Good morning my beautiful son!
Well.. the big news is you have a new cousin! Harper Zel Brand (don't even ask "why Zel???" Misti wanted it to be Zelda after her grandma but Kevin put his foot down so they compromised on Zel). She was born Monday night just before 8pm. I was there at the hospital because Ama called me and said MIsti was getting ready to push. But when I got there, that wasn't the case. You have to be dialated to a 10 before you can start pushing and she was stuck at 9 for hours. They felt the baby was in distress so they did a c-section (cut open Misti's abdomen and pull the baby out that way) and she was born 10 minutes later! Kevin was really stressed and so to see him come out of the operating room with the nurse wheeling the baby down the hall... he had the biggest smile on his face. When I hugged him we both were in tears. It was a really special moment. Abby and I went back to the hospital the next day and spent a couple of hours getting to hold her and adore her. She is a beauty! However, right after we left, she was struggling to breathe. They admitted her into the NICU and determined that she had a lot of fluid in her lungs. I guess it is common with c section babies because when a baby is delivered through the birth canal, the pressure helps them eliminate all the fluid in their lungs in the process. So a c-section baby doesn't go through that and it can cause some problems. But they assured us it was a very common problem. Then they found a small hole in her heart that was also causing some problems. So anyway... she is still in the NICU. She turns a week old today and Kevin and Misti have not been able to bring her home yet. It is so sad. They spend all day at the hospital and just come home to sleep. There is a live feed in the NICU just focused on her bed so we all have been watching her on the feed. We might just break the internet with all the people watching Harper TV:) The good news is we think they will let her come home today or tomorrow. They have taken her off of the oxygen and she has been doing really well. I can't wait to hold her again. She is precious! So say a little prayer for Harper Zel. I sent you lots of pictures in a separate email. She is a beauty!
We are beginning spring break today and I'm not gonna lie.. sleeping in is awesome! I shouldn''t say that to you since you don't get the chance, but after working so diligently for two years, it will mean even more to you:) I'm feeling a little seminary burn out fo sho right now. But I can make it just two more months! I have absolutely LOVED teaching the book of mormon this year. I have learned so much and my testimony has strengthened so much. I have such an appreciation for these men who sacrificed so much to give us these words and teachings. I will someday be able to thank them for their sacrifice and for their wisdom that has given me so much peace and joy. I love how Captain Moroni is so valiant in battle but always gives those he is battling an opportunity to repent and walk away without fighting. He could look at the Lamanites and tell them that coming to war in a loin cloth isn't very strategic, but instead he bears his testimony to them and tries to get them to believe in Christ. Another lesson I learned from him this year is that he was so good at building defensive shields around the Nephite cities. Even during times of peace, he doesn't let up! He continues to fortify the cities for protection. For me, I understand that in times of great difficulties in my life, or during times of success, I can't ever let up. I need to pray fervently, build my testimony, serve and draw closer to Christ. I can never stop fortifying or else satan will find my weak spots. I can't wait to tell Captain Moroni those things some day. I was also thinking about the stripling warriors and how as they prepared to battle, they needed to choose a leader. Instead of choosing a seasoned war hero as their leader like Captain Moroni or Teancum, they chose Helaman who was the High Priest (or the equivalent today of the president of the church/prophet). That says so much about them and their faith. They put ALL their trust in God. I want to be more like them. I know you are putting ALL your trust in God too my son. I am in awe and admire you so much. You are an amazing young man and I know Heavenly Father and your Savior must be smiling as they watch you grow so profoundly.
How was your week my love? Tell me about Ari and Ketelyn. Are they learning? Progressing? How are you liking the Area? Are you and elder Alvarenga getting along still? (I know I'm destroying all the spelling of these names... so sorry) What do you guys talk about when you are home at night, relaxing a little bit? Do you consider him your friend? What are your Sundays like?
I think you are going to the mission office this week, is that right? I hope the package is there. It says it was delivered, but I still worry a little. Someone mentioned that the customs office has been on strike since Christmas and that is why packages are taking longer. So maybe things will speed up a little once they get things worked out.
Are you feeling stronger this week? Do you feel like you're able to focus on the work a little better this week? I can't wait to talk with you G! I miss you like a dirty dog!
I love you infinity + infinity and even more than that!
mom
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