Notes from a small town girl....

With a not so subtle prompting from San I am finally making a post. She asks what's new? Hmmm, well I have been working lots so I could take November off work. Lots of yard work of course in the fall, all those pine needles to rake up and all the leaves too and hoses to put away and plants to nurture. I have been helping my husband bash down some walls in our house to open it up a bit, modernize, get ready for new interior doors, trim and hardwood. Oh, I almost forgot... the newest thing... a new grandchild

The big guy was born almost 2 weeks early, at home as planned with 2 midwives in attendance. It was amazing and an honor to participate in the birth of my 3rd grandchild. The previous 2 were born in hospital, the first with a doctor in attendance. After that birth experience, my daughter decided to explore other options and found a wonderful midwife and doula (birth coach) for her 2nd child. The plan was for her to deliver at home too, but pregnancy complications forced a hospital birth. Still it was much nicer to have a midwife than a doctor. This time, all went perfectly, my daughter figured she was probably in labour November 11. Around supper time she got more uncomfortable and so called her doula to give an update. She got the youngest bathed and in bed while my son-in-law and I got the bedroom ready. Poly on the floor, bed made up with old sheets we could throw away. That is the only drawback to a home birth. It's a messy business and you have to be prepared. Anyway, that done, the eldest child got bathed, came in to his mom to give her a hug good night. At 8:45 the first midwife came and got set up. My daughter started hard on pushing at 9 when the 2nd midwife came and the baby was born at 9:22. All very calm and so 'normal' an experience. Pregnancy and birth are generally not medical conditions and should not be treated as such. There is such a resistance in the medical community of Canada to relinquish any of their control to midwives. Most babies in the world are born at home. I know it is not for everyone but for those that want it and can do it, it is great to have the choice.

Now for a few pictures...


cutting the cord


weigh in home birth style 9lbs 13oz


big brother is thrilled to have a brother - he DID NOT want another SISTER







1 day old