Early Christmas Post

Just wanted to post a few things before we get in the midst of Christmas and I don't get the chance. Martin went to see Santa last week at the mall. He looked up at the skylights the whole time, I don't think he ever realized it wasn't Bryan or I holding him. Silly boy! Martin is going to be traveling to Alabama for his first visit and he can't wait to see everyone (Mamie, Papa John, Uncle Johnny, Jacci, and Uncle Zach). I am looking forward to seeing them all too, just wondering how the car ride will go. I am still breastfeeding (yay!!-this is truly an accomplishment, just ask anyone who has done it) and I wonder how that will work in the car. I guess we will just pull over and I will feed him in whatever gas station parking lot is available. I know it will all work out, just wondering....that's ok, right? This Christmas I feel extra thankful for my own little family. Bryan is truly an AMAZING father. I never doubted him, I just hadn't really seen him around kids, so I didn't know what to expect but he has exceeded all expectations. He is GREAT with Martin. I think Martin is a lucky little boy to have Bryan for a daddy (he thinks he is pretty lucky too, he just loves Bryan). I love to hear my two boys in the nursery on the monitor. Sometimes you can hear them doing the hokie pokie (what if that really is what it's all about?) Bryan tells me the song has dance moves, but I haven't caught them doing that yet (I will keep the video camera handy so I can share). Martin is growing up so much every single day. He is still such a happy baby I couldn't be more thankful! He fights naps like it is nobody's business--I guess he doesn't want to miss ANYTHING. He loves to stare at the mirror and musical mobile on his swing while he swings the day away. That is one of my top five favorite baby gadgets. If any of you care, the other four are-1. the Boppy- a nursing pillow that is my best friend, 2. Pack N Play with the newborn napper (vibration feature) and changing station, 3. bumbo, and 4. SwaddleMe (Mom and Dad's best friend at night). So, if you know any new moms, or soon to be new moms, perhaps you could give any of these as gifts. They would LOVE them all.

Martin has started cooing and laughing more and more, and sometimes when he is busy talking away he makes the funniest sounds. Then, he looks around at Bryan and I like "what the heck was that?" He now enjoys taking baths (THANK GOODNESS). I was worried he was going to be the smelly kid, because he screamed the whole time the first few baths. Now, he actually kicks in the water and plays it is pretty cute. He drools all the time --like a full on bubble blower all the time. He makes an awful face when you give him his vitamins (Tri vi Sol), you would think we were trying to feed him poison or something. And, he has started screaming like you are breaking his legs when you burp him in the middle of a feeding. I burp him before I switch sides, and I can hear Bryan say things to company like, "she must be on the turn now"....I think people think he is nuts! I completely understand it--and sadly I must confess I think it's funny when he cries because he is in a panic like he is getting cut off...but then as soon as I put him on the other side, he settles down almost immediately. He is precious and makes my heart melt.

Christmas is right around the corner

Well, since I just put this sleepy baby down for an afternoon nap (fingers crossed), I thought I would blog a little. Things are in full Christmas swing. I have done some (a little) shopping, and hope to wrap a few presents this afternoon. My tree needs something under it besides a tree skirt. I just flat haven't found the time. This is Bryan's off week, so I will be enjoying some much needed hubby time....I miss him when he works. I even snuck off this morning for a few hours of shopping (3 to be exact) enough to come home to a baby 10 minutes from ready to eat -----perfect timing! We are waiting on our camera to come and I can't wait to put it to great use.

I thought I would include a picture of our Christmas Card. Martin wasn't in the best mood the day we decided to take pictures, so this is literally the ONLY shot we had, but I think it is pretty great!! Martin's face is just precious, so I don't really care what Bryan or I look like....no one will even notice we are in the picture!!

