February 1, 2008 - The Birthing Tub

We enjoyed a great welcome into our birthing month. Joshua set up our birthing tub and I have been truly enjoying it. I am in it several times a day and it really helps me relax and unwind before going to bed. It feels like heaven on my sometimes aching body. Especially for my hips. I get to move around easily in different positions and just let my belly hang. It feels therapeutic on my entire system. It is set up in our living room, near the projector screen Josh bought for us over the holidays. I got to watch a good part of a movie while floating around. So delicious.

January 29, 2008- Feeling Baby J

Today I got an amazing reality check. I had an appointment with my midwife, Amrit, and was telling her about how I was still running around town, running all these errands and feeling a little hectic about all there was to do. She advised me that I should be careful with my energy, that I should be nesting and get as much rest as possible because I was going to need it if I went into labor, which she mentioned could happen at any time now. Though I knew she was right, my stubborn mind felt I couldn't settle or be at ease until I got some major things off my to-do list. So although I was outwardly agreeing, inside I was telling myself it's okay to keep pushing on. I think Amrit picked up on this because she suggested that we do a pelvic exam to check on the baby, which usually is not her procedure of how she takes the baby stats. As she was feeling around inside she said, " I can feel the baby's head. Baby J has dropped into the pelvic cavity." She had me put on gloves to feel and I can't express the feeling in my heart when I felt Baby J's head. I was touching my baby. The feeling overwhelmed me with joy and excitement. It meant the baby really could be with us any day now. That the baby was positioning itself for the birth journey. I know this could also mean that the baby still could have a couple of weeks, yet my entire perspective changed. All that I felt was important to do, that I could not let go of before, just seemed to float away. It finally hit me that I really could go into labor at any moment and that being calm and settled was so necessary for the adventure I am about to embark on. My spirit felt uplifted and my priorities redirected. I am grateful that Amrit knows me so well and that she suggested the exam. It changed everything. I really feel blessed that she will be at my side during labor.
Also another reason to celebrate is that today my little niece, Ava Elisabeth, was born. She is healthy and beautiful and she and my sister,Rosa, are doing great. Thank you God for the amazing blessing of bringing Baby Ava into our lives. May she be a light for all of us.

January 25, 2008- 37 Weeks

Feeling great and celebrating these last few weeks of pregnancy. I am at the stage of pregnancy where I am starting to get ready/anxious about the birth. Lots to do before the baby comes. It is funny because I have come down to about three outfits I can comfortably wear now. So I guess you can say I am also starting to feel excited about having my body back. Oh the luxury it will be to be able to sleep on my belly again. Though I know I will miss being pregnant. The belly globe is an amazing rest for my arms when standing or sitting. Plus I love all the belly rubs.

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.