Ashley Riehl's Journey Through Preeclampsia and Motherhood

In this compelling episode of "Conversations with Rich Bennett," sponsored by Window Depot of Baltimore, host Rich Bennett sits down with Ashley Riehl to discuss her harrowing yet inspiring journey through preeclampsia during her pregnancy. Ashley shares the intense challenges she faced when diagnosed with this serious condition, which threatened both her life and that of her unborn child. From the initial signs and hospital experiences to the eventual birth of her son at just 30 weeks, Ashley’s story is one of fear, courage, and resilience. She delves into the emotional and physical struggles during her time in NICU, her recovery, and how she channeled her experiences into creative energy to write a children’s book titled "The Tiniest Superhero." This episode not only highlights the perils of preeclampsia but also celebrates the strength of a mother’s love and the power of support in overcoming life’s most daunting obstacles.

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Transcript

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Rich Bennett 0:00
I am sitting here today with a young lady who was introduced to me 

by one of my co-host that loves to give me a hard time. Kayla, like men who Oh, she couldn't join us today. I'm so sad. I am sad. Kayla, just to let you. 

Ashley Riehl 0:15
Know we love you can. 

Rich Bennett 0:16
Make it, 

but you know, it's good for you. And I could feel right not getting picked on. But I have Ashley real here who is a up for this. She's an author. Preneur. She teaches kids yoga. She writes poetry. She is a stay at home mom with three kids. Uh, what am I missing here? I know I'm missing something, though. 

Ashley Riehl 0:44
I also dress up as princesses for the playroom. 

Rich Bennett 0:47
So for the one. 

Ashley Riehl 0:48
For the playroom, which is a kids play. Area in force. Yeah, for sale. 

So a lot of things and a lot. Of things which. 

Rich Bennett 0:59
Princess. 

Ashley Riehl 1:01
Of. Oh, all. 

Rich Bennett 1:02
You can't do Ariel, unless you wear a. 

Ashley Riehl 1:04
Wig. Well yes, I wear all the wigs. Yes. Okay. I'm going to be. A sock on May 4th. 

Rich Bennett 1:09
First a white. 

Ashley Riehl 1:11
Guy. She is a Star Wars. 

Rich Bennett 1:15
So I guess I need to start watching Star Wars now because I'm like, Ah, Who? Whoa. Okay, so you do that. What do they call that? Cosplay? 

Ashley Riehl 1:23
Whatever kind of. Yeah. Okay. So I do it for the kids. So I do does a lot of things. For kids on top of being a mom of three. Wow. 

Rich Bennett 1:33
Okay, so she she wrote her her first book I'm seeing her for it's her first and only book so far because she's going to write another one and tell her body the name of the book and why you wrote it. 

Ashley Riehl 1:48
Because the. 

Rich Bennett 1:49
Story's me. 

Ashley Riehl 1:50
Thank you. So it's called The Tiniest Superhero. And Nick, you story. And the book was actually written and created while ah, mostly while I was in the nick you with my firstborn son because I had him at 30 weeks in three days due to preeclampsia and help syndrome. So he was preemie. 

Rich Bennett 2:10
When you were sitting in the nick, you laying in the nick? Yeah, I guess. I mean, did you have pen and paper? You started writing all this down or you remember? 

Ashley Riehl 2:18
So I wish I actually. Brought my notebook with me because I have the old notebook with all these notes in. It. Oh, wow. Yes. And I keep that for just my own. Yeah, keep going. But really, how it started was with everything that happened, should I start from the way beginning or kind of go right here? 

Rich Bennett 2:36
You would do it? Yeah, sure. From the way. 

Ashley Riehl 2:38
Beginning. From the beginning. 

Rich Bennett 2:39
Okay, Now, when I say beginning, I don't mean when. You were born in Connecticut in. 

Ashley Riehl 2:43
October 23rd, 1992. Now. Oh, God. Yeah, I know. So. Yeah. 

Rich Bennett 2:53
So almost a Halloween baby. 

Ashley Riehl 2:56
If you were a Halloween baby. 

Rich Bennett 2:57
No, I. You are all. 

Ashley Riehl 2:59
And you know, all summer, baby. Halloween is my favorite holiday time, man. I cosplay. What do you expect? 

Rich Bennett 3:08
That's one of my. I mean, he's not my favorite, but I like that. I like Halloween more than Christmas because we all just get together and grill out. 

Ashley Riehl 3:18
Oh, that's. 

Rich Bennett 3:19
Because the adults need food when they're bringing the kids around. 

Ashley Riehl 3:22
Yes, I love all those. How can. You go trick or treating. And like you have the adults, they're like, hey, you want a burger and a beer? That's right. Yeah. I love doing that. Kids that are like sugar it up right now. So of course I what? 

Rich Bennett 3:35
We live in a cul de sac, so a lot of the people just stay there and let the kids walk around. Although all the kids sit at the bottom of my driveway from all the neighbors, bring it over. But oh, no, I love. 

Ashley Riehl 3:47
Oh, well, like, how is I cosplay? I mean, I tell stories. Of course I. Know. Of course. Halloween's my favorite because it's all it's a lot of it's like very fictional and like, you can create your. Own aspect of it. And so I just love Halloween, My kids love Halloween, and I'm that one crazy adult that dresses up with them and walks around. So it's really fun. It's not. 

Rich Bennett 4:07
Crazy. 

Ashley Riehl 4:07
A lot of people love it. I love it. Well, not around in my neighborhood, so. I. 

Rich Bennett 4:11
Do it all the time. I just don't do it for Halloween. 

Ashley Riehl 4:13
Oh, there you go. No. 

Rich Bennett 4:17
So, yeah, you try. You dress it up. 

Ashley Riehl 4:19
You Superman, too. There. 

Rich Bennett 4:24
Okay, So on October 25th, 1990. 

Ashley Riehl 4:31
So anyways. Yeah. So my son basically I was telling what I. Was telling Rich earlier. Is that I. Had these signs of preeclampsia that were overlooked. Unfortunately, because I was a younger mom, I was 24 at the time when I was having my son. And I am the type of person that is very research oriented. And so it was my first baby. I had a. Notebook and I'd bring it to the doctor. Being like, These are all the symptoms I'm feeling. This is what Google said. What do you say? That kind of things. Yes, I am a Google doctor. I know that people hate that. But hey, it's what got me to like helping myself. Preeclampsia also. 

Rich Bennett 5:07
Explains. 

Ashley Riehl 5:09
What preeclampsia is. Yes, that's it. Yeah. So I'm going to get to that. So I'll do that. Yeah. So basically that's why I would do an around 26 weeks. I was feeling kind of off. My symptoms. Were that I. Had swelling and. Just one or like. More swelling in one leg than the other. I do wear glasses, so I wasn't really counting this as one, but looking back, it was one that I was like seeing dots in my vision. I, I mean, they said I had a slightly elevated blood pressure. I also did have slight protein in my urine, but my doctor came to me and I don't know if it's just again, I was. 24, still running, doing all these things. I think she. So you. 

Rich Bennett 5:51
Were athletic? 

Ashley Riehl 5:52
I was athletic, yes. And that's the thing that stings with. Preeclampsia is that preeclampsia will attack you no matter what. Right? Yeah. Wow. Yes. And so basically my. Doctor came to me and was. Like, hey, you may have this thing called preeclampsia. I'll see you in two weeks. And being my first baby and not. Really being in the medical field, I'm like, okay, I may have this. Like, I thought it was like something kind of like, Hey, you may have, you know, like gestational diabetes. Like, you just have to watch. What you're that kind of thing like that. And so, yeah. 

Rich Bennett 6:22
Do they know what causes preeclampsia? 

Ashley Riehl 6:25
Sometimes? Are preeclampsia Preeclampsia. So March of Dimes is still doing research studies. Okay. One thing that they are finding that it is unfortunately coming from the father. So really? Yeah. So part of it is that that is. Part of the research that it is a certain thing coming from the father and why a lot of people like especially when it's your first baby. So like my husband and I, we had a second and third and he got I had like less and less chances of getting. So I did have postpartum with my daughter, but with my third, I didn't have it at all. I'm getting looked at. They kind of know the signs now, like if you've had it before, how do I, like, help. It. And how to help you not get to that point. But your. 

Rich Bennett 7:07
Husband in the military. But. Chance? 

Ashley Riehl 7:09
No. Okay. Yeah. Okay. No, but it just it just so happens that. It could be your body. It like just how you guys are. And so we've talked about it. I mean, great. And my husband, I would never get divorced or. Anything, but if. If I see to happen. I found someone else and I went to get I went to get pregnant again with a different partner. I am at more chance of getting this again. Really, than with him. Yes. That's what March of Dimes has like kind of been in research, or at least like when I was like, I'm with my son. Yeah. So there but it's like it's still such. A new study. So they're still learning. So much, but it is very prominent in women now. And that's. What's crazy is I like met a lot of. Women working with March of Times that they also had babies prematurely due to preeclampsia. And so it's mindboggling how. It's not something that's being like more research. 

Rich Bennett 7:58
So do you know what I mean? Are there I mean, thank God. 

Ashley Riehl 8:04
Yes. 

Rich Bennett 8:05
You're all women. Before we continue, because you, your baby, we're almost not here. 

Ashley Riehl 8:09
Yes, we're almost not here. So let me explain preeclampsia first. Cause you. Yes. So a preeclampsia is basically. When your blood pressure gets elevated, you have protein in your urine. Other signs are that, like how I said, I had dots on my vision. You start swelling, which swelling is now they're not really considering one. But that was like my biggest sign, which is crazy too. But it's because a demanding edema. Like when you have swelling, when you like press, it can happen in pregnancy kind of just in general. And so they're not really considering that much. Of a sign. But that is that was my. Biggest sign because my left leg was so much bigger than my right. Like you is in, say, like my husband. I were joking about it. Like how how it like just like looks like an elephant trunk compared to the other one. And so I had all these signs and for people to be like, oh, it's pregnancy in the summer because my my house, my son was supposed. To be born in August, ended up being born in June. It was crazy. 

