Big News, Mes Amis

This, my friends, is the wonderful news that I mentioned yesterday:

I have officially begun my training to become a doula.

If you are unfamiliar with this term, Mothering the Mother describes a Doula as a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.

My urge to become a labour doula began after Gretchen's birth. As many of you are aware, my daughter was born at home with the help of a midwife and my best friend, who, in in essence, acted as my doula. She guided me through contractions, helped me focus and kept me positive through the most intense experience of my life -- this is exactly what I believe every woman deserves while giving birth. It's such an incredibly emotional experience, and though a mother's partner is a fabulous resource during labour, having the one-on-one, non-medical support of a knowledgeable woman can make a world of difference.

In labour with Gretchen, breathing through a contraction.

It is my goal as an aspiring doula to support women in whatever way they need in order to help them have a beautiful birth.

This is where my heart lies, my friends. I promise to share more about my education over the next few months as I become more and more immersed in my studies.

Peace & goodnight.

Happy Birthday Gretchen Fawn

To my dearest baby girl on her very 1st birthday,

This year you made me a mother. No matter what else I'm given in this lifetime, know that this will always be the most special gift imaginable.

You've accomplished so much in the last 12 months: you were born at home; you cried your first little cry & then stayed so quiet on my chest; breastfeeding was hard, but we figured it out & we're still going strong; you smiled your first smile; you learned to say "dada" & "mama" & it was music to our ears; you rolled over, you sat up, you crawled, you scooted & now you can stand on two wobbly legs, so eager to run, not yet able to walk; you ate your first food; you got your first cat scratch; you fell off the bed; you bonked your head on the coffee table; you went to the zoo; you saw five parades; you had your first swing; you learned to do a little baby dance; you played with the dog; you went to emerg; you grew six teeth; you loved being worn; you slept with us; you wore some cloth diapers & some not-so-cloth diapers; you peed on your parents; you pooped on the floor; you had a bath in the tub just hours after being born; you know where my nose is & where your hair is; you had your first Christmas; you learned how to hug & kiss; you met new friends; you snuggled a lot; you taught us so much; you made your mother & your father fall in love in an instant.

We love you more than we can express, but we will try, every single day of your life.

You mean the world to us.

Happy birthday, baby girl.

Forget The Stretch & Sweep

A year ago at this exact time my water broke because I was laughing so hard at a silly videos on YouTube.

This was one of the videos:

365 Days & About That Many Pounds

Can you believe that my due date was exactly a year ago today? If at that time someone had informed me that I'd have to wait another 6 days for Baby G's arrival, I may have socked thiem in the nose.

It's true. I was 230lbs and desperate to give birth.

Six days later was the more important day of my life & marked the beginning of my new life. What a surreal year it's been. I can hardly remember looking like this:

PS. I think I rocked the massive belly pretty well, all things considered.

PPS. A giveaway shall be announced in the morning -- sleep tight & stay tuned!

Fawned Friday (The Best Of 2009)

Happy Fawned Friday, and happy first day of 2010! This week I'd like to share my favourite posts from the past year.

Come reminisce with me, mes amis.

01. The Homebirth Story Of Miss Gretchen Fawn

02. Wishing You All The Breast

03. Five Things I've Learned In My First Ten Weeks As A Mother

04. Sticking With It: Our Breastfeeding Story

05. A Really Nice Thing Happened To Me This Afternoon

06. To The Best Of Us

07. Attachment Parenting: A Family Affair

08. Cosleeping, Cribs & Doing What Feels Right

09. The Power Of Attachment Parenting

I hope you've enjoy taking a little look back over the year. It's incredible to think what we've all been through these past 365 days. So much has changed, babies have been born, lives have been altered, friends have been met -- everything is shifting.

Much love for the next 365. Peace.

The Babies Are Coming

Oh goodness. I teared up just watching this preview.

I'm a sucker for a good documentary.

Chantilly & Jesse

Yesterday I did a photo shoot with my friends Chantilly & Jesse, whose baby shower I attended last weekend.

Their first baby girl is due next month.

This couple was so much fun to work with -- they played off each other were so effortlessly photogenic. I can't wait to photograph their babe.

The Reigning Cake Walk Champion

Do you remember the Cookie Cake Pie recipe that I included in my Fawned Friday post a couple weeks ago?

Well today I won one!

