Original Post September 15, 2015
As I drove into work this morning lots of emotions. I have been making this drive for six years, and overall I have enjoyed every single moment of it. Through the six years I've seen many changes at the radio station and in my opinion some good and some bad. Regardless, being there surely made me into who I am today. The many friends that I have gained, the wonderful memories, the pride you have when you help a small business flourish, the experience, everything.
When I first found out I was pregnant the last thing on my mind was what I was going to do about my career. See, I have put my career first in everything. Some might think that is crazy. Or maybe even selfish. But when you have known that you wanted to go into broadcasting since you were four it is all you have ever known, or even remotely cared about. My first thought when I became pregnant was, "Holy cow am already for this? I can barley take care of myself." As if making time for our marriage wasn't already a struggle, this on top... What are we going to do? A whirlwind of thoughts came to mind as I was realizing that I was going to have to make many sacrifices that I wasn't sure that I was ready for. Don't mistake my excitement for disappointment. I am very excited to be pregnant. I am excited to have a little one to call my own. I can't wait to teach her to breathe fire, like myself and to chase her dreams before ANYTHING else. Don't let ANYONE stop you. I can't wait to watch her grow, but I am a realist. I am worried about A LOT OF THINGS. As the months go by, my belly grew! I could start to feel her move it really begin to wear on my heart, on my mind and pretty much on my health what needed to do. I need to take a step back for my precious gift from God.
Many folks don't even know how I juggled all of the things that I do now prior to be being pregnant. After all not very many people can work a 40 hour week at a radio station and a 40 hour week at a boutique. On top of that, my husband and I own, Pruitt's Mid-State Stockyards and just built a new Livestock Auction. We also bought a new home, and I was filming weddings pretty regularly, with by side business. With all of that going on you could see how it was weighing on me and not very good for my health or even for my sanity. For those of you who know me best know that I have a very hard time saying no. When I should say no thank you. Extra little projects here and there or going above and beyond when I really didn't have to -I guess makes you who you are, that it seriously does nothing for your health. You could see with all of my eggs in different baskets it would be hard to devote your time to anything and give it your all.
All bull aside, I'm tired. Can you imagine leaving your baby at 4:30 in the morning and not getting home until 8 o'clock? Monday-Friday and then 10-4 on Saturdays? As I look at her ultrasound picture it really becomes clear to me what's really important in life. My family. Not myself. My little family is what I need to concentrate on now. As this new season is among us a new chapter if you will, I can have a clear conscience and clear some time for Lane, Myleigh and me.
So I'm taking an early maternity leave just to really get caught up on rest. I will still be employed at KVOM as a part time sales employee, just not doing the "Mouth of the South Morning Show." I will be doing my job from the comfort of my home and store. Servicing my clients with commercials and advertising. With Christmas right around the corner retail season is among us and with Myleigh coming in November I have a lot of things to do to get my store ready for the demand. Luckily my store is been highly successful so far, and hopefully will continue to do so. I truly appreciate all of the local hometown support that it has received. Without folks shopping local, and supporting my dream -it would not be possible. Lane has often joked ironically before we were even married by saying, "Owning your own business is the hardest thing to do besides childbirth." Well now, I can say I am about to do both. Also by taking an early maternity leave, I can concentrate on my wedding videos that must get to my brides before Myleigh arrives! I'll actually have time to complete them all.
You might be wondering, What will be next Ashton after Myleigh Pearl arrives?... I am not sure. But I can guarantee... As I cheesily quote Miranda Lambert, "I've worried about life and if it is arriving right on time... I guess If you don't ever jump you'll never know if you can fly." Either way, I am about to jump into a new chapter and figure out if I can fly... again.
If you quote Miranda, you have to throw in a Robert Earl Keen quote... "The road goes on forever and the party never ends" LOL. As much as I've partied before... I am beginning to think the party is just beginning.
Enjoy this other picture of either her singing, talking, screaming, practicing for her big debut on the radio, practicing yelling at people at the barn, auctioneering, or maybe just yawning like most babies. HA! Either way, she'll probably have a big mouth like her parents.
Lane would also like to mention that we will be sending the hospital bills to The Turnpike Troubadours and to The Rev Room in Little Rock. We are pretty sure after seeing them in concert and a wild night at the Rev Room got us in this situation. That is also how we met... at a Randy Rogers show. Funny how things come full circle. Our song is still being written....