Rich Bennett 9:06
Were you still exercising at this? 

Ashley Riehl 9:08
I was. I was, yeah. So I wasn't doing as much as I was used to because he I was he was my only baby. That was like a post, what do they call it? Posterior placenta. So I could I couldn't. Feel his kicks as much, but I could get the placenta. More. And it hurt while running my other two. I didn't have that, so I was running fine. Okay. But with this one I was doing definitely like. More yoga, a little bit. More lifting. But yeah, I was still working out during. 

Rich Bennett 9:33
Even when you your leg was. 

Ashley Riehl 9:34
Swollen. Yeah. Wow. Yeah. Because I. You are bad sometimes. Yeah, sure. Same because people are just like it's pregnancy in the summer. And I'm like, okay, I guess that's what it is. And so basically that preeclampsia is, is essentially that your like elevated blood pressure. And mostly the protein in urine. And then the thing is that preeclampsia. How scary it is as if it's not caught or if it's not caught at the right time, it can go into two different directions, which is e clamp dick, which is you can. Cease or help. Syndrome, which is an acronym which for a bunch of things, but. Basically I can't remember the whole name of it. But with help syndrome, it's basically your. Platelets are going down, your liver enzymes are going up and your kidney enzymes are going up. So basically your how I explained to you earlier, it's your body is basically having a civil war with your placenta because it's trying to kick out that placenta. It's a it's an object that your body doesn't understand or now. The placenta is then. Retaliating because it's like, hey, I'm trying to take care of your baby. And so then your body starts almost like imploding on itself. Because even when, like my help syndrome was starting to dissipate because, yes, I did end up having help syndrome right after. I'll get to. That 

when it starts to disappear. Like my my liver was still slightly enlarged. And so you have to wait for it to go to. Yeah. It's like they're starting to expand. Your kidneys are starting to expand, but your platelets are going down. You almost need blood transfusion. 

Rich Bennett 11:08
It's Jesus. 

Ashley Riehl 11:09
It's a thing. Yeah. The things we do for kids. 

Rich Bennett 11:13
This is your first. 

Ashley Riehl 11:14
This was my first. Yes. And how I had two other is. It's because I'm crazy. No, it's because I had a great team of doctors after this. Obviously, I did not use the same doctor after I did my research right with newer doctors. I was told several times that I could only go. Up from there and I'd be. Watched very. Very carefully with my second. With my third, I didn't have to be watch as carefully because they found that I was the one person, that it was just my first child. And that's why it happened to me. 

Rich Bennett 11:44
The one. 

Ashley Riehl 11:44
Percent. I was the 1%. Yes. So for 1% of women, it's because the only reason is because it's your first child. But most of the time it's because due to like being slightly overweight. Right. The African-American culture for some reason gets at like a 30%. I don't know. Yeah, it's insane. And there is I think there's one other thing, too. And then I was the 1% that was like because I was, oh, when you're older, that's if you're having a child at an older age, it could be. Like 40 or so. Yeah, Yeah. Oh my. 

Rich Bennett 12:15
God. Because you're seeing more and more people doing that. They want to, they want to research. 

Ashley Riehl 12:20
Yeah. And so that could be also another reason why it's like becoming more parent. But yeah, I was. That 24 active girl woman I. Guess I should say. I was at 24, 24 year old. I think she was. Just like, Hey. You know, you're doing your research and you know, you don't hear any of these other. 

Rich Bennett 12:43
But there's nothing wrong with that. Yeah, I mean, granted, I know. So because and correct me if I'm wrong, but you have anxiety, right? 

Ashley Riehl 12:51
I do have anxiety. Okay. 

Rich Bennett 12:53
And a lot of the times they'll say, if you have anxiety, don't research. 

Ashley Riehl 12:57
Yeah, I guess you go down the rabbit hole. But then I see this. 

Rich Bennett 13:00
What else you should do? 

Ashley Riehl 13:02
This is what I tell my husband all the time because he laughs at. Me and I joke. With him. I'm married to a police officer. Sometimes I'm like, I should be married to a doctor because I have all these crazy but. And he'll be like, I don't know. And I'm like, You should. 

But this is what I always snap back now, like, ever. I'm going down the rabbit hole. I'm like, I caught my preeclampsia. Like, you can't get hurry. Like, I'm like, I'm the reason that I survived. And what does the doctor know? What else? It was my, like, intuition. And it's true. They tell you that you need a follow your gut feeling. And my gut feeling was to take myself to the E.R.. So basically, it's a good thing you did. 

Rich Bennett 13:39
Good thing you did. 

Ashley Riehl 13:40
Yes. Yeah. So to backtrack a little bit. Yes. My doctor said this did not tell me to go to the E.R. Any things you. But this was the only way I. Knew the right. Was that, hey, you may. Have this thing called preeclampsia. I'll see you in two weeks. And I was like, Okay, well, I'm originally from What the hell? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. So I look into it. I'm like, This doesn't sound good. But again, the doctor did not seem worried. So I was like, Right. I'm like, I'm. Not to. Worry. I drove myself to. Connecticut, which is a four hour drive for my favorite. 

Rich Bennett 14:10
Now, for those of you listening, in case you don't know, she lives here in Maryland. And at the time she was here in Maryland. Yeah. 

Ashley Riehl 14:16
So I do. Live here in Maryland. And so all my family lives in Connecticut and all of our friends lived in Connecticut at the. Time, the. 

Rich Bennett 14:23
E.R. and drove. 

Ashley Riehl 14:25
To Connecticut. Well, I left. No, this was a couple of days. After the doctor's. Appointment. Okay. Okay. 

Rich Bennett 14:30
Oh, that's are you went to the E.R. yet? Okay. Gotcha. 

Ashley Riehl 14:33
So basically, I was in Connecticut, had my baby shower. You know, again, signs are they're probably getting. Ten times worse because I'm not only driving, I'm walking around with friends. On the beach in the heat of June doing all these. Things and like, still not feeling good, but everyone's like. It's pregnancy in the summer. And I'm like, okay, I deserve it. So, you 

know, that's my blood pressure. Like, Oh my God, my ears. I don't know. GALLAWAY Are you about to explode? I'm so 

ce I mean. 

Rich Bennett 15:10
That's a good thing. We can laugh about this. 

Ashley Riehl 15:12
Yeah, you know, I know. Now, now that it's years later, I can laugh about. It because I've talked about it so much. I remember there was a time when I would cry every day. So now I'm like, Yeah, I can laugh about it anyway. So I go to go home. And I get to New York and I'm not New York City. They're, you know, like. Close to the. GW. I wasn't in the city touring around. The. 

Rich Bennett 15:34
GW. 

Ashley Riehl 15:35
The. George Washington Bridge. Sorry. Oh, okay. That's the GW. Bridge. Yeah, George Washington Bridge is in New York. And so I was near that. I turn around and I call my parents crying because. My husband couldn't take off work. So I drove myself to Connecticut and I was like, Oh my gosh, I can't I can't drive home to Maryland. And then I was freaking out because my doctor told me I may have this thing I was researching. It didn't sound good. I was like, I don't want. I don't want to have my I don't want. To have my baby at Yale. And then my husband being, you know, in Maryland and not being able to see our baby for how many months. And so I was freaking out. So my dad stepped up. He drove me home to Maryland on top of also bringing me to get blood work done because I was like, listen, I yeah, I just did not feel good. I was like, I'm going to get blood work done. And was telling Ridge earlier to is that my my biggest inkling to go to the E.R. was I had one of those 50 milliliter waters. I drank two of them in like a four hour span. And again, people are like, oh, it's pregnancy, right? But I go to get bloodwork. And they told me I was dehydrated, trying to find my veins. And I was like, Ooh, this does not add up. Should it be dehydrated? It should not be. It should be very high. Yeah. And I boy. And so I was like, yeah, I get home, it's. About a day later and I went to go grocery shopping and I just stood there in the grocery store being like. I absolutely. Do not feel good. And so I just left my car and I think that was my biggest sign of like. I, I. Truly believe that I was like, either about to go ecliptic or something there because I just did not feel good. About it because what. Ecliptic Like I felt like I was probably if I kept on walking around, I'd probably ceased because of what I. 

Rich Bennett 17:19
Sees. 

Ashley Riehl 17:19
Meaning like. Like have a seizure. Oh, okay. Yeah. Okay. My ecliptic is okay. So I knew that. Yeah. As you're telling me. And so I call my. Husband, I'm like, Hey, we need to. We need to go to the E.R.. I called my doctor. I was going to go to Upper Chesapeake because that's what was close to me, right? And I was like GBC at the time. They're like, No, come here. Just because you have all your information there. Right? Okay. Sounds good. So I get. There. You know, my husband, he is like dressed for work. And everyone, again. I have anxiety, so everyone's like, Oh, this is just Ashley have an exam. Like I call my parents and they're like, You're fine. Like summer pregnancy. Like, that's like, this is like every year, but not be hydrating. No one understood me. And so I get to the doctor and I don't want to say that I was not happy. Obviously, this was all happening. Right. But there's a weird sense of. When you're a very anxious person feeling validated, when you are correct that something is wrong. And I hate seeing that because. Obviously what I went through was. Horrible, but I felt. So validated once I went there and basically they took me in, they took my blood pressure and it was like. 200 and. 17 over like. 115 or something. It was like she'd be insane. The nurse walked out, turned like, turned white, walked out. I didn't know what it was. I just saw her walk out and I looked at my husband and he's the one that was like, oh, my gosh. Like, you're like, you're you're really sick. Like, your blood pressure was very high. And then the other. Nurse came in and being like, I don't know how you haven't seized yet. Put me on this medicine called magnesium, which basically magnesium. What it is, it feels like it's crazy. It almost makes you feel like you have the flu, like it feels like you have a fire within you or like I. I also felt. The same way when I had COVID during all that crazy time. And I felt very it felt very similar to taking this medicine. It feels like you're like burning inside slightly because it's start it's. It's slowing down your muscles. Like, okay, so you can't see space, right? When you have a high blood pressure like that. They immediately put you on magnesium and you have to be on it for 24 hours. 

