Cherish Each Moment

Recently my wife and I have noticed a lot of people around us complaining about parenting and children. We have also heard of sad incidences in the news media recently as well. It breaks our heart that parents don’t realize how special these little ones are. How great of a blessing to be able to raise them here on earth. My wife and I would do anything to have that experience with our angel Preslie.

You should cherish being able to change their diapers, listen to their sweet cries, wake up in the wee hours of the morning to feed them, and for getting the chance to hold them close to you. How can you sit there and complain when there are so many others that would do all that in a heartbeat? So many parents don’t realize that anything can happen, and how grateful you should be for your children.

So many parents out there won’t get to experience the things you get to here on earth. Many parents don’t get to walk out of the hospital with a baby in their arms. Many mothers don’t get the chance to breastfeed their babies; they just get to suffer through when the milk comes in. Many fathers don’t get to spend time with their children when their wife goes out with her girlfriends.

A few of the many things Rylie and I have learned through this experience is that you cannot take one moment for granted, life can be turned upside down in a flash, and that we are going to cherish every second we will get with our family.

If we could impress anything from this on you, it is to cherish every single second you have with your precious babes. Be grateful for the role you are playing in their lives, and always express to them your love.

Proud Owners

To add to our year of change, we have adopted a 3 month old kitty Chewbacca (Chewy). We went to the Lansing Humane society Friday, and I fell in love instantly with the little furball. He let me hold him for thirty minutes, and I felt like I just couldn't leave him.

We weren't able to bring him home yet.Chewy will be neutered on Monday,and then we get to pick him up Monday night. We found out after we adopted him, that he was just put up for adoption that day. It was meant to be. :)

Goodbye 2008

We started off our Christmas vacation by going to California (Coronado Island) and Vegas. There we:

*Walked along the beach
*Played games
*Watched the BYU vs Arizona game
*Visited with the Sessions
*Chris golfed
*Ate at Claim Jumper
*Hit a few golf balls in the Ocean
*Late night star gazing
*Drive to Vegas
*Outlet Malls
*Bellagio Water Show
*Ate at Macaroni Grill
*Played Tennis
*GAMBLED
*All you can eat buffet
*Circ de sole show




We had a very nice and relaxing time with the Martin family. We had many laughs as well as tears. We are grateful we were able to spend a little bit of the holiday with them.

After we went to California we flew to Idaho on Christmas Eve. We got there just in time for dinner, and it was great to have my entire family there with us. Our Christmas Eve and Christmas was difficult, but it was nice to be with my family. It was hard to be sitting there thinking and knowing that Preslie would have been there with us. That this would have been her first Christmas.

(Our New PJS)


All my sister Mikelle wanted for Christmas was a kitty, and because of the difficult year my family has had my parents got her one. She was near tears as all of the presents had been opened and she didn't have a kitty. Soon my mom came downstairs with little Lucifee, and we all broke into tears. I have never seen Mikelle more excited over a gift before. Lucifee was just the sweetest kitty, and I really enjoyed being able to hold and pet her.

(My Mom, Mikelle and Lucifee)



Chris and I didn't get much sleep in Idaho, as we would stay up partying every night. We went to the church and played volleyball almost everynight, watched movies, went to see HSM3 TWICE!, played a lot of games, shopped, played WII,caught up with old friends, took Abby to get a few cones,and just had a very relaxing time.
(After Church)

(Chris and Merrick playing the WII)

(Abby and I)


My last week in Idaho was really rough, and I am glad I was able to have the love and support of my parents as well as Christopher. We took family pictures, and Chris and I noticed that we just don't look happy in any of them. We are hoping that a few turned out. The night before we came back to MI we were able to go the temple, and feel some peace. I am really anxious to go back real soon. I am so grateful for my family and parents, and for the love they showed to us while we were there. It was so hard for me to come back to Michigan, but I know it's what I needed to do.



Our little Martin family is having numerous changes this next semester. I am going to be taking 3 classes at LCC, and 2 Institute classes. We were also able to get a membership to the YMCA, so we can both get back into shape. I think that going to school will be a good transitional change for me, and to keep me pretty occupied this next year.

We are calling 2009 a year of change, and we hope that this year will bring a lot of joy and happiness to us. :)

4 Generations

Today Chris and I had the opportunity to go to the temple with my parents and Grandmother Fern. Many months ago I could not wait to have a 4 generation photo taken during Christmas, with Preslie and my Grandma. Although Preslie was not physically there we felt her in the picture with us. I am so grateful we were able to go while here. I hope that we will be able to make it more often.

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.