Baby: Day One

Wednesday April 17, 2013 we were scheduled for a c-section and we arrived at the hospital ready to go.

Got to the hospital at 6am and ready to do this thing.

IV in hand strategically covered with a washcloth so I wouldn't have to look at it.

Zach geared up and ready to go.

"Scalpel."

"Suction."

Cutting the cord.

That is one strong baby! Hanging on for dear life.

Victory!
(Cue the Circle of Life soundtrack from The Lion King.)

Not very exciting rub down.

Official time was 9:02am, Wednesday April 17, 2013.

So, so relieved and happy.

Nice and pink.

Lookin' good!

Love.

With tears of happiness and relief.

7 lbs 14 oz. 19.5 inches

In the recovery room, spending time with my new daughter.

Happy as a clam.

Ready for her close-up.

Welcome to our family, little one!

Death Talk: Heavenly Father's Hand

I've been thinking about death a lot this past week (even more so than usual). Last Friday my bishop called me to tell me that a family traveling through our area had gotten in a car accident nearby and some of the family members had died, while others were in critical condition and flown to our local hospital. As the president of the women's organization of our local congregation, he asked me to go to the hospital to meet with the surviving family members from the accident and offer our help.

Two of the daughters in the car died on impact and shortly thereafter. One daughter is in the ICU here and is heavily sedated and in serious condition. The mom, who was driving, and her older son who was in the passenger seat miraculously both escaped the accident with minimal injuries.

As I met with them and had the opportunity to help this family I have reflected on Heavenly Father putting people in our lives to help us, or for us to help. The thought has crossed my mind that maybe this experience was the very reason I was called to be Relief Society President in February so that I could be the one to go to them in their time of need.

I feel very blessed that I was able to be a part of their experience and try to help them through this trial. If I wasn't the R.S. President, I would not have had this opportunity.

As I met their various friends and family members and watched them embrace each other and shed tears, I felt that I was standing on holy ground. My heart ached for them and their loss and I shed tears along with them as I stood to the side and watched trying not to intrude on their moment of grief and consolation. I think sometimes in those circumstances we don't know what to do, but I felt a truth speak to my heart in that moment. Just mourn with them. Don't feel that you have to hold back the emotions or tears. Be in that sacred moment with them, and be grateful you were able to be there. Just cry with them.

I have also seen how even through heartbreaking trials and tragedy, God doesn't forget us. I have seen His hand guide us through them. I've seen this in my own trials and pain, and I've seen another testimony of this as I've been blessed to see into this family's tragedy as well. There are so many details already lined up perfectly to help us through these trials, blessings lining up as trials occur, and helping hands appearing just as they are needed.

God loves us and will help us through our pains and trials if we go to Him for help.

Peter's Memorial: Six Months

On April 3rd was Peter's six month birthday. This month we went to the cemetery and released a balloon at his grave site. It is hard to believe half a year has passed since his birth. I went into labor the Sunday night/Monday morning after Conference weekend. 

Here are our memories of Peter and messages to him this month. 

Lucy sending Peter kisses.

Being reverent.

Sending Peter our love.

Getting ready to say a little prayer.

I wish I could hold and kiss you all over, Peter! We love and miss you!





The background of Peter's Memorial found here.

Remembering Peter: Lubbock Temple

I love fog! Just not driving through it. 

We went to Lubbock last weekend to attend the Temple and were quite surprised by all the fog on our way.  

Growing up in Alaska, I only remember seeing real fog once when I was driving around town with my dad. It was on a sports field and we pulled over and walked out into it. When we got out there it started lifting and was soon gone. 

I love the look and mood of fog, and it was kind of fun to see the Temple surrounded by it, but I was definitely relieved that it had lifted by the time it was time to drive back home.

While attending the Lubbock Temple I decided that it might be one of my favorites that I have had the opportunity to go inside. The murals, stained glass, and rooms are so beautiful. My favorite is an amazing ceiling mural that makes it look like the ceiling is a huge window with gold lattice and a beautiful sky showing through. 

This time attending the Temple was very special to me, and I felt the spirit so strongly. There were two young men and two young women who were all going through the Temple for their first time to receive their endowments. One young man was about to go on a mission. 

I was sitting in the Celestial room at the end of the session thinking about that time in the future when I would actually have the opportunity to be in the presence of Heavenly Father when I saw that young man come through the doors and go to his mother for a hug. You could tell that she was so proud of him. There was a lot of love in that room as each person embraced those who had just come through. 

It reminded me of when Zach and I went through the Anchorage Temple together and had so many family members and loved ones there to hug us and congratulate us as they met us in the Celestial room. I imagine that death will be a lot like that. I imagine that when we pass through the veil we will be able to see and meet those family members and loved ones that went before us and embrace them again. 

I couldn't help but think about my own hug with my son when that time comes. 

This time attending the Temple was the most real to me. I know there are things I need to improve and change so that I can ensure that I am worthy to meet Heavenly Father and Peter in Heaven. I can't wait for that day!

Sunrise through the fog, through the car window.

Following, but not too closely. 

Ahh! Scary!

I love to see the Temple.