Rich Bennett 19:19
Just out of curiosity, during this time, especially when your blood pressure was that high, because I'm sure they were monitoring the baby as well. Yes. How's the heartbeat and everything with the baby? 

Ashley Riehl 19:28
So David was okay? Okay. Which was great. It wasn't. Until. Later that he started I kind of. Well, okay, so it's crazy, too, because we talk. About, like, modern medicine and how they help, like, keep you survive. But there was a point where I think my son was trying to get out of modern medicine and being like, my mom's not doing well, like. What I do now because I was poor. It's crazy. And I, I was put on. Magnesium three times during my stay at the hospital. Three times. Wow. And it's rare. It's toxic for your body. So you have to, like, make sure you're peeing it out. It's crazy. But they do it so that you don't seize and go into other issues. And so I was put on magnesium for 24 hours when I was transferred to University of Maryland Medical Center, which like shout out to them because they were absolutely amazing. Best decision, GBS. She did. And I'm not going to name any doctors or anything, but best decision that BMC did was to send me there because they were. Absolutely. Incredible. All the nurses. There. Nick, you is amazing. They are. Like I. My youngest son had RSV and when we had to get transferred to Yeah. RSV RSV is it's just it's basically a. Bad cold for babies. Oh okay. And so when he had it and we had to get transferred for oxygen, I was like, send me University of Maryland. Like, that's the only thing I ever want to be at now. Because as scary as it was, they were absolutely amazing during that whole time. But anyway, so I get I get transfer, I get ambulance to the University of Maryland Medical Center and it was crazy because you b see, I. Know that they're trying to sugarcoat that of my blood pressure was so high. Right. I kind of wish they didn't because they were like, Oh, we're transferring you because you kind of went a little like they were like, you. Went basically. Too horrible, too. Fast in a science, like a different way. But basically they're like that like, like the Ron Burgundy burgundy that escalated quickly. Like, I feel like that. I feel like that's what I felt like. I feel like I was an angry man. Like, well, that escalated quickly right there. So they sent me because they didn't have room in the neck, you know? And I think that they were just like, you know, University of Maryland Medical Center's going to help a little bit better at this point. And so they sent me over there saying that they'll probably only keep me for a day and then I'll probably go on bed rest. I get to University of Maryland. At 29 weeks. Mind you, I'm at 29 weeks. And this is why also I think it was a look pass because. Preeclampsia can show. Up as early as 20 weeks, but usually like it typically shows up around 30 to 33. And the answer is, oh, wow. The answer to like basically solve the problem. A preeclampsia is to take out the baby. Well, when you're at 29 weeks, that's not the answer. Right. And so it's a little bit. More difficult, a little bit more challenging because they're trying to keep you. Afloat. While your baby is still cooking. And there was many times when I went in there and so when I went in there, they're like, hey, you're staying here until you have this baby. And we're looking to keep you here until at least 35 weeks. So of course, my anxiety goes crazy. Wow. And yeah, and then there. Was at one point, I think it was like three or four days later that I was in that hospital and David was trying to come out. And I was and I was on magnesium and I was like, I was contracting. I was already. Yeah, at 30. So at that point I was 49 weeks. So I was around like, all right, yeah. So it was like when I was still 29 weeks because he came out 30 weeks in three days and I was in the hospital for about to about two weeks. So maybe, Yeah, 29 weeks. So I was in at 28. Sorry. Just all the things. Oh that's how it, how it gets there. But yeah. So anyways I was there for a couple of days and I was off the magnesium at this point. Okay. I got like an anxiety attack about something. I think I had really bad heartburn or something. Oh, yeah. And I just. I just got nervous about it. I just got transferred to the lower level of labor and delivery, and I think it was just the thought of like, I'm going to be living here for a month. And it overtook on top of having this heart, having all the symptoms and just not feeling good. I went, I started going to into labor and they tried to stop it because they're like, he's still too young and he needs to stay in your body. And so I was put back on magnesium, but I was like, I was already. Oh, God, I know. So it's already one centimeter at like at 29 weeks. So my son was trying to come out and they were like, this is not supposed. To be possible because that magnesium supposed to stop off. Right. And my son, you know, And so finally. I was on medicine for a while and I was staying at 160 over 100. And they were like, you cannot stay at high blood pressure. You cannot stay at this. And I. Was like, you know, I was at the highest level that. You could take. And so it got to the point that they're like, Yeah, you're going to have him today, which I'm crazy enough. I feel. Like. Not I want to go through this, but it was such a. God moment, I guess you would say, because. My husband's in my like day of like starting to date and everything was June 21st. That's when we wanted to have our wedding. We just unfortunately couldn't because it just didn't land on a day that or like on a Saturday or Sunday that we could. My son was birthday's June 22nd, but he was we started on June 21st, so we thought, oh, I have him on June 21st, which was like such a full circle moment. Yeah, because we're like, we thought we were going to have an August baby and now it's like the same exact day of all that. And funny enough, that's summer solstice. So it's the longest day of the year. And also a very big yoga day. So it's like full circle with all of It's very crazy. 

Rich Bennett 24:58
A very big yoga day. 

Ashley Riehl 25:00
Yes. It's like the summer. Solstice because you do like 180 sun salutation. 

Rich Bennett 25:04
It's a huh. 

Ashley Riehl 25:06
108 sun salutations on summer solstice. 

Clearly you do yoga. All right. 

Rich Bennett 25:13
I know I've done DDP yoga. 

Ashley Riehl 25:17
Oh. 

Rich Bennett 25:18
I'm a Dallas page, but I've never so. 

Ashley Riehl 25:21
Yeah, yeah. So summer solstice is like, you know how they have those days that's like, oh, spaghetti day, Not like that's a. 

Rich Bennett 25:28
Yeah, every day the day. 

Ashley Riehl 25:29
I die. Yeah. So it's summer solstice is. Like, known as, like a big. Day. The day of yoga because you're supposed to do it. Yeah. On the, on the solstice is like winter in summer. And you. A one. Hundred 8108. 

Rich Bennett 25:44
108. 

Ashley Riehl 25:45
What Sun Salutations. 

Rich Bennett 25:46
What is that? 

Ashley Riehl 25:47
Sun salutations is just like a foundation of a bunch of different moves, basically. And you're supposed to do them. 180 times. 

Rich Bennett 25:55
Throughout the day. 

Ashley Riehl 25:57
Some people. Some people do do them at one time. I know me. Personally, I can't do them all at one time. So I know I call myself. 

Rich Bennett 26:04
Showing you that crazy 108 sun salutations you say. So could that be like downward dog and other things? 

Ashley Riehl 26:12
So it's I'm confused here. So it's it's like a formation. So you put your hands up, you do forward fold and you go through the sequence. And so it's it's. A whole. Sequence. So you oh, like if you go into a yoga class and you do sequence certain sequences, you have to do that sequence a hundred and. 800, I've not done it fully straight, but I have done like I yeah, the, in my athletics I have done it, but just not for and I've done it like, okay, I'm. Going to do a couple of here, a couple of here, a couple of here throughout. The day. 

Rich Bennett 26:42
How about you just give me some cookies that look like the sign and I'll make. 

Ashley Riehl 26:46
Sure I. 

Rich Bennett 26:47
Do them all. Harvard. Any time. 

Ashley Riehl 26:48
There you go. I might at that point will be done. Then it won't even count as calories, right? Oh, 

yeah. So my son ended up being born on June 22nd, but that's when everything started going downhill. Not that it already wasn't. Because. I know, I know because. On June 22nd, I ended up having him. And that was a crazy moment, too, because they told me it was going to be another day. And so when they checked me, they were like, Oh, you're only five centimeters. It's going to be another day. And I was like, Oh, okay. And then your son said, Yeah, my son's like, And David, the whole time is like, No, I don't like doctors. Because then to save you guys, like there, there are some things that were happening that I was like, I, you know, can't be feeling constipated and also having a baby. And I was crying over it and my husband goes, the nurse and he's like, Yeah, it looks like she like and it looks like. There's something going on there. And so the nurse checked and she's like, When do you know? I was crowning? And so and this was 20 minutes. After the doctor's like, It's going to be another day. Why? And so they were not even prepared for him. So I had. To nurse this. Whole like they had no like, stuff. So I had the Dodger running in. I had like the Nikki running up the hallway because obviously he was a preemie. 

Rich Bennett 28:12
They weren't ready. 

Ashley Riehl 28:12
They were not ready for him. And so I had I had two nurses, like, holding me because they didn't even have, like anything to hold my legs. And it was he was so small that they were like. Ma'am, you need to not push. And I'm like, I'm going to sneeze. And he's going to come out. So I so I so different than most neighbors when they're like, No, I can't do this anymore. I'm like, You meant like, I need to close my legs, keep flipping out like he's coming out. And so I felt like I was like, if I stay, we're going to have a problem. And so. 

