Going Great

This week Jebers will be 4 weeks old!  It has flown by in many ways.  We are so blessed!  Things never stop here day or night!  Little Jebers is so sweet!  He is already so big and strong compared to just a little while ago.  His belly button  and circumcision are all healed.  I've stopped bleeding.  Things are getting a bit easier everyday.  But even though these first few weeks aren't easy they are beautiful, spiritual, and so wonderful.  I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has blessed us with each of our amazing 9 children.  They are our joy!  They are our lives!  We love them so much!!!

Jaremy Heber Butler

Jaremy Heber Butler was born on May 29, 2014.  He is so sweet and cute!  You can already tell he is so smart and alert!  He is such a precious blessing!  He brings a sweet spirit into our home.  The kids adore him, of course.  In fact, I have to put my foot down just to hold him or change his diaper.

Labor was beautiful!  It was a deep spiritual experience.  Jaremy gave me a wonderful blessing of comfort when I was getting nervous.  Deborah, Jessica, Natalie, and Ella brushed my hair and tickled me.  I felt so loved, calm, and safe.  I know I was surrounded by angels on both sides of the veil.  Jaremy said in the blessing there were those who had lived and were yet to live there.  I felt buoyed up and tranquil.  I felt so deeply of God's love and those around me.  I walked around and changed positions up to a couple of minutes before little Jaremy Bug was born.  In fact, Jaremy Dear had no idea the baby was about to be born.  He and Jessica almost had to deliver the baby, because no hospital staff were in the room.  The doctor completely missed it.  A nurse did come just in time to help the rest of the babies body be delivered.  Heavenly Father helped me breath and remain active and calm.  It was an amazing, amazing experience.

I am eternally grateful for this little, precious boy.  He and I are doing wonderful!!!

Baby Tomorrow

Our whole lives seem to be revolving and obsessing over the baby coming.  Thank goodness the big day is tomorrow!!!  We are all very excited!  What a blessing!!! Heavenly Father has helped us get through the longest nine months of my life.  Next time round I will be more disciplined and healthier.  And maybe we will move or do something amazing to break it up a bit.  But tomorrow is the day!  I am a bit nervous, but I can calm down.  Today we will finish cleaning and packing.  It's amazing how much it takes to keep this place going let a lone leave for a couple of days.  Maybe I'll weed a bit if my belly doesn't hurt too much.  I also want to play with the kids and give them lots of extra loving today!  It's a great day to be alive!!!

Natural Laws

Last night was very difficult.  Restless legs and extreme fatigue seemed like torture.  But Heavenly Father was teaching me.  This is what I learned.

A dedicated missionary was sent to a beautiful, sunny location.  He got fried his first day out walking in the sun.  He learned that even though the sun is beautiful he must protect himself from it.  He had to wear sunscreen everyday, all day.  When he did he was fine.  But if forgot, got lazy, or refused to believe he needed protection he paid for it.  Even if he worked hard all day teaching the Gospel and doing the Lord's work he had to guard against sunburn.  Praying for protection or comfort didn't replace the need for him to solve this problem himself.  The seeming injustice that he had to wear sunscreen and his companion didn't didn't change his need for protection.

Likewise, if I don't follow a strict diet and eating plan (no sugar, chocolate, refined flour, no eating after 4pm, etc.)  I will get restless legs terribly.  No amount of praying for comfort will change the fact that I could have prevented or at least reduced the problem.  Heavenly Father has helped me.  He has taught me ways that will help bring comfort.  If I choose not to follow them I will pay the price.  If I forget, get lazy or undisciplined, or simply think a little of banned items or too much of good food won't hurt I have to suffer the consequences of not living what I know.

Guidelines, rules, laws, and commandments from God aren't there to restrict us; they are gifts to help ease the way.  They protect us when we follow them.  They show us the way to happiness, health, and hope.  I am making great choices today and expect to be able to sleep a bit tonight.  I'm grateful Heavenly Father lets us choose and lets us experience natural consequences.

Many Blessings

I think we've figured out (okay the doula figured out) that my itching was coming from me overdosing on vitamin B12.  I've stopped taking in and my itching has become less and less.  Last night I had a good sleep.  Meaning, I could fall back to sleep and sleep deeply for a couple to a few hours at a time between bathroom trips.  Wonderful!!!  I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has blessed me with the knowledge and experience of Sara, my doula and footzoner.

Jaremy has bent over backward to take care of me and show love and concern for me.  I just love being around him.  He has a great strength, wisdom, and perspective that I draw from and desperately need.  I am so grateful for him.  Heavenly Father knew we were right for each other.  I love him with all my heart and some!

Dragging Days

During the last months of pregnancy time seems to stand still.  So many times through the day I am startled when I look at the clock to discover only a minute or two has passed.  Usually days zip by, but not now.  The rain, the itching, and the lack of newness have all contributed to dragging days.  You'd think with homeschooling children, running a household, fulfilling callings, and the constant hustle 'n bustle would make boredom impossible.  But I have never been so bored in my life.  I know that means I'm stupid.  But nothing really excites me.  Hormones!  Thank goodness yesterday was date night!!

It was very nice last night to go with Jaremy and get out of the house.  We enjoyed dinner and a lovely long walk.  Laughing, talking, and relaxing with my sweetheart was wonderful.  I also enjoyed talking to Kami on the phone yesterday.  Heavenly Father does send us moments to help us endure.

Rainy Day

Today we get to stay inside and get ready for the baby.  We'll move some furniture around, set up the crib, bring out the car seat, sort baby clothes, and buy diaper, Destin, Q-tips, and baby shampoo and powder.  I'm getting excited!  I'll try not to get to anxious though.  We are all so excited to meet this little guy!  Heavenly Father has blessed us so much!!!