new things

#1. I discovered I can see my feet again.

#2. Cabbage leaves work wonders on engorged breasts.

#3. It is a privilege to wear spit up milk on my shirts.

Back to the hospital

On day three Baby has jaundice so back to the hospital. I have to admit I cried and the entire experience was not easy. I am also learning how to be a parent now. I was overjoyed when we got the test results back that it was ok to go back home.

Life with Baby

Introducing My Daughter!!!

My baby daughter born March 20 - a day before my birthday. Her birth is the best day of my life.

Birth Blessing by Natalie Evans

Close your eyes and breathe deep
breathe in peace, breathe out pain
imagine your feet
toes curling into dirt
think of yourself as rooted
thnk of your place in the earth
how did you come to be here?

through generations of women named
A maternal lineage
that brought you to this place
think of their birth stories
what you know, what you believe to be true

Realize that their births carry deep wisdom
some may carry the memory of joy and transcendence
Each birth is a powerful experience
Each birth traces down to you.

Just as you pass this knowledge onto your baby
understand that your birth is your own
it will be different from all others
like the swirls in your thumb
unfolding with each contraction,
rising and falling like a newborn's chest

this birth belongs to you
this birth is an opening
this birth is the end and a beginning

may this belssing of birth come to you without fear
may this blessing of birth come to you with great understanding
may this blessing of birth make your heart soar
may this blessing of birth bring
shouts of delight to your lips
blessing to you and your birth.

Good-bye to my Pregnant Body

 As much as I have enjoyed this pregnancy it is time to move on as life is all about change. You see this so clearly in the natural world. The forest never stays the same nor the light over the ocean. It is in constant flux.

"As I quietly sit with you, my child, here inside of me, I ask God to hold your hand and guide you in your journey. You shall come to me in innocence and love. I accept this gift and am thankful for it. I ask that I be made strong and loving and that I be a good parent.

It's time to say good-by to my pregnant body and open to receive the fullness of your love. May your life always be filled with light."  Barbara Harper

today the snowdrops bloomed

Also known as the "flower of hope."

In a legend from the Nootka people, Copper woman is alone on the coast. She has no human contact with any other. She takes good care of herself yet she is lonely and because of it her existence marginal at best. When she becomes impregnated and birthes a daughter she, "felt the loneliness diminish until it was no larger than a small round pebble on the beach." pg 33 Daughters of Copper Woman. Copper woman went on to have many more children and with each one the laughter in her voice and around her rang higher and clearer and stronger.

 I cannot speak for all woman but I am among those who also finds happiness in this path I have fully embraced.

Kahlil Gibran said, "You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give." pg 19 The Prophet.  Perhaps this is what motherhood is all about.

a pregnancy knitting story

I used a public washroom when I was knitting this sweater for my baby and not finding anywhere to put my knitting I tossed the bag containing the partially knit sleeve into the sink. That turned the tap on. I quickly removed the ziplock bag and hooted with laughter, momentarily forgetting the clerk outside the door. She kept a straight face and I was left wondering maybe they make allowances for pregnant women? Maybe they see this all the time?
These buttons I found at the local thriftstore and they were just screaming to get used  so I put them on this mock cardigan design. Ah the steek. I haven't forgotten. There is always the next sweater.