Birthing Number Four

It was a Friday. We had just picked up Olivia from school and were shopping at Ross when my usual back pain started up. I would feel this pain a week or so before my babies actually come. The difference was that it was persistent. Before I went to bed I checked the birthing bag, put it in the car, and gave my friend Angela a heads up that she maybe coming over that night to watch the kids. Sure enough around 2pm I got up and started cleaning while the contractions grew stronger. Seth got up to time them. Seth asked "Are you sure it is real labor." My response "YES!" Once they were three minutes apart we arranged to meet Betty at the birthing center at 2:30am. The drive wasn't too bad. I was able to relax and had just a few contractions during the drive. Once I got to the birthing center Betty checked my dilation. I think I was at a 5. I had hoped to be a little farther. I relaxed in the tub. My contractions slowed down and were less intense. I decided the tub was too relaxing and I got out to move around. I moved from the bed post to the bed moving my hits and imagining the baby coming down. I moved right into transition by surprise and I called out to Betty that I thought it was time. I was standing by the sink and they asked me where I wanted to go. I said "I don't know." My mom said the bath. So I got in, got on my hands and knees and pushed that baby out. Born at 4:09am 7lbs. 11oz., 20 1/4 inches long. Oh she was so cute. Sweetest little heart shaped face. Looked like baby Jamie. Betty said she was perfect and beautiful. I was so happy. My mom stayed another week and I was able to heal a lot while she was here. Samantha is now five, almost 6 months old. She is a happy baby. She is getting her first two top teeth. She rolls around the living room floor and has finally taken to the binky. She is really a joy in our lives. The kids love to talk to her and Olivia loves holding her.

Enriching

I found this beautiful article on the Latter Day Saint church website. I love it. I have read 1 Corinthians 13:4 but I didn't really know the meaning of these actions and how to apply them in my life. This is just written so well. Like a daily check list. 

Christ like Love

“Suffereth long” (1 Cor. 13:4)

• Is patient and tolerant, does not criticize. Recognizes that spouse is progressing, is patient with imperfections.

“Is kind” (1 Cor. 13:4)

• Is nice, thoughtful, interested in others. • Is a Good Samaritan, comforts, is merciful. • Can we “fall out of” kindness?

“Envieth not” (1 Cor. 13:4)

• Is content, grateful for blessings. • Rejoices in another’s gifts, talents, success. • Is generous and offers help to those in need. • Lives frugally. • Knows the difference between needs and wants, avoids unnecessary debt.

“Is not puffed up” (1 Cor. 13:4)

• Is humble, meek, teachable. • Does not speak vainly or seek attention. • Happily serves wherever called. • Lifts, praises, builds others up. • Seeks the will of God.

“Doth not behave itself unseemly” (1 Cor. 13:5)

• Is courteous, well mannered, tactful, tasteful, reverent, respectful, mindful of others. • Is clean, neat, orderly.

“Seeketh not her own” (1 Cor. 13:5)

• Is tender-hearted, sensitive, compassionate, merciful, generous. • Seeks unity, kneels together in prayer, listens with empathy, avoids contention. • Thinks “we” and “ours.” • Is approachable. • Seeks to please God.

“Is not easily provoked” (1 Cor. 13:5)

• Is forgiving, patient, calm, gentle, respectful. • Understands that anger is a decision and can be controlled. • Is a peacemaker (see 3 Ne. 12:9).

“Thinketh no evil” (1 Cor. 13:5)

• Is nonjudgmental, respectful, helpful, pure, obedient. • Has “no more disposition to do evil” (Mosiah 5:2). • Is modest in dress, thought, speech. • Virtue garnishes thoughts unceasingly.

“Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth” (1 Cor. 13:6)

• Stays close to the Spirit through regular scripture study, prayer, obedience. • Has discovered that truth leads to joy and happiness.

“Beareth all things” (1 Cor. 13:7)

• Has moral courage, is bold in truth. • Turns the other cheek, is calm. (This does not mean that abuse victims should silently bear cruelty, or follow a spouse disobedient to God.)

“Believeth all things” (1 Cor. 13:7)

• Clearly sees the eternal potential of spouse and forever families. • Sees others as children of God. • Holds fast to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Hopeth all things” (1 Cor. 13:7)

• Is an optimist. • Looks for the best. • Praises, builds up, expresses affection. • Continues courting spouse.

“Endureth all things” (1 Cor. 13:7)

• Doesn’t complain or murmur. • Is responsible and gladly accepts callings. • Sees growth in adversity. • Has a desire to learn and progress. • Is steadfast, knows life is a test.

“Charity never faileth” (1 Cor. 13:8)

• Loves as Christ loves us. • Is supportive.

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2000/10/agency-and-love-in-marriage?lang=eng