SANTA BABY

I am really trying to get in the Christmas mood. I don't know why it is taking so much.....I think because I have been putting off going shopping. But, I am slowly but surely getting there (spirit that is, not done with shopping). Martin, Bryan and I ventured off to do a little shopping earlier this week. It went pretty good. Martin did great, I just need to get my list made so I can go in and know what I want to get at each place. I usually stress myself with finding the perfect gift for everyone on this list. That is gone to the wayside I am afraid. It is just too time consuming with a 2 month old....so forgive me! But, I did do plenty of shopping for Martin. I swore I wouldn't get him much, he has a full closet and nursery, he doesn't need anything!! But, I got a few things. A new organic SwaddleMe, a few outfits, the book "Guess How Much I Love You", new pacis, and a floor/crib mirror. He really has everything else. My pediatrician told me just to get him some paper, nothing else would hold his attention....like some paper to crinkle between his fingers. So, I tried to follow the doctor's orders! Bryan and I decided to combine our Christmas presents this year. We have been looking for a new camera....Bryan's digital camera that is about 6years old needed to be updated, so we have been on the hunt. Well, we settled on the Canon Rebel, with the extra lens, and I cannot wait for it to come in. It is supposed to be here by next week, just in time to figure it out a little before Christmas! So, that is what we are giving each other for Christmas....I know no surprise, kind of takes the fun out of it a little for Bryan. Not for me, I DESPISE surprises, so I almost always get out of Bryan what the gift is before the holiday gets here. I guess that is the control freak in me!! Well, I hope everyone is getting in the Christmas Spirit a little better than I am!

Super Shutterfly

Well, Christmas is right around the corner. This year has really flown by. It seems like just yesterday we found out we were pregnant, and that was at the end of January. Well, this Christmas is going to be extra special in the Benton household with a new baby. With all that is going on around us, we almost forgot to do holiday cards. I can't decide if I want to do Christmas cards or New Year's cards this year. Might be best to do the New Year's ones since I have waited so long to get this ball rolling. While I was looking around for cards online, I found out about this great offer from Shutterfly. They are offering 50 free cards to bloggers who blog about their giveaway. I love Shutterfly. I have used them for several years for different things. The first Christmas after Bryan and I got married, I made photo books of our wedding pictures for both sets of parents, and they LOVED them. And, every year Bryan's grandma gives calendars to everyone that has pictures from all year. They are something we look forward to every single year. Shutterfly has some great designs this year. Some of my favorites are:

Cranberry swirl http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/cranberry-swirl-christmas-5x7-folded-card?sortType=1&storeNode=93496

Joy to you http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/joy-to-2010-holiday-5x7-folded-card?sortType=1&storeNode=93496

Peace and Joy http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/peace-and-joy-holiday-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&storeNode=93496

They are all so cute, and there are tons more, check them out here .

Here is a great desk calendar if you have someone on your list to buy for still, and need the perfect gift. What a great way to show off some pictures, of say a new grand baby. Or, maybe you need some stationary to write thank you's on for all of those great gifts for the new baby, like me. If so, they have adorable ones, I think this is my favorite design. And, who could resist a beautiful invitation like this to your holiday party?

I really appreciate that Shutterfly is doing this giveaway. I can't wait to see my cards!! Hope everyone takes advantage of this. It is too great to pass up. If you want to participate, go here.

Absent-minded Mommy

Martin loves the lights on the Christmas Tree!!

Yes, I am holding his leg.

Resting during his 2 month photo shoot.

Sorry I forgot to post these the other day.........

We Made It

On Our Way to the Doctor's Office....poor kid is just enjoying the ride.

I love this face!!! He was such a happy boy 90% of our stay in the office.

Poor little guy after the shots....daddy was pouting with him.

Martin did very well at his 2 month check up. He was a little ham the whole time right up until the ole mean nurse came in to give the shots! She really wasn't mean, she loved on him before she stuck him and everything, it was just the needles that got us. I cried more than he did! He certainly screamed and then cried a little. I nursed him right after (per a suggestion) and it really calmed him down. He has been a little fussy this afternoon, but nothing unbearable. He is always so happy and very rarely cries that it has been a rough day for me, because I don't like the sound of him crying. I know you are thinking what mother likes to hear her baby cry? But, it makes me cry everytime, and I feel so helpless. Hard day for mom, not so hard day for baby. Doc said everything looks great. He is up to 10 pounds 12 ounces....Bryan's EXACT guess. I said 11 pounds 3 ounces, but in my defense it seems like he ALWAYS has a wet diaper, so maybe that is where the extra 7 ounces went...HA! And he is 23 inches long. He is growing like a weed!!! We go back to the doc on February 7 to do another round of shots (more tears for me....maybe I will toughen up a bit).