My incredibly talented friend Chantilly - who is due with her first babe next month! - made two for the cake walk at her baby shower this afternoon. She spotted the recipe on my blog & when she told me she was going to make it for one of the prizes I was so excited. Then I just happend to be the first cake walk winner and knew exactly which dessert I wanted to bring home.

It's SO tasty -- and may very well put me in a sugar coma by the time it's done.

Please come & steal a slice so that it doesn't all go to my thighs (or more accurately, my squishy belly or chubby baby cheeks).

I should also add that this was one of the most fun baby showers that I've ever attended! It was held at a local cafe, which I used to frequent years ago, and they had so many fun games! No chocolate bars in the diapers at this shower -- instead there was bingo, the aforementioned cake walk, a piñata (which was actually a cast of Chantilly's fabulous belly & breasts!), a coin toss, guessing games & more!

Gretchen had a fantastic time as well & I think that her stranger anxiety phase is coming to an end. She was so excited to scoot around & play with balloons, and though many people she'd never met wanted to hold her, she never once cried. Another couple brought their sweet little two month old babe with whom Gretchen was rather smitten.

I should also mention that any baby shower with a pink slushy vodka concoction is pretty rad in my books. So fantastic -- I'm definitely stealing some of their ideas for the next shower I throw (for myself, or otherwise!)

This week I'm actually doing a baby belly photo shoot with Chantilly & her partner Jesse -- I can't wait. I so love helping couples to preserve these memories.

I hope you all had as much fun this fine Sunday & that your whole weekend was full of smiles!

Peace & love.

Mel & Ben

My fabulous friend & her husband are expecting their first babe any day now -- her due date is this Saturday! A couple days ago they came over to do a little photo shoot.

I am always so honored to take photos like these -- to be a part of such a special time in their lives.

I love having this footbridge across the street in the park -- such a gorgeous place for photographs.

I can't wait to meet their little daughter when she arrives.

Best wishes & much love, Mel & Ben!

Advice For Mamas & Mamas To Be

A little while ago I asked my fellow tweeters to e-mail me with their advice for mothers & mothers to be. Today I want to share some of the wisdom that they passed on to me. Here are a few snippets from their responses with a few of my own mixed in:

01. Don't try to be a super mom -- being a regular mom is good enough.
02. If something works for you and your baby, and it is neither rude nor dangerous, then you do it, no matter how many protests from busybodies and shocked looks from your friends that you get. (It is so important to do what feels right for the both of you.)
03. You can never have enough: facecloths, wraps, blankets, diapers, towels, socks or onesies.
04. If you have a boy -- remember to point his equipment down when changing his diaper.
05. Ask for help, even if you don't think you need it. You can only play the mama-martyr for so long. Besides, motherhood was never meant to be a solo sport. (I often have a hard time with this one.)
06. Sleep. Nap. Close your eyes. Put your head on the kitchen table. Do whatever you can to recharge your batteries, even if it's just in ten minute spurts. (So important!)
07. Don't become a hermit. Maintain contact with the outside world. Babies are portable, whether you carry them next to your body, take them for a ride in your stroller, or take them on a journey across town by bus or car. You'll both arrive home refreshed and energized by the change of scene. (Gretchen & I walk downtown & back almost everyday. It makes me feel like a part of the world & is great for getting a little exercise!)
08. If someone offers to help you with your dishes, laundry, cleaning your bathroom etc. they generally mean it & aren't just asking to be nice. Let them do it, or let them hold your baby while you do it. Either way you'll feel better.
09. Never underestimate the rejuvenating power or a warm coffee or tea.
10. Wear your baby -- you can get so much more accomplished with your hands free & it's really great for babies & toddlers alike. (Gretchen could be the spokesbaby for babywearing -- we're getting really good at it.)
11. Don't blame yourself if your baby is crying & you can't help them to stop. You are doing the best you can & that is what matters. (You're a fabulous mother -- remind yourself of this daily.)

This is nowhere close to being an exhaustive list, but it's a start.

In addition to these wise words, here are a few fabulous posts that I have enjoyed so far:
01. Before I Was a Mom
02. On Momversation: Why Do You Care How I Parent My Child?
03. Gentle Baby and Toddler Sleep Tips
04. What No One Tells a First Time Mom
05. First Few Weeks at Home with your New Baby
06. Top Ten Things to Do When You're Pregnant
07. 10 Daily Survival Tips for Moms
08. 1o Things All New Parents Should Know

So there you have it, some genuine advice, some laughs & some kick ass mothering wisdom. I hope you can all take away some positive things from this post.

Please feel free to share your own advice or favourite posts in the comments.

