Silent Night

Today we went up to visit Preslie's tomb. We decided that we would make an effort to go up before we left for California and Idaho, since we would not be able to go on the 2 month mark. We thought that for Christmas we would write her letters from Chris and I, and put them in a little stocking to take up there.

I thought that it would get easier to visit with each passing time, but it was still just as difficult. I stood there thinking of how I would do anything to be able to take her home and hold her. She is just too beautiful and perfect to not be here with us. Chris and I decided to sing "Silent Night" before we left, and we felt the spirit so strong. We know that Preslie is sleeping in heavenly peace, and we will one day be able to hold her again.

A wonderful family sent me this poem, and I have thought of it a lot these past few days. How great it is to know that our baby is spending Christmas with our savior. The true reason for the season.

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees round the world below,
With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular. Please wipe away your tear,
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description to here the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away… we’re really not apart.
So be happy for my loved ones, you know I hold you dear.
Be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my own undying love.
After all, love is the gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as our father said to do.
For I can’t count the blessings or the love he has for each of you.
So have a merry Christmas and wipe away your tears.
Remember I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
Author unknown

This would have been Preslie's first Christmas, and we will miss her so terribly. It's nice to know that she is our angel, and is with us in spirit.

Preslie's name in the sand

Preslie Quinn Martin
Born Into Heaven 10/22/2008

You will forever be our first daugther,
and will always be in our hearts. We love you Baby "P".
Till we meet again, Mommy and Daddy


A true example of an angel here among us, does the service of writing lost children's names in the sand by where she lives in Australia. It brought tears to my eyes to see my little Preslie's name. Thank you so much Carly.

You can check out Preslie's name and message at:
http://namesinthesand.blogspot.com/search?q=Preslie

Empty

I knew today would be especially difficult being my 6-week check-up. Chris had a final at 9:00 this morning, and I knew I wouldn't be able to do it alone. I asked Erika if she would go with me, and was so glad she was able to. Walking up the stairs to the office I could feel the emotion rising up inside of me. I took a deep breath and we went in, only to find out that I was not meeting with my doctor. I was meeting with the nurse practitioner. I had a rush of emotions and thoughts go through my head, as I waited to be called back. "Why was I not meeting with my doctor?" "Is she to ashamed to meet with me?" "Why after this happening would she not want to see me?"

They called me back to be weighed, and we walked past the non-stress test room. I could feel the tears starting to come to my eyes, but luckily I was able to pull it together for a little while. While waiting for the NP Erika and I talked about the Twilight series. It felt like I was waiting forever, although I am sure it was only about 15 minutes. The NP came in and gave her sincere condolences and went along with the check up. As I laid there I couldn't help but think back of all the times I laid there listening to little Preslie's heartbeat, and the excitement I had for her to come. Never in all of those times did I worry that when I went back for my 6-week check-up Preslie would not be there with me.

It was so hard to leave there without feeling completely empty inside. I am so grateful to Erika for being there with me on this really hard day. I could not have done it alone.

Chris and I were told that you have to go through the hard things once, then it slowly gets a little easier. I am hoping when I go back in a few weeks, it will be a little easier.

The Littlest Christmas Tree

This year we decided that it would be too hard to put up our Christmas tree, or any decorations. We had hopes and plans of how we envisioned Christmas with Preslie, and we figured that the Christmas decorations and tree would be a constant reminder of what we don't have. After the difficulty of Thanksgiving we were trying to avoid Christmas at all costs. It wasn't until 3am this morning we decided that Preslie wouldn't want us to sit in our misery, so we put up a little tree. Chris bought it for the future kids last Christmas. This year it is Preslie's tree, and we decorated it with all the Disney Princesses, Ratatouille, The Incredibles, Star Wars, and other kid ornaments we have. Although it was really hard to put it up, we felt a lot of peace.

Every year during Christmastime we chose something we are going to give to Jesus. I kept thinking about it this year, and kept thinking "I already gave something this year." We decided that we are going to follow our tradition, and find something we can do this December to bring us closer to the Savior. We hung an empty little stocking above the Christmas tree, where we will put what we are going to give the Savior.