2 Months

This is my lame attempt at focusing my anxiety elsewhere. Martin goes tomorrow for his two month check up and shots. And, I am freaking out. I hate the idea of him being upset. He is such a happy baby. We are spoiled with how great he is!! I know next baby I will regret not appreciating how awesome he is....so this is me being appreciative. The kid has been sleeping through the night for 2 weeks--without exception (of course, tonight he will be up at 3 because I am talking so nice about him). Anywho today is Martin's 2 month birthday, can you believe it? He is so perfect in every single way.

My favorite things about him are a long list, but here are a few:
1. his toothless grin
2. how he laughs and smiles at Bryan and I every single time we smile at hime
3. how sometimes he can't eat when I am feeding him because he is too busy smiling
4. how he hates to burp in the middle of feeding--I burp before I switch sides, and he screams briefly like someone is REALLY hurting him
5. how he loves to smack on his fist...it is always in his mouth
6. his mohawk

I will post pictures soon from his two month baby photo shoot!!

Thankful

After this past week of reflection on the things I am thankful for the list is way too long to include. But, Martin is the biggest thing I am thankful for (surprise surprise, huh?). Bryan and I prayed a long time for that little guy. And, we feel so blessed that he is so happy and healthy. We are thankful for awesome family to help us nurture and watch our little one grow. Martin has two awesome sets of grandparents! This past week my family came for Thanksgiving. I worried that Thanksgiving Dinner would be a disaster with a newborn--especially since I am breastfeeding and sometimes that means drop everything, he is hungry. But alas dinner went off without a hitch. Everything was perfect and hot on the table at the same time (no small miracle there). I love Thanksgiving time and this year was no different. My brother Zach helped so much! It was nice to have a little kitchen slave. This is the kid who at age 5 picked a cook book from the table of fun prizes at the book fair. And, prepared a Christmas Ribbon salad that year for Christmas. He loves to cook, almost as much as he loves to eat! He is 16, and still thinks I am kind of cool, so that is nice. Everyone helped a lot (but then they always do). I will admit my dad did the bird. Mainly because raw poultry kind of freaks me out, and Honeybaked did the ham. Why? Because they do it so well, and they had a kiosk in our Kroger, made it too easy! But, I did everything else. We of course ate on it for a few days. And, today I finally tossed the leftovers.

With it being Cyber Monday, I should mention I have done NO SHOPPING. I have only ordered one person's Christmas present, and I don't even know if it will be here on time. Oops! I better get busy. I did get the house decorated for Christmas. We still need to put up more lights outside, but the rest is done! Mom helped Friday morning while Bryan was at work (Bryan was glad, he hates putting those decorations up). I think it stresses him out when I drag it all out and it looks like Chritmas threw up. Less stress for him this year! I will add pictures of everything soon, but wanted to post some photos of Martin from the past week. He is getting such a personality. He will be 2 months old this week, can you believe it? We go to the doc on Thursday and I can't wait to see how much he weighs!

This is what Martin did while we decorated....slept!! He did enjoy Papa John showing him every ornament as I put them on the tree. I guess after that he was worn out!

Taking a nap on Mamie's shoulder. He was really tired from all the festivities of the week.

Enjoying bathtime. This is the first bath he didn't cry at all. He actually smiled a few times. Then again Mamie was pretty attentive. She was in the tub with him for goodness sake. He kept looking at me like "I hope you are watching, so you can do this next time".