...

Thank you to Kate, Raye & Ann for their contributions.

Wishing You All The Breast

I originally took this photo to try & capture my very sleepy little robot girl, but since it also highlights a bit of my newly found cleavage I think I'll talk about that.

I remember when I was 9 years old & my best friend (who was a year older than me) got boobs. I remember her telling me that 10 was the age that you got boobs & I couldn't wait for that year to finish up so that I could have some too. Nearly fourteen years & a pregnancy later, I finally got my wish.

As a teenager I was annoyed with my tiny breasts -- it just didn't make sense. I came from a family of rather chesty women, yet I could barely fill an A cup.

It wasn't fair.

It took me years, actually, to come to terms with my little breasts & love them for what they were. I could secretly smile about the fact that they would always remain perky & would probably never end up in my lap. I could get away with no under wire -- hell, I often didn't wear a bra at all (much to the chagrin of my double d amis).

When Ryan & I decided to have a baby I started looking forward to the pregnancy breasts that everyone talk about. They never came. It wasn't until my milk came in (a couple days after Gretchen was born) that they started to look a little fuller (and even then the right side was filling up much faster than the left).

At just over five weeks postpartum I have no idea what size they are but they are certainly more than an A. They might be more than a B (when full, at least).

I think they were just waiting. Waiting until they could do what breasts are meant to do (though I'm hoping they'll stick around for good).

...

I'm curious...
Did you get to keep your breastfeeding/pregnancy breasts? Or did they disappear?
What effects did you experience when your children weaned?
And to my small breasted mommay readers, how was your breastfeeding experience?

The Home Birth Story Of Miss Gretchen Fawn

On January 29th, 2009 at 1am, my partner, Ryan, & I were watching silly videos on the internet and I was laughing so hard at one of them that I started to feel myself having some Braxton Hicks contractions as well as some abdominal pain. I had to go to the bathroom after laughing so much and when I sat on the toilet I felt my water break right before I started to go pee. It was a strange sensation, not quite like peeing, but pretty close. Some people said I’d feel a ‘popping sensation’ but to me it was more like a strange gush. I was SO excited & shaking with anticipation when I went back into the office to tell Ryan that I was pretty sure my water had broken.

The only thing either of us could think at that point was “oh boy -- today is going to be quite the day.” I called my best friend Elena first (since she was going to be at the birth) followed by my midwife. After being assured that what happened was definitely my water breaking I decided to try & get some sleep before the contractions started – though I had no idea when that would be. I slept until about 4am when the contractions were starting to become painful enough to wake me up. Poor Ryan was terribly ill with bronchitis the entire week before I went into labour & since the meds were making him so nauseas he had taken some Gravol the night before to try & get some sleep. Unfourtunately, the Gravol/antibiotic combination made him a bit of a zombie. Poor boy was so sleepy that when I got up and went to sit in the kitchen to start dealing with the contractions he came and slept on the floor beside where I was sitting. I actually have a little photo on my cell phone of him sleeping on the floor – fabulous man. He was so wonderfully supportive all day, even though at times he wasn’t sure what to do. It was so good to have him there.

Elena came over a few hours into my labour and I have to say this: without that woman I would have been lost. She has two children & I knew that if I was going to have any of my friends there while I was in labour/giving birth it would be her. As much as I was able to get through the beginnings of labour she absolutely guided me through the hardest parts later in the day. She taught me how to breathe through the contractions in a way that I never would have done without her there. She forced me to drink Gatorade when I was getting dehydrated & she made me do all kinds of really uncomfortable things to speed up labour which were painful but oh so necessary (eg. Walking a lot and squatting). She is probably the reason I was able to cope so well. I originally only wanted my midwives & Ryan at the birth, but about a week before I was due I was thinking about the fact that Ryan would most likely be upset at the fact that I would be in so much pain and I realized that I really needed a good friend in the room who had been though it – the youngest of her two children was born in September 2008 so much of the laboring process was rather fresh in her mind. I will never regret having her there as well as Ryan. It was incredible.

I labored in my kitchen with Ryan & Elena for several hours until the contractions were strong enough & spaced close enough together to call the midwives to come. I was trying to eat a little & stay hydrated, but I remember not having much of an appetite & the smells of food were making me a little woozy. Once again, Elena & Ryan were both great for trying to keep me hydrated while I was focusing on my contractions.