Rich Bennett 28:44
Well, why am I seeing a comedy movie here? 

Ashley Riehl 28:47
It's like sort of. 

Rich Bennett 28:48
The catcher's mitt. 

Ashley Riehl 28:51
Basically, like, Oh, it's funny. Now. But yeah, basically, like they came running in, you know, I had two nurses and mind you, I we also joke too, because I was in the hospital and I know that sounds horrible, but I was in the hospital for however long, like a like a week and a half at this point. I had an oxygen mask cause my son started his heart rate, started going down. So I was on I was on one day I had magnesium and stuff and an I.V. in my arm. The other arm. I had like a c lean. And then I also, because I. Needed more supplies in my room because I was drinking so much water. So I had like a saline solution. And, um. And I can't remember the how to make you go into labor because they were like, we need to break your are we need to get them out now because of, like, how bad I was going. So I'm attached to all these. They, I looked like the frickin. Predator from aliens, but. Like, we joke like pictures of me with my son. Like I really. 

Rich Bennett 29:47
Want to do cosplay. 

Ashley Riehl 29:48
Well, the apparently I had do right? So I, like I did all this right and so I can't move and I'm just like, I guess I'm going to try to close my legs through this. And so finally he comes out and I get to hold him for a full 25. Seconds before they have to take him away. We got one picture with him. 

Rich Bennett 30:11
He comes out probably like today. 

Ashley Riehl 30:13
Yeah, like, 

Oh. 

Rich Bennett 30:16
Those just come. 

Ashley Riehl 30:17
Out. Yeah. Oh, not the date. Well, I kind of know my book, like as a as a funny joke, but anyways, um, and so yeah, and so like, he came out, like, super fast and I got to hold him. Like I said, we're like a whole 25. Seconds before the neck. You had to whisk him. Away because he's so small. Yeah. Like the body heat and all that. Like, he just, he needed to survive that way. And his. Levels were. Like, kind of iffy at the time. And so they were like, because he's so young. And he also was one of those that preeclampsia can also make them, like, not gain a lot of weight. And so he was £2, eight ounces when he came. Out and he went. Down to £1, 12 ounces. Yeah. Because when you're born, then they like sometimes lose a little weight. And so he went down to like a pound 12 ounces. Oh God. Yeah. Yeah. At a at one month old, you know. Those stuffed animals and Carter's that you can get that like this. Yeah. That's how big he was like we have a we have a picture of him right next to one of his Carter's stuffed animals. Wow. Yeah. Like he, he were tiny. And so. And and for preeclampsia, they're like, okay, our job is done, the baby is out. But your body sometimes takes 24 hours to realize it's not pregnant anymore. And that's when we had the issue that I almost died. So it was like after he came out. Yes. And so I went into help syndrome and it was like maybe. It was like a couple. Hours after I had him. So it was like during the day I felt like I'd bad heartburn again. 

But then I was like, No, this is a little bit more than bad heartburn. And then it was starting to go on my on my other side, which that's like when they were like, Hey, you should warn us if you're feeling any pain there because. You're. On your left, on your right side, because that could be your liver. It's like how I explained it. His liver is all that. And so, yeah, I thought my like I kept on feeling this pain, but the problem was that mine wasn't under my rib where it should be. It was like right in the middle of my rib. And so I kept on explaining that to. Them are like a little bit like. Under my breath. I was like, This is where the pain is. And so my doctor told me, Oh, I think you push too hard. And I was like. I like looked at. Him and I looked at the nurse who was. There, and she was the one who was like, she sneezed him out like she didn't push. I 

so I was like, Thank you for having these amazing nurses that could like, talk for me. Because knowing me, I'd been like, No, I didn't. But I'm like, Oh, okay, thank you. And finally was like one of. The nurses. That was taking my blood work. And she's like, I'm curious about something. She took my blood work. And she was like, You have health syndrome. And they had a doctor come in and everything, but they were like, The only way to solve health help syndrome is for your baby to be born. And my baby was already born. So they're like, It's in God's hands now. Like, that's literally why now. And they're like, We can give you some morphine to help with the pain. And so I was on morphine and the horse, worst thing about that. So not only was like I on this magnesium, I think at this point they took me out of the magnesium. I was put on morphine. I was like, put on all these things. I remember that I was lying. There in bed and my platelets were so low that they were like, if they went any lower, I would have needed a blood transfusion. So they were like. Yeah, she yeah, they were like very low. And they were like doing they did an extra scan, I guess on me and like seeing like my liver was slightly expanding at this point. And so they were like, unfortunately when your body goes into that that like they can't do anything. Yeah. Body has to realize that it's not fighting a placenta anymore, that it's not fighting anything. And so I remember being on this morphine and just feeling radiating pain because when you're on morphine, you're a vegetable. Like it feels like you're in a you cannot do anything. And I also. Remember being so sad. Because then all knowing this, like I didn't realize at this. Point I was quote unquote, dying until after when I talked to a nurse about. It. But like, my. Husband finally was sleeping and I didn't think to wake. Him up being like, Hey, I feel horrible. Like, I was like, would you guys woken him up? Like I was really going to be like, Look at you. I'm sleeping so peaceful because my. Poor husband too is sitting there, like running to the. Nick. You running to me? Like, which one do I like? Which one do I have to like? Look at first? And that's what I feel. I feel so bad with him. And I know that some people are going to be like, Oh. Don't feel I felt. So bad for him because it's like, how do you mentally how do you deal with that, that like your wife is sitting there basically on her deathbed, your son is sitting there not knowing if he's going to survive, and then you're just sitting there like, where should I be? 

Rich Bennett 34:49
What did the doctors tell him? 

Ashley Riehl 34:51
I don't I really don't know. Okay. Yeah. I think they I think they mostly said the same stuff to me that they'd say to him. I don't think they talked to him separately that I know of that he ever told me. Okay. But I do remember that he was like, finally, like, comfortable sleeping kind of thing after because he was hanging out in the hospital with me, right, like a week and a half. So granted, those beds are great, but like, he's sleeping on the couch, like. Like. 

Rich Bennett 35:17
Yeah, they're not comfortable. 

Ashley Riehl 35:17
Yeah, they're not going to. And so yeah, so I remember I was sitting there feeling like I was dying. Like, I just felt it. Like I felt like I was like I was like going not okay. And I also feel horrible saying this, but like, good going through this whole thing. I cried to doctors and nurses several times telling them to take my son out because I just felt. Right. Like I was dying the whole time. And they were like, Well, womb is best and this and that. And I was like, But like, you're trying to save the baby more than me. And you're like, I just felt so invalidated in that point being like, okay, I'm just I'm just like, this vessel. Like, that's what I felt like. They looked at me. I couldn't shower, I couldn't do anything. 

Rich Bennett 35:57
I was like a higher power. I had something in mind. 

Ashley Riehl 35:59
Yeah, like I just felt. Like this vessel. And so I remember crying. And my mother in law, she is very, very in her faith. And so she got me a comfort cross during this. And so I just grab that comfort cross for the. Little movement that I could. Have. It just so happened to be like right there on the table with me, right? And so I remember feeling this pain and just crying and saying, God, my son needs a mother. Like, I can't go yet. Like my son needs a mother. And then the next morning I woke up like the nurse woke me up to take my blood and she was like, I've never seen this before. And I'm like, What? And I remember the pain was absolutely gone. Like a like a macaroni. Like I knocked out from this pain. Like there's excruciating. Pain in my in like, in that area and really feeling it everywhere because I had. Right. And so the nurse woke me up and she's like, your platelets tripled. Like to the point that like I had more platelets than you should have in your body. Like, I mean, it's not bad to have more, but obviously. 

Rich Bennett 37:01
Holy crap. Yes. 

Ashley Riehl 37:03
And she's like, I've. Never seen it done this quickly. So I was just. Like, God, I see you like, oh my gosh, Like you heard my prayers. I was like crying because the pain was absolutely like, I felt like completely different. Wow. Incredible. Yeah, It was just insane. Like, obviously. Yeah, it's insane. Insane. And so. 

Rich Bennett 37:27
That's amazing. 

Ashley Riehl 37:28
Yeah, it was just it was crazy. And so. That happened. And then with my son. 

A. Little bit down the line, he was luckily not as as close to passing as I was, but with him he ended up almost overheating because they couldn't figure out like he ended up regulating his body. He very at a very young age, and there was at one point where he was like at a high, like a very high temperature. And like babies at this point, they have sometimes bleeding in the brain, which like, gets absorbed. It's not it's not nerve wracking unless the bleeding is at like a level three or four. And his wasn't his was like at a level too, but with that with a fever. And so with him there was like point where they had to like, take him away and like, make sure it like to regulate his body. And so for him like that, that was like the tipping point that he could of pass. Like that was the base point, which was like a couple weeks later that he figured he just figured out at a really young age to like gather ice. But they're like, they were like baking him and obviously no one notices at 32 weeks. Normally they're still on ice, whatnot, and. Not in like the crib. And so that was that was him. But yeah. Wow. Yeah. And then he was there for 66 days. 

Rich Bennett 38:47
66 days. 

Ashley Riehl 38:49
Six days. Yeah. 

Rich Bennett 38:50
And how is he now? 

Ashley Riehl 38:52
He is. Amazing. How amazing Other than being my picky eater. Like he is. Just aren't all kids. I mean, he is. He is just an incredible boy. He is going to be seven in June and he loves reading. He's doing lacrosse like has no like has no like ailments from that. Right. Is absolutely amazing because I know it could have gone so many different ways. Like at one point we thought he needed like a GI too, because he was eating properly and then he just figured it out. 