Finally

I went to my 6 week post partum check up and doc said everything looked and seemed great. And, he cleared me for exercise!! My weight is already way back down and getting closer to my starting point (feels good since I haven't done anything). But, I am ready to get back out there and do some exercising. I wish it wasn't so cold so I could run, but I guess I will resort to P90X. That is certain to kick start my butt into gear! I even got to weigh Martin and the nurse said he was about 10 pounds 2 ounces--can you believe it??? What a little porker! Apparently breasfeeding is helping him gain weight, and helping me lose it. Now, that my friends is what you call a win-win situation.

My parents came this week for a 4 day visit, and it was awesome to have them here. Martin is growing and learning every single day. I love watching him smile and giggle at us. And, he definitely is starting to recognize faces. He is a ham!! He likes to lay on his ocean adventure gym, and doesn't mind tummy time as long as someone is right there with him. The minute he thinks he is alone he loses it! But, even when he cries (which isn't often) he is still so cute. I think we will keep him :) We are truly blessed, and I thank God everyday for our little piece of Heaven on Earth!

First Halloween and Happy 1 Month Birthday!

I cannot believe time is moving this fast. Y'all warned me it would....guess I didn't believe you and had to see it for myself. Martin turned one month old yesterday (can you believe it?) and celebrated his first halloween the day before. We are really enjoying watching him grow right before our eyes. He is turning into quite the little ham. After he gets a full belly he will smile and giggle at just about anything. He looks more and more like Bryan everyday...I am still holding out hope that his eyes will stay blue so he can have one thing from me!

Martin- 3 weeks

Yes, go ahead and say it....long time no post! I know I know--I have a 3 week old, so cut me some slack. Thanks. We are all doing great, and adjusting well to life with a newborn. He is absolutely precious and so much more than we could have ever asked for. We have done so much since my last post. We went to our 2 week check up and got a great report! He was up to 8 pounds and had grown to 21 1/2". Wow!! This boy loves to eat, no question there. He has had all kinds of visitors and still is expecting some more really soon. Last Friday we went to see the lactation specialist to be sure everything was going ok with breastfeeding, and I had developed mastitis earlier in the week, so we wanted to follow up. She said everything looked good, and Martin appeared to be doing great, but she weighed him just to be sure. Well, she was right, he was doing great....that little stink had gained 7 ounces in 7 days. He was up to 8 lbs 7 oz. I think he is just fine!! At the two week mark he started sleeping in his own room. Before then, he was in our room in a cradle, but I will say we all sleep better with him in his own room. That night was the first night he only woke up once during the night. But, the trend has continued, because he is still only getting up once during the night to eat and get a diaper change and then back to sleep until usually about 7 am. Pretty awesome I think! I can't believe a week from today he will be a month old. Although I can't remember my life without him. He is too cute for words!

Hopefully it won't be as big of a break in my posting for the next time. Martin has the cutest Halloween Costume, and I can't wait to take pictures of him in it. We will be here at the house passing out candy to the trick or treaters. Happy Halloween Y'all!!

First Check-up

We went for our first pediatrician visit after leaving the hospital. Everything checked out great. At birth, Martin weighed 7 lbs 9 ozs and when we went home from the hospital he was 7 lbs 3 ozs. At the check up the doctor said they just want babies to be back to their birth weight by the time they come in for their 2 week check up---well drum roll please....Martin is already back to his birth weight--only 3 days after discharging from the hospital. Apparently breast milk does a body good. Figuring out the whole breastfeeding thing in the hospital was TERRIBLE. Martin cried, I cried, Martin got frustrated, I got frustrated, but we both pushed through, and he certainly has the hang of it now. It feels so good to know we finally both figured it out because it was so stressful until we did. That is probably my favorite time of day when we sneak off to the nursery to have mommy baby time. Although, dad is always right there--it would be so much easier to nurse if you had 4 hands. I am starting to feel a lot better, and Martin is doing awesome. He is such a good baby at night. We get up to eat, and to change a dirty diaper, but other than that, he is pretty content at night (fingers crossed it stays that way). I appreciate all the prayers and well wishes people have been sending. We know this is just the start of something amazing and appreciate all the prayers along our way.