We hope that we will find more comfort and peace this Christmastime, and that things will start to look better for us.

Grateful

This Thanksgiving has been expectantly rough on Chris and I. Fortunately Chris' parents were able to spend the week with us. They showered us with early Christmas presents which included: a WII, RockBand and a new HD Vizio 42" LCD TV. We spent many many days and nights trying to master the guitar and drums on that RockBand. I think we have played almost all of the 63 songs. It was great to have a distraction during this time. Thanks Chad and Sue.

We had a great dinner over at the Koesters, thank you so much for letting us join you. It was fun to get together as friends and family to share such great food. :)

It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without saying what we are grateful for. Here are just a few things that we are truly grateful for this difficult year.

1. Family. We are so grateful that through this rough time our families have been able to join together. We have had such a great love and support group, and we couldn't thank you all enough. We have loved all of the poems, cards, prayers, gifts, and just love. We are truly grateful that our families all got to come and be a part of Preslies funeral, and we know that she loves each and every one of you. Even though she never got the chance to meet you on earth, we know we were all together in heaven.

2. Friends. Our friends have been our second family out here. We know that there was a reason we didn't get transferred to Utah this past summer. You guys have helped us out in more ways then you'll ever know. Thank you for talking to us and listening to our feelings, it's nice to know we can count and rely on you.

3. Christopher. I am so grateful to you Chris for being here for me. I honestly don't know how I would get through each day without you. You have always been there for me even when I didn't deserve it sometimes. You loved Preslie since the day you found out about her, and I know you will continue to love her forever. I am grateful that you have continued to go to school and provide for me. I know it hasn't been easy but it will all be worth it one day. You are my best friend and as sexy as the first day I met you. I love you Pher.

4. Rylie. You have made me a better man from the moment I met you. You are the most loving, caring, and wonderful person I know. You are such a great wife and Mom and I am grateful for all your hugs, smiles, and little things you do to make me happy. I dont know what I would do without you, you are my best friend and every second I am with you is priceless. I love you with my whole heart and know that we will get through this. You have my heart and my love.

5. Preslie. For 9 months we had never been happier, and we are so grateful we were able to experience the joy of creating a baby. Preslie has not only brought us closer but has brought our family and extended family closer together. We are grateful that one day we will be able to see her again someday, and get to know who she is. She is amazing. Although we mourn her loss here on earth, we know deep down that she will always be with us.

We hope that you all have been able to find some things you are grateful for this Thanksgiving. We love you all.

1 Month Mark

Yesterday was the 1 month mark of Preslie being delivered. We decided it would be a good day to go up to the mausoleum to see her little grave. It was such a beautiful sunny day, and as we drove up I couldn't help but remember sitting next to her little casket in the hearse just a month earlier. I remember looking out the windows thinking how it was a blessing to have the sun shinning on such a difficult day for me.

Although she is in such a beautiful place, all I could do is cry for my baby to come home with me. I felt like I just couldn't leave her in there. It is just too cold, and she needs to be with me. It was difficult to leave. Almost all of the flowers we had left from the funeral were still alive when we went in there. It was nice to see that she is resting with such beautiful flowers.

When I first told Chris I was pregnant I got a bunch of his Star Wars men and toys we had all together and wrote this sign that said "Hello Daddy". Well today Chris really wanted to put some little Star Wars men in front of her tomb. Well, later that night we were looking through old pictures, and they were the same little guys I used when I first told Chris I was pregnant. We thought that was pretty nuts.

I am having the hardest time getting into the Christmas mood, and I have a very difficult time hearing of others plans they have for their families this year. Chris and I had so many plans, and ideas and things we were looking forward to with Preslie. I have seen more newborn babies and pregnant women lately then I ever remember, and it's almost like it's a slap in the face. How can I handle this? I am just having the hardest time, and I just wish I could have answers. I can't wait for the day where I can look back and see what I have learned from this.

Once Upon A Dream

While getting ready for Preslie's arrival we went through about 6 mobiles. We bought a crib that has really thick sides, and every mobile that we thought would work...didn't. We finally found one that would do. It is pink and girlie and reflects on the ceiling a baby sleeping in the clouds, with a moon and stars. It plays the typical babyish songs, and for months every night Chris and I would go in there. We would turn on the mobile and envision what it would be like when Preslie came. We would only play it for a few songs, then turn it off and go to sleep.

