My Mamahood Journey: Alison Ottley

Hi Everyone!

My name is Alison Ottley and I am the sister of Desiree Sneddon, owner and founder of Mama's Mugs. When Desi asked me to write a blog post about my journey to mamahood, I couldn't say yes fast enough. Mama's Mugs always promises to be vulnerable, real, and nonjudgmental. I'm sure all mamas can agree that the mamahood journey isn't all that glamorous and that is OKAY TO TALK ABOUT! In fact, it is encouraged and can be so so helpful to others. I always say if I can be vulnerable about my journey and help even one person on this beautiful planet, then I am glad I put myself out there.

A Little Bit About Me

I grew up in Southern California with my mom, dad, older brother, and two older sisters. When I was 12, we packed up and moved to Utah and that's where I have been ever since! I met my now-husband, Caden, in high school. We started dating in 2011, moved in together in 2015, and were married on September 9, 2017. We love being outdoors, sunshine, binge-watching shows, and hanging out with our friends and family. From the moment Caden and I started dating, I knew he was going to be the one that I would have my future family with.

Baby Time?!

I truly have wanted to be a mom for as long as I can remember. I always knew that I wanted kids and couldn't wait until the day that I could work on making that dream a reality. If it were up to me, we would have had a honeymoon baby! Caden, thinking more logically than me, thought that it was important that we waited a little longer. (He was right. It was better to wait but don't tell him that). Fast forward a few short years. Caden had the incredible opportunity to work with and build a business with my brother-in-law, my mom beat pancreatic cancer (WHAT! That's right 💪), we moved closer to our families (from 35 mins away to 5 mins away 😂), and we decided it was time to start trying for our little family.

Trigger Warning: Miscarriage

Ready to get personal? So, in April of 2019, I got my IUD taken out and we were ready to start our TTC journey. A few months later, we were on our way home from our annual beach camping trip with my family and we stopped in St. George to break up the drive. When I woke up, I realized my period was four days late and I should take a test. It was positive! I always dreamed of all of the cute ways I would tell Caden he was going to be a dad. But, I just barged in the room, shaking and waking him up from a deep sleep "I'M PREGNANT!" 

I'll keep this part pretty brief. Over the next few weeks, we grew more and more excited. We told our families and scheduled our first doctor's appointment. Things weren't progressing as they should according to an ultrasound at that initial appointment. It was confirmed that following Monday, August 26th, that I had suffered from a Blighted Ovum miscarriage. We were devastated and I could go on and on about the physical, mental, and emotional toll that we went through during that time. 

Try, Try Again

Everyone grieves differently and for Caden and me, we were ready to start trying again as soon as we could get the green light. It took about 6 weeks for my cycle to return and from there, it was all ovulation tests, apps, and lots of trying. It took about 3 months and I got my BFP again!!! I couldn't believe I was pregnant with our rainbow baby. I was more prepared for how I was going to tell Caden this time! Haha 👇

Fast forward a few months and here we are. I am currently 20 weeks pregnant with our little girl! Halfway, woo woo! We are slowly but surely getting everything prepared for her arrival and we are so, so excited to meet her. Does anyone else think that babies should be born wearing a name tag? Names are so hard for us. 😂

🌈

Honestly, pregnancy after a loss can be difficult to navigate. I would describe my first trimester as being cautiously optimistic. Every little cramp scared the hell out of me. I've found that looking forward to small milestones has helped me to be optimistic and enjoy each and every day of my pregnancy. First ultrasound, getting out of the first trimester, finding out the sex, feeling those first flutters, etc. have been exciting milestones that have helped me move forward and be excited. 

Now, I have been able to relax more and am feeling SO good. I wouldn't know I was pregnant if it weren't for this growing bump, baby kicks, and missing out on my beloved wine. 

Let's Chat!

Having people to talk to that had been open about their losses really helped me during those early, emotional days. I am an open book! Reach out to me, ask me questions, tell me your story, I would truly love to talk.

I LOVE Mama's Mugs because it is a place for mamas of all kinds to get together and RELATE to one another. Whether you're a dog mom, trying to be a mom, a grandmother, a mother of hellions, we are all in this together. I truly think that in this world, we need to build each other UP and spread love. 

Here are some pictures from our journey. I can't wait to hear about yours!