When the midwives arrived one of them checked my cervix to see how much I was dilated and at that time I was sitting around 2cm dilated or so (though I don’t remember how effaced). They took my vitals and made sure everything was alright with me & the baby. They stayed a little while and then decided to leave for a few hours to let me progress a little more & said to call if things seemed like they were speeding up a lot. Things get a little fuzzy around this point since I was starting to feel a little tired, but I know that I continued to labour walking around my house, taking showers & doing some yoga to ease the pain (cat pose, downward dog). I’m not sure how much time went by, but a little while later I believe Elena called the midwives to come back because I was in quite a lot of pain. The contractions were getting very strong at this point. When my midwives came and checked my cervix again I was sure I had to be at least 5 or 6cm dilated and was absolutely devastated when I was told I was between 2-3cm. I felt at that point like I had done SO much work without being rewarded for it. I remember swearing and finally letting some tears go when I found out that I’d barely made any progress at all. Ryan held me & comforted me. I didn’t want to feel hopeless and tried to get my head straight and deal with the situation in a strong, confident way.

My midwives suggested lying in bed & making the room relaxed and comfortable and to try and sleep around my contractions if I was able to pass out between them. Ryan made the lights dim, turned on some music (Death Cab, to be exact) and snuggled next to me. We both slept on and off for a while, though I’m not sure how long… a few hours? I awoke for my contractions and he held my hand and comforted me. He reminded me to breathe in the way that Elena had taught me earlier in the day – breathe deep, hold it & exhale slowly. This saved me. During the painful contractions it was so easy to get caught up and panicked into breathing much too quickly – this type of slow breathing was the only thing that helped me get through the pain. For most of my labour I also really liked having a cold facecloth on my sacrum – this helped me deal with my back labour, which I’ll explain now.

In most cases when a woman has back labour it’s because the baby is posterior, however, Gretchen wasn’t, but I was still having terrible pains in my lower back which were sticking around even when I wasn’t having a contraction. This might have been the hardest thing to deal with – not having much of a break between contractions for a few hours. Taking a hot shower and leaning into the shower wall was helpful – for most of my contractions I braced myself on something, a wall, the floor, the toilet, my kitchen counter. By the end of the day my whole body was so sore just from exerting so much energy and strength into bracing my body to conquer the contractions. The midwives were trying to help me get rid of the back pain and offered me water injections. If you don’t know what these are they are four little injections of sterile water into your lower back which create a counter pressure and relieve pain. I was a little skeptical (since I’m not a huge fan of needles anyhow) but I was getting to the point where I needed a little relief. My two midwives put the first two needles in and I don’t think I’ve ever screamed so adamantly in my entire life. I remember screaming “NO NO NO NO NO!” as loud as I could because the stinging pain was so great. Elena told me later that it upset her so much she left the room for a moment. I couldn’t bring myself to let them do the other two needles. I would deal with the back pain on my own. Note: I was later told that most people don’t let them do the 2nd set of needles, but when they do they offer a ton of relief. I just couldn’t do it, so I dealt with the rest of the back labour as it came. Later on you’ll learn the reason for this mysterious back labour.

Eventually I was checked and found to be around 7cm (you’ll have to excuse my lack of knowledge of the time frame – I certainly wasn’t checking the time). I remember being on my bed, but in too much pain to stay there and I knew I wanted to be on all fours (once again, back pain relief). I got on all fours on the floor beside my bed and this is when things started happening fast, or at least I thought so. I remember feeling the contractions coming faster and faster. They were so fast that it was hard for my midwives to check me or to talk to me because when one ended the other was getting started. Once again I have to say thank you to Elena for helping me breathe through these intense moments. At this point I know that Ryan was feeling upset about not being able to lessen my pain, and the smell of blood in the bedroom was getting to him. He kept trying to come back into the room to comfort me and I remember sending him out into the living room, saying that it was alright and to sit down and relax. I knew how badly he wanted to help, but I also knew that he needed to calm himself a little – I do love him for trying. At one point he was seeming a little lost and upset so Elena sent him on an errand to make tea and when the water boiled I was the only one who noticed – picture the 9cm dilated woman telling a room of four other people that the kettle is boiling – they thought I was hilarious.

So there I was, on the floor on all fours, getting so close to pushing time and I could feel it all. There was a lot of fluid happening at this point. I had long given up clothing – another perk to having a homebirth is that only the people you are comfortable around will see you in such a vulnerable state. I had kept on a sports bra and track pants for part of my labour, but by the evening I just wanted to be naked. Things were getting incredibly intense at this point. I could feel a tremendous amount of pressure and I knew I would get to push soon. I knew that I wasn’t quite at 10cm yet so I did everything in my power not to push. Eventually it got to the point where my body was pushing whether I liked it or not & through the pain I felt SO excited knowing that my little girl would be in my arms in a matter of hours.

