surrender:
  “And the only difference between them and other people that have lived the worst case scenario is simply just luck. And that’s really what it boils down to.” (62:07)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Stomach Bug & Family Chaos: 01:15–09:30
• TV, Screen Time, and Reality TV Banter: 09:33–16:10
• Pregnancy Announcement & Journey: 21:38–41:00
• Morning Sickness / Food Cravings: 32:21–38:33
• C-Sections, Guilt, and Acceptance: 45:55–54:11, 63:55–68:33
• Listener Q&A: VBAC, Anxiety, and Failure: 56:10–68:33
• Book Club Discussion: 73:03–84:59
• Always Hungry Recipes: 86:44–88:58

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Listener Takeaways

• Practical pregnancy hacks: Try Unisom + B6 for nausea, be patient with your cravings and needs, and let expectations go—especially if you’re on your second, third, or fourth pregnancy.
• C-Section solidarity: It’s okay to grieve, to feel anger, or even to love a scheduled C-section. Every experience is unique and deserving of processing.
• Faith & Surrender: Accepting uncertainty in family building is an act of faith, not failure.
• Community Matters: Lean into support—whether therapy, spouse, or friends. Let go of “other people’s opinions” and remember you’re not alone.
• Always Hungry? Don’t miss Abby’s ground beef & broccoli or homemade strawberry shortcake.
• Read along: Next month’s book club is “Just Friends” by Haley Pham.

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The Always Here podcast continues to be a source of relatable, unfiltered, supportive conversation for moms and families in all stages. Abby & Abby deliver both honesty and hope—the perfect companions for the “hope and the hard.”

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Transcript

[A]

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terms max $100 cash back per month. I'm pregnant. Everyone in my life has known for months. Like, in my real life, the C

[B]

section, I was like, mad that I had to do that after, like, going through labor for so many hours. I used to look at my scar. I'd look in the mirror and like, u my body betrayed me.

[C]

I've done this four times, and every time I'm like, I'm gonna really eat healthy and try to do this. Get broccoli. Literally. That's the only time I threw up. Like, my body rejected it.

[B]

We don't need that.

[C]

I'm like, the baby's like, you do need that baby. Welcome back to Always Here. We're your hosts, Abbey Howard and Abby Howard. How are you feeling?

[B]

So much better. We had. We got hit with a nasty stomach bug. I'm assuming it was norovirus, just with how it was in and out and so punchy.

[C]

But I also didn't look like this, actually. Day two after norovirus.

[B]

Really? You didn't look like this. So maybe it was just like a 24 hour thing.

[C]

I was really down. I thought I needed fluids.

[B]

Okay, then maybe it wasn't that.

[C]

But it could have been.

[B]

I mean, okay, so C.J. got down with it on Saturday and he got sick a lot. Like 10 times. But by the end of the night, he was already on the up and up. And we didn't get it for a couple days. We felt fine, felt totally normal. Wednesday. Well, I guess Tuesday night, late at like midnight, I go, oh, my tummy don't feel good. It was midnight.

[C]

Why were you awake at midnight?

[B]

I was reading our book. I finished It.

[C]

Oh my God. Yeah, I did.

[B]

I told you I would.

[C]

You did it.

[B]

I did it.

[C]

Oh, and that's probably what did you in.

[B]

Yeah, it was all those words. It just made my stomach all jumble.

[C]

Wait a minute.

[B]

Midnight on Tuesday night, I go, oh my gosh, my stomach feels really weird. And then I went to bed, Woke up at 4am and I said I will puke at some point. And I had those frownies on my face. I said I have to get up before and take these brownies off or if I throw up with these on, my forehead will get ripped off my face.

[C]

So are they that tight?

[B]

They're that tight. So I got up at 4:30 in the morning. It was taken.

[C]

Did you wake Caleb up because you knew you were gonna throw up?

[B]

No, I didn't.

[C]

Oh no, I can't. I didn't.

[B]

No. I'm not scared of it like you are though.

[C]

I'm terrified.

[B]

I, I mean when he walked, got up for work and I think he got up at 5:00am and I, I went back to bed and I said, hey, I think I have the stomach flu. And I guess he went to work and then came back and I was still asleep. And he said, yeah, I have it too. And all day we were down.

[C]

Oh my gosh.

[B]

Yeah, Caleb had it way worse than I did. But it was just one of those things where you're on your back on the couch, just you guys open your eyes.

[C]

Only grown ups that got it. I know around the kids at our gym and none of the.

[B]

No one got it. Yeah. And I feel like CJ got it the worst of all the kids too. So I don't know what that says about our family.

[C]

Your immune systems are down.

[B]

They're down. They're down from lockdown. I actually was thinking about that voice.

[A]

I know.

[C]

You finally got the courage to go back to the gym.

[B]

Literally two weeks in. The worst of them all, the stomach bug. I actually think I have a hot take. I think this. I think I would rather a stomach bug than the like. Than a nose snot flu.

[A]

I mean, probably same.

[C]

You guys are both in the 2%.

[B]

I know, but it's because it's one miserable day and like one day of a lot of cleanup, but then after that it's gone. Whereas the sinus respiratory infections, they last for like 10 days.

[C]

Yeah, but you can tell yourself you're better if you have a sinus respiratory infection. You cannot tell yourself about it if you're vomiting. I know.

[B]

I think it's like a clear down and then a clear, clear. Know what I mean?

[C]

I mean, you. I get what you're saying, but I do not agree. I literally. Griffin threw up one time. Augie never got sick, and Griffin threw up one time and Matt was gone. And I literally was like, how do I alert. I cannot.

[B]

I know.

[C]

I was so scared. I was like, really smelled so bad. Well, I was also being a really selfish mom.

[B]

I was like, if I touch this,

[C]

I could get it and that will be the end of everything.

[B]

I know. It's so bad. It was.

[C]

But I don't understand how Griffin threw up one time. TJ throat 10.

[B]

I know. I. I'm like, maybe they got something different, but I don't know what different they would have gotten, you know? I don't know.

[C]

Griffin also had a really big day the day that that happened, but it's still unusual for.

[B]

He was excited. I mean, we didn't.

[C]

We skipped naps. We went hard all day. And. Yeah, I mean, it's a recipe for that. Just didn't seem like him. So I think he definitely had a touch of it. I don't know if that's even possible,

[B]

but, I mean, I think he had to have. I don't know, it's. I was thinking about that Voicema last week when she asked about having anxiety with the more kids she has with sickness. And I think I've come to a conclusion of why I had that. And I think because my capacity was so maxed out these last six months, like, I just felt like I couldn't handle another thing. And so I felt like if my kids got sick, it would just tip me over the edge of my sanity. And so I waited to bring them back to childcare until I knew I could handle them getting sick.

[C]

Hey, that's smart.

[B]

So two weeks in, we get the stomach bug. And I was like, okay, we're ready for this. I wasn't stressed out.

[C]

Good thing babies don't usually get that. I don't think they even. Yeah, yeah.

[B]

I'll report back next week if she does. But I. Yeah, I was kind of thinking about that. I think that'd be really weird for a six month old to get.

[C]

It came really throw up, I don't think. Yeah, they spit up.

[B]

Yeah, just.

[A]

I was like. I was thinking about that the other day. I'm like, would I know the difference between if braille's throwing up versus if it's.

[C]

Maybe that's the.

[B]

Maybe it would just be constant. I don't know. I've never experienced that with like an underwater.

[C]

That'd be really scary too, with like the hydration and stuff. Right. Yeah. I'm so sorry.

[B]

Yeah. But we made it through.

[C]

You made it through.

[B]

Sorry. Thanks for rescheduling this.

[A]

That's right.

[B]

We're here.

[C]

We are here to share the hope and the hard left. The stom virus. We all had it.

[B]

We have, actually.

[C]

We were talking. Really. I have very distinct memories of the stomach virus growing up. And one of them I was telling Matt was. Which was really ironic given everything. I was like Matt. The. My most distinct memory. I literally remember walking in my parents room. I was one of those kids that never knew when I was gonna vomit. I was like, I don't feel. And then puke in their doorway.

[B]

Like, I honestly am like, as a parent, I think that'll be so funny.

[C]

I still get that way as an adult. I don't know when it's coming because

[B]

I'm just like, oh, you're anxious.

[C]

So anxious. But I vomited in my parents doorway. And I remember what it was, but I'll spare the details. And I. My. For whatever reason, my dad stayed home with me that day because both my parents worked full time growing up. And my dad stayed home with me and me and him. Maybe he had it too. We watched Life Size two times. I watched the whole movie with Tyra Banks and Lindsay Lohan. Classic. And then I was like, let's watch it again. And he's like, you want to watch it again? I was like, yes, yes. He sat and watched. This was before cell phones, guys. It's not like he was just like entertaining himself on the side. Like he fully watched Life Size toys.

[B]

That's so sweet.

[C]

Four hours of Tyra Banks and Lindsay Lohan for my dad. Shout out.

[B]

Shout out.

[C]

I remember that.

[B]

That's really sweet.

[C]

It was fun.

[A]

Someone said we should do a Things our dad Taught us episode.

[C]

Oh, gosh.

[A]

Maybe on Father's Day we'll do things our dad's taught us.

[C]

I can't share what my dad has taught me. Actually. I'm really gonna have to filter that advice out. That's hilarious. Really gonna have to smolder that it finds out. I actually think I'm probably a little bit more like my dad than my mom, which people would probably be surprised by.

[B]

I used to think I was more like my dad. I think now I am like a really even mix. Honestly. I feel like I see a lot of things in my mom, but I'm like. And I see a lot of things my dad. Whereas before I Used to only really, really relate to my dad on stuff.

[C]

Yeah, you definitely lean more towards your dad, I would say.

[B]

I don't know, because my dad feels more, like, sensitive. Well, no, I'm probably more like my dad. Like, more introverted.

[C]

I don't think you're sensitive.

[B]

No, I'm not. My mom's not sensitive.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah, so I get that from my mom. I don't know. I'm still flushing through it.

[C]

I'm still flushing through. Anyway, so many good mems.

[B]

I feel like you're way more like your dad.

[C]

Yeah. Which is surprising because my dad also doesn't talk in public settings, and I can't. I saw that video by Alana Mar.

[B]

You know, I think she's hilarious.

[C]

She said, I. This was recommended to me. So I think it was like, you know, that this relates to you. It was like, shout out to all my extroverts. And she's like, I cannot contain myself. She's like, explaining all the circumstances and what. She's like, I don't want to talk to people. And then she's like, in an elevator, and she's like, I gotta talk about the weather and what you're doing that day. And it's like. I don't know if I'm necessarily like that in that way, but I definitely, like, get energized from being around people. And then, like, when I come home from something, I'm like, wow, I gotta, like, settle down. Settle down. And then Matt's, like, already cashed out.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And so I'm like, man, interesting.

[B]

Totally.

[C]

This week's episode, we're actually gonna be talking about our February March book club book atmosphere. We're saving that for the end. For those of you that didn't read the book, then you can just dip out a little early, or you can listen to it and just know that there's gonna be spoilers. But for those of you that participated in the book club, look forward to that at the end. Look forward to that at the end of this episode. Yes. Crazy weekend. We had a party over here. C.J.

[B]

got sick.

[C]

There's a lot going on in TV.

[B]

Our in laws were in town.

[C]

Our in laws were in town.

[B]

Yeah, we watched a ton of tv.

[C]

You did.

[B]

That's a lot of sick.

[C]

That's the time.

[B]

A lot of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. A lot of Disney movies.

[C]

Well, you know, why does that feel healthier than scrolling on your phone?

[B]

It does. It does. I was like, keep the screen time to a minimum. Glued to the tv.

[C]

Watch the tv. Like, that's actually sad. Like, that was like brain rot when we were growing up, and now it. Brain rot has gotten so crazy worse.

[A]

Well, the TV is on 24. 7 now with March Madness starting in our household, so. Oh, yeah, it started at 9:00am this morning.