Rich Bennett 39:23
I was I was wondering about that. With this, I'm going to say it wrong again. 

Ashley Riehl 39:27
Pre preeclampsia. 

Rich Bennett 39:29
Or preeclampsia? Yes. If there's any side effects to either you or the baby afterwards. 

Ashley Riehl 39:35
So technically, no. Technically, they claim. No because it's like to solve. It. But I mean, there are some studies because, again, I'm a huge researcher with that magnesium. It's toxic to your body. So it's pumping toxins into your body for you to not see is. But it's also like if you don't get enough out, it can be harmful. Right? And so there's this thing called bag brain, which like sometimes I joke that basically a fuzzy brain like. Not recalling things like having. Trouble sometimes talking or not remembering words and stuff, they sometimes call that mad brain. You call it like. If my liver expanded little bit worse, I could have had some liver damage. Luckily, I did not get to that point. Luckily, I didn't get to the like, blood transfusions and then people do stay with high blood pressure for a little bit. Like I was on high blood pressure medicine for six months after having David. 

Rich Bennett 40:31
Really. 

Ashley Riehl 40:32
Just to, like. Make sure my body regulate it. 

Rich Bennett 40:35
How soon before you got back to exercise? And. 

Ashley Riehl 40:37
Uh oh. 

Probably like, not until nine months. For me. 

Rich Bennett 40:44
It's still pretty there. 

Ashley Riehl 40:45
I mean. Yeah, but I just. I think just after all that and with him, it was more. I wouldn't even say my. Body wasn't ready for it. I would say it was more of an anxiety thing. Yeah. I got points like I remember I would take out my son to I go apple picking and there were so many bees around and I remember going fetal position like behind the shed of this like orchard almost crying like clenching him because I was like, he can't go to hospital again because I didn't think about was him getting stung by bees. And my mom's like, you have a problem. And I was like, I know I do. But basically. Going through all this until I get into the book part of it, which I know is like. Why you asked me to be on here. Oh, yeah. 

Rich Bennett 41:25
Not just because I mean, your stories, incredible as it. 

Ashley Riehl 41:29
Is, but during that stay. So you're in the nick of over 66 days and I couldn't leave him. Right. Couldn't leave him. And so at the time, yeah, we, yeah, we moved to Bel Air right before we had him. So I was traveling from Bel Air to university Maryland every single day. And I was staying there for like 15, 16, sometimes 17 hours. How long I could stay. Wow. Yeah. And I wasn't eating because I was so you can't eat in the nick like you have to. Because I have to be still. 

Rich Bennett 41:58
Oh, yeah. 

Ashley Riehl 41:59
So I would, I would. Sometimes pick up like those, like green machine drinks to get some nutrients because I could have drinks in the nick you but they didn't really want you. To. Other than really water. So sometimes I would have a nurse, I'd be okay with me having that but it needs to be. Sure. 

Rich Bennett 42:14
It was you. I'd be worried about drinking water anyway. 

Ashley Riehl 42:19
So I. Yeah. So I had to be in, like, a very sterile room. But you. Want to leave. Him? 

Rich Bennett 42:25
Came in. 

Ashley Riehl 42:25
Yeah. And so. There was a point. Where I was also like, No. One explains to you what happens to you. Because again, like, how I explain I felt like a vessel. So I felt like once I was fine, they're just like, okay. Like, no one explains, Hey, this is. Like, what's going to go on after this? So again, go through the rabbit hole. But the worst part was I didn't go through the rabbit hole and like Google, I went through the rabbit hole on. Facebook and. Oh God, join some groups of like preeclampsia. And I had like so many people are. Like, Oh yeah, my like my cousin's wife had. Preeclampsia and the. Expert and died like. Two years later. And I'm like, Oh my gosh, what's going to happen to me? That's all I felt. And I felt like. So torn because I was so happy my son was there. But also at the same time I was like, I don't feel okay. And all I can think about is me. And I felt horrible just thinking about me while he's sitting there. Like fighting for his life in a little flat. Well, I'm technically. Okay at this point. And so it was just very difficult. And so sitting in the room and I remember it was the social worker on the floor, on the Nikki floor, I cannot remember her name, but she was amazing. And she came in and she was like, I just want to see how you're doing. And I just bawled. Like for some reason she just came in and I was like, Let me tell you my life story. And I just like crying and like, telling her how horrible I felt and this and that and blah, blah, blah. And she goes to me and she's like, First of all, you need a meal. She's like, Coffee cannot be a meal, right? She's like, you. 

Rich Bennett 43:51
It's water. 

Ashley Riehl 43:52
Yeah. She's like, You need to, like, sit down and have a meal. So she made it a point every single day to kick me out of the. Room really was amazing because that's why I needed, like, I need that kick in the butt, like, because all the. Other nurses would, like, suggest it. But she was like, No, no, like, it's your 30 minutes. You need to go. Like she. Would be. She was like, on. Top of it. And that's I love that. That that's what was I mean, it's good. Yeah. Like I needed that. And so she and I think because she. Knew I needed that Yeah I know some people she probably. Like either that. You would ignore her, whatever. But I was like I don't to feel this way anymore given all the tools I can use to become back to myself. And of course, like I wasn't back to myself for a long time. But like enough to feel. Comfortable, I want to. 

Rich Bennett 44:35
Be that to be a mother as well. 

Ashley Riehl 44:37
Yes. Yes. And so. 

Rich Bennett 44:40
Yeah, it's kind of hard for you to protect your own child if you're not protecting yourself. 

Ashley Riehl 44:44
Exactly. It's one of the it's like the airplane scenario. Like you need to put the mask on yourself before you put. On your kid, but so. Hard to. Think and. 

Rich Bennett 44:51
Understand that. 

Ashley Riehl 44:52
Air time. And so that's basically what it was she was playing. She was putting the mask on for me. She was like the next person. Over being like, Put the mask on for yourself so you can be here for him. And she basically was. Like, Hey. Go make like a healthy meal, like get proteins, all that, like in your body to settle yourself, right? And she was the one that was like, hey, like, do you journal, do this, do that? And I was like, yes, I actually used to journal. I haven't in a long time. And she's like, Go get yourself a journal and write everything down. Just she's like, It doesn't matter what, that's just get it out of you. Yeah. And I was like. Okay, so. The journal that I have that I wrote my book in, if you see the first three pages, it is like, just like gibberish. But like, it is. Just like, run on sentences, everything. Just like getting everything out on how I'm feeling, what is going on. And then what also helped was my husband actually helped me in a sense of like almost re admitting me into hospital for a little bit because. You know, in. A good way, because I was so anxious about my own self. And I tell him and I cry all the time, right. That he pulled. The doctor that helped me like upstairs or like the upstairs area from the nick you and who helped me with preeclampsia and everything. And basically like me, like readmitted me to sit there so that she could talk to me and, like, answer every question I had because I didn't have that chance. And so it was almost like I needed that closure of this doctor being like, once you're like, there is little to no symptoms, like you are like, other than the high blood pressure. And so. That. Also was a huge factor. So I had this help from the social worker. I had my husband being like my biggest cheerleader. I'm like helping me in that sense of like basically pushing me into being like, talk to the doctor, because I was also nervous, like, because I didn't want to find out if anything worse was going to happen. And so I think it was just playing on my head. And so for her letting me release it and my husband like letting me release it in a different sense, I started feeling. Like not fully whole. Of course, because my son is in the nick. You. Yeah, but like enough that. I could sit there and be just comfortable being in the room and being comfortable just watching him and rooting for him instead of caring about like, I shouldn't say caring about myself, but like, worrying about what's going on with me. Like I was able to finally focus all my all on him. And so that's when I would sit there and I would just write. I would just write at random points, like I learned calligraphy, good. 

Rich Bennett 47:09
Therapy. 

Ashley Riehl 47:09
Too. It was. And I learned calligraphy. I would sit there because you're sitting there for a long time. And so I was like, okay, well, I'm just going to learn how to fancy, right? And so and so I learned. I taught myself calligraphy while I was in there. And then I. 

Rich Bennett 47:25
Think that's a lost. 

Ashley Riehl 47:26
Art. What? 

Rich Bennett 47:27
I think that's in lost art. 

Ashley Riehl 47:29
Oh, yeah. 

Rich Bennett 47:29
Well, I think they teach handwriting in school. 

Ashley Riehl 47:32
And I do. I used to do like when I helped out March of Dimes and would raise money for them. I would actually like, do calligraphy, like on word pieces. And I would say, Oh wow, I saw them for $5 to like, raise money like David and stuff. So it's something I used to do. But again, like with being a mom, sometimes I just like put things off side. But yeah, so. I that's just how this book came about. And really it was for my healing, right? I mean, I had people that sent me books and stuff that healed me. There was this one book that and it was cute because it was named Pena. It was on Amazon, like they self-published. 

Rich Bennett 48:11
I think somebody else told me about that. 

Ashley Riehl 48:12
Really? Yeah. And it was like the mom and husband did it, and it was just like it was therapeutic to read someone else going through the same thing. I didn't want to read like a full novel. Like it was just nice, like it was it. Their version isn't as much of a kid's book, though. It's like definitely for adults, but like it looks like a child's book. It was like. A. It was a therapeutic book. That's the best way to put it. 

Rich Bennett 48:35
The thing is, with kids books and like I said before, I've had a ton of authors on here and children's authors. But what? 

Ashley Riehl 48:44
AMH Oh. 

Rich Bennett 48:46
Yeah, and her. 

Ashley Riehl 48:47
Too. 

Rich Bennett 48:49
Well, but what amazes me is a lot of these children's books can help adults as well. Oh, there's there's a lot that adults can learn from them. 