A few weeks ago while laying on the floor in her room listening to the mobile, I heard one of the final songs on it. Chris and I are huge Disney fans as a bunch of you know, and the song "Once Upon A Dream" is on there. I found myself thinking of the lyrics as it played and realized that I would never think of the lyrics the same again.

"I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream
I know you, the gleam in your eyes is so familiar a-gleam
Yet I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem
But if I know you, I know what you do,
You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream

But if I know you, I know what you do,
You love me at once,

The way you did once upon a dream"

I often go into Preslie's room and listen to this song, and think how great it will be when I see my baby girl again.

Before delivering Preslie the nurses gave me a few sleeping aids, because they thought it was going to be awhile before I had to push. A few short hours later It was time, and unfortunately I do not remember a lot of what happened after Preslie came out. I feel like it was all a dream, and I am just going to wake up and everything is going to be okay. I know that one day my dream will come true, and Preslie and I will be reunited. I loved her at once and will continue to love her forever.

"Why Us?"

I decided today to be brave and stay for the entire 3 blocks of church. Today was the Primary program and we were so proud to see our former class sing and present so well. There is nothing like a Primary Program to cheer up the heart. One of my favorite songs that I remember learning with our old Primary class was:"Children Holding Hands Around The World". Unfortunately they didn't sing that one, but I have thought of it often these past 3 weeks. Sunday school went pretty well since I had Chris next to me, but Relief Society was rough.

I figured it would be really hard to go back after everything that has happened. I knew that it wouldn't get any easier to avoid it week after week, but it was better to just jump in. I remember when reading the second book of the Twilight series after Edward had left Bella, and she described how she would physically hold herself so that she would not fall apart. I know understood what she meant. I had to hold myself during Relief Society and tell myself "just be strong, don't brake down".

I sat there in the back not being able to look at the new babies that had just been born this past month asking the bazillion dollar question "WHY?" Why is the only thing I have to show for having my baby is a necklace around my neck, and not a baby on my lap? Why were we the chosen couple to have this trial? Why can't I have my baby here with me now and in heaven? Why do I have to sit and be reminded of something I don't have?

I can't wait to ask the Lord all of my questions someday, and to one day understand his entire plan. Although I know I will see Preslie again and be able to hold her, it does not make it any easier.

My mom mentioned that she had read somewhere of a woman who was going through a similar situation who kept asking the "why" questions. She said she finally realized that she will never have an answer here on earth, so she began to ask herself "What can I learn from this?" When my mom told me this I thought I can't get past the "why" questions yet to get to that point. After thinking about it for the majority of the evening I began to question why I kept thinking of the un-answered question. I look forward to the time where I can reflect back on this time and see what I have learned from this, and what has made me stronger. I know that with time it will get easier and easier (hopefully) to attend social functions as well as church events.

I just want to let some of the sisters in the ward know that we do NOT blame Dr. Herta for what happened with our baby girl. I know there are a bunch of women in the ward who go to her who are currently pregnant, and are really scared. We know that Preslie was not meant to be with us at this time, and although it was hard to swallow in the beginning we hold no hard feelings against the Dr. We saw the pain on our doctors face when she came to the hospital and how hard it was for her to talk with us after Preslie was born. We know that even if we were induced earlier or before our due date, we would still not have our baby girl today. She was not meant to be here. I know that this may not ease the minds of some ladies, but please don't worry about what happened to us because of the decision the Dr. had made. We not only had a loss but Dr. Herta did as well. We will continue to see Dr. Herta, and God willing she will deliver our next baby.

Come What May

This past month I have seen my life at what felt like the happiest time, to now what is the saddest. I feel at times like I am going crazy, but grief has a way of making me feel that way. I sometimes find myself reviewing the past few weeks in disbelief and wonder how this could have happened. It's sometimes hard to look at the eternal perspective when I want my baby right here and right now. I feel really lucky to know and have faith that one day I will see Preslie, I will hear her cry and be able to see her smile, and to hold her close to me.

