New baby girl

Yesterday we welcomed the newest member of our family. I have to say the experience was a new one- I was induced, then skipped the epidural.   It was a waiting game till the contractions really began. The fact that I had dialated from a 2-6 in about 3 hours was helpful to know when making the decision to not have the shot. It seemed my body was preparing quickly and wouldn't be much longer.  Once my water broke on its own-that was also new to me, it didn't seem as painful- or maybe it was that Wes was a big help by rubbing my feet through it all.   I thought the contractions would be the worst part, and since I only had to push once for Malia, it wouldn't be so bad.  The outcome was that the pushing helped the contractions,but it feels like your pelvis might break and the pushing part took longer than I thought. I had to dig deep to get through. Just knowing it the pain would be gone when she was out was a big motivation.  It was more intense but then so was the joy of having her here! Recovery is so much better, as well. I am so glad I didn't have the epidural and the following pain in the back that lingers on.  I'll take short and intense over long mild and drawn out any day.  

I later found out when Morgan called from school that he had been praying for me to have a natural birth. I guess he had heard me talking about how much I dislike getting the epidural. I felt his prayers!   He is such a big example of faith and love.  Wes also said he prepared the day as if he were going to be going to the temple. What a neat way to approach such a reverent and special day. 

And she is beautiful.

I love reading about the idea of the first veil being passing through the womb to come to earth. The sacrice of a mother as a similitude of the savior, shedding both blood and water.  It is such a moving experience, I felt close to heaven and cried more after she was born.  What a marvelous responsibility we have on earth.  I love the ability to call on Heavenly Father in times of need. I love the joy that follows pain.   I love knowing that we are here as children of god who is mindful of us and is ready to help us. I am grateful for Wes, who is thoughtful and patient, and has taught our boys to be the same.  When the kids showed up Morgan cried a little as he held the baby. Not sure entirely why, but I am confident that he felt the spirit, that his prayers were answered, and that his worries of the day could be rested. Malia was quiet and tentative, staring into her new sisters face. Carson jumped up and down expressing his desire to name her McKinley Ruth, which seems fitting as the namesake to my mother, and grandest mt top in America:) 

I am firm in my belief that there is no higher calling, no greater producer of happiness then having a family and sacrificing to remain close to the savior.   I feel that my burden was made light during pregnancy and delivery as a blessing of this choice-  (having done crossfit sure helped a great deal as well)!!!!!

Even though I felt like things weren't going the way I had planned or thought they should be going, I realized that my plans were being overridden by a better one, teaching me trust, patience, and a knowledge that we can let things fall into the hands of our savior, knowing that without a doubt, our happiness will be greater when we step aside and let him guide us.

It was a beautiful day.