MARTIN IS HERE

MARTIN BRYANT BENTON

October 1, 2010--6:54 pm

7 lbs 9 ozs and 19 3/4 inches long

Martin decided to make his debut and boy was it awesome. I will keep the post simple for now, but I will post all the details soon! I woke up Friday morning about 2 am having HARD and very PAINFUL contractions that were about 10 minutes apart....didn't get any sleep and decided at 7 to get up and shower. Took a shower and sent Bryan to work thinking we still had time since we were still about 8 minutes apart....well about 10 minutes after he got to work I decided "IT WAS TIME" and called Bryan at work to meet Mom and I at the hospital. We got there about 10, and they finally put me in a room at about 12. I got my epidural and everything was in fast motion from there. I pushed less than 45 minutes, and it was an awesome delivery. He is here, he is beautiful, and yes I am biased. I am absolutely in love with him and I know you will be too.

I love Epidurals!!!!

All puffy faced from the fluids.....but just about ready to push!!

Martin (cozy little one still in my belly)

Well no new news! I am still holding at 3 cms. Doc still thinks I won't make it til Monday--however, I am losing hope in his predictions! He kept saying at 35 weeks when I was already dilated 1 cm that he didn't think I would make it to my due date--oops he missed that boat, didn't he? I know that Martin will come when he is ready, and I really wish people would stop telling me that, don't they think I know?? But, I am getting kind of miserable. This pregnancy has been so awesome to me, but it is starting to wear on me. I feel like I am as big as a house, and the frequent restroom breaks to empty about 1 ounce of fluid from my bladder are getting OLD! I have been off of work (now for two weeks). It was fun at first, but now I am bored! There is only so much you can do. TV during the day stinks, and I can't even really nap, I am NOT tired. I keep telling myself at the most I have left is 4 days--we are inducing Monday if he doesn't make his big debut this weekend. I know everyone is thinking...you should have induced at 39 weeks when the doctor said you could.....but that IS NOT WHAT WE WANTED! I truly wanted this little man to come on his own, or at least give him the chance to come on his own! And, if I had induced at that point ONLY for my convenience I would have always wondered if he would have come on his own. So, I know that we made the right decision. Isn't it crazy that people question our choices for our OWN children? Ha. I can't wait to meet this little man, and smell his baby smells, and kiss his baby cheeks, and see how long his legs are going to be! Stay tuned for pictures of Martin, I am counting down the hours.....

OVERDUE

Yikes! He was supposed to be here yesterday.....has anyone seen him? I am getting a little anxious and restless. I wanted him to come early and now he is officially late! Anyone who knows me knows I am very punctual guess he is already ruling my life from the womb. I know he will come when he is ready and all of that but it doesn't make the waiting any easier. I am glad he is comfy in there....but Mama isn't comfortable anymore. Last week at the doctor's visit I was dilated to 3 cm and still 50% effaced, sounded like we were ready, we were....Martin isn't. My mom and dad came up Saturday I thought maybe Martin was waiting on that and finally, still no baby! If I make it to next Monday (October 4th) the doctor will induce. I really want Martin to do this on his own, that is why I didn't induce last week when the doctor said I could.....but now this waiting is getting to me. I am not good at sitting around the house waiting on something to happen. Two nights in a row my contractions got down to about 12 minutes apart....then spread back out and I went to sleep. I have tried it all- I swear we have walked 20 miles in 5 days and NOTHING. Oh well. At least I know I have less than 7 days until we can meet our little man! I go back to the doc on Wednesday, fingers crossed he will have some promising numbers for us. Stay tuned for more info.....

Photos

Martin's initials for above the changing table. We have since hung these, and I need to take another picture...sorry.

Martin's Nursery! Complete with shelves to hold all of his stuff!!

The new curtains, and my fabulous swivel glider I can't wait to use. It is just so comfy.

The MARTIN Walter Anderson prints I worked so hard on. These are now hanging above his crib. Again, I need to take another picture. The reason I haven't taken any new photos is that I have already packed the camera and cord in the hospital bag. Aren't I on the ball???

