Waiting for Baby

This baby is a blessed one for sure. Yesterday a few friends came over bringing good wishes for the new baby. They tatooed my belly with Henna, gave gifts, and offered their love and support. We hiked through the woods and sent flower petals floating down the stream with good intentions for a peaceful birth and healthy baby. It was a very special day and I'm thankful for such good friends.

My 8 yr old presented me with this drawing. She has been very sweet, making it her first priority to take good care of me lately. (A midwife in the making perhaps?)

Preparing the Nest

That nesting instinct has kicked in. This means I've been busy cleaning every nook and cranny of the house, buying extra groceries, washing baby laundry, getting homebirthing supplies ready, and taking inventory of cloth diapers.

The kids have been pitching in too, doing extra chores to help me out. I can't seem to stop the 2 yr old from drawing on the walls though. (I'm starting to think she is getting up in the middle of the night to create these masterpieces because I've never been able to catch her in the act. I actually don't mind much which is why if you come over you'll surely see her work here and there.)

I've also been preparing myself mentally and physically for the work ahead of me. Laboring and giving birth is a mighty job and I'm trying to wrap my mind around doing it for the fifth time. I'm working on building my endurance with extra walks, extra leafy greens, lots of water and some red raspberry leaf tea. Birthing is also sacred work. My birth altar (see above) which I haven't taken down since our last baby includes some precious items: birthing beads and river rocks handpicked and blessed by friends, dried wildflowers from my last blessingway ceremony, a candle to light the way, and a new addition- the bird's nest laid with 5 robin's eggs- beautifully handmade for me by a friend. (Thanks Andi!) These last days/weeks with baby in utero is a blessed time. I hope I'll have at least another week to soak it up and enjoy it to the fullest (and finish cleaning the house.)

First Job!

My oldest started his very first job last week. He's going to be spending the rest of the summer working on Grandpa's Ice Cream truck. Can there be a better a job for an 11 year old? It's a new adventure for Grandpa too and it was an exciting first day for both of them. They're already looking forward to the next time they can hit the streets selling frozen treats.

We had another first today- the first day of our new homeschooling year! I'd say we got off to a good start. I planned a short and easy day, but the kids were a little disappointed when we were done. We covered History, Grammar, and Math, but they still wanted more! I'm hoping we can spend the next few weeks getting settled into a good routine so that things will go smoothly once Baby comes.