[B]

Oh, I'm too late to make a bracket.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Dang it. Missed it.

[C]

Blake sent it to our family group chat, and I didn't do one.

[A]

It was for his work.

[C]

I. I had no odds, and it was sheer luck.

[A]

I don't know anything I need to see.

[B]

I don't study up my bracket. But it's like, oh, I like the name of that school.

[C]

We're not really a TV family. Like, we don't really. I think it's because Matt gets the adhd. If the TV were on, he would have to be cashed out from everything else and watching it.

[B]

So, yeah, I grew up in a TV family. Caleb changed that in me because he's like, hey, during the day, we should be productive. And so I had to learn to turn the TV off, which I used to just love, like, the background noise of it, but now I do find it distracting. So we never have it on during the day. Yeah. But after dinner time, we always have a show.

[C]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

That's fun. Well, it's a little sad that the Secret Lives of Mormon Rice seems healthier than scrolling on your phone. I didn't watch it, but this.

[A]

This season has been crazy. And the news just broke as we're recording this that the Bachelorette has been canceled.

[B]

Man, they took a.

[C]

They took it a.

[A]

They did. They took a risk, and it didn't work out.

[B]

I know how I feel bad for everybody is for. Oh, my God.

[A]

All the time slot, every single Sunday they had booked on the TV network. Like, when are they, like, hi.

[B]

What are they gonna fill it with?

[A]

Time with.

[B]

I mean, there's so much. Can you think about all those men that went into time off work and now they're not gonna get their five minutes of fame?

[C]

Exactly.

[B]

I mean, all the production, everything.

[C]

Yeah, I. I mean, the travel.

[B]

Can you look that up? I bet you can see how much it costs to produce a season.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I'd be so curious.

[A]

Producing a season of The Bachelor costs $7 million.

[B]

Honestly, I thought it'd be more.

[C]

Me, too, actually.

[B]

Nah, they're getting.

[A]

So this says there's, like, travel and dates, staffing, over 200 producers, the lead salary, which can range from 100,000 to 250,000.

[B]

She's getting paid more than that.

[A]

For that contestant costs.

[C]

People want sports stuff.

[B]

Really.

[A]

I'm sure they're not paid, but they must prepare their own wardrobe and stuff to appear. And then the rings are gifted. But preface. I do not agree with anything she's done. I. It actually makes me sick when I watch the video. I want to see the season.

[B]

I know I do. I kind of want to watch the season too. Watch it. She's kind of interested in how you're

[C]

like, no, I just want to see. It was a stretch to begin with.

[B]

I know it was gonna be.

[A]

It's gonna be crazy.

[B]

And I wanna. I know it would have been interesting to watch. I understand why they canceled it.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And I think that was probably a good call. But. Yeah. I just feel bad for everyone involved. It's just hard. Really hard situation.

[C]

I just gotta pipe in for those of you that also dislike reality tv. And I just can't find it fun. Even all this, like, conversation, it just really actually stresses me out really so bad.

[B]

Well, okay. I feel like the Real Housewives does stress me out, But a bachelor doesn't feel stressful. Cause it's just so light.

[C]

Oh, I think the Secret Lives of Mormon wife stresses me out even more than house.

[B]

Really.

[C]

It feels a little too close to home.

[A]

I was going to say it is kind of personal with them being creators and like, the whole. It's all about creator events and brand

[C]

deals, and that makes me nauseous.

[A]

Actually, can I say, I broke the news to. I feel like our. Our whole friend group.

[C]

That chain I had to mute. I was like, here's the thing.

[A]

Guess who broke the news to me?

[B]

You're Blake.

[A]

Blake.

[C]

That's.

[B]

I love it when husband's getting into the.

[A]

He would never admit it, but he does watch it. I mean, your dad watches it with your mom.

[B]

Oh, what is up with them?

[A]

They just love tv.

[C]

They just love tv. It is something.

[B]

I don't know whether Housewives feels different than Secret Lives because I think, well, they're older. Well, I think with Housewives, it's been on for so long that you kind of pick up the patterns. Like, oh, they're going to this dinner just so they can have a fight or they're going to this event. Just they can.

[C]

I feel like that's.

[B]

No, but I feel like the Secret Lives more wise, maybe feels different because the. All that drama continues off camera and you see it on their videos and stuff. I'm like, oh, this is real.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

More so to me with them, like, the.

[C]

That's my other thing. I Don't believe it. I don't believe any. I have so much distrust with, like, media in general. I'm like, yeah, I don't. I've also never seen it. Is it mostly them fighting?

[B]

No, no. Parts of it.

[A]

Parts of it. I think the reason it does feel real is because they're taking the stuff that's happening in the show and posting it on their Instagram story. Like.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

In real time. Or. I was just watching season three, I realized I forgot to watch it. And she. Demi was like, I'm gonna go live right now and explo. Expose everything that's happening. And they're like, she can't do that. That's against her NDA. And they're, like, chasing her down so she doesn't go live on Instagram.

[B]

They break the fourth wall a lot.

[A]

Yeah, they do.

[B]

On the serial wives. Like, they're like, for doing it for the kids.

[A]

I like that, though. I do like that. Like, Whitney being like, this is business for me. Like, we're not friends. And she's like, I'm here to do a brand deal with this. With mom talk.

[B]

Yes. It's so. It's interesting.

[C]

Like, I don't. I'm also a creator that doesn't. That I don't relate to any part of that.

[A]

I don't like drama.

[C]

I really.0% of that.

[B]

I have a really hard time sometimes. I think about that. I'm like, if I were in their shoes, well, I would never get casted for a show like that. I guess we're the least drama. Like, petty people. I'm like, I just forgive and forget.

[C]

Forgive and forgive. I'm like, I don't just take a bath, read a book, do a fun tip.

[B]

I don't know the last time I ever gotten like a.

[C]

Are there kids in it?

[A]

No.

[B]

No. Okay. No.

[C]

Wow.

[B]

But they all have such, like, big things going on, so it's kind of fun to follow their.

[C]

Literally, if they did us, it'd be

[A]

like, splash pad, burn, boot camp, gym.

[B]

Hey, this is really mom talk.

[C]

Let's eat dinner and go to bed by 9:30.

[A]

Girls night. Once a month.

[C]

Girls night.

[B]

We just sit around, eat cookies. Sometimes we do a sexy dance class.

[A]

Yes. Oh, yeah. That would be good content.

[B]

That's good content.

[C]

But none of us would be okay with that being okay.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

Okay. Well, that's why we're not getting approached. Hulu has never asked Hulu once.

[B]

They are not interested.

[C]

Hulu has never pinged us. Dang it.

[B]

I know.

[C]

Dang it.

[B]

Dang it.

[C]

Oh. Eczema is unpredictable, but you can flare less with ebglis, a once monthly treatment for moderate to severe eczema after an initial four month or longer dosing phase. About four in ten people taking empglis

[A]

achieved itch relief in clear or almost

[C]

clear skin at 16 weeks, and most of those people maintain skin that's still more clear at one year with monthly dosing.

[A]

Empclus Lebricizumab LBKZ a 250mg 2ml injection is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 88 pounds or 40 kilograms with moderate to severe eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin or topicals or who cannot use topical therapies. EBGLIS can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. Don't use if you're allergic to ebglis.

[C]

Allergic reactions can occur that can be severe.

[A]

Eye problems can occur.

[B]

Tell your doctor if you have new

[A]

or worsening eye problems. You should not receive a live vaccine when treated with Eglis before starting ebglis. Tell your doctor if you have a parasitic infection.

[C]

Ask your doctor about eglis and visit ebgliss.lilly.com or call 1-800-lilyrx or 1-800-545-5979. Yeah, we watched a movie. Abigail, you were sick. Abigail, you were sick. We invited you. Reminders of him.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah, I was gonna go.

[C]

Did you know I almost left the theater at one point?

[A]

What? I didn't know that.

[C]

Nothing to do with the movie. I. Someone came up like 20 minutes into the show and they're like, oh, what's your seat number? And I was like, I'm gonna leave right now.

[A]

What? I'm not in this conversation. Before that, they were behind us and they looked at the girls who were sitting and said. Or the people who took their seats because the people who came to you were originally in the wrong seats.

[C]

Oh, so they sent them over.

[A]

Yeah. But the people who went up to them looked at them and said, figure it out.

[C]

Oh, what is the. It's a movie theater. I almost. I started actually sweating.

[A]

We all just went, Caitlin.

[C]

I started sweating because I didn't purchase my own ticket. My friend purchased it and I venmoed her. I had no idea what my seat number was. So I was like, it's me.

[B]

I'm gonna go.

[C]

And the problem I Venmo her. Like, we had a seat.

[B]

We had bought a ticket.

[C]

I had been scanned in. But I honestly, I don't know what it is about me, but that just really panicked me.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

I was like, I have to leave right tonight.

[A]

Then they started walking around to the other side and were like, someone come sit for her. Get down.

[C]

I was scared.

[B]

So weird.

[C]

She's like, what's your. You're in our seat. What's your seat number? And I was like, oh, she said it me.

[B]

Not just, like, kindly wondering, well, you know what?

[C]

That's how my brain told me what happened. But I also was just so frazzled.

[A]

Can I also say there were open seats?

[C]

I was. There were a lot of open seats in this theater. Yeah. I said to angel next to me, I was like, I need to leave. She's like, everything's fine.

[B]

I was literally, like, panicking. What is it about those small social interactions where it's like, if I'm gonna get in trouble for something that I know I'm getting in trouble for, not a big deal, but the little things that you're caught off guard for, you're like, oh, my gosh, I'm gonna cry.

[C]

I have no. I have no plan for this. I am completely improving this situation, and I don't know what to do. Anyway, the movie. What did you think about it, Addie?

[A]

I thought it was good. I liked the book better, obviously.

[B]

Wait, what was it called?

[C]

Reminders of Him.

[A]

Reminders of him.

[C]

Not to be confused with regretting you, because I actually read that thing. I was really.

[A]

Is it just us that read both of them back to back? I don't know if it was. This is a worldwide thing.

[C]

Oddly parallel.

[A]

Both of them back to back and then watch the movies back to back.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

But my biggest thing was the casting. Did not. Was not who I envisioned. And so then it. It was like me during the.

[C]

During the movie, I just. I felt like it was forgettable.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Like, I was kind of just like, you'd have to jog my memory about everything that happened and took place in that. And.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I don't know. Maybe I'm just, like, kind of done with Colleen Hoover thing, but I do think I'm gonna read her next one because it's a thriller.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Oh, that's kind of fun.

[C]

I'm gonna listen to it on audiobook because actually, it's about a podcast.

[B]

Oh, cool.

[A]

Let's listen to it.

[C]

It's a podcast thriller type of thing. Oh, we're not doing the book talk yet. Oh, my gosh, stop. But anyway, I thought the movie was. It was fine. I mean, I'm not hating on it. I think the actors did a good job. But I was like, maybe it's just not my genre.

[A]

I did cry at the end.

[C]

I did as well. I did cry.

[A]

One thing, one off topic thing that irked me during it was the main character. What's his name?

[C]

Ledger.

[A]

Ledger. His hair should have been buzzed. It was just a little too long. And his beard was needed to be cleaned up. I don't know why they chose that look for him. I thought he would have looked a lot better with a little bit of scruff. Half and completely, like shaved off head.

[C]

I agree. I agree about that.

[A]

Just a random.

[B]

His name is Ledger.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

I'm sorry, I haven't. I've never read any of her books, but every time I hear a character's name from her books, I'm like, I don't like that.

[C]

They're often.

[A]

Obviously she doesn't. You don't like Ledger either?

[C]

I don't like Ledger.

[B]

I don't like that.

[A]

I don't mind it. I actually kind of like it.

[B]

I just. I guess because I just know all of the names that she picks. Her books are kind of odd that I'm just immediately like, come on her, Jack.

[C]

That's kind of normal.