Doctor Checkup

Well, the doctor's appointment today went VERY well. He gave me some encouraging news. I am officially 1 1/2-2 (but closer to 2) centimeters dilated! This may not mean much to you guys, but it means a lot to me. After three weeks of being stuck on 1 cm, it feels nice to make some progress. I am still 50% effaced, but he said he didn't think that would change until I go into labor. All good news. My measurements are good, weight gain good, blood pressure good, baby position good, now if he will just make his debut. Doc said I COULD schedule an induction for Monday (the 20th), but his recommendation was to wait and see if he comes on his own. We chose the responsible parent route and are waiting for him to come on his own. If I go a week over my due date, he will induce on October 4--which is ok for me...but I don't want to wait that long so hopefully he will come before then. I hope he is getting cramped in there, and isn't too comfortable! Have a great week all!

It's the Final Countdown

I can remember a gymnastics routine to this song from a recital when I was youngER....yes I was an 80's baby....sue me. I absolutely cannot believe I have less than 2 weeks (talk about scary). I am wondering when our little man will make his debut. I just wish someone could tell me so I can stop wondering every morning if this is THE morning. At my 35 week appointment I was already dilated 1 cm, so I was elated. Then came 36 weeks, STILL 1 cm, and at 37 weeks STILL 1 cm. Last Wednesday I was at least effacing some too-50% so that is another step in the right direction. Then doc said based on measurements and timelines that he wouldn't induce until October 4th unless something was wrong before then (blood pressure, etc). It took a second and then I promptly FREAKED OUT!! October? Hello, I am due in September. I guess babies aren't like Milk, they don't have a use by date....but I have been telling myself for months that I can make it to September, now I might have to make it to October?? Well, after my mom calmed me down and said all the perfect things that a mother would say I settled down. He will come when he is ready, and God knows when that time is. Until then I can just enjoy my last few weeks of our baby swimming around in my tummy. And, drink chocolate milk at night and fill myself with ice cream :)

We had a big weekend filled with LOTS and LOTS of football. I swear I watched about 5 games on Saturday with Bryan including the Ole Miss win vs Tulane. Then, on Sunday, Lucky Girl that I am, got to watch 8 games simultaneously on Sunday NFL Ticket with DirecTV. Aren't I Lucky? It kind of made me dizzy, but Bryan certainly enjoyed it. Friday is my last day of work, which is a little bittersweet. But, I can't wait to be off and have a little time to myself to enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasts. Have a great week.

36 weeks

I cannot believe that I am less than 4 weeks away from D-Day!!! Can you? I went to the doctor today, and same report as last week as far as dilating goes. Still just 1 cm, but I am "softening some". No percentage given, but the fact that the doc didn't use the words "hard as a rock" was kind of comforting!!! So many big things are going on around the Benton house in hopes that this little boy decides to make his debut soon. We are finishing up in the nursery. I have everything for my curtains, and Bryan plans to hang the rod tonight so we can hang those! And, I picked up the Walter Anderson framed prints yesterday....looks great--need to hang that too. Tonight on the agenda is to paint the letters for above the changing table--and some ironing of baby clothes. We got two beautiful coming home outfits for Martin this weekend. I couldn't decide, so I got them both....He might just have to come home, and change and ride around the neighborhood and come home again! And, I am making my list of the few things I need to pick up to be all ready for our little man to come home. My mom has packed her bag so she can jump in the car and head this way as soon as she gets "THE CALL". I guess I need to pack mine too. Maybe this weekend I will do that....I said Maybe! I will post pictures as soon as the Nursery gets a little done. Stay tuned.

Update

Well, ladies and gentlemen....we are dilated 1 cm. May not sound like much to you....but it sounds great to me, it means I am actually doing something! Doc said we haven't effaced any, but we still have plenty of time. I have been having more Braxton Hicks Contractions, and doc says he expects me to have more this week being dilated a little. Everything looks great. He figures Martin is locked into his "head down" position, because he is about out of room. These are all great things.