I find myself having a lot of bad days and an occasional good moment during those bad days. I am just so grateful to have such an understanding and supportive husband. I really don't know how he is able to lay by me for hours, and to give me the comfort I need. He has been so strong through this and constantly reminds me of how lucky I am to have given birth to a perfect baby. He was so good to me and Preslie during my entire pregnancy, and I feel so blessed to have him in my life. I love him so much.

A few days ago my Mom called me and told me about this talk from conference given by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin. She mentioned how it seemed like the talk was given almost like it was directed towards us. The name of the talk is "Come What May, and Love it. Luckily Chris and I still had General Conference recorded so we were able to hear the talk given. There are so many great quotes but one that stuck out to me is: "The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude."

When Chris and I were married our song was and still is "Come What May" from Moulin Rouge. At Preslie's service Chris shared a part of it, and I find myself thinking of it often.

Never knew I could feel like this
Like I've never seen the sky before
Want to vanish inside your kiss
Everyday I love you more and more
Listen to my heart, can you hear it sings
Telling me to give you everything
Seasons may change winter to spring
But I love you until the end of time

Come what may, come what may
I will love you until my dying day

Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place
Suddenly it moves with such a perfect grace
Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste
It all revolves around you

And there's no mountain too high no river too wide
Sing out this song and I'll be there by your side
Storm clouds may gather and stars may collide
But I love you until the end of time

Come what may, come what may
I will love you until my dying day
Oh come what may, come what may
I will love you

Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place...

Come what may, come what may
I will love you until my dying day

We never know what tomorrow will bring, or how we'll feel but one thing that we know for us is love concurs all. Our hearts have never loved anything or anyone like we have loved Preslie. Although we are crying tears of sadness right now, I know that one day all the tears will be worth it.

Till We Meet Again

This past Saturday we had a beautiful service in celebration of baby Preslie. We were so fortunate that our parents and all of our siblings were able to be there with us, as well as Grandma Janice, Grandma Penny, Aunt Gaylynne, and Uncle Randy. It was such a beautiful day, and although it was really hard we felt a lot of peace. After the service we released 50 pink balloons, and they danced so fast towards the sun that you couldn't even see them. We are so grateful for the love Preslie has given us and how she has touched us all.

We want to thank everyone for showing their support at the open house. We really feel we were meant to stay in Lansing for a reason. I don't know how we would get through this without you. Your prayers and love has helped us out more than you'll ever know.

In Loving Memory...

Preslie Quinn Martin was born October 22nd 2008 at 4:45am.
She weighed 7lbs 14ounces and was 22 inches long. She had brown curly hair, and very long legs. She was a perfect little princess. She was absolutely beautiful.
Preslie was a perfect baby, and had to come to this earth only to get a little body. Although we are devastated by our loss we know that we will see her again someday, and will be able to raise our little princess. No one has ever loved a little angel like we have loved Preslie. We know that Preslie will be with us always, and she knows the love that our parents, family and friends all share for her.

Non Stress Test

We went in today for our first non stress test. Luckily Preslie was awake long enough for us to take it once. After ten minutes of doing it the nurse came and changed the paper, and checked the progress. She asked me if I had felt the contraction I had...my reply: "What contraction?" Preslie passed with flying colors, and we go back Thursday for another non stress and an ultrasound.

They make it pretty comfortable during this test.


Chris got a picture of the peak of the contraction I had....crazy!

40 1/2 weeks

Why is it that horizontal stripes make you look 20 times bigger than you are??

Baby Update

Yesterday afternoon Chris and I went to what we were hoping would be our last doctor's appointment. HA! The dr. checked me and it looks like Preslie is not going to come out on her own. I REALLY don't want to be induced, I really wanted her to come out on her own. Honestly who knows when that will be.

My cervix is closed, she has not dropped, and strangely enough she is pretty comfortable and content in there.

Monday we go in for a 30 minute non-stress test to see if Preslie is doing okay in there. Then we go in again on Thursday for another non-stress test and an ultrasound. Then I will be induced next weekend if Preslie passes all her tests. If not I could be induced next week. I was really sad after my appointment yesterday, but our doctor reassured us that I would not go past the 25th.