Ashley Riehl 49:00
It's kind of like Bluey like Bluey like. 

Rich Bennett 49:03
All right. I keep hearing about here. I have not seen Bluey yet. 

Ashley Riehl 49:06
Yes. 

Rich Bennett 49:07
Bluey And what's the other one? Peppa Pig. 

Ashley Riehl 49:09
Oh, no. Peppa Pig does not help Adult I don't know. 

Rich Bennett 49:13
These are characters I keep hearing regularly when members The Wiggles. Okay. I mean, from when my daughter was young. You pepper. 

Ashley Riehl 49:23
Peppa Pig. Yeah, but I don't let my kids watch Peppa Pig. I don't. Like her. Personally. 

Rich Bennett 49:26
Whatever happened to stuff like the Power Rangers and all. 

Ashley Riehl 49:30
This kind of have things like. 

Rich Bennett 49:31
That. I guess it really wouldn't be for a little bit. 

Ashley Riehl 49:33
That'd be more. Like my son's age right now. 

Rich Bennett 49:35
Okay. I mean, for me, it was like Bugs Bunny. 

Ashley Riehl 49:39
Yeah. Has. 

Rich Bennett 49:41
I'm sorry. Go ahead. 

Ashley Riehl 49:42
So, yeah. So anyways, that's like, this was like, my healing, right? What got me in the mindset of possibly even publishing. And it was just like a dream at this point. It wasn't even like I wasn't even taking the steps to do it right. Was my son ended up being like, good enough to get out of the Nickelodeon University of Maryland but had to get transferred to Mt. Washington because he just had to learn to eat. So that's a children's hospital. So yeah, yeah. So he was considered not bad enough to be in the neonatal care anymore, but still needed to be in like the ICU section of of University or Mount Washington. 

Rich Bennett 50:24
How old was he at this time? 

Ashley Riehl 50:25
At this point, he was like a month and a half. So yeah. He just didn't know to eat right. It's just hard. And the the best way they say it and I hate I hate this term, but also. Whenever I say it, nurses and everything are like. Yeah, I know this term, but they called her, they called. It the lazy white boy syndrome. And I was. Like, I forgot what I was like, Why? I first I was like, That sounds kind of wrong. But then when I say that term, everyone's like, Oh yeah, the lazy white boys. Like it's it's a known thing that like the. Little Nicky white boys just. Never learned to eat like apparently like they do. They call it lazy. And I was like, What? But yeah, apparently. All my nurse friends around here. They're like, Oh yeah, lazy white boy syndrome. And I'm like, Oh, okay, I guess this is a nick. You talk like it's it's a. Known fact that usually, like the boys just are like a little bit harder to. Feed or to learn to feed because they. Have the tube in their mouth or in. Their own. And so he doesn't. Know what hunger is. And so he's like, Well, I'm going to get the tube anyways. 

Rich Bennett 51:25
So okay with that. Yes, because this and we've talked about breastfeeding before on here and this is something I don't know with 

the premature baby. Can they be breastfed? 

Ashley Riehl 51:39
Yes. So that's actually what. You're. 

Rich Bennett 51:42
That's why I go to mouthwash. 

Ashley Riehl 51:43
That's why he's like learning. So they do at first they. Do feed them through oops, sorry. They have to feed them through a bottle. Okay. Because they want. 

Rich Bennett 51:51
They want him to get you. 

Ashley Riehl 51:52
Used to things. Okay. And then they have the tube obviously in his nose so that they make sure that he gets enough nutrients because that's like the catch 22. With that, they want him to learn. But my son was also the one that wasn't gaining weight. And so they need him to gain weight and so they can't let him not gain weight. And so it's one of those that he needs to learn but is also getting fed. 

Rich Bennett 52:14
And the good thing about this is, too, is because of everything you went through, you or or you were able to do that. 

Ashley Riehl 52:22
Yes. Okay. So, well, we I ended up I. Did end up bottle feeding him only, but I did do the exclusively. Pumping right. Because David because he. Wasn't gaining weight and stuff also need a fortified formula. So if I if I. Did end up breastfeeding him, I'd have to feed him and then give him a formula bottle. After or they had this machine. I like I shouldn't say machine. But it was basically like a formula pack. They had to, they had a little tube. They had to like, connect to my breast and try to tape it ever so slightly. Yeah, they're teaching. Me this and I'm like, Yeah, no, I'm not. A good one. Yeah. So that if I didn't want to give him the formula bottle. After, if I wanted to do it all in one shot. But I'm. Like, I feel. Like that's more difficult than giving the. Bottle. Yeah. So it's like this whole thing. If you wanted to trade exclusively to breastfeed that, but because he needed formula to gain calories, it was like this. Yeah, it was this contraption that you like. 

Rich Bennett 53:16
So you have to be walking around always like a cyborg made. You get more cars, place. 

Ashley Riehl 53:20
Okay, Now, you guys. 

Rich Bennett 53:23
I don't know what character. 

Ashley Riehl 53:24
I don't know. I'll make up my own character. Yeah. Oh, but yeah. And so with him I ended up, I did end up mostly by but they, they do teach you to breastfeed. They're like more than excited to have you do that because again, Fed is best and I am a huge advocate for that because every single title child of mine has been fed differently. 

Rich Bennett 53:44
But it's good to know if everything that you've been through that you were allowed. 

Ashley Riehl 53:48
Yes. Yes, yes. And the because you have the antibodies and everything. Yeah. So even though I went through all that, like I still have the antibodies and so I did, I did exclusively pump for him. And then it got to a point that like once he was six months I went to doctor, I was like I can't do this anymore mentally. And they were like, That's fine. Like, we're fine with you. Just putting him on formula because at that point he was like, kind of out of all those like, fearfulness, like how I mentioned RSV earlier. That's very that's like basically the common cold for us, right? Really bad for babies. And so we were out of that season, we were out of anything that was really going to like, affect him like horribly. And so they were like, we're fine if you just go straight to Formula was like. 

But yes, you can. Yes, okay. At that age you can. But the thing with them is what they say. It's it's not a sprint, it's a marathon. So for them eating it, sometimes they can lose more calories because they'll take them like 30 minutes to eat. Why? And so that was another thing. Like I would have to sit there and try to get him to eat because sometimes he can be too tired and you have to like, try to force it. And so there was one time, too, that like a nurse came in and he was finally eating. And I remember she's like, Time's up. And I'm like, Oh my gosh. Because it's like. At this point, he's. He's actually going to be losing yours. He's taking it. And so how I got him out of this actually was there was one day that I went to the doctor and I was like, he's not learning hunger. I was like, I like I think he's studying sitting in the state of limbo because he knows that he's getting the tube. And so I told her I was like, I'll stay. They did this thing that you could stay for 40 hours so that you would like stay right next to the bed. And I was like, I don't want the tube in his nose. I want to try to breastfeed him every single time. And that was the longest 48 hours, because now the kid knows what hunger is. So he's up like every 20 minutes. Why asking for. Food and like learning to feed and not really getting it. And I'm like, No, too. I'm like, I don't care if he loses weight right now. I'm like, He needs to learn. Yeah, that. Is what did it. Because I remember leaving after 48 hours and feeling almost defeated because I was like, He's going to have the tube back and that nose when I go back in. And I went in that next morning and there was a mom because in Mount Washington you don't have a you don't have your own room. You're in a room with three other babies. Oh, so because they said it's socialized. But I mean, it's. Nice because I think you also see other moms going through the same thing. So I don't know if it's more socializing for the babies. Or therapy or. Therapy for them, which it was, social therapy. Social therapy. And there were some moms I didn't really get to know. And there was this one mom that had a baby or like not a baby, I should say, like a two or three year old at home. Her and her husband worked and her work. Yeah. And so she was there at night because she would come home from work, take care of her, like three year old, put him to bed, and then the dad would take over and she would like go to the nick you. Yeah. And they were like on separate schedules for working. So like her and her husband never saw each other, but it was just so that they could, like, take care. Of the baby. And so and she was one of the ones that like that. I was like, I need to publish this book for someone like her. Because to explain to your three year old, like, what? Why is my baby sister brother not coming home? And so she was my mom that was in there that started clapping the second I came in and 

God, yeah, she started clapping the second I came in and I started crying because his nose too finally was out. And then, man, yeah. It was like a couple of days later he finally came home. 

Rich Bennett 57:20
So. Oh, when it published in 2021. Yes. So books. Not that old. 

Ashley Riehl 57:26
Now. Because. Again, I wrote it and then I kept it for myself and it was a dream. And it was definitely that Mom. And then I have another friend. However, that she went through. Our sons have a very similar story. It's funny, her son came out in Nikki the day that David was born, and so we were connected. We were connected by someone through Facebook and we were able to like, become friends. And now we joke that our sons are like the same person. And she's in Connecticut and we're like really good Facebook friends and we talk all the time, but we're like, We need to actually make a point so these boys can meet each other because they have such a similar story. Right? But her daughter ended up going into the Nikki as well. She did not have preeclampsia. I forgot what she had, but she had something a different medical thing that happened, causing her two children to go into the Nikki Show. And this was like, that was another reason when I was like, you know, I like sent my poem to her because this wasn't published yet. And so I was like, You like, you need to read this to your son. So, you know, he was like, Why your daughter like, you know, or like a reason why your daughter is still Nikki or can't come home with your. 

Rich Bennett 58:32
Oh. 

Ashley Riehl 58:33
Yeah. And then I yeah, at the end of my book, I do a shout out to, like, all the medical staff that helped and some pictures of David. Oh, wow. Yeah. 

Rich Bennett 58:42
Oh, God, he's adorable. 

Ashley Riehl 58:43
Thank you. 