I think I might actually pack my bags for the hospital. I probably should have already done this....but might as well take care of it. We still have a few last minute things to get for the nursery, and a few things we will need the first few weeks. And, I need to cook some things to freeze because it will be so nice to pull something out and pop it in the oven to warm instead of having to COOK once he gets here! So, maybe next week I will work on some Chicken Spaghetti and Red Beans and Rice for the freezer.....wonder what else I can easily freeze???

I wanted to share a few funny stories with my readers today. I have been having strange dreams about delivery, and some of them are too funny not to share. The best one was two nights ago. In the dream, I woke up in the middle of the night because my water broke, so I drove myself to the hospital, THEN called Bryan to wake him up (mind you he was sleeping in the bed next to me, so I had to be extra quiet to sneak out) and I told him to feed Bailey before he came. Ha!! And, then last night I dreamed that I came home from work and Bryan and Martin were in our jacuzzi tub in the bathroom. Bryan moved the TV so they could see it from the tub, and they were just lounging! While this one is funny, it isn't as funny as the other one....cause I can totally see Bryan doing this!!

Baby Center says Martin is the size of a honeydew melon, which is funny, because it looks and feels more like a WATERMELON!! I also wanted to share some of my favorite things about being pregnant. Many people would argue that there are too many bad things that outweigh the good....and I could certainly make a list of those bad things....but they don't even touch all of the amazing things!! While sleep completely evades me, and I flip from one side to the other all night, while getting up approximately 6 times to use the bathroom....I am loving every minute of it!!!

So, here are the things I love. I love watching Bryan feel Martin move, and I love listening to Bryan talk to our son. I love when Bryan reads him stories (he always explains the pictures). I love when Bryan "talks to Martin" about me. Such as, "your mom is kind of grumpy" or, "I think you and your mom want Captain D's for dinner". I love that I have a built in TV tray right on the top of my belly....it holds a glass or the remote really well. I love having an excuse to drink all the chocolate milk I want at bed time (it is so good cold). I love when Martin has the hiccups....it is quite possibly the cutest thing EVER. I love that my husband still thinks I am beautiful even with stretch marks and 25 extra pounds. I love getting Martin's nursery all situated. Anyone who knows me, knows how OCD I am about things, so that kids' closet is REALLY organized. And, I love knowing in less than 5 weeks we will have a sweet little angel here that we can love unconditionally, kiss until our lips hurt, and squeeze his little cheeks.

**Please remind me of these things when I am up at 4 am having had no sleep with a crying baby.**

Long overdue! (blog post, not baby)

Welcome Baby Martin!! What an awesome shower. The cake was so yummy as was all of the food. It was so nice to see everyone. And, the girls did a great job on the shower. It turned out to be perfect. Analee, Sam, and Tracie....you girls really are the best I could ask for! Thanks for everything.I got to see lots of friends from high school that I haven't seen in several years so it was nice to catch up with them. Martin got so many great things. That is going to be one well dressed little man! His closet is bursting at the seams!! Some of mom's friends came that were at my baby shower over 27 years ago....isn't that special?? I can't wait to meet my sweet baby boy....he will be sweet if he takes after his daddy....now if he takes after his mom, watch out world!! It is hard to believe that HOPEFULLY in less than 5 weeks I will be holding him in my arms (boo-hooing I am sure). I can't wait!!!!

My Aunt Kathy made this beautiful cross-stitched blanket for Martin. Isn't it gorgeous?? I love it because it goes so perfectly with his room. I had no idea she was doing it. I can appreciate how much work she put into it. I just love it! We are putting the last minute touches on his room. Only a few things left to do. I need to hang my curtains, and hang the Walter Anderson prints when I get them back from framing. And, I need to paint the wooden letters and find the right ribbon so I can hang those too. I said something to Mom this morning about feeling like I still had TONS to do, and she informed me that I was fine on time and told me that Dad actually had to go home from the hospital one day while Mom and I were still there so he could finish painting the nursery. Now, those of you who know my Daddy aren't surprised by this one bit!We go to the doctor Wednesday for another one of our every two weeks check ups. I am hoping he says something like....."ooh pack your bags, this little boy is coming early"! Wishful thinking, huh?? A girl can dream, can't she? I have been right about average with all of my measurements thus far, so I doubt very seriously he is too big or anything....oh well. I guess I can wait 5 more weeks.