My parents are flying out next Thursday so it will be fun to spend some non laboring time with them. :) I can make it another week...I think.

Trying to pass the time

Thanks for the tag Sami!! =)


4 things I love about my husband:

1. He is so patient and understanding with me and his family.
2. His willingness to work hard and play hard.
3. He makes me feel like a queen, and constantly reminds me that he loves me.
4. How excited he is to be a dad, and how he has already taken on the father figure roll. I know he will be just great

4 Movies I would watch more than once:

1. The Wizard of Oz
2. Miss Congeniality
3. Bye Bye Birdie
4. Finding Nemo

4 TV shows I watch more than once:

1. Full House
2. ANTM
3. American Idol
4. Grey's Anatomy

4 Places I have been:

1. Bahamas
2. Dominican Republic
3. Kauai
4. Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando

4 People who email me regularly:

1. Babies r'us
2. Toys r'us
3. Dots
4. Bed Bath and Beyond

4 Favorite Foods:

1. PIZZA
2. Turkey Ranch and Swiss Sandwiches
3. Ham
4. Potatoes

4 Places I would like to visit:

1. Ireland
2. Scotland
3. Czech Republic(where Chris served his mission)
4. Bora Bora

4 Things I am looking forward to this coming year:

1. Preslie being born and growing up
2. Another year done of law school
3. Going to Idaho to see my family
4. Just being a mommy!

4 People I would like to tag:
1. Laura
2. Amberly
3. Mikell
4. Kelsey

Happy Due Date To Me!

Today I am officially 40 weeks! I cannot believe I have made it this far. The months have just flown right on by. I have been waiting for this day for such a long time, and yet I still have to wait for this little girlie to come out. =) Come out soon Preslie!!!

What I didn't expect while expecting

I figured I needed to record this stuff to compare to future pregnancy's, and to remember. I remember before I got pregnant hearing things from women who were pregnant, but I never really understood/expected what they were saying to me.

I never expected:

1. Stretch Marks. My mom told me that she never got a single stretch mark, and I guess I figured I would be that lucky as well. I did all the precautionary steps, and I did really good up until my 5/6 month of pregnancy. Right when I had a huge growth spurt I started to wake up with a new one everyday. Luckily they fade right?

2. Trouble eating. I couldn't wait for the day to be pregnant and eat anything and everything, but honestly I have been the opposite. Since day one it has been a huge challenge to find things that I want to eat. I think my first trimester forced that into me. I never know what I want to eat, and I have become ultra picky. Poor Chris.

3. Nausea. I had awful awful nausea the first trimester, and even well into the second. It seemed to fade away but lately it has been creeping back. If I don't eat something every few hours, I get pretty sick. I am just so grateful it's not as bad as it was.

4. Attachment. I never thought I could love or be so attached to someone I have never seen, heard, or felt before. I have absolutely loved feeling this baby girl move inside of me. Although sometimes her moments become uncomfortable, I love it just the same. I am really going to miss knowing that she is safe and happy inside of me.

We had our weekly appointment yesterday, and we had a lot of our questions and concerns answered. I was checked for dilation and I am completely shut, and not going anywhere anytime soon. You never know though right? Preslie hasn't dropped yet, and is still swimming around (or trying to). She is lopsided right now, and is having a great time switching from my right to my left side. We are all hopeful that she won't be too much longer. We are happy that everything looks good and is right on schedule.

"The force is strong in this one"

Tonight was the Star Wars Clone Wars television premiere, and to celebrate we went out to dinner to Texas Roadhouse with Aubrey and Matt Boardman. We just LOVE Texas Roadhouse. We went through 3 baskets of rolls, I swear I ate like 4! After a fun dinner we came back to our house and did some karaoke. We had a karaoke contest, and let me tell you some of those songs were crazy. Matt and Aubrey did a great job and actually sounded normal with the songs they didn't know. Chris and I on the other hand sounded like a bunch of billy goats.

After the karaoke the guys watched their Star Wars while Aubrey and I played some games. It was a lot of fun. Thanks for hanging with us guys!