[B]

Pick a. Yeah. Okay, Kenna.

[C]

Okay, Kenna. And Ledger. I know this because I'm currently listening to the audiobook. It's a little awkward to listen to.

[B]

It's funny.

[C]

So there's my unexciting opinion on that. I feel like don't go to the theater. I would say watch it if you read the book, but don't go to the theater if you haven't already.

[B]

Interesting.

[C]

Not really necessarily worth it.

[B]

Well.

[C]

Oh, wait, we haven't even said this yet.

[B]

Should we say the biggest thing of all? I forgot that this episode was about. Honestly, we started talking about other things.

[C]

I'm like, wow, I'm pregnant. That feels so weird to say here. I feel like for so long, I know we've been dodging it. I just got so comfortable not talking about it.

[A]

Right.

[C]

Anyway, it's not like I really talk about that much in my personal life either. I feel like.

[B]

Yeah, I feel like we. Yeah, it was just different.

[C]

Talk about other things.

[B]

Yeah, Yeah.

[C]

I mean, we. Yeah, it was just different this time.

[B]

Like navigating everything.

[C]

Everything is different this time.

[B]

So how far along are you?

[C]

I am 19 weeks. So, yeah, by the time this comes out, I'll be 20.

[B]

You've hidden it very well.

[C]

Really?

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Thank you.

[B]

Yes, very well.

[C]

I keep saying it's not that it was necessarily a secret from, like. Like, everyone in my life has known for months, like, in my real life. But it was just kind of like I wasn't ready to talk, open it up to the whole Internet, you know, type of thing. So, yeah, it's like. That's why it feels weird, I guess, because it's like, it's become so common in a way, like, in regular conversation in life, except for, like, these couple hours that the cameras are on. Just, like, avoid it. But, yeah, so halfway, which is exciting. I actually saw recently that the biggest, like, growth jump you experience is from 18 to 22 weeks. Which, actually, I was like, that kind of surprised me. And then I was like, actually, no, that checks out.

[B]

I think it makes a lot.

[C]

Because by the end, I feel like you just start to, like, you pop. Yeah. Well, at the end, you're growing. The baby's growing a lot. But I feel like you already have, like, all this. It's just like, they just start taking up more of the percentage of it. And now it's just like, right now it's just like, yeah, fluid fat, whatever is happening. But I felt kicks at 17 weeks, which was such a gift. And so now it's, like, feeling, like, better and real. But it's been wild. Journey found out on my birthday.

[B]

I actually didn't know that.

[C]

Yeah, well, I didn't believe it, so I didn't really count that. Yeah, I was like, there's a line there.

[B]

And what does that mean?

[C]

I was confused. Did you know how it all happened?

[B]

It was in Branson, right? No. No.

[C]

I took a test.

[B]

When you're in Silver Dollar City.

[C]

I took a test on Thanksgiving and it was negative.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

And because I took it, like, a couple, like, a little early, and I feel like everything was off with, like, my ovulation.

[B]

Did you just feel off?

[C]

No, I. We were hoping to be pregnant.

[B]

Okay. You're like, it's time for my period.

[C]

So we're like, it'd be exciting if it was positive because it's Thanksgiving, and. But if it's negative, it'll be okay because it's still a good day. Because it's Thanksgiving. Yeah. And it was negative. We're like, boo. And then got back from our birthday trip, and I was like, wait, that's so weird. My period still hasn't started. Took a test, and there was, like, a faint line. And then I was like, I don't know what that means.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And so then the next day I took a digital and was pregnant and I still didn't believe it actually.

[B]

Wait, that's crazy.

[C]

Yeah, the video is very anti climactic.

[B]

Why do I think you did it when you were visiting family?

[C]

No, that's when I started to have bleeding. Did I tell you about any of that?

[B]

No.

[C]

Yeah, so I had. That was six weeks. I think it was six weeks I started to have bleeding and so I thought it was like all done.

[B]

You did tell me this because that's when you told me that you were pregnant.

[C]

And that's also why we started to wait to tell people for like a little bit because it just felt like it was game over for sure. And I mean, the whole pregnancy has been honestly like a mental warfare in a way, but fighting for like joy and excitement. And I feel like we're getting to like a different stage of it now since we're past like that 17 and a half week mark when we lost Emerson at six weeks, I started to bleed, like experience bleeding. And I have never experienced any bleeding in a pregnancy before. And so that was when we told. I don't know that why you told

[B]

us before that actually. Because you told us over Christmas.

[C]

No, I know, but that was still. I told you that that would have been eight weeks than I told you.

[B]

Oh, so you went to St. Louis before. Oh, okay.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah, I'm just figuring out this timeline. Sorry.

[C]

Yeah, we're putting the pieces back together. In hindsight, it's really all a blur. It's very confusing.

[B]

A lot going on.

[C]

Well, yeah. And we told. Okay, so here's how the sister in laws found out it was really their husband.

[B]

Controversial. This is controversial. You can say Caleb. We went to church. Yeah, this was Christmas, we went to church and Caleb came home after and he goes, I think Abby's pregnant. And I said, why? And he goes, I don't know. She just, she was wearing a tight dress and she's normally really small and she just kind of looked like she had maybe a bump. And I was like, kill. That's a crazy thing to say.

[C]

He was like.

[B]

He was like not embarrassed, but he was like, I don't, you know, I don't mean this. And like she looked great, but like, like there's a little bit of a bump. And I looked back at my picture and it did kind of look like he had a ball. I was like, how did I not notice that? And then they. Didn't he ask you?

[C]

No, he did not ask Me. I'll clear his.

[B]

I think he asked Matt.

[C]

He pulled Matt aside outside, and he said, I think Matt told me this. We might be getting the story wrong because we're hearing about it from her husband.

[B]

It's dirty.

[C]

And. But Matt. He looked at Matt and he was like, abby's pregnant. And then Matt was like, yeah,

[B]

I remember they disappeared for a long time. And I was like, where are they? You guys were all being weird.

[C]

Opening presents.

[A]

Yeah, because I had a present that I wanted to give you and Matt at the same time as those shirts. Yeah.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

Mattress.

[B]

Come inside. Yes, we're all being weird.

[C]

So unusual for the two of them. I feel like there's a lot of times in the whole family. So we're like, where did they go?

[B]

Yes. Seriously. Maybe Caleb didn't tell me that until after you guys told me. And that was why for sure. I had no idea why they were disappeared.

[C]

I didn't know either.

[B]

So he told me that he thought you were pregnant after you guys told us.

[C]

Well, because then Matt pulled me aside. He's like, you have to tell Abby right now, because Caleb knows, and he's not gonna, like. And it wasn't as a bad secret keeper, so he's not gonna keep a secret.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And so, once again, it's not that it was a secret. It just felt like everything was so fragile. It was so fresh, real. Then we told you on Christmas. And then with Addie and Blake. Remind me how this all happened.

[A]

Yeah. So this happened. When did we go to the tea party? Was that after Christmas? Like the beginning of January?

[C]

No, it must have still been, like, late December.

[A]

Late December. Okay, so it was late December, and that morning we. Or actually, let's start back on Christmas. Also, Christmas Eve, Blake's making wings, and Abby cannot stand the smell of it. Like, she was, like, making remarks about the smell. I didn't know this. Blake told me after the fact. And Blake's like.

[C]

They were really stinky.

[A]

Blake was like, what do you mean? Like, are you pregnant? And then he was like.

[C]

And he felt bad for saying felt bad.

[A]

Abby didn't acknowledge it. I don't think she. She said she didn't really hear it

[C]

or like, now that you're saying that, like, I kind of remember it. Remember it, but I wasn't, like, offended or didn't.

[A]

Yeah. And so then Blake was like, like, why did I say that? Like, you felt bad about it. And then fast forward a couple more days, we go to a tea party, and.

[C]

Yeah, this wasn't sly of me.

[A]

Let's first say. I also would say we went to the tea party last year, and I was pregnant, and I was nauseous. I was like, guys, I remember being so nauseous on the way.

[B]

Yeah. It's like, what is it? Little salmon logs?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Bagels and stuff.

[A]

And she goes, we get there, and caviar. She's taking a little bite.

[C]

She's like, gagging.

[A]

And then. And then I am again. Remember how I found out about, like, your pregnancy with Emerson? Like, I was just reading something. I was really investigating it. So then Abby is like, I can't have caviar. Like, I. She didn't say. I'm like, you're like, I'm not gonna eat that. And then I see her look something up on her phone, and she goes, I'm gonna eat it.

[C]

You can have it when you're pregnant. I was like, you shouldn't. It tastes nasty when you're pregnant.

[B]

Oh, my gosh.

[A]

Like, you and your mom are looking at each other. So I'm like, okay. Lori knows if she's pregnant. Lori. And I was like, okay.

[C]

Then that night, also, the grandmas were

[B]

there, and he wanted to wait.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Yes. And so that night, we went to go see the Christmas lights, and we went to dinner beforehand, and Abby wasn't really eating, and she ordered. What'd you order? I ordered chicken fingers. And you didn't want them.

[B]

And I was a dead giveaway.

[A]

So confused. I was like. She's like, oh, they just look so bad.

[C]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

And you were. And Blake looked at. Whenever she walked away, Blake goes, goes, I think Abby's pregnant. I'm like, no way. This happened today. And we talk about our things, and we're like. The whole time we're walking, we're like,

[B]

what's going on here?

[C]

So then I think you guys knew. And then you were investigating or interrogating my mom.

[A]

Yes, we were.

[C]

And then my mom was like, you have to tell them immediately. And so then we called emergency family game night, and we didn't play any games. And we just told you we were

[B]

playing emergency family game night.

[A]

It was. It was just a random day. They were like, game night and pizza. And I'm like, like, they're gonna tell us they're pregnant, so we have to go.

[B]

Oh, my gosh.

[A]

Not that we weren't going to go, but we were like, we gott make this work.

[B]

Was that before or after? Always. Here. Dinner at Bucket Rider.

[C]

That was right before.

[A]

It was right after. No, because you didn't get alcohol And

[B]

I didn't get a drink. And you ordered sushi and had one piece. I was like, I better start eating the sushi or Addie's gonna know.

[A]

Oh, I knew. I knew. What? That. I mean, when we were there, I knew. Because you didn't get.

[C]

You're, like telling us I hadn't told you yet, though.

[A]

Exactly. That's what I'm saying. I kind of knew, but you hadn't told me. And I. I was like, I could

[C]

only eat the bread.

[B]

I was looking at you like. Like, eat your soup.

[C]

There's literally no way.

[A]

I think this was the timeline. I think Saturday is when we had the tea party. Monday was always here, dinner. And then Tuesday you told us. Okay.

[C]

We were getting into crunch time.

[A]

Yeah,

[C]

it did a terrible job of hiding my symptoms. Gosh, I was such a whiner.

[B]

I'm gonna be really embarrassed that I told the Internet that. But he didn't mean it in a mean way, Caleb.

[C]

He was right.

[B]

I mean, it was clear in the dress.

[C]

When I look back, not offended at all. Thank you to Shopify for sponsoring this portion of today's episode.

[B]

Shopify has been a huge player in my life. I actually use Shopify for five years when I had my small clothing business and it was the best platform. Shopify Truly was so user friendly. I mean, it just made the job so much easier. I loved Shopify.

[C]

And starting something new isn't just hard, it's actually terrifying.

[B]

So much work goes into this thing, and I feel like Shopify Truly made it really easy to use.

[C]

It's terrifying, but it's a little less terrifying when you have a good partner on your side to help, like Shopify. Shopify is the commerce platform behind millions of businesses around the world. You can get started with your own design studio. With hundreds of ready to use templates, Shopify helps build a beautiful online store that matches your brand style.

[B]

Yeah, the templates are good too. They have a bunch of free options, but then also ones that you can pay for that are a little bit

[C]

more custom and it feels more personal to you. Even though you have like all this help from a platform, but then you're still putting out a product that feels very true to your brand.