Dr. Visit

Well, drum roll please.....Martin has assumed the position (he is head down)!! So, I can breathe again. I didn't realize how worried I was until the doctor said this morning...."looks like he decided to get into position". I know there was an audible sigh of relief that escaped my mouth accidentally.

I can't wait for the weekend, because we are headed to the coast for my second baby shower--aren't I a lucky girl? Or, I guess I should say isn't Martin a lucky boy? I can't wait to see who all will be able to make it. And, my mom is coming so it will be nice for her to get together with some old friends!

Lots of changes going on in Martin's room. We have two beautiful shelves for the nursery. I just need to paint them (outside in a well ventilated area of course)--and decide where I want to put them! And, I ordered the fabric to have curtains made. I can't wait to see them!! Aunt Karen (Bryan's Dad's sister) is making them for me since she did such a great job on the quilt and baby bag for Martin! So, I picked up a curtain rod yesterday at Hobby Lobby but I am still searching for the rings to hang the curtains with.

I took the Walter Anderson print's to Hobby Lobby to be framed...after the woman told me the small fortune it would cost to mat and frame, I decided to come back next week when custom framing is half off (just the frame is half off--not the mat, board, or glass OF COURSE). But, it makes it about $50 cheaper....so now it will be just an arm, not an arm and a leg. Oh well.

And, I plan to order wooden letters with Martin's initials that I will have to paint and hang with ribbon. But, I better get on that! Hope everyone enjoys the rest of their week!

Walter Anderson Prints

These are the Walter Anderson Prints for Martin's room! I copied the originals so I could watercolor copies first to be sure I liked the colors. Yes, I know I am too much of a perfectionist! But, I didn't want to mess up the originals. So, I really like these, and plan to paint the real ones this week sometime. What do you think?? I am going to mat and frame them. I want to mat them in navy blue, and haven't decided on a frame yet, but I imagine I will do white to match the nursery furniture.

31 weeks

I can't believe I am already 31 weeks along!! It seems like just yesterday we were crossing our fingers waiting on that little line to show up....man time flies. Doc said everything looked good and we will go back in two weeks. He said that Martin is lying Transverse which means he is across my abdomen. Don't panic! This is ok. Especially because he is still moving all the time. I feel his head on the left side, then 45 minutes later it will be on the right. So, I am sure he will get into "position" before delivery time gets here. Besides, I can't stress myself out with one more thing that I have no control over. Right? Right! So, pray he moves his sweet little head down. I think he is enjoying being stretched out...I know I enjoy it! It is better than the little ball he was staying in for a week or so. Thanks for reading.

Memphis Shower

What an awesome shower thrown by awesome friends! Kara and Jennifer really are the best a girl could ask for. Martin got so many great things, and it was great to visit with old friends. It meant so much to me that so many people came. Isn't my belly getting big?? Now I can't wait for him to get here so we can play with all of his new things!

I really should have taken a picture of all of the gifts Martin got. He is one blessed little boy!!

Sneak Peek

Here are some of the best shots from the 4D ultrasound. It was amazing!!! He had his little hand in his face at first--but he moved it out of the way after about 5 minutes and was so cooperative! I loved getting see him. I can't wait to hold him.

We had an awesome shower on Saturday and we got lots of great things for Martin. I can't wait for him to get here so he can play with his new things! I got to see lots of friends and family and it was so special to have everyone there. I will post pictures from the shower soon. Oh....and big news.....we passed the gestational diabetes test. I failed the 1 hour, so I had to sit and take the 3 hour glucose test on Friday, but we passed with flying colors--thank goodness!!!!