good news!!

Where has October gone!? My heck. It's almost half way over already! I didn't think that being on bed rest would make things go by faster. I must say though, I've really enjoyed this month so far. I've been able to get a lot of stuff done! You wouldn't think I could do much when I need to lay down all day, but it actually helps me do things that I've neglected. I've been able to get Baby Payne's nursery almost all the way set up! Most of it has been me directing Eric to do things, but I have done a few projects that I've been wanting to do for months :) Later this week, I'll dedicate a post to her room :) I've done a lot of reading on parenting, which helps me feel a little bit more prepared (although I know once she's here, I'll have no idea what I'm doing haha). I was also able to make a new website! Although I've put myself on maternity leave until at least January, I wanted to get a new site up and running. Check it out! melindapaynephoto.com. I've gone through and totally organized our computer, which was desperately needed indeed. Lots of deleting and putting pictures and documents in their place! I've also been able to pick up my guitar again. I've been playing since I was 16, but haven't been nearly as into it this past year. I would love to teach our kids to play someday, so I just have to make sure I keep up on it and keep learning! It's so relaxing. I've also enjoyed just being able to lay down and watch my favorite shows :)

Despite the fears we have of our baby coming early, this scare has really brought Eric and I closer together. It has made my love for this man grow like mad, and I truly have never felt more loved. This may get mushy, so bear with me here. I just have to share a bit of why he is so amazing. He isn't afraid to show me how much he loves me, and these are some of the things he does (men, take notes):

-He refuses to let me open my own door in his presence. He believes that chivalry is not dead, and he can't wait to teach that to our kids.

-He's never stopped bringing me flowers. It's not a daily occurrence, and I honestly never expect them. But that's what makes it so special. They always come at the perfect time. He says that he loves the look on my face when he comes with flowers, and that's what makes him want to keep doing it. Whether it's a single rose, or a big, fancy bouquet, I feel SO special each time. (To all those women who claim that they don't like getting flowers... You're lying.)

This is my most recent bouquet. It's beautiful and smells so good :) I love being able to look at them all day.

-He doesn't complain. Eric has become my poor slave these past few weeks. (really, a good chunk of my pregnancy since I was so sick in the beginning). He makes me most of my meals, keeps me on top of my meds and drinking water, and is there for anything I need. I know it's hard on him at times. And I hate making him do everything for me.. I feel more like his child than his wife. But he does it with no complaint. When I ask him to do something, or get something, I always get one of three responses: "Gladly!", "You bet sweetheart!", or "Of course!" all ending in HUGE smiles and forehead kisses. I always make sure to say my please's and thank you's. He's very positive and optimistic, which keeps me going :)

-He LOVES our daughter. He releshes in every kick and squirm he feels. He gets excited at all the tiny baby clothes, shoes and bows (to the point of giddy laughter and occasional tear. Shhh). He's actively involved in my preparing for parenthood, and doesn't want to be left out of anything. We already make each decision together. He talks to her, and gives my tummy kisses :) He also thinks a pregnant belly is sexier than a 6 pack.. so... that makes me feel great :)

-He's open with me. He let's me know what's on his mind and wants to make sure that we always know what's going on. Communication has been key to the success of our relationship so far.

-He steals kisses. A lot :)

-I often catch him staring at me, like he's never seen me before. Even when I'm not wearing makeup :)

-He is a man of God. He reads scriptures with me and prays with me each day. I love him so much for this.

-He always makes sure I'm comfy. He got me some INCREDIBLE jammie pants to live in (it's like wearing perfection). He makes up the couch for me every day and sets up pillows and blankets. It makes a huge difference :)

-He holds my hand in public and around the house.

-He gives me unexpected foot and back massages. (and is always willing when I ask him for one).

-He dances with me. Just the other night, we were getting ready to go to sleep. My makeup was off, hair undone, with sexy oversized jammies on. He looked at me, and asked me to dance. He turned on the song that we danced to at our wedding (Never Stop (Wedding Version), by Safety Suit. Look it up, it's the best ever). I cried. And I fell in love with him again.

-He asks me what he can do for me.

-He cuddles with me, even in front of people. He cuddles me to sleep (I know that's not a lot of couples thing, but I can't sleep with out it) and he cuddles me when we wake up. Even if it's just for a minute. He needs to wake up early for school, and he will set his alarm earlier just so he has extra time to take cuddling me.

-He tells me he loves me through out the day. And he means it.

-He tells me I'm beautiful. Gorgeous. Hot. All that good stuff :)

-He makes me laugh. :) all day, every day. He knows just what to do and say and he's not afraid to be a dork :)

I could go on forever.. but I think it would turn into a novel (not that it hasn't already...). He is amazing and I am SO grateful to have him as my husband. Our baby is in for a treat to have a dad like him :) I'm eternally grateful for the love he has for me. He is my hero.

Now, some other things that have happened!! It rained for the first time since we've been here and I could wear a SWEATER. I hate Utah winters. Always have, always will. But I LOVE Utah fall. I didn't think I would miss the fall as much as I do living in California, but I was kind of over the whole 90 degrees in October thing.. Then it cooled down a little. And it rained... and some leaves kind of changed a little! And I felt better. And now I'm grateful that it won't get any colder and I don't have to worry about snow. I still love living in California :)

The view from my back window the day it rained. I can't even tell you how refreshing this was :)

And the good news!! After almost two weeks of being at a stable point, my condition with Baby Payne has improved!! We're so happy!! It gives us a TON more hope that she'll stay in much, much longer. I'm still on bed rest and on meds, because they are obviously doing something. I'm still high risk, and being monitored weekly. My OB was ecstatic with my progress, and we're all feeling some serious relief. We are so grateful for all the concern and all the prayers. I believe that Heavenly Father has had a big hand in helping us out :) Our little girl is continuing to grow and she's just as crazy as ever! We love her and we are so grateful for this angel. We definitely need her, and she needs us. We're excited to meet her, but not for a couple more months ;) 

That's life for now! We're feeling calm, things are good and we are happy, happy, happy :)