[B]

Absolutely love that you can tackle all those important tasks in one place, from inventory to payments to analytics and more. There's no need to save multiple websites or even try to figure out what platform is hosting the tool that you need. Everything is all in one place. Just makes your life so easy. It's very user friendly. And it just makes your business operations much smoother.

[C]

It's time to turn those what ifs into with Shopify today. Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com Abby. Go to shopify.com Abby. That's shopify.com Abby. That'S what's been happening.

[B]

What did your. Was your first trimester. Did you feel as nauseous as, like, the past pregnancies?

[C]

And then how's your second, Augie? I took nothing for nausea, and I didn't know you could take anything.

[B]

You just suffered.

[C]

I just threw up. When. I'm not gonna say I had the worst morning sickness ever, but I did get sick. And then when I was pregnant with Emerson, my. I was at a new doctor, and they're like, oh, you can take something. They're like, they were more than happy to give me a prescription, but they're like, why don't you just start with taking Unisom and B6?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And that was enough for me. Like, it. Obviously, I can't eat normal. I can't. Like, I would still gag. But I never threw up with Emerson, and I never threw up this time either, because of that combo. I never felt like I needed to go to the prescription medication. But, yeah, definitely. It's so weird when you're pregnant. You know, like, those things that people say, like, I can't eat food from my own house or I can't eat, like, any vegetable. Like, why is that so true? Like, I've done this four times, and every time, I'm like, I'm gonna really eat healthy and try to do this. And obviously, things for me, I'm. It all ends after the first trimester.

[B]

Really?

[C]

Yeah. And. But it's so weird. Like, I was like, one day, I was like, I am making this up. I'm literally like, I'm making this up. Get broccoli. Literally, that's the only time I threw up. And it wasn't, like, throwing up. It was just gagging it. My body rejected it.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

It was like, you're not eating that. Right? Don't.

[B]

We don't need that.

[C]

I'm like, I never eat McDonald's. I won it in the first trimester. I think McDonald's is really kind of gross. Need it?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

So, yeah, it was. It's very comparable Emerson's, but likely because of the medication.

[B]

Yeah, that makes sense.

[A]

Can we make that a PSA to all pregnant women? Is that unisimmin B6? Try it. As soon as you find out you're Pregnant. Ask your doctor. But then try it. Cause my friend just told me she was pregnant and just got through her first trimester and no one ever told her about that and she was really sick.

[C]

Does it not make you question, like, why don't they make an over the counter medication that's just whatever is that combo of ingredients that makes that work and they can just call it morning sickness medication.

[B]

Well, maybe we should. And we could become billionaires.

[A]

Don't steal our idea.

[B]

You can get bought out by a pharmaceutical company.

[C]

It's crazy. Like, why do we have to just like go ahead and start like mixing supplements and medications to try to combat that?

[B]

I don't know.

[C]

They don't even know what causes that.

[B]

Right.

[C]

They're literally like hormones. And you're like, that's not actually an answer. When you really think about it is Unison.

[B]

The sleeping medication.

[C]

It's a sleep aid. So I only take half of them because it is enough to knock you out. Yeah.

[B]

Did you take half or did you take a full?

[A]

I took a full. And then once I hit. Once I stopped getting morning sickness, I weaned off and I did a half because I was so scared to get off of it and feel morning sickness again. Yeah, I remember. And then I took off of it.

[B]

Gotcha. I never had nausea, so that is

[C]

wild because it affects like 90 of pregnant women, both babies.

[B]

With Vivian, I had one day where I was like, I am going to puke. I never did. And it was the day. It was like two days before I took my test test to find out that I was pregnant because I was

[C]

like, I usually hit that early.

[B]

I know. That's why I was surprised too. But I did. I had one out because we were in the Dominican Republic for Caleb's work trip and I brought one pregnancy test because I said, this is the weekend that I'll get my period, so I'll bring it. Just we can test it on vacation. And it was the day before I took. I think it was the day before I was so sick. And I was like, this is really weird. And sure enough, I was pregnant. But with cj, I had nothing.

[C]

Because normally I feel like the worst weeks are like weeks 7 to 10. Week 10 is like down bad.

[B]

I mean, I'm on my back tired, but I don't get.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, six through 10.

[A]

I was nauseous.

[C]

Yeah, six through 10. No, no, actually six through 12.

[A]

Really?

[C]

I feel like mine peaks at 10, though. Well, after you were the most sick, Addie.

[A]

I was really sick.

[B]

You were really Sick after the stomach bug. I have immense sympathy for you all because that nausea yesterday was insane.

[C]

And I just think about that. It's different.

[B]

I don't think it probably is. Nausea is nausea. I'm like, that's gotta be how it is every day. Pregnancy.

[A]

I think the difference is I'm also not afraid to throw up. So I would throw up every single day.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Just because I was like, it'll make me feel better.

[C]

Wait, you did it on purpose?

[A]

No, I just felt nauseous. And so I'd go and I'd throw up.

[C]

Oh. I fought it for my life. I'm laying in bed.

[B]

It makes it so much worse.

[A]

That's like eating salt teens.

[C]

Like, please.

[A]

What happened to you? Is your mom scared of throwing up?

[C]

It's a real phobia because you.

[A]

You and your brother are both like that.

[C]

It's in my bones.

[A]

It's in Blake's bones, too, because he was telling me I don't need to throw up.

[C]

Also, I have a theory that when I throw up, it's a violent experience. Like, I pop blood vessels in my face.

[B]

That's because you're trying to hold it in.

[C]

Is that it? No. I feel like, no, I'm not standing off the ground.

[B]

You gotta breathe through it.

[C]

No, I can't.

[B]

I was coaching cj. I was like, take a deep breath, relax, and go, no, no, no, no,

[C]

no, no, no, no, no. I will do anything to avoid it. And so, yeah, no. Had a lot of nausea. Weird cravings. Weird. Yeah, I guess. My cravings. I don't know if I had weird cravings. Oh.

[A]

If you're comfortable talking about your food categories, how does that change during first trimester?

[C]

Oh, everything's out the window, really.

[B]

What do you mean? Your food category?

[C]

What is this? I'm a very routine person with food. Like, it has to fit in a category of breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, dessert.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

And there's. It has to fit in a category out the door first time.

[A]

Really?

[C]

No.

[A]

And you can do that, like, mentally?

[C]

Oh, there's.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Survival, for sure. There's just not even a. It doesn't even actually cross my mind. It's actually. I have a hard time eating, like, anything. So it's like, I know that I'm already at a deficit for everything because I, like. I'm like cheese, quesadilla and, like, nibbling it.

[B]

I just cannot relate to that. My first trimester, I'm so hungry both times.

[C]

That's where I'm at right now.

[B]

I gained probably some of the most weight in my pregnancy in the first trimester because I'm starving.

[C]

That's where I'm at right now. Really?

[B]

Like, I cannot get enough food in a day.

[C]

That's how I am.

[A]

Do you need us to go? I have a beef steak in my bag.

[C]

Psycho crazy. It's, like, really crazy.

[B]

Yeah. I'm like, every hour and a half.

[C]

The baby doesn't.

[B]

It's like, I had. I needed, like, a full meal every hour and a half.

[C]

I googled what your caloric needs are.

[B]

Don't they lie? I'm like, this is mean. It's like, an extra 200 calories.

[C]

I said 350.

[B]

I'm like, okay, but I'm.

[C]

Go jump.

[B]

Like, please get out of here. I don't care.

[C]

I don't care. That's also a blessing of a fourth pregnancy. I give zero rips about anything regarding my body.

[B]

Sure.

[C]

In fact, more than ever, I'm like, oh, my gosh. It's such a blessing to grow and to have the baby grow and, like, everything like this. Every symptom. So welcome. Like, even when I was, like, nauseous, I was like, yay. Like, so excited. And, I mean, Matt even told me recently, like, we were laying in bed. He's like, gosh. He's like, I can't believe, like, we're at where we are. Because he's like, you have literally not complained about a single thing.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And I was like, yeah. Because I. You're not gonna hear Pete from me. You're not gonna. Literally. I'm just so grateful. So obviously, the mental aspect of it has been, like, really tough, and so that I have complained about. He did not mention that, which is obviously, he wouldn't do that, but, yeah. So definitely eating a lot of food. Definitely getting puffier.

[B]

Does the fourth physically feel harder, though, than the first three? Is it the same?

[C]

I think it's the same.

[B]

Okay. That's great news.

[C]

I think it's the same. Oh, yeah. Abby, what was. You need to tell people your theory.

[B]

I think I said this on unplanned, but I was like, I feel like the first pregnancy was such a dream. Like, this is so fun. Everything about it is so beautiful and mystical and new and, like, a little confusing, but. But fun, you know?

[C]

Yes.

[B]

You feel so beautiful. And then the second pregnancy was like, this hurts. I'm sore. I feel fat. Like, you know, just, like, all the things. Like, it was just way harder for me to stay focused and locked in. And then you. I was like, well, maybe the first One's easy. The second one's hard. Everything just was, like, way more sore the second time. So maybe the third one. You know, it's like an exercise set. Your first set, you're like, okay, I have energy. The second set, you're pretty tired. The third set, you kind of get it. Like a third win wind. No, it's not like that.

[C]

No, it's not.

[B]

Like, you don't get a second wind with each pregnancy.

[C]

No, I do think they're most important. And actually, can I tell you my theory?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

My theory is that you get one pregnancy. The rest, you're just growing a baby.

[B]

I. I think I. I will second that.

[C]

After 50th for sure. You get one pregnancy, you can nap. You can, like.

[B]

Right.

[C]

Give me my cravings. Like, you can be, like. You can be needy. Secondly, pregnancy.

[B]

No.

[C]

Pipe down.

[B]

You have a child. Suck it up.

[C]

You need to wake up.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

You take care of everything.

[B]

Right?

[C]

Right? Yeah. And I'm fine with that. I think that we only need one.

[B]

Right.

[C]

And then your husband can just baby you, like, totally. That's. That just goes for him and that that expectation doesn't change.

[B]

Totally.

[C]

And I also do think, like, even for Matt, like, it's so interesting, and I think this is a result of pregnancy after loss, but also, just like. Like, being on the fourth one, like, it's like, I think he has, like, such a deep respect now. Like, I feel like he's literally worshipping the ground I walk on. And I'm like, this is incredible. Let's keep doing now. He's, like, so excited, too. He's like, how many kids do you want? He's like, really? He's like, we said we'd stop at four. He's like, but. But what are we gonna be done? He's like, I think I'd be really sad to think that we only have one more time of doing it. And I'm like, yeah, that's amazing. I love that. I was like, let's leave the door open. But I do think, like, at least in our experience, for the husband, like, for the dad, I feel like also, I think the nature of having more of a gap. We have a larger gap now than I ever anticipated having. I think that you just get enough time to reset and get your bearings again. You're like, wait, that was super cool. This is what we have to look forward to. And this is the precious beginnings of all that.

[B]

Totally.

[C]

And I feel like we both feel that. But it's cool to all also see, like, the husband experience that in like a different way.

[B]

Yeah, that does. That is really true. Yeah, I could see that for sure. Because every time, like you're saying, it does get harder. And so then your husband's like, thank you for doing this. Like, the reward of having your child is the best gift of all time. So then it's like, thank you for literally going through H E double L.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Thank you to Policy Genius for sponsoring this portion of today's episode.

[C]

It's now March and we are getting settled into, into the new year. All those things that we have put off, it's all coming to the top. And one of those things that at least in our household has been insurance related tasks.

[B]

Most of the time it is, it feels like a big thing, but Policy Genius makes it easy, which is really, really amazing. Policy Genius can help check protecting the life you've built off your spring to do list. Financial planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but finding the right insurance policy can help ease that way.

[C]

I feel like with life insurance it feels like such a grown up thing to do.

[B]

It's responsible.