Here are some 38 week pictures taken today. We figured we needed to compare baby Preslie to our giant pumpkin. The pumpkin was much heavier then it looked.

It's a Date!

Last night Chris and I had our last big date before Preslie comes. We started out by going to dinner at Chili's. Which was really good, and then we headed over to the Meridian Mall. I could not believe how cold it was yesterday. I really didn't want to have to buy wintertime maternity clothes, since I am so close but we ended up buying a few shirts to get me through the next couple of weeks.

After going to the mall we headed to the Wharton Center for MAMMA MIA! Our seats were great, and we were really surprised how many open seats there were. After intermission we moved down like 6 rows! AWESOME! Chris and I LOVED it! I really liked the movie, but I think the play is so much better. I would totally go and see it again and again.

After the play it was FREEZING outside. I was wearing a long sleeve shirt (thankfully) and a skirt, and I swear to you I got a cold just from walking to the car. It was a rough night last night, it felt like I swallowed a knife. Around 5:30am this morning I took a shower, I was so cold. I drank some apple cider while watching the news then went back to sleep until 8:30. BLAH!

We had a 9am doctor appointment this morning, and we FINALLY have a due date! YEEHAW! Our doctor didn't realize that our date was changed in VA, so when we told her she was in complete shock. She looked over the baby's measurements and sure enough she changed my due date to October 15th. Which makes me 38 weeks pregnant. She then measured me, and listened to the heartbeat. She said that the measurements are dead on with the new due date. :) I asked her when they will induce if Preslie doesn't come within the next two weeks, and she said after I miss my due date. I really hope it doesn't come down to that but, if it does that's okay.

Pumpkin Picky

Saturday Chris and I along with other law student families went to Uncle John's Cider Mill. We went last year, but it seemed like there was a ton more to do this year. They had a few blow up slides and jumps for kids, as well as an apple toss, corn maze, and pumpkin patch. Their cider is soo yummy, along with their donuts. It was a pretty hot day so Chris and I opted not to do the corn maze, but we did pick some awesome pumpkins! We have spent 2 Halloween's together, and we have never carved pumpkins. Chris promised me this year we would go to the pumpkin patch and pick them. I never realized how pumpkin picky I was until I was going through thousands of them trying to find the perfect one. We found a giant one, that is almost perfectly round and then a little one for Preslie. :D We just love the cider mill.

The MSU Law Group




Chris in the patch

Preslie's pumpkin

Chris hauling the pumpkins

Oops! I did it again...

Chris and I LOVE karaoke, and we found out that this Mexican restaurant El Aztecho does karaoke every Friday night from 7-11pm. We decided we needed to check this place out! So Friday us and the Becker's, Brady's, Pousson's, Major's, Koester's, Gibb's, and Wood's all joined us. We had such a fun group! Everyone was such good sports about singing. The food was o.k. and a bit mixed up, but I bet they didn't expect such a huge group. I would say the highlight of the night was Chris singing "Oops I Did It Again" with actions! Thank you guys for joining us, we had such a blast!

The cute Wood family with baby Brooklyn Brady

The Major's and Dan Pousson



Janee and Mia picking out songs

"I Love ROCK AND ROLL"


"Believe"

"Oops! I did it again"

"Baby Girl"



"Earl had to die!"

"Cowboy take me away"

"You Can't Stop The Beat"

And Time Goes By So Slowly

This afternoon Chris and I went to meet again with our doctor. When I got there they asked me to go ahead and go back and leave a sample. I handed Chris my purse and headed on back. After I was finished the nurse was there to get my weight, which I will add I did not gain anything since last week. Great to see! Well she took me into the exam room and did the blood pressure and all that jazz, and told me to change and then left. I thought they would tell Chris to come in...well he missed our entire appointment.

I reassured Chris that I wouldn't have wanted to be in that appointment. She took the Strep B test and all that jazz, and checked baby P's heartbeat and that was it! Preslie is head down but not engaged yet...kindof discouraging to hear but I know she will come on her own time. We just cannot wait to see her little face.

