January 19, 2008 - 36 Weeks

We were fortunate to take a mini vacation within our own city. Yoga Journal hosted a conference in downtown San Francisco and hired me to work there. We had a room at the Hyatt hotel and shared a wonderful weekend together. We did lots of Yoga and got to be in the presence of many great teachers. It was so amazing to see Josephine, at 36 weeks, fully engaged in her Yoga practice. Michael Franti played music and assisted in some Yoga classes. He also performed on Friday night and gave a peaceful speech that touched the heart of the entire conference. After speaking, he came off stage and placed his hands on Josephine's belly and said "Mama you are Shining!" Josephine placed her hands over his and replied "It is you who shines, I am just radiating that love." Josephine was in true Goddess spirit. So many people came up to her and shared how beautiful she looked and how she inspired them. It made me so happy to have my love with me in a community of people I respect and honor. We feel grateful for the experience.

January 15, 2008 - 35 Weeks

.....And the belly grows and grows...

January 13, 2008 - Blessing Way

What a sacred and special day. Julie hosted an amazing Blessing Way at our house with many of my closest girlfriends. Blessing ways are a tradition of North American Indians who mark the transition a woman makes when she moves from maiden to mother. It is a time of receiving for the mother to be, and a time when she is nurtured and honored by her community of women. I was filled with an abundance of love, encouragement, and support. The women sang and praised me and the circle was opened further by a few friends who sent beautiful words to be shared. I feel so wrapped in the comfort that my sisters will be there energetically as I birth Baby J into the world. Thank you God for the gift of friends.

January 1, 2008 - 34 Weeks

Happy New Year! So much to Celebrate in 2008. This is the year Baby J will make his/her entrance into the World. So much to enjoy in the present moment of carrying Life. So much to look forward to. Most of all, just meeting and seeing our baby's face for the first time.
My sweet and artistic friend, Paola, delighted in the moving canvas of my belly and painted Mendi (Henna) on it. It came out beautiful and it lasted for several days. Painting the belly as art, such an wonderful way to enjoy this process.

December 30, 2007 - Sister Love

It was our last day in Florida and I wanted to soak up a little more sun before returning to San Francisco's cold winter. Cristina is my best friend. She is the soul I reach out to whenever I need love and support. She is the first person I think of to call to share moments and new experiences of pregnancy with. Baby J already knows his/her Aunt Cristina by all the sweet belly rubbing and kisses she gives. J also knows Cristina by the vibration of love that fills my body when I think of her. She wraps me up in her love and I shine with happiness. I love you, my sister, my friend.

December 27, 2007 - 33 Weeks

33! What a special week. 33 is not only Josephine's favorite number but it is also her age this year. I love Josephine's belly. It amazes me every day, and it keeps getting bigger. It is a universe of life and bliss. Baby J moves almost every time I touch Josephine's belly. The connection between us is already forming into a flowing circle.


















Being by the ocean made all three of us come alive. We got to enjoy the day and a beautiful sunset. We had fun taking pictures and love the one that came out with just my head under her round belly. So Cool!

December 26, 2007-Mandala Belly Painting

My dearest and oldest friend, Stefanie, is pregnant and having a baby in April, two months after Baby J. We are so blessed to be sharing this journey together. When we were younger, we used to talk about having babies around the same time and now God has gifted us a wish we manifested so long ago. It was nice to be back home, spending time, sharing pregnancy stories and having our little ones meet, via belly rubbing.
Her sister, Jessica, is the amazing artist who painted mandalas on our bellies and then took us on a
photo shoot around South Florida. Baby J loved the sensation of having Mama's belly painted and showed his/her excitement by dancing around in the belly. We had such a fun time together and the pictures reflect the radiance of the day. Joshua came along and was Jessica's photo assistant. Thank you, Jessica, for creating such a beautiful day for all of us to share.

December 24, 2007- 32 Weeks

It is Christmas Eve and I am enjoying a sunny day at the beach. I love Florida. The ocean is such an important part of my life. I know I will visualize the ocean's beauty and strength, her waves crashing on the shore, and her ebb and flow of tides as I birth Baby J into the world. Jaden gives love to Baby J all the time. He shares with me how much he loves and can't wait to meet his new little friend.

December 21, 2007- Leyla Plays with the Ball

Leyla, my cute little niece, loves to lift my shirt and rub my belly. It is very fun and exciting for her. She looks up at me, smiles and says "Ball". I say back to her, "Yes, a great big ball of Life".

December 16, 2007 - Florida Baby Shower

What an amazing day of being showered with love. My sister, Cristina, put together such a beautiful day of fun games, great food, sweet prizes and lots of special moments. There was a table full of Cannolies, my favorite dessert. Yummy! She made me a sweet memory book which everyone got to sign and write words of kindness. Even the invitations were rockin' and colorful. Everyone was given a onesie to decorate and there were some that were just simply outstanding and artistic. So many loved ones came from all over Florida to bless Baby J and fill our hearts with Joy. Mama Cooper came all the way from Tallahassee, via driving 3 hours to Jacksonville, flying down, going to the party and then flying and driving back all in the same day. Such heart filled devotion which we will always cherish. Josh surprised us all by making it there as well to share in the fun. My two nieces came dressed in ladybug outfits. They both looked so adorable and matched the theme of the party (Friendly Lovable Bugs) that Cristina created in honor of her Dragonfly Sister. We were showered with so many incredible baby gifts. Thank you to everyone who came and made the baby shower and day I will always hold dear to my heart.

December 15, 2007- 31 Weeks

Natural and Beautiful