"Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power"

As I lay on the couch this beautiful Sunday morning I think of all the many blessings in my life and can't help thinking that I am one lucky gal. I'm 33 weeks pregnant now and have been on bedrest for the past 6 weeks. After church on February 12th we packed up and headed down to Hollister for a visit and as we were driving this overwhelming feeling came over me that I needed to slow down; my body needed more rest. I had been having quite a few little contractions and tried not to think much of them, but I couldn't ignore this warning that I was receiving. I started crying (which rarely happens) because I knew that I had to make some big changes if I wanted this baby. I could no longer run around all day from kids lessons, to cleaning, to cooking, to YW's, ect. This made me upset at first and I felt jealous of the women that can still run around the block at 40 weeks pregnant. BUT, my pity party didn't last long once I thought of my favorite scripture that has helped me with multiple situations in my life. "Therefore, my beloved brethren (or sisters) let us CHEERFULLY do all things that lie in OUR power; and then may we stand STILL, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God and for his arm to be revealed." D&C 123:17 After thinking of this scripture and regaining perspective on life I knew that I could do whatever it was I needed to. A couple days later I went to the hospital because I was still having contractions and the doctor confirmed that my cervix wasn't feeling like it should be for 27 weeks and that I needed to go on bedrest to keep the pressure off. This wasn't much of a surprise to me since I had already been feeling like something wasn't right. I then started seeing the doctor weekly for cervix checks. At 27 weeks I was 1 cm, 40% effaced. At 29 weeks I was 2 cm and 40 %effaced. Then at 30 weeks I was 3 cm and 50% effaced. Each week I went to the Dr. reminding myself of my favorite scripture. I do my part and the rest is up to the Lord. There was no point in stressing or getting angry over my situation because really that would do more harm than good. I'm now at 33, almost 34 weeks and I'm still at 3cm, 50% effaced. I had Zachary at 34 weeks so I feel more confident in what would take place if I did have this baby a little early, but we shall wait and see and have faith that everything will work out. Through this whole ordeal I have been extremely grateful for Ryan. He's really been overloaded with work, taking care of kids, cleaning, cooking, ect. And through it all he's only had a few venting moments, which is understandable. I have really enjoyed seeing the change in the kids towards their dad. They have always loved to play with dad, but it seems they have an even deeper connections with him now that he's been the main parent to go to for the last little while. And Landon and Zachary have been awesome with transitioning from me taking them to multiple places everyday to staying home a lot more. They have learned to be more independent and seem to understand that I need to lay down a lot to keep the baby inside. They went from "Mom, what are we going to do today?" To "Mom, Can we do this once the baby comes out?" I know the help we've received from family and friends has been huge in keeping them happy. We've been to Hollister a lot and they've spent the day playing at friends houses once or twice a week too. We have also had ward members bring food and clean our house. This isn't easy for my to accept. For some reason I feel like I need to be the one giving service so it is so hard to say "yes" when someone asks if I need help, but I am glad that I have and am so grateful for all those who have helped and those that keep helping. We've had to find a new normal the last couple of months, but I am so thankful we have and look forward to the new life we will have with three children. I am thankful for the Holy Ghost and the still small whisperings that guide and direct us daily. I am thankful for the scriptures and for prayer. Without the Gospel I would be a mess.