Now, I mentioned that there was a ton of pressure, so I’ll go ahead and answer the question that some of you are sheepishly wondering: Yes, I pooped. Yes, I peed. Several times in fact and I have no shame in admitting it. I actually remember laughing between contractions at the idea of all these people seeing me poop on my own floor. Oh yes, labour can be hilarious.

At some point one of my midwives checked my cervix again and found that I was about 9 ½ cm dilated and she asked if I wanted her to help the last bit along. Oh yes. During my next contraction she used her fingers to push the last lip of the cervix over the baby’s head so that I wouldn’t have to wait any longer. I remember overhearing someone say that since it was my first baby she should be here within a couple hours. I couldn’t wait to hold her. It’s as though the pain didn’t matter.

The midwives and Elena helped position me on my bed to start pushing and as soon as I was there I knew what I needed to do. I was in a different place. I started to bear down and push with every ounce of power I could muster. Considering at this point I’d been awake for about 18 hours and every muscle felt complete spent, this was quite a challenge – I think it’s like you hear about in the news, how someone’s child is in trouble and they find the strength to lift a car or something – my body found strength from its very core and I pushed. Elena was holding my left leg and I also grabbed both of my legs myself to help push. I remember Elena and my midwives telling me she was crowning, they could see her head and eventually it was out completely. Once her head was out I felt so empowered. Just shoulders now, I told myself, and the rest will come out easy. A few pushes later I felt the rush of her body leaving mine. It was exhilarating.

I pushed for a total of 19 minutes before Gretchen was out and up on my stomach, belting out a lusty cry & turning January 29th, 2009 into the greatest day of my life. I heard someone tell me that it was 9.29pm and I remember thinking it was neat how many 9s were in her birth date. I found out a few hours later that she also weighed 9lbs 6oz – I think 9 might be her lucky number. I held this gorgeous little girl on my stomach and I know I said something about how beautiful she was. Elena said she looked like Ryan & I agreed. There we were, mother & daughter, face to face. I could finally kiss her little cheeks & head. I was so excited about all of the hair she had.

While I was pushing I know that Ryan came into the room at some point, but I sent him away, knowing that he probably would be upset by the sounds that I was making and the things that were happening to my body. He came into the room as soon as he heard her cry. I will never forget how happy he looked. He came over to look at her and gave me a high five – no joke. He also gave me a high five when I told him I was pregnant – you’ve got to hand it to the boy for continuity.

I was holding her on my stomach for a while and eventually the midwives told me that the cord had stopped pulsing. Elena cut the cord and I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so excited. I loved having her there. I asked if I could push out the placenta and they said to go ahead if I felt ready. I pushed it out in one push & then my stomach felt like a waterbed (and remained that way for a few days). Elena held her first, I believe, and then handed her to Ryan since her eyes were wide, wide open and she wanted Ryan to have that special moment with his daughter. Ryan & I also both gave the nod and named her Gretchen Fawn.

A little while after I pushed out the placenta I asked if I had torn and they examined me to see if I needed stitches. I had a nice clean tear, straight down my perineum and two little tears in my labia. The tear in my perineum needed seven stitches to fix it up, but the other two were small enough to heal on their own. I held Gretchen while I was being stitched – I didn’t feel the needles for the freezing and all I felt when I was being sewn back up was the pressure of the needle, but no actual pain.

I remember asking at some point if I tore because I only pushed for 19 minutes, but the answer was no – the reason I tore was because Gretchen crowned with both of her firsts up beside her face. She quite literally came out swinging. He little balled up firsts were practically glued up tight beside her cheeks and THIS was the reason for my back labour. Her fists were pushing on me from the inside in all sorts of unpleasant ways and this was why nothing we did would relieve the pain. My little one practically dove out.

When I was all put back together I got into a nice warm bath with Gretchen and breastfed her for the first time. It was so nice to sit in the water with her and relax after doing so much work. Her little eyes were wide open & I felt such a connection. I loved her from the very first moment I saw her.

The midwives stayed til about 1am -- the entire ordeal lasted 24 hours, though they count my active labour as about six hours.

After they left, Ryan & I were on our own with our brand new baby girl.

Our little family.