[C]

It's responsible. Especially a lot of people listening to this podcast are probably young families and going there feels a little easier with the support of a company like Policy Genius. Policy Genius is an online insurance marketplace that allows you to compare quotes from some of America's top insurers side by side for free.

[B]

Their licensed team helps you get what you need fast so you can get on with your life easily. Find what you need. Coverage, amounts, prices, terms. There's no guesswork, just clear.

[C]

They always say that like life insurance, it's really giving you the gift of just a little space if the worst case scenario happens so that you can just grieve and you don't have to alter your finances. Worry about your finances. That's the last thing you want to think about. Protect the life that you've built. With Policygenius, you can see if you can find 20 year life insurance policies starting at just $276 a year for $1 million in coverage. Head to policygenius.com Abby to compare life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you can save that. That's policygenius.com Abby. So that's where we're at. The kids are excited, so that's fun. I feel like they're also just like confused. So yeah, I feel like girls are a little bit more in tune with that. Like even my friends kids have daughters the same age. They're way more like receptive. Asking more Questions that are more in depth than, like, our kids. Although Griffin did ask us the other day, how did the baby get in there?

[B]

I was like, that's a daddy question.

[C]

No, Matt answered it.

[B]

Yeah. Good.

[C]

I mean, you gotta be honest. I was like, you know, I never want to lie.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

But I don't think you can ever

[B]

start those talks too early.

[C]

No. And it was great. And he did an awesome job and we like. But afterwards I was like, I didn't think I was gonna start yet, but

[B]

I should have known.

[C]

Like, all the talk that we had about, like, having a baby and like, we're in love, like, all this stuff

[B]

and anyway, I'm sure by the. I feel like cj, it really clicked for him in the third trimester when I was like, really had a big belly because, you know, they can visually see the baby more. And I.

[C]

Well, Augie thinks the baby's in here.

[B]

Of course.

[C]

Cuz those have.

[B]

He's like, woo. What's in there?

[C]

That's a massive symptom.

[B]

I have my niece. When I was pregnant with cj, I was like, there's a baby in here in my belly. And so she goes. She goes, you ate your baby.

[C]

Your niece?

[B]

Yeah. Oh, my cousin. Sorry. My cousin. My cousin.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

She goes, you ate the baby? I said, oh, oh, you should ask your mommy about that.

[C]

No.

[B]

How'd the baby get in there?

[C]

I feel like the baby say, no. I did say.

[B]

I was like, no, no, but you should ask your mommy how it got in there.

[C]

You're like, I don't know.

[B]

It logically made sense. I feel the big width in my belly.

[C]

I feel like an explanation is warranted because for. Girls are like, I don't want this just randomly happened. Right. I don't want.

[B]

Can I eat something wrong?

[C]

I want to fall pregnant randomly.

[B]

Totally. This will be your fourth birth.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Does that feel daunting?

[C]

No. No, no, no.

[B]

You feel like you were like, you got it. We got this on lock.

[C]

Well, especially the nature of how, like, we're gonna meet. This baby is no labor. Yeah.

[B]

You've never experienced, like a scheduled.

[C]

Scheduled C section.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Like, okay, I am saying this as someone that had what could be considered. I don't have trauma associated. But what could be considered as a traumatic first birth.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Where things didn't go quite right to the point where they didn't really want me to even try to attempt that a second time. To having a scheduled C section, which really feels like you're checking in to some type of hotel. That's A little weird.

[B]

It's a hotel.

[C]

You just show up. I had self tan on. I had my makeup done, my hair ready, fully rested. I slept all night.

[B]

Amazing.

[C]

Went in at noon, holding my baby at one o' clock where Matt was. And I was like, that was incredible. And my recovery wasn't that bad. So I'm saying, like, you gotta understand the life experience I'm coming from when I'm saying this. Obviously the nature of birth number three is not one that we're gonna put in the same category. Wasn't live birthday and was deeply traumatic in a number of other ways. But between those two, I'm like, yeah, I'll take the second one.

[B]

Those lights went crazy.

[C]

I just thought I blinked weird.

[B]

I was like, am I losing consciousness?

[C]

I've been getting a little blackout.

[A]

Oh, no.

[C]

A little blackout when I stand, which maybe I think my iron mite could be low.

[B]

That could be low. Spinach and electrolytes, girl. Poundage.

[C]

No, I had to take iron with Griffin and butt shot.

[B]

I remember that.

[C]

Yeah. I felt much better.

[B]

I had in my five year journal, went to Abby's butt shot appointment. We like dropped you off.

[C]

Yeah, I came back so chipper. That stuff works immediately. Okay, wait, let me give a little backstory with Griffin. With my first pregnancy, I was just. You don't know what to expect.

[B]

Right?

[C]

I was like, I'm pregnant. Like, I'm going to be tired. I'm going to be like so drained and exhausted and get headaches. I was very, very tired.

[B]

Right.

[C]

They checked my red blood cell counts. Normal routine blood work that you do. They said that they flag it as anemic. I believe if it drops below 55, they're like, you have five red blood cells.

[B]

Five. And normally 55.

[C]

I was down to five.

[B]

Your lips were so white.

[C]

So white. And they were like, you need to take a shot today.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. You need to get.

[C]

I started taking iron. I didn't need to give you a booster or anything, but they started. They gave me a shot of. I think it was B12. And I was like, is this stuff supposed to work? Immediately I felt incredible. And then we went to Joshua Tree.

[B]

It was that day.

[C]

I felt so good.

[A]

Ye.

[B]

It was that day.

[C]

I felt incredible. Good thing we got it before Joshua Tree. Anyway, what was I saying? So.

[B]

No, not.

[C]

I'm not. I'm not. No, no, no. Not worried about it. Well. Cause also, it's very predictable. The nature of this type of delivery. That's the one perk. Oh, also, yeah, that's what I say, our friend just had a baby, and she was like, talking about her worst case scenario, which would be her having a C section.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I said, well, your worst case scenario is my inevitable. Like, that's what's happening. So not to dismiss your fears, but I'm like, it's not. If that's what has to happen, it's really not that bad.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Luckily, it didn't have to happen for her. But I'm like, hey, we can share positive C section experience. I feel great. I feel fun and amazing, for sure.

[B]

I feel like I got so many messages when I was going back and forth between doing this scheduled C section or attempting a vbac. And so many women were like, oh, my gosh. I love my C section. It was beautiful. And my births were amazing. And my mom loved. She had three C sections and she loved. She was like, you're in, you're out, you're on the go.

[C]

I mean, obviously your recovery is painful. It's more painful.

[B]

It's really painful.

[C]

And like, your time in the hospital. Oh, that's enough to make me attempt crazy things. It's not an option for me. Like, it's not a safe option for me.

[B]

No.

[C]

And I tried. I. Even this pregnancy, I was like, let's reopen the conversation. Everyone was like, multiple doctors were not even slightly. Really entertaining.

[B]

No, it's all right.

[C]

They're like.

[B]

Like, let's talk about it. Like, they're. No, we're not gonna talk about it.

[C]

And even if I were to, like, find an alternate method, like, they don't accept what. What I've had before, so.

[B]

Right.

[C]

It's like, it wasn't even. It's not really even.

[B]

Which is kind of nice, not having to worry about making a decision on that. Honestly.

[C]

I like it. It's all fine and dandy. Yeah. And so we're just gonna make the most of that situation. I will self tan the night before. I will be fully rested. I will. I'm just speaking all these things out there. So. No, it's not daunting, the recovery. I'm like. Like, I'm gonna do things a little differently. I'm gonna take the pain medication.

[B]

Gosh, please.

[C]

I didn't take it last time. And I was like, why did I do that?

[B]

I can't even imagine not doing that. Like, I was. I mean, I was in the hospital for a long time, but I needed it.

[C]

Tylenol?

[B]

No, but I needed the oxy.

[C]

Yeah, I think I did too. I don't know.

[B]

I mean, you Have a really high pain tolerance. So I could see maybe in the moments in the hospital, you being like, no, I'm good. And then you getting home and everything. They're wearing off. And then freaking out. But, like, that was so painful.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

So, yeah, that's a good. That's a really positive step to change.

[C]

I'm taking oxy's.

[B]

No.

[C]

Yeah, that's. That's also makes it, like, less daunting. And also, just now I know what to expect more from recovery. I want that, like, ice band around there. That felt so good. Oh, ice packs around that area felt really, really good. Nice. But, yeah, I mean, what are you gonna do, right? That stinks. That you can't pick up your other kids.

[B]

But also, they're big enough.

[C]

They're gonna be big. Yeah. So it's not even, like, that big of a. The problem is that you can't lift the car seat and stuff. Yeah. For six weeks.

[B]

I know. I kind of did, anyway. Well, I mean, you got to do what you got to do.

[C]

You do got to do what you got to do. Well, maybe I did the first two

[B]

weeks, but after that, I was like, I have to. Oh, load them up.

[C]

Yeah. I didn't think. I. They also said you can't drive for two weeks after having a seizure.

[A]

Right.

[B]

So I didn't really. But you could always put the duna in and then load your baby up.

[C]

Yeah, Yeah, I do that.

[B]

Yeah. I didn't think to do that when. After grip. After cj, but you just figure out other ways later on.

[C]

I know.

[B]

I know.

[C]

Now our car seats have expired almost.

[B]

I was gonna ask about that. Did you know that, Addie?

[A]

No.

[B]

Your car seats expired after six years. Yeah. You should get a new. You're doing. It needs to be replaced anyway.

[C]

Ours needs to be.

[B]

The handle's, like, about to fall off.

[C]

Very wobbly.

[B]

It's wobbly.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

You guys. You travel with that thing.

[C]

That's fine. So, yeah, no, I'm not. I'm very excited, Honestly. That's the only thing that's, like, kind of helped. The worst days, like, mentally of this pregnancy is just, like, envisioning. And obviously, I'm envisioning a C section, like, laying there and Matt holding the baby and, like, hearing their cry and, like, getting back to our room, like, that's the only thing that has, like, helped get through. I mean, the main thing to get through those, like, hardest days, because. Yeah. I mean, pregnancy after loss, like, moms that get it. Get it. It's like you have your pregnancies before, and then you have your pregnancies after, and they are vastly different. And, like, honestly, like, it's so interesting, like, the way it happened for me, like, having two healthy pregnancies and then a loss and also, like, a late. Like, a late miscarriage, like, that really flipped everything upside down. It's like I can't even actually relate or remember those pregnancies before.

[B]

Makes sense.

[C]

Which is weird. And it, like, it's sad. Like, I'm like, man, that was so. I didn't even know how blissfully ignorant I was. And now we're on the other side of that, and you can't ever return to that. And I just think I just had to make peace with that early on. Like, I was like, it's not going to be the same. And so there's other things about it that it's like. It's so much better, too, to fully understand, like, the miracle of it all. And, like, the just. I mean, it truly, like, just the miracle of it all. And I understand that now in a much deeper way. But I would do anything to get back, you know, to before. I'm like, I wish I could just pretend like I don't know what I already know. I've seen what I've already seen. But you don't get that option and you keep going on or you don't. And I totally understand moms that choose that to be the end of their road. Totally. There's no That. I get it. That's enough to. That was almost enough to make me. The fear of it all. But for sure, here we are, and we just really have positive visions of a redemptive pregnancy experience. And it's happening. Yes, it is happening.

[B]

So we are so grateful.

[C]

So grateful. So excited. It's been a lot. It's been a lot.

[B]

You've been a champion through it. We're proud of you and we're excited and so, so happy.

[C]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

And we can't wait to celebrate this baby.

[C]

Yes. Thank you to Needed for sponsoring this portion of today's episode.

[B]

Being postpartum and coming out of pregnancy, truthfully, your body goes through a lot.

[C]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

It is a lot. And it needs a lot of support. And that is where Needed comes in, which is really, really nice. Pregnancy and postpartum are some of the most nutritionally demanding times in a woman's life. And there are so many options for supplements that it sometimes is a little overwhelming.