Rich Bennett 58:45
So with this with the book. Yes. Is it actually in any of the libraries or anything? 

Ashley Riehl 58:51
Not yet. So I do have my website as here. I do have my website that is the carseat Chronicles dot com. And so. That's why I. 

Rich Bennett 59:00
Love. 

Ashley Riehl 59:00
That. Well, I always that was. The thing too. So again, this book was just for me and then I kind of had the dream. I sent it to some people being like, Hey, this may help you out. And what really pushed me was like, my friends, how I told you that they also had podcast. Yeah, I read the book on their podcast or the poem at the time and it was it's a bunch of guys. It was, it was like three or four. My guy friends that ran this and were all crying and they're like, Why. Is this not published? And so on. So I was like, okay. And are like, my friend's girlfriend was they're like. Are so many people just looking at me being like, Why is this not publish? And so they were the first ones that I text when I was like, Hey, I think I'm going to go along and like, go through this. And this process is a very long time, at least for kids books, because I wanted. It in a certain. Way. I know some people do it in different aspects and like they'll go through Amazon, this and that. I did find a company and I found a different illustrator and it was just I wanted it the way I wanted it. So it took a very long time. 

Rich Bennett 1:00:03
So with the book, Yes, because it's it's not everything that you explain to us. It's not know the whole story. Yeah, 

you keep saying in children's book, but do you think this is more 40 adults or four children? 

Ashley Riehl 1:00:17
I think it's a I think it's a combo. I think it's a combo. And that's usually like when I try to like. So I've gone to a couple like craft fairs and I'll be at the Bellaire Book Fair in August with it and I am trying to get it into like more local stores. My, my dream is to hopefully get it into hospitals. So like, yeah, that's my dream as to hopefully get to hospitals and to hopefully get in Barnes Noble's one day. And just like I know it's hard when it's a self-published book to be in parents novels, but that's like. 

Rich Bennett 1:00:48
Actually with what? With the nick you they're not allowed to have books in the nick. 

Ashley Riehl 1:00:54
You know, they have. Books in a different room. And so I do want to eventually, like go there and see because I we actually. Do. My phones over there. One of the nurses from Mount Washington was retiring and we were able to give him one of the books because he's in my book. Okay. Yeah. So I gave them a book to keep at Mount Washington, which. 

Rich Bennett 1:01:16
I think is what I would do if you haven't already. 

Ashley Riehl 1:01:19
So he retired. Okay. Yeah. And we were able to give it to him. So I gave Mount Washington a copy I do want to go to I just haven't been to University of Maryland, but I do want to give them a copy and I want to try to see like if there's a way to sell it or. The gift shop. Yeah. 

Rich Bennett 1:01:35
The gift shops in the house would be the perfect place. 

Ashley Riehl 1:01:39
And that's that's what I eventually want to do. 

Rich Bennett 1:01:42
You definitely have to do what you're doing now. Get on another podcast. I'll help you out. 

Ashley Riehl 1:01:47
Of that if you're done. 

Rich Bennett 1:01:50
But yeah, I think you're right. I think in the hospitals is the perfect place. Yeah, because you think about the day care. 

Ashley Riehl 1:01:59
So I've had a lot of people that have bought it. Like of. Course when I first came out with all my friends and family bought it. Right. And there are some people that are like, It's great, but it's such a niche. And I'm like, the reason I want it out there is because a lot of people don't understand. This is like for children and stuff. And like at my son's school, I've given it to a couple of us teachers, but it's nice because a lot of people will reach out to me if they know that I wrote this because they know someone that just had a baby in the nick, you know, or they know someone. And so that's been really nice. And that's why I originally I was going to sell this like through Amazon by having it because I love writing a little note to them and I love like specially putting it together. 

Rich Bennett 1:02:38
Oh, that's right. Because Amazon's print on demand, right. So you can add that little note. 

Ashley Riehl 1:02:43
Yeah. So as of right now I do eventually. Want to get it on Amazon. But the thing is too, I also have hardcover and they're not there yet for, for a children's book to like self-publish and to like reproduce. Their hardcover is only for chapter books. Really. MM Yeah. Instincts. Yeah. So, and I want to keep that. Hardcover because I also love that it's hardcover. So there's like a lot of. A lot of know loops I have to go through. 

Rich Bennett 1:03:12
So. So people want to buy the book now. They can only buy it from there. 

Ashley Riehl 1:03:15
From my website for now. For now. Yes. Okay, great. Now. 

Rich Bennett 1:03:20
But 

any intentions of maybe with the paperback version? 

Ashley Riehl 1:03:26
I probably a yes. Yes. 

Rich Bennett 1:03:28
That you could do. 

Ashley Riehl 1:03:29
Like if you do Amazon and stuff. Yeah so that is that's in the works with stuff. 

Rich Bennett 1:03:34
Yeah I was just say because. 

Ashley Riehl 1:03:36
When you and I know and. Graham Sparks does it but the problem is I'm so nice and I made my book oh I think slightly cheaper than it should be so I'm now working with Graham Sparks because basically they tell me like I owe them if I sell. Through their website. 

Rich Bennett 1:03:50
I'm afraid to ask you this. So what's the book selling. 

Ashley Riehl 1:03:54
For 1499? 

Rich Bennett 1:03:56
And they said, that's. 

Ashley Riehl 1:03:57
For. A hardcover because of. Printing and everything. Yeah, that's. 

Rich Bennett 1:04:02
Cheap. 

Ashley Riehl 1:04:02
That is cheap. I know. I. 

I don't know my own worth, I guess. 

Rich Bennett 1:04:10
Actually, Ash. 

Ashley Riehl 1:04:11
I know, I know. 

Rich Bennett 1:04:13
I mean, no, I understand where you're coming from because you want to help people, which. Yeah, that makes sense. 

Ashley Riehl 1:04:20
I should put it a little bit more, but it's okay. It's really, it's. Really for the story. It's really the story. It's not. I mean, yes, the. 

Rich Bennett 1:04:26
Next book will be. 

Ashley Riehl 1:04:27
Completely different. Yeah. 

Rich Bennett 1:04:29
Because you have you have to write your story. I'm serious. 

Ashley Riehl 1:04:35
You do that. 

Rich Bennett 1:04:36
It's 

weird. You've been through it, I tell you. I mean, it could be a novel. 

Ashley Riehl 1:04:44
It could be. 

Rich Bennett 1:04:45
And that would help a lot of not just mothers, but even fathers and other family members of people that are going through the same thing. 

Ashley Riehl 1:04:54
Yeah. 

Rich Bennett 1:04:57
Yeah, You got to do that. Okay. You're serious? Yeah, it's just. It makes sense. 

Ashley Riehl 1:05:02
Yeah. 

Rich Bennett 1:05:03
You know, I mean, it's the children's book is great, too, because I love the fact, like, with this. And if you haven't done it yet. Yeah. Would they. Have you sat down David, and read it to him. 

Ashley Riehl 1:05:14
Oh yeah. Do you think you can read it and like he'll choose. To read it. Okay. And like every dress up as. A character day for school or book Character day, and. He goes in. 

Rich Bennett 1:05:24
A diaper dressed like the baby. 

Ashley Riehl 1:05:26
He goes in, he goes, and no, he'll be like, Mom, can you get me flesh colored clothes? I'm like, No, you can wear green. Because on the back of the back, he's in green because I also know. So I do want to point out because you know how sometimes they look at authors and they're like, oh, this is symbolic for this. And they're like, No, I just like, did the chair that color because I like that. No, I actually did put a lot of symbolism in this book because really I did because on the back of a superhero is my superhero. So, yes, my book is about. How you said it's the tiny superhero because he is a superhero because he needs to let his powers grow out of the know. And so that's why I made it. It's for adults, but children, too. Like it's it's for all because. I when I was writing it. I don't know. I just, I, I love telling stories. And so I just made it different because I didn't like what reality was. Yeah. And then when this happened, I'm like, well, this is how children can connect to it. I mean, what child doesn't want to think that their brother or sister is a super, super, you know. Baby and that they're a super kid. And that their parents are super heroes. I mean. You really are a superhero going through the nick. You're like every mom. That is any type of mom that has to stay through that. As a superhero, I don't care. And the one thing that I don't like. Is that when talk to moms about my story and they're like, Oh, my baby was only in there for two. Weeks, I'm like, I don't care. They're in two weeks, 66 days. You don't know when you're coming out, right? So I'm like, it does not matter. It is the same. I'm like, Don't look at me being like, Oh, well. You had a worse. Story. No, I didn't. Your story was just as bad. Yeah, you had to be in there for two weeks. That was still the worst two weeks of your life. So I don't look at it that way. Like we all had. To go through this, and we're all superheroes. And so. On the back of my book. I have wonder Mommy, mighty Daddy and Super Baby and super babies wearing green because green is the color for Nick. You awareness. 

Rich Bennett 1:07:11
Really? 

Ashley Riehl 1:07:12
Yes. And purple is the color. For preemie awareness which Yes, which I'm wearing my bracelet today for my girlfriend who has her own bracelet company. And so I made I made sure I wear that because she made me one for preemie awareness. Yeah. And then the blue and red is because that's blue and red mix purple. 

Rich Bennett 1:07:33
I had no idea. 

Ashley Riehl 1:07:34
That there is. Very Yeah, there's very much big symbolism in this book because of that. So I made sure that like when I had the illustrator coloring it and everything, I was like she, I mean, this is an outfit I'd wear every day is like a white t shirt, jeans and like, you know, converse kind of thing. And this is very similar outfit that like my husband would wear. But yeah, when I did, I was like the capes have to, like, symbolize a mix into purple so that it's preemie awareness because he was a preemie. And then when he comes out, I want him wearing green because that's Nicki awareness. 

