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.)