[C]

Yeah. I remember just asking my doctor, like, what do I actually need?

[B]

Right. And what's actually going to work.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Yes. And that's why we want to thank Kneaded for sponsoring this portion of today's episode.

[C]

Kneaded offers products that are formulated by experts in women's health and recommended by over 6,000 practitioners. Their starter plan includes a prenatal multi made with bioavailable nutrient forms and omega 3 that is sustainably sourced.

[B]

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[C]

I'm a big fan of Needed because I just really trust their brand. I love that they're developed by women that have been in this exact stage of life and know what they're doing to meet those unique needs in such a hormonally wild, physically wild time of our lives.

[B]

Head over to ThisIsNeeded.com and use code ABBY for 20% off your first first order. That's T-H-I-S I-S N-E-E-E-D.com and use code ABBY For 20 off your first order. Ask, ask, ask Abby. Hi. I was just wondering if I'm pregnant with my second child. My first ended in a C section. My doctor's on board with the vbac.

[C]

I know that Abby has just had one recently.

[B]

I was wondering if maybe she had

[C]

any tips that helped her get her

[B]

V back and what they would be. Thank you. That's a great question. Yeah, thanks for asking that. I. I feel like I have a lot of. I made a whole video on it because I'm like, there's so many things that I did differently.

[C]

A YouTube video?

[B]

No, I did like a reel on it.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

I think I did talk about in a YouTube video too. Like with my post birth partum Q and A, I feel like the biggest things, like the reason that was CJ I had a C section was that he, he never descended down. It was in a good position. So my whole goal with Vivian was to try to like, help my body put her in the best position for labor. And so I just did all the things. Like in the second trimester, I started walking daily and I try to walk at least a mile every day just because it really helps every. I don't know. I'm not going to get into the science of things, but I walked a lot, lot I did the spinning babies. I asked my doctor about it, and they had a packet with all the spinning babies method exercises and, like, some of their tips for having a successful vaginal birth. And so I did all the exercises in there, at least in the third trimester, started doing that. And then the third trimester, I did more of, like, the holistic stuff where I did the dates and the tea every day. I bounced on that ball a lot. It was really just like. Like, strengthening my body and trying to open my hips up more so that she could descend down better. So that was the stuff that I did kind of leading up. And then. This is not medical advice by any means. So take this just, like, with what you will. And I think every person is so different. I definitely want to do an epidural. I wanted to have pain management. I did not want to be induced with my second, just because with cj, I felt like. Like he just wasn't in a good position. And the induction just didn't help with that. So I really wanted to try to avoid that this time around just to see if my body could naturally get her down. Obviously, if, like, I needed Pitocin or those things, I would have taken it, but I just wanted to do what I could naturally to get my contractions going and more consistent. So I tried to avoid any, like, induction medication when I was at the hospital and things were already moving. And then I just kind of waited a little longer to get my epidural so that even while I was having contractions and stuff, I could be up and moving and she could be moving on down. Because I read a lot about how, like, when you're laying there, the baby doesn't always move down as easy. So I just knew that was from my personal experience. That was my problem, is that C.J. wasn't in the best position, and so I just tried to fix it, doing those things. So I don't know what. What led to your C section the first time, but maybe just answering some of those questions if. Yeah. With different solutions.

[C]

Good advice.

[B]

Thanks. I'm not a doctor. Hi, Abby's. My husband and I are trying to prepare our bodies to start a family, and I recently found out my progesterone is very low. With that, it could make conceiving much harder and put me at high risk for a miscarriage. So with all that being said, how are you guys able to overcome the fear of the unknown possibilities? Thank you guys so much. Love you.

[C]

Bye.

[B]

It's a hard one.

[C]

I'm not. What was the Question. How are you able to overcome it? Well, you know what?

[B]

You just got to rip the band aid.

[C]

Yeah. There's no way. There's no way out the other side. But through it, therapy helps a lot. I understand that's, like, expensive and difficult, and I feel like. Also just know, like, everyone says this. Like, you'll probably have some good advice, too, but, like, it's not a linear experience. Like, I remember, like, when I got to, like, 17 weeks of this experience, which, I mean, granted, a lot of people have taken a deep sigh of relief long before 17 weeks, but that was, like, an extremely tough week for me. And I, like, got into therapy, and I was, like, a total mess the whole time, like, for 60 minutes straight. And I was just. I remember telling my therapist, I was like, I'm just so frustrated because I felt like I was past this. Like, I felt like I had, like, made so much progress. Like, we were like. I felt like this was all something that was behind me. And like, even saying that, as I was saying, I was like, you know, they always say this stuff is not linear, but then it just feels like it really should be, you know? And so just knowing that, like, there'll be good days and there will be bad days and that neither one is not as, like, they're not all gonna be bad days, they're not all gonna be good days. And going into it with that understanding, you can just have a lot less fear attached to those bad days. It doesn't feel like, oh, my gosh, this is how it's going to be forever until we meet our baby. And so, yeah, that was really wordy, not helpful advice.

[B]

I think that was really good advice. Thanks. I think this isn't in regards to pregnancy necessarily. I just think in general, when I feel really scared, I always try to think on the other side of it. I'm like, okay, if worst case scenario things happen, will I. Like, how will. Will I be okay in the end? And the answer is always yes. Like, I. I think that we can get through. We're so much stronger than we believe and know. And I just have to remind myself that I'm like, if the worst case scenario things happen, like. Like, I have family, I have Caleb. I have this. Like, there are things that we have in place that can help get us through it. And obviously, we don't want to go through hard things, and that's why we feel scared about it, because it's like, that is so horrible. And I don't want to experience that. And I don't want to do that, but if it happens, I know that we'll be okay in the end and, like, things will look different, but we'll get through it. I think it's just reminding yourself that. And like, that is where a lot of, like, the faith aspect comes in. It's like, I have to have faith that, like, no matter what happens, I can get through this. And yeah, I don't know. I haven't really experienced, like, I think a lot of scary things, but I

[C]

think a lot of times it feels like with modern science and innovation, we can control family planning more than ever, but we still cannot control family planning.

[B]

Right.

[C]

And that is just the bottom line. I don't think this is something that will ever be guaranteed. And that's why such a miracle.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And so I think just going into this, you're already asking the right questions of, like, how do I like? Because I think me blissfully ignorant. Even trying for our first. Like, I was like, we'll get pregnant and then that'll be like it. And then we have our babies and it's like, great nine months later. And like, you're already asking the right questions and you already understand that this is outside of your control. And going into that, you're just already setting yourself up for, like, just a posture of surrender in a way that is just like, it simply requires, like, the fact is, some of us end up with all of our kids and there's relatively no complications. Everyone will face complications and challenges and highs and lows, but relatively no. And the only difference between them and other people that have lived the worst case scenario is simply just luck. And that's really what it boils down to. And so just fully surrendering and then just lean on your spouse a lot and your community of friends and. Yeah, yeah, it's just one of those things.

[B]

It is totally. If you're a believer, pray and journal and bring all those fears to God. I think a lot of times saying them out loud and not like, holding on to them is helpful too, like voicing those things.

[C]

Oh, totally.

[B]

Yeah. Because sometimes I feel like when you're sitting on a fear and you're. It's in your head and then you're ruminating on it, it's really easy to, like, get into a spiral. And if you can get those out loud and speak through them, I think that's healthy.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Hi, Abby's.

[C]

I've been following you both for quite some time now, and I remember that

[B]

you both had unplanned emergency C sections with Your firstborns. That was also my experience with my

[C]

son this past October.

[B]

So my question is, did you deal

[C]

with any feelings of failure following your C sections or just wondering if you could have done anything differently to prevent them? Thank you.

[B]

I. I had a lot of those feelings after cj. I think that was one of the hardest things to. I felt a lot of anger at my body because I felt like my body failed me. And it wasn't necessarily that. Like, I was. I mean, the C section in my head, I was like, oh. I was, like, mad that I had to do that because it just seemed so hard after, like, going through labor for so many hours. And so I just, like, man my body for the first time ever. It just didn't do what I was needing it to do. And I felt very betrayed by my body. And that was, like, a very weird feeling. And I think there was a lot of, like, processing for that, for sure. So you're not alone in those thoughts at all. I think over time, I was like. I think there was. There's just a level of acceptance that I had to reach where I was like, it's just okay, like, that it happened. I think I used to look at my scar and, like, feel angry at times. Not because I had a scar on my body. I was just, like, mad at my body for not working. Right.

[A]

Right.

[B]

And I can't even really explain that, but I think just especially when we're young and healthy and, like, everything's always gone my way, it just felt like I had this reminder of all the time. Like, I always had this reminder where I look in the mirror and, like, g. My body betrayed me. And I think it's okay to feel that preventative wise. I don't know. I feel like if there are things that I would do differently, I think I didn't. I don't think I actually needed the induction in the. In the long run. And C.J. was just so high in my stomach that, like, he was just not ready to come down at all. And so we really forced it. So I was just one of those cases, though, where I had an induction. It didn't work, but a lot of people have that, and it works great. So I don't know. It's not like it's just pregnancy and birth is just not a one size fits all for everybody. And everyone's experience is so different. And they had a lot of concerns about him being too big. And so we just did what we thought was best. And so, no, I don't think. But now that we know that I don't have massive babies, I'm okay not doing that in the future. You know, I feel like birth and labor is all, like, trial and error.

[C]

Yeah. I actually didn't have an emergency C section my first time. He did come out, but it was an emergency situation. And so I definitely did feel feelings of failure when they were telling me I just needed to schedule a C section. After he did come out vaginally, my first, I was like, you mean I'm just gonna show up and lay down and not even try? Like, for me, in my spirit, Like, I'm like, that just doesn't sit right with me. And so I just needed to really evaluate, like, what was my own. Like, this is gonna. This is my unique situation. I'm not saying this is other people's situation, but, like, what was my own ego and what was. Like. Actually what we needed to evaluate was, like, wise medical, sound advice from multiple professionals. And so once I, like, set that aside, but even still, this day, I'm like, I'm really just gonna show up and lay down and get frozen and get it. Like, it does bother me.

[B]

No.

[C]

And I'm like, dang. But it's just. It's just the reality of it all. And it doesn't mean that, like, I'm weaker or I view myself as weaker or anything, but, yeah, there's just so much complicated emotions with birth and so much like. Like, it is all just so touchy. And everyone had. A lot of women have gone through it, so a lot of people have big opinions on it. And it's also, like, a peak experience in our life. Like, totally. You're reaching the limits of your. And so there's just such heightened emotions around it, and so totally. It's just hard to even talk about in a way that's, like, not gonna step on people's toes.

[B]

I know.

[C]

Like, I don't know. I've just had to learn to set a lot of that, like, aside. And, like, this is my isolated experience for what it is, and any outside opinions on that. It's like, that's actually coming from your personal experience. Right. Which really doesn't play a role in my decision making. And so it's just like. Or shouldn't.

[B]

So I agree.

[C]

We're good to talk about it with everyone. Like, oh, this is what I experienced. But it's really hard to be like,

[B]

hey, you should do this. I know. That's why even when I talk about, like, I was induced with cj, I get, like, nervous Saying that because I never want to. To sway someone away from doing that if their doctors are recommending.

[C]

I needed. I think I probably needed to be induced. Because you did. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I mean, he was big, and you need to be like, early, not.

[C]

But just for frame. Like, it wasn't even, like, that huge.

[B]

I know, but it's just like. That's why it's so hard when I say things like that. I'm like, well, I just know that didn't work for my body the first time, so I'll do something different. That's why I'm like, it's hard to

[C]

sort through the advice.

[B]

So hard to sort through it.

[C]

Just other. Just once again, family planning is just a big exercise and surrender like it really is. And you can't put too much on yourself. Like, there's only so much that's within your control. Right. And that's what's scary about it. But that's also why it's a great exercise in your own faith, too, because it's just like, there's so much outside of your control.