From now on we go every week to the doctor, and we'll be one week closer to her coming. =-)

Baby Martin Update, and our Weekend

Friday we had our doctor's appointment, and things are right on schedule. We were a bit worried that baby P might be breech, so the Dr. checked for that. Let me tell you I didn't expect him to cram his fingers into my stomach and grab her little body. It was painful, but good to know that she is head down. Seeing as we are first time parents we asked the ever naive "So what do we do if the water breaks?". Luckily we know what to do now, and when we should do it.

Baby P's heartbeat is really strong, and we are measuring right where we should be. I have been having some TERRIBLE TERRIBLE burning pain on my right side under my breast. I asked the doctor about that and he said that because she is all on my right side, it is pulling down heavier then the left side. He prescribed me a pregnancy cradle. I have never heard of one of these, but I guess they are a lot like a maternity belt which lifts your stomach and supports it better. Chris and I will go pick it up this week. I am hoping it helps, It is just awful sitting and sleeping with this irritation. Our next appointment is this Thursday!

After our appointment I went over to Faith's and made some bows. Oh my goodness! I now know why women become obsessed with making these cute things. I could make a million a day, they are just so much fun.

I had Chris model the bows for me...he is such a good sport!



Chris and I were finally able to have a date night, and we decided to check out a new Mexican restaurant called, Mangos. I really liked it! Chris thought the food was a bit bland, but I thought it was great. Later that night we headed over to the Blues festival with the Finley's. There were soo many people there! After a huge dose of some blues, we headed back to our house and did some major karaoke! We decided to do a competition Finley's VS Martin's. The Finley's crushed us both times, I think because we got all songs we didn't know. We laughed until we cried when Chris M. sang "Froggy went a courtin". I just love karaoke!! We decided to go to this Mexican restaurant Friday night to Karaoke....Oh! I cannot WAIT!

Tag!

Anxiously awaiting Preslie's arrival, I thought I would kill some time with this tag. Thanks Lauren, hang in there! :D


THE RULES: You have to take 10 pictures of the following things and you have to do it right away. No straightening, cleaning or wiping you kids nose (I mean it!). Then you tag 6 others.


1. Kids
Well seeing as our kid is still swimming around inside, you can enjoy this front view of her. :D


2. Bathroom
We did a Finding Nemo/Under the Sea type style in our bathroom.


3. Closet
Our closet is TINY! When we have a huge house, we must have a much bigger closet!



4. Favorite Shoes
I am not a huge shoe person but I just love my Rocket Dog shoes.


5. Self Portrait
Ugh, it's one of those "I don't feel like doing my hair" days.


6. Laundry Room
I HATE going down into our basement to do laundry, it gives me the creeps!


7. Kitchen Sink
Yes that is a fondue pot from last week soaking. It is burned beyond repair!


8. Fridge
We live off bottled water and yogurt!


9. Favorite Room
I just love our baby room. I have been doing a little bit everyday to finish it.


10. Dream Vacation
I would love Preslie to be here, and all of us in Kauai laying on the beach soaking up the rays!


I now tag: Kara, Faith, Laura, Aubrey, Kelsey, and Aunt Deb...and whoever else wants to do it!

Almost to the Finish Line

This weekend has just flown right on by. Chris and I did a ton of work on Preslie's room this past weekend. Everynight we've spent at least 2 hours getting things put together, washing all her little clothes and steralizing things. We finally have started hanging up pictures and wall stickers. Slowly but surely things are becoming less cauoutic looking.

Faith and I went to the mom 2 mom sale Saturday morning, I got some fantastic deals. I got this really cute Pooh and Tigger shelf for $10. I also got a bobby, bumbo, and a bundle me. I was quite excited for all the deals I found. I will definatly go to more in the future. I was really impressed at how orgazined it was, and how much stuff people had.

My pregnancy is moving right along, and I am ready for this baby to come out and see us. I finally got a great nights sleep last night after many restless nights. This baby girl just loves to move all the time. Poor Chris has to deal with me tossing and turning, and going to the bathroom a zillion times a night. He is such a great support and sport. These last couple of weeks have definatly been the hardest. We have another doctor's appointment on Friday and we are hoping they can give us a more actual date. Since we were told to be prepared anywhere from October 1-31.....discouraging thing to hear. We know she will come on her own sweet time. :)

35 1/2 weeks!