Rich Bennett 1:08:04
I didn't know that. 

Ashley Riehl 1:08:05
That was. 

Rich Bennett 1:08:07
Okay. 

Ashley Riehl 1:08:08
So a lot of thought. 

Rich Bennett 1:08:09
The only place people can get your book is from your website. Yes. Where do they leave reviews then? 

Ashley Riehl 1:08:14
On my website. 

Rich Bennett 1:08:15
Oh, I knew that. 

Ashley Riehl 1:08:15
Yeah, they can do it on my website. I do also have. Like a Facebook and Instagram page. I mean, granted, you can't really leave reviews there, but I do have a lot of people leaving reviews on my website. 

Rich Bennett 1:08:27
You can leave me reviews on Facebook. 

Ashley Riehl 1:08:28
Her Facebook page. You can. But I. Do want to say. That if you go. On as I just said, I'd make sure I was saying it correctly because I'm like crazy crying. So my Instagram I have as carseat chat, it's carseat chat and if you go on it, you can actually follow the whole 66 day story of David. Oh, wow. Because when we used to call it the Daily Dose of David and that was also part of my healing. So I took pictures of him like. So I didn't see. Him for a couple of days because of how bad I was. But once I was able to see him every single. Day. Right, I took pictures because it was easier to do that and to like answer everyone's text messages and Facebook post and like all that. And so it started this trend and all my friends would be like, okay, what's the daily dose of David? And so they'd go on the Instagram. And so created this page back when the my book was coming out in 2021 that I took all those photos and I put it in chronological order so that you can scroll and, and like literally go through his whole story like, Oh, watchers. And if you click on them, you can read what I wrote that day. I put the date and everything underneath it so that you can really follow the Daily dose. 

Rich Bennett 1:09:37
This is on the Instagram. 

Ashley Riehl 1:09:39
Page, not the website. Not the website, no, but the website has it so you can like connect to it on the website. And then I mean the Facebooks like connected to. Right. Yeah. But yeah. 

Rich Bennett 1:09:50
So that's so since you love the right. Yes, you're great at poetry. 

Ashley Riehl 1:09:54
You're good to thank you. 

Rich Bennett 1:09:55
Children's books. I know you're going to be good at writing novels, too. 

Ashley Riehl 1:09:59
Yeah. 

Rich Bennett 1:10:00
Do you do a blog on the website? 

Ashley Riehl 1:10:02
So I haven't. Yeah, I do. Have like an about the author. Right. I need I definitely to start I think that's one of my things is that sometimes like I created this but then I get so into motherhood. That then it's like months go by and I'm like, Oh, I should have posted that. Or done something, but I need to start. Right show. 

Rich Bennett 1:10:24
With with David. Yes. Okay. How when you found out later that you were pregnant again, what was going through your mind? 

Ashley Riehl 1:10:34
So actually that's crazy. So with David, like I, I was just distraught. I was like, he's going to be our only child. This and that. And then there is I finally I think it was maybe like nine or ten months. I was just like watching him grow. And the thing is like, baby David being a preemie, he was so much of a baby for so much longer. So it was just so nice to watch. And I was like, I can't have this be my only one and my husband. I actually had a scare. It turned out it wasn't anything like I thought I was pregnant and like two days later I was, I wasn't. And so was just that, that like calling the doctor and everything and telling her about, like, my situation. She was like, You cannot go through what you went. Through for like, that will. Never happen again. She's like, You're going to have a team, this and that. Because at this point I had a totally different team and totally different doctors. Also, when that is in place, like if you've had preeclampsia before, they know to put you on baby aspirin after 12 weeks, which thins your blood. Your blood pressure. Exactly. And so they're like, we have plans in place. You'll be checked more often. And so when I first thought that we were and it turned out we were, I was like. Upset. When I found out we were, I was like, oh, my gosh, Dave, I can't go through this again. This and that. And then it's. Like after we found out we weren't, it was almost like that whole my heart. I was like, And I didn't want it now. But now I know like that was almost I feel like another God thing being like, No, you want this. You're just not ready. And that's what I thought. Like, I wouldn't really call it a it wasn't really a miscarriage, but it almost felt like one in a sense. And I feel like he was just like, Hey, I was giving you the sense of like, now you know where you. Are. And how my daughter is. Like, if it really was her, she was like, Oh, no, you can't handle me now. I got to come back when you're ready because she is. All of us is going to rule. The world one day. That Girl. And yeah, so it was really like that one instant that we thought we might be and it ended up not being. And I was like, Wow, okay, I really do want that. Right? Good. And we knew we wanted them close if we did want them, because I am not like unfortunately, my mom had two miscarriages, me and my brother. So I'm so I'm four and like five and a half years older than my brother and sister. And I never liked that because I was the oldest one. So I felt I mean, I know like I wasn't pushed the size by any means. I like I did a lot of stuff myself because they were so close in age that we had to do what they wanted, right? But I just didn't want that for my kids. I really wanted them kind of all like around the same age group. Growing up. 

Rich Bennett 1:13:17
Together, being able to. 

Ashley Riehl 1:13:18
Prove it. Yeah, yeah. And that's what I wanted. And I know sometimes it just doesn't work out that way. That's what I was hoping. But yeah, I ended up we ended up getting pregnant with my daughter after David turned one and so. Oh wow. Yeah. But I, again, I talked to doctors and everything and I was like, is a safe, is it? And they're like, good, we'll have a team on. Yeah. 

Rich Bennett 1:13:35
So you were doing your research again? 

Ashley Riehl 1:13:37
Yeah, doing all my research, Yeah. 

Rich Bennett 1:13:40
No, that's good though, because. Yeah, I know a lot of people will be a know because I don't want to go through that again. Yeah. And they don't even bother to research it as well. 

Ashley Riehl 1:13:51
And the thing. With me is that growing up I always knew I wanted to be a mom. Yeah, it's like people ask you, like, what do you want as your profession? I'd like to be a mom. And like, I was just. So interested in that whole process of, like, pregnancy and, babies and. Motherhood And even at college, I'm like, I don't know why I'm here because I just want to be a mom. Like, it wasn't like I was still in that mindset. And then now it's funny. Now I'm a mom of three, I'm like, Oh, I should go back to work. No, no, no, no, no. I do truly love them, but it's just funny. It's like I knew I always wanted that. I knew that I was always on my heart. And I think I. Just couldn't I couldn't be sat with just one. And I the crazy thing is, I tell people about my story in the silver lining is that the nick, you know, only gave me like the one on one on how to be a mom because the second I got out of there, I knew exactly what to do with him, but he was so scheduled, like it was just, it was easy when we got home because I was like, I know, like for the past two months I've been like, learning. And they, they give you videos on how to like on car seat training. And so it's basically, yeah, they give you so much information. 

Rich Bennett 1:14:58
We got a. 

Ashley Riehl 1:14:58
Video. Oh my gosh. Like because you're. In there for so long they have you go like sometimes to these like groups. Yeah like they'll teach you things. And they'll tell you and they won't let you leave until your car sees, like. Perfect. 

Rich Bennett 1:15:10
But they did. 

Ashley Riehl 1:15:11
Yeah. And they have him do the car seat and all these and they teach you so much. So I was like, I was not for an anxious person. I was not worried to. Yeah. To take him out because I was like I feel like I got this. Like it's not like. When you have a baby and then three days later they're. Like, Have fun. And you're like, Oh my gosh, what am I doing? Like, I felt like I got that extra step. So I tell people, I'm like, That's such. A silver lining, because what I went through was horrible. But like, there were some. Great pieces to it. Like you got that extra step. And honestly, I would never, never, never, never wish this upon anyone. But also I would have never change what I went through because I feel like it it really. Like. It really made me who I am today. Like, it really made me the mother that I am today. It really showed me that like, you know, not everything is just hunky dory and that it just I don't know, I've talked to people about this and I would never want to go through it again. But like the fact that I went through it, I don't think I could make the story any differently. David Needed this story like he needed this story. He's just he's such an old soul. It's like knowing where he came from. You're like, Of course, of course. This is how and how he say it to. Is that. Oh, you. Okay? Yeah, fine. Muscle spasms. How how. How easy it is that we would even say in the hospital like it's David and Goliath and we're like, he's David to this Goliath. And that's how we always looked at it. 

Rich Bennett 1:16:37
I love. 

Ashley Riehl 1:16:37
That. Yeah. 

Rich Bennett 1:16:38
I love that. Well, you got to come on again. 

Ashley Riehl 1:16:41
Yes. I bring. 

Rich Bennett 1:16:42
The. Because I wanted to talk about the yoga stall. Yes. A couple of things, which I'll mention when we're done. But I want to thank you so much for coming on and all of you listening, make sure you get the book. What's the website? Car Seat Chronicles. 

Ashley Riehl 1:16:57
The car. Seat Chronicles. 

Rich Bennett 1:16:59
Dot com. The tiniest superhero and Nick you story you got to get it the illustrations are awesome I think keep your eyes out for her next book. 

Ashley Riehl 1:17:10
To. 

Rich Bennett 1:17:11
Next books. 

Ashley Riehl 1:17:13
Book is. 

Rich Bennett 1:17:14
I think he's going to be you know I have a funny feeling 

I can see within the next what I'm going to say within the next five years. Three more books coming out of you easily. 

Ashley Riehl 1:17:29
Okay? 

Rich Bennett 1:17:30
Okay. Okay. My pleasure. So far, Fabulous. What a year. I can see five folks coming out of you within the next five years. Ashley, thank you so much. 

Ashley Riehl 1:17:43
So much.