[B]

I. Yeah, I remember feeling that way after my friend, after I had C.J. and I had the C section, and I was like, well, I want to do things differently next time. And then I had a friend who did literally everything that you're supposed to do. Like, everything. Right. And then she went into labor and her body just never progressed, and she had a C section. I just remember crying and being like, okay, there's just. There's no way to ensure a perfect scenario. And so I think there was a level of that where I was like, okay, just have to accept whatever. You really have to go with an

[C]

open control what you can control, and then surrender the rest. Which is, unfortunately, a lot of it.

[B]

It's actually 98, let's be honest.

[A]

Yeah, I felt like mine was different. I did go into spontaneous labor, but about. I think I was 36 weeks. And Brielle was still. She was. What's that? Adverse.

[C]

Transverse.

[A]

Transverse. So she was still sideways, so she hadn't turned head down. And they told me it was likely that I would have to have a C section. And I bawled, like, when I left the doctor's appointment because I was so set that I wasn't gonna have to do that. And so I do think while I was really sad and I had to go through the emotions of like, okay, that's probably. It was coming from pride of like, I wanna be able to do what my body was surely designed to do and not have to have a C section. But then I was able to process all those emotions beforehand, rather than it being an emergency at the end and having to process it during the moment. And so I was, like, very thankful that I was able to, like, I was able to talk to both of you about that, too, and be say how I was nervous and scared and going through those emotions of, like, my body was supposed to do this. Why is she not turning and doing that? And then coming to peace with it and then coming into another appointment and telling me she was head down. I was like. I was grateful that I was gonna be able to try to do it spontaneously that way, But I went through that same experience when they were not the same. Completely different. Cause it was an emergent situation. But having to process those emotions beforehand, I was very grateful for, even though I was pretty upset about it.

[C]

We have a pretty good range here. We have a huge range experience.

[B]

Totally. I think, like, you say you think it's easier just going and laying down for a C section. I think, like, obviously the labor part, like, delivery part is probably easier. Cause you're just laying there. But the recovery. Recovery is so different. Like, oh, yeah, Yeah. I think that's where you're just picking where your pain is.

[C]

I'm just saying you don't. This is a fact. You don't labor right. So it's like that your labor experience is easier.

[B]

Yeah. Fact. Sure, sure.

[C]

I mean, I guess I technically was in, like, having contractions.

[B]

You were having contraction, like, a month before?

[C]

Constantly. He never moved down. He was never planning on coming out of my dad.

[B]

And they're like, please, my body.

[C]

I had so many stress tests because they're like, do you not feel those? I'm like, no, I actually do.

[B]

You're like, actually, I've been in pain for six weeks.

[C]

They didn't hurt? No, none of them hurt. It was just, like, pressure, you know? And I was like, I think it's because he was not planning. That man was never planning on coming through my birth canal.

[B]

He's like, cut me out.

[C]

Or else he was going crazy.

[B]

He might not cry the minute, you know, he's like, babies don't cry. Augie comes out screaming,

[A]

checks out.

[C]

No, they were literally like, oh, my goodness, he's got lungs. That's what they say. That's like their nice way. Actually, did you know, in elementary, I was an elementary education major. I remember one day I show up to class, and they're like, okay, so this is a misbehavior or like a Characteristic of, like, a disobedient student. And this is how you present it to the parents. And, like, one of them is like, you know, he won't sit in his seat. It's like, he's very active learner. Like. Or it's like they won't shut up and clap. They have a lot to share. Like, they're just. You have, like, a nice way of saying it. And I feel like that was like, the nurse's nice way of saying, like, this dude might be calling some awesome lungs.

[B]

There's something about Vivian, too. When she came out, like, oh, the lungs. She lost her voice that first. The first two days.

[C]

Brielle kind of too, actually.

[A]

Did you guys. They all cry right away for.

[B]

No.

[A]

You guys. Who.

[B]

Who wasn't just over. Over a minute.

[C]

Oh.

[A]

I listened back and really, this was like 45 seconds. I didn't even know.

[B]

Yeah, CJ's was long. Like, my video of birth is that of his delivery was long. And he didn't cry the whole video. I remember Caleb and I had a moment where we were like, we were just kind of looking at each other. And then when he started crying, we were crying. It was a long.

[C]

I do think C section babies take a little. They. They did say that.

[B]

And he was under distress just from, like, all the. But. Yeah, but he.

[A]

It's like Brielle, too. Brielle. The cord was wrapped around her neck, so it was a really fast delivery. Delivery. Yeah, not labor. The labor was pretty quick too. But yeah, the delivery was really fast because of that. And then I think that's probably why she wasn't crying. Yeah, that's all for her voicemail.

[B]

Oh, it was a great conversation.

[C]

Oh, wait, the book club ladies.

[B]

I finished the book in one day. I read 300 pages.

[C]

I actually read it all in one day, too.

[B]

Yeah, it was actually read fast. I read it fast. I did skim and skip a lot.

[C]

Okay. Disregard Abigail's review of this book.

[B]

No, no, no, no.

[A]

I skipped, like, one section.

[B]

No, I can speed read.

[A]

You. You.

[B]

You read like, you pick out a couple sentences on the page and then you kind of see, like, oh, these are the important sections to read. I skipped all of the, like, thought commentary. I didn't care about what.

[C]

Your review does not count. No, I feel like I read qualified. No, I did it.

[B]

I. I did my homework.

[C]

You can't pick out what you want to read. Yes, I can.

[B]

I love the sections, obviously. The. In the moment on the space shuttle. I read every word of those. I read all Those words. I loved the storyline with the sister and her niece. I read all that. Everything else, I kind of skimmed.

[C]

Oh, my gosh. Okay. So I couldn't really care about.

[B]

I didn't really care about the other astronauts.

[C]

I really like this author. I think that she does a good job mix between, like, telling a story and then also it's still like. Like, it's not necessarily, like, a deep read. Like, I would say it's like a lighter story. Yeah. This. This book might be my least favorite of the ones I've read of hers.

[B]

Really.

[C]

I really wanted more of the spaceship experience.

[B]

Me too.

[C]

Like, I feel like it was actually like 5% of the book and I really wanted more spaceship experience. I love the woman power. I love, like, women in space and like, you know, being the first to, like, first woman from. In NASA. First. Like, I love that aspect of it. I loved, like, a slight historical element to it. I like. I like the space talk, guys. Ever since I read Project Hail Mary, I feel like I'm kind of an expert on space. So I was like, oh, I know about this stuff. I like the space element.

[B]

I thought it was cool.

[C]

And so, yeah, I just wanted more about the mission. I really did.

[B]

Yeah, I was a little confused on what the explosion was that like.

[C]

Oh, you're right. Like with the door.

[B]

Yeah, it was just. She just said an explosion happened and it was just shrapnel.

[A]

Yeah. So it was from the.

[C]

They left the door open.

[A]

They left the door open.

[B]

So. Dude, a comet hit them. Did a star hit them? What?

[A]

No. So they were lighting something on the satellite, Whatever it was, and then it like. Like messed up.

[C]

Something malfunctioned. But you're right. I think that I was looking a little bit confused. I feel like that is something astronauts would have to fill in for me.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

I wish we got more of her mission of. I forgot their names already. But it's only about the mission. That.

[C]

Victoria.

[A]

No, and the other one, she threw

[B]

up the whole time on the. On this.

[C]

Yeah, that's true. We got none of that.

[A]

Yeah, a little bit. I. I would have liked more there.

[B]

I really liked the dynamic between her and Lydia and like, all the girls on Lydia because. Because I think they all played a different role within, like, the women empowerment and being in NASA. Whereas.

[C]

Oh, yeah. Like, they hated her.

[B]

Yeah. Because she tried to be one of the guys.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And then. What's the main character's name?

[C]

I was just asking, why can I not.

[B]

Why can I not remember her name? Joan. Joan was like, why Are you trying to be like one of them? And there was a line there that's kind of stuck with me. She's like, we don't need to be. Oh. She said, men are hard and brittle. But I find that, like, being soft and flexible actually gives you more strength.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Or what was it? Or you're more resilient or whatever she said. And I was like, that's just so true.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

More long lasting. What was the word that she used?

[C]

Pull up the quote. Oh, here we go. Because the world had decided that to be soft was to be weak, even though in Joan's experience, being soft and flexible was always more durable than being hard and brittle.

[B]

Durable.

[A]

That's so true.

[B]

Yeah, I thought that was a really good quote. And I just. I liked that. I liked their discussion there of, like, we don't have to try to fit in and be one of the guys. Like, we have our own strengths as women. And, like, two things. You know, it's like, they can do their thing and we can do our thing, and, like, they compliment each other really well. I don't know. I just really appreciate that.

[C]

I think Lydia's character was really important too, because I feel like a lot of women when, like, end up getting really competitive. It's easy to get really competitive with each other when it's like, oh, we actually are in the same. We should be headed in the same together towards the same goal.

[B]

Totally.

[C]

And. But, like, I liked. I feel like Lydia did have a really good character arc at the end where she was like, yeah, she was doing what she thought she had to do to achieve. Make achievements as a woman.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And like, they were doing the same.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I actually genuinely, really liked and cared about all the characters of this book, which I think is actually a good reason why I rate books highly, is I was like, if I'm invested in the characters, then. And I'm just overall gonna like the book more. Yeah, I didn't feel that way. The name. You didn't feel that way?

[B]

You didn't feel that way.

[A]

I wasn't really invested in the characters.

[C]

Really?

[A]

Really.

[B]

I liked. I liked the way that they spoke. I thought the character development for all of them was really good. I didn't read half of it at all.

[A]

I like the style of writing. I like a little more younger.

[B]

The what?

[A]

Younger. Just, like, a little more, like, cheesy and, like, it just felt a little more grown up to me.

[C]

I feel like it did err on the side of literary fiction, more on the side of, like, romance.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And so. Which. I like those types of books, but I. I gave it four stars. I emotionally gave it five stars because I was like. At the ending, I was just so invested in what was gonna happen. But then after I was thinking about it more, I was like, it really was a four stars. Because I don't know that I would necessarily excitably recommend it to people, but I would. I'm like, I enjoyed it. The experience, reading it.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

But I did lower our last book club book to A2. The more I thought about it and dissected it, I was like, that book was actually looney Tunes. Would I give it a five? Yeah.

[A]

When we were in Rhode island, we were. She was still.

[C]

We were still dissecting it. I was like, it's actually a two to the point where I need to actually make sure other people don't read it.

[B]

I. I had my mom read it. Yeah.

[C]

She was like, she didn't.

[B]

I didn't tell her about it.

[C]

She told me. She's like, I'm reading your book club book. I. And it was so bad. I think she said it was dumb.

[B]

I think it was dumb. That was the point of it, though.

[C]

Dang it. You know, she's a. You know, people really like her, but I just think I might be done with that book. But I really do like Taylor Jenkins. Read this book. I feel like I wouldn't excitedly recommend it, but I was very. Like, it was a good read. I felt. I felt like, I will remember this book.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I remember the. The journey the woman took. What?

[A]

I had two quotes. Quotes that stuck out to me when I was reading it that I noted. This one was, this is Joan speaking. She said I always had the top grade in class, and I would come home and brag about how I helped this boy who sat next to me that was struggling with times tables, or I helped the girl with the spelling. Then one day, this boy joins our class, and he's really good at math. Not as good as me, but almost. And he asked me for help, and I told him I'd think about it, but I didn't want to. Bobby Simpson. And I was so scared that he'd take my top score from me. I told my mom that I wasn't gonna help him. And my mom said that if I was gonna be proud of myself for being generous, then I had to do it, even when it meant I might lose something. And she said, you have to have something on the line for it to be called character.

[B]

And I was like, that was good.

[A]

Really a good point to still help. Like, if someone's gonna beat you or be better than you at something, but you can still help them. Like, it's not bad to help someone up, even if they're, like, on your same level. Like, if there's something you can help them with.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Yeah. I like that, though, you guys, There has to be something on the line for it to be character. It's like some. Like, there has to be, like, a potential loss to yourself. Otherwise, it's just like you feel like you're adding another badge, you know?

