I took five minutes yesterday to get quiet. Ā One. Ā Two. Ā Three. Ā Four. Ā Five. Ā It felt like 40 and I swear it added a year back to my life. Ā I gained a sense of calm, peacefulness, a centeredness and focus I hadn’t felt in weeks or maybe months. Ā I took that calm with me on a jog and noticed the trees, the signs on buildings, the sun on the water, a homeless man in the woods, trash on the sidewalk, students …
Snowflakes and Labor
Kind of like snowflakes, no two labors are exactly alike. And despite months and hours of preparation, there will be surprises. Now, I am certain that this is the ONLY guarantee! Here are a few of my unlikely surprises. Things I didn’t think would happen or could never have known I would do during labor: 1.) Call out for the comfort of our cat, āLobo” during contractions. Needless to say, he did not come to the bedside. 2.) Keep only …
The Unkempt, Delirious Days of Motherhood
I will admit it. I was one of those pregnant women who didn’t waste any time planning for all things related to baby. Right away, I chose a theme for the nursery, scoured Craigslist for rocking chairs, bookshelves, Peter Rabbit rugs and curtains. The nursery items were just the beginning. Ā The list was long–baby registry, birth classes, birth plan, pregnancy journal, daily/weekly/monthly “bump” photos, doula search, birthing gown, hospital bag, postpartum meal preparation… How could anyone possibly be expected to …