Our love.

She is the best thing that has ever happened to us.

Childbirth was the most intense & most rewarding experience of my entire life. I knew going into it that it would be, but the experience that I had wasn’t something that I ever could have been ready or prepared for. I am honored that my midwives and friend have told me that I was amazing. There were times when I could understand why people would choose to have an epidural, but I am so incredibly proud of myself for going through it all without drugs & in the comfort of my own home. I would recommend a homebirth with the support of loved ones to EVERYONE considering having a child. It was an experience that I will never forget.

Completely life changing & completely wonderful.

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Thank you for reading.

Our Birth Story

I did it.

I finally finished writing up the story of Gretchen's birth & I would like to share it with all of you.

Click here to read it.

Welcome To The World

She is here & she is gorgeous.

Gretchen Fawn ♥
Born at home on January 29th, 2009 at 9.29pm.
9lbs 6oz, 51cm & absolutely mesmerizing.

I promise to post her story & some photos soon. Much love.

Good Morning

I woke up this morning to a note on our door today that said our water will be shut off for repairs on the 29th at 9am for the entire day. I spoke with the superintendent & she said she probably can't change the day.

Great.

Cross your fingers that I don't go into labour tonight/tomorrow & have to go to the hospital for such a silly reason.

Edit: It looks as though they might be able to have our water off just for 1/2 hour & then it could be back on for the rest of the day. Hopefully this works out. Hopefully the superintendent also stops talking to me in the hallway of the building while smoking & coughing in my face. That would be lovely.

Stretched, Swept & Waiting

Oh yes, I'm still pregnant.

My midwife did a stretch & sweep this afternoon and I'm now almost 2cm dilated. I've had some cramping & I've also lost a little of my plug.

If the little one isn't born by Friday then I'll have a non-stress test up at the hospital, and another membrane sweep done next Wednesday. Cross your fingers that I get to cancel both of those appointments.

I'm still feeling really good & am having contractions, so at least my body is practicing. Take care friends & hopefully I'll have some good news soon.

ps. The sweep wasn't nearly as painful as I'd been warned. Uncomfortable, yes, but not excruciating. It also made me feel like I might accidentally pee on my midwife since my bladder was being squashed from all directions.

Forty Weeks & Three Days

I realize my belly isn't really changing much these days, but I keep taking photos so that someday I'll be able to show them to my daughter and say, "look, this was the day before you were born."

In Case You Were Wondering

Despite her tardiness, I'm actually staying pretty positive. Tomorrow afternoon we have a midwife appointment & I promise to let you all know how that goes. I'm hoping she'll offer me a stretch & sweep (and yes, I understand the lovely feeling that goes along with that).

I just keep reminding myself, over & over that I can't stay pregnant forever! Within the next week & a 1/2 she will be born & we will all be fabulous.

Peace.

She's Still Rather Cozy In There

Still pregnant, of course & despite my discomfort, today has been rather productive. At 10am I went with my Gramma to do some last minute shopping & on the way we dropped my poor sick boy off at Emerg (we don't have a family doctor) where he was diagnosed with Bronchitis (as I'd predicted). Thankfully, he now has some antibiotics & the next four days off of work to rest & get better. I'm also so relieved that I don't have what he has -- his throat hasn't been sore at all, and that is basically my only symptom. Today my throat is a little raw & I have a ticklish little cough -- all completely manageable. The less manageable part is all of the aching that I feel from my little one being so far down in my pelvis, yet seemingly so far from making her debut.

Like mother, like daughter -- she's already showing her stubborn streak.

While the boy was in Emerg I shopped around for some last minute baby items (like a bathing support for the bathtub/sink, some washable nursing pads, more receiving blankets, more washcloths & a sweet little sheet for her bassinet -- brown with little polka dots). I think that I am finally happy with everything I have & the manic nesting can stop.

Hopefully.

I have decided that today should be my last day of productivity (of errand running & shopping, that is). I think that from now on I need to stay relaxed & calm with a cup of tea in my hands at every moment. I will still clean my house as my OCD tendencies will lead me to do, but really, I find that a little soothing in its own right.

I can hardly believe it's almost 5pm already. Where did my sleepy Sunday go? Perhaps I'll enjoy some more raspberry leaf tea & bask in the remaining hours of the weekend. I hope you can all do the same.

Bye for now.

Forty Weeks & One Day

According to the lunar calendar my due date is tomorrow. Let's hope the moon is right.

Sleep tight, mes amis.