[B]

Totally.

[C]

That's good. I remembered that, too. Like, when she started saying that.

[A]

And then I. One other one that I was just like. I like the way she worded it was. And this is why. Small as they were, Joan's choices had added up to something magnificent. In the changing of seasons in the past four years, Joan had found it all. I just thought that was cool. Talking about how the changing of the seasons in a year, like, so much happens in a year. And if you just think you went through all four seasons and something different happened to, you're now the person you are this year. I don't know. I just thought about it that way.

[B]

That is sweet. Yeah, I like those quotes. I think those are really good.

[C]

As an author, I feel like all of her books kind of feel this way where they're emotional. And I like books that are emotional. I think they just help me remember them more. And then also there's, like, some meat to the story. And I think that a lot of it, the times it comes from, like, the context and, like, the time in history or like, the specific setting is. Is very memorable for me because I think. Because I do read, like, a decent amount of books. Some of them, I'm like, that was just forgettable. And so I like that this one was, like, it impacted me.

[B]

Yeah. Actually, to your point, I'm thinking about what that quote you just said. That's a. Disregard what you just said. No, yeah, I'm going back to that. You do see her change a lot. Like, her character changes and develops a ton. Like, everything about her. But towards the end, where she becomes a mom, you know, it's like. And her goal, like, her career's goals change. Like, everything changes. And so that is interesting. Not hearing that quote, I'm like, wow, it just did run true. And how much she did change.

[A]

Making me think, too, how all of the chapters are. Not all of them, but they're all marked by seasons. It says fall of this year or Spring of this year. If you think back to the book being marked by that, I did think it was really sweet, her, like, loving her niece so much. I was thinking about, I'm like, Brielle's niece. Brielle's aunts love her so much. That's never gonna happen because I'm a great mom. But.

[B]

Yeah. Oh, my gosh.

[C]

It wasn't Beatrix Chris.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Was the mom that. Reading about her mom, I was like, what an easy. Not an easy, but I'm like, we kind of like, I've met people like that. You know what I mean? That just, like, make everything about themselves and, like, cannot see outside of their own point of view. And then seeing that as, like, a mother to a child relationship was really, like, so crazy. And I think she did a really good job of developing that storyline. And even just, like, seeing how her sister Joan made excuses for her sister. And it's like, always wanted to see the best in her sister, but then her sister just, like, continuously never showed any redeeming quality. And then it got to the point where it's like, oh, my gosh. You know, I don't know. That was just really hard to see that. And I thought I was very invested in that storyline of the book.

[A]

I was invested in that storyline, actually.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. She did a good job writing that. I think it helped. It was like. I don't know. As a reader, I was like, wow, that's just so. She made it very clear. I don't know. It was just good.

[C]

You kind of saw it slowly with her, like, where almost. I think it's like you're kind of slightly in Joan's head, like, how you're perceiving these things where it was like, okay, like, she wasn't planning on having a baby then, and, like, these things are happening to her. And then it gets to a point, like, where you realize. That's why I think it was so artful the way that she did it. Like, you. You reach the same realization that Joan does, as Joan realizes it, where you're like, I can't. You cannot excuse this away anymore. Right. Like, she is a selfish person.

[B]

Right.

[C]

And so, yeah, I think it was really well done, honestly.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And I think that.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I would read more by this author.

[B]

Yeah. Makes me want to finish Daisy Jones and the Six.

[C]

You need to read Daisy Jones and the Six.

[B]

I'm like, a third of the way through it. I don't know why I can't get into it.

[C]

I'm sorry.

[B]

I'm just not into it. What would I read this book. I rated a four. Okay.

[C]

Yeah, I rated it a two.

[B]

A two.

[C]

That's crazy.

[A]

I was not picking it up. And that's kind of how I. I gauge. Like, am I picking it up or am I scrolling? And I was scrolling.

[B]

Maybe I'll give it a three because I really didn't read everything.

[C]

That's psycho.

[A]

Yeah, you can't give it a four. You can even read it.

[B]

I can't rate this one because I didn't really. I mean, I read it, but I didn't read it.

[C]

Hey, you seem to retain some things.

[B]

I retained a lot. I've told you. I was invested in what I was invested in. You know what I mean? I read it. I read it. I thought it was. And to me, like, I skimmed it and I felt like I got the whole book.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

You know what I mean? And I think that is, like, she was a great writer because I feel like, you know, I still got it.

[C]

Next month's book club. Are you ready to move on to that one?

[B]

Yeah, let's do it.

[C]

I'm really excited about this one. I have had this book pre ordered since maybe a year. I don't know whenever it was available. But Haley Pham is another creator. She released her first book ever called Just Friends.

[B]

So cool.

[C]

I've heard a lot about it just from I. I partake in book talk on YouTube because I don't have TikTok. I watch full length videos of people reading books.

[B]

Do they just read them out loud?

[C]

No, no, no. They're just sitting there reading them and they like talk about it and then they like. There's a lot of categories of book.

[A]

It's.

[C]

It's a whole niche.

[B]

No, that's not that crazy. Because I feel like guys do that with watching big people play video games and talk about it. It's just like the girl version of that.

[A]

They literally watch streams of other people.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

So I don't think it's weird.

[C]

Okay, it is. It's niche. For sure. It's niche. I find myself. I'm like, there's. I'm a small audience. Yeah, I'm a part of a small audience. I'm part of a dedicated community. But no more than that. I mean, I shouldn't say that. A lot of people are talking about her book and I'm really excited to support another creator. And also just like, I'm excited about this book. I've been invested in her whole process of writing it. She documented a lot of it on YouTube. So just friends by Haley Pham will be on are April. April, April.

[B]

Book pick.

[C]

I'm like, what's the month? So this should be a great. I think it's like, takes place in like a sunny seaside fun. Like it's a very settings heavy book, which I'm like. That feels fun for April and very appropriate for spring. Yes.

[B]

I can't wait.

[C]

Cute. Okay, so read that one if you want to join in for next month's book talk episode. We're calling this just book club club.

[B]

Always reading.

[A]

Always reading.

[B]

All right, now everything needs to be always blank.

[C]

It has to fit the theme. Abby. Okay, what's your recipe for this week?

[B]

Okay. For always hungry.

[C]

Always hungry.

[B]

My recipe is beef and broccoli. This is a really. You don't like that?

[C]

Not the best.

[B]

Okay. This is good.

[C]

I like it when you make it. Have I made it for you before? You have.

[B]

It's okay if you didn't like it.

[C]

No, I did.

[B]

You did? Well, it's really easy and that's what I like. It just has like a week. 9.

[C]

I don't know why. I just started thinking of Chinese. Chinese food. I actually don't.

[B]

No. Hate to the fellow Chinese listeners. Love Chinese people. I don't love Chinese food.

[C]

That's what I was saying. I don't like the. I don't like the takeout. Beef and broccoli.

[B]

Yeah, I don't either.

[C]

This doesn't taste like takeout. It doesn't taste.

[B]

That doesn't taste like. Yeah, I agree. And it's. It's so simple. It's three. I mean, it's three main ingredients. Beef, broccoli, and rice. And then you have your sauces that you mix up, which is mostly just soy sauce, sesame oil. It's so easy. And it's.

[C]

It's ground beef.

[B]

Huh.

[C]

That's why I like it.

[B]

Yeah, it's just. Just so easy and fast and you could. It's actually a 30 minute meal. Like some people say that and it's not. This is actually a 30 minute meal. So I'll link it. I make it once a week, at least in our house. At most. Not at least.

[C]

What carb do you have with it? Are you doing? I just do rice. Oh, yeah. Perfect. Mine is not a dinner option. I'm actually just been really craving this strawberry shortcake. I make this like always, like in June for the past few years.

[B]

Really?

[C]

With those homemade biscuits.

[B]

Oh, Abby, can you please make that again? I don't.

[C]

Do you remember it now?

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

How did I Forget isn't necessarily like a beginner recipe, but it's really. You'd be surprised. It's not too hard you make. I would say this is like the southern style.

[B]

It's so good. When you made that.

[C]

It's so good.

[B]

It's so good.

[C]

I would say it's like the southern style of strawberry shortcake where you make actual, like homemade biscuits and then bake them in a buttered cast iron. And then you make the strawberry filling with real strawberries and then make the whipped cream and make it like a little stacked, layered sandwich. Have you. Have I made this for you before?

[A]

You made it for your mom's birthday.

[C]

Okay. I like, feel like this is the greatest way to welcome in spring, summer. It's so delightful. And you will feel like a chef when you do it because it is a little bit. It's a little extra, but it's actually pretty easy. And the recipe makes it very easy too. And it's so delightful. I need to make it. I'll make it on Sunday.

[B]

Yes, please, please.

[A]

Or Saturday.

[C]

Let's do it.

[B]

What's Saturday?

[C]

Our extended family's in town.

[B]

Let's do it for Saturday.

[C]

Yeah, that would be fun.

[A]

Then save some for me and save some for Addie.

[B]

We'll make you. We'll save you. Well, I don't know, Addy. Sorry, Snoozy lose.

[C]

It really doesn't say. Well, actually, make more for Sunday. I'll make more on Sunday.

[B]

Double it up.

[C]

So, yeah, I really love that recipe. And yeah, I feel like, wow, that was a lot for one episode.

[B]

What a really. That's so funny because halfway through I was like, we're barely talking and now it's at the end. We're like, wow, that was. We filled it up.

[C]

We filled it up. You guys, in closing, let me open

[B]

my iPad for closing.

[C]

We're really grateful to those of you that are members of this community and we're just excited to continue to grow this and foster community with you guys. And really especially thankful to those of you that leave reviews. Yeah, you have a special place in our heart and especially to this member that has numbers only for their username. So I cannot say it, but it's. They gave us five stars. Yeah. It says my week weekly girl time. I look forward to this show every week. I listen in with my kids in the backseat and my 2 year old loves hearing the kids intro for the Whoa, that's crazy segment. That's cute. This show is fun, relatable, and I love the community that's being created with Ask Abby's Always Eating and the book club. Oh sweet.

[B]

We're glad that you guys feel that way because that's we want to. That's the goal.

[C]

It's fun for us.

[B]

It's so fun for us. Yeah. And so that's the goal. We're glad you guys are enjoying it.

[C]

So please leave a review Like Comment Comment subscribe, Share Heart all the things. Download, do all the things. And also if you would like to call in and leave a voicemail. Actually we are going to do a very heavy voicemail episode so lock us in. Give us a ton of voicemails.

[B]

That number Is it is 602-456-9690 and it's also in our Instagram bio too. If you can't find it, follow us on Instagram and Tick tock. Subscribe on YouTube so you never have to miss any of the updates.

[C]

And stay tuned for upcoming live event in the local Phoenix area.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Awesome. And remember, we're always here.

[B]

WSECU isn't just one of Washington's best credit unions. We're a Forbes Best in State five years running.

[A]

Why? Because we put you first.

[B]

Lower fees, early paydays, financial guidance and

[C]

service second to none.

[A]

As a member owned cooperative, we love Washington as much as you do. From the Olympic Mountains to the Rolling Palouse. Join us and discover how much we care about your financial well being. Because what we really do best is invest in you.

[C]

Visit wsecu.org today to learn more.

[B]

Washington let's Credit Union WSECU isn't just one of Washington's best credit unions. We're a Forbes Best in State five years running.

[C]

Why?

[A]

Because we put you first.

[B]

Lower fees, early paydays, financial guidance and

[C]

service second to none.

[A]

As a member owned cooperative, we love Washington as much as you do. From the Olympic Mountains to the Rolling Palouse. Join us and discover how much we care about your financial well being. Because what we really do best is invest in you.

[C]

Visit wsecu.org today to learn more.

[B]

Washington let's Credit Union.