Happy Birthday {Abigail Marie}

It's already been three weeks now since we've welcomed the newest member to Martin Manor...

The last day of our family of five...

 

Abigail Marie Martin, born Monday May 6 

She weighed 6lbs 9oz

 

and was 20in long 

 

I told the nurses the other three were all born in the afternoon around 2 and 3 'o clock...and Abby arrived promptly at 1:58 in the afternoon too!  It was a smooth, quick delivery and we couldn't decide who she looked like...but think she looks most like Alex when he was born.

getting her first bath

 

The kids came to see their new baby sister right after school...Emily couldn't wait to hold her!

Grandma and Abby

Emily finishing her homework before heading back home

Our new precious family of six!

The next day after school Emily had her first volleyball practice, but wanted to make sure she had time to stop by the hospital to visit Abby and hold her!  She is a great big sister!

taking after her big sis...sucking her thumb!

Time to go home!

Now that we're all home...Elizabeth asks to hold baby Abby all the time...and is always nearby when she needs her diaper changed, eats and sleeps!  She is a natural at being a Big Sis!  They are already such sweet sisters!

She has fit right into our family...we feel so blessed that we were given this sweet baby to complete our family!  And just like that...the clock hasn't stopped for a second...

 

One week has passed...

Mother's Day  {the best one yet!}

Two weeks has passed...

 

And now we are almost at three weeks...

Weight check at the doctor- she gained one pound in a week, 7lbs 7oz!

 

She is such a good baby, pretty calm...she seems to embrace the noise of the household and sleeps like a baby!  She only cries when it's time to eat and sometimes when she's getting changed.

It still seems unreal that I am a mother of four!  I couldn't imagine it any other way, and feel very blessed to have this job!  It seems like the hardest thing in the world some days...but even the hardest days are made the best by a simple smile, giggle, hug and a kiss!

 

Happy Birthday Abigail!  We are beyond thrilled to add another celebration to our family!

Fire and Ice, Ice {Baby}

It's still shock and amazement that we are now less than one week from having baby Abby join our family!

a few more tweaks to personalize the room

ready for their new roles...I couldn't talk Alex into the Biggest Bro shirt!

washing little clothes...we just increased our laundry load!

But even having nine whole months to prepare and adjust to adding another little one to the family...there never seems to be enough time!  And the last week especially seemed to speed up the days to her arrival! 

 

Last Friday, Elizabeth had her first field trip with our MOPS group to the local fire station.  She seems to love big trucks, so this was a really fun trip for her!

 

When we first arrived, we were able to experience a true fire emergency call first hand...one of the trucks left with sirens blaring and lights flashing headed to an electrical fire!

"There it goes!"

The kids were allowed to touch the fire truck, check out all the equipment and have a turn to sit in the driver's seat!

showing the kids how a firefighter looks in all the gear

 

Ellie and I had a fun morning and lots of respect for those who keep us safe and also take the time to talk to us about what they do!

 

That same day began the first of Emily's four performances for the annual Ice Show!  This year marked her fifth show...her very first when she was just 4-years old!

 

It's always the highlight of her year...especially the costume reveal!

great skaters and friends...Emillie, Tiffany, Maddy and Emily

The first routine included all the girls {and boy} in the A level group of skate club.  This is her first year in skate club and she was excited to be in not just one, but two routines...which also meant two dresses!

 

The second routine featured just the four {smallest & cutest} skaters in level A...

 

They did such a great job!  We are so proud of Emily and how far she's come from the very first time she stepped out on the ice!  It is one of her loves and it shows when she performs!  She truly shines!

 

It takes a lot of practice and dedication for a successful show...and as with any sport...it can affect the whole family.  And after a full week of rehearsals and 17 hours spent at the ice rink over the weekend...I am just so thankful to have been a part of a great dedicated group...and that I made it through with Abigail's full cooperation to stay put!

 

{Now, just one more weekend until we are a family of six!  We are so excited, anxious and a bit overwhelmed...but ready to meet Abigail!}