I have less than four weeks to go with the pregnancy and I have so much to be grateful for. I received a package from Jen, a reader of this blog who wrote to me a few months ago saying that she was working on being “actively grateful to everyone who’s touched my life.” And with that, she hand knit me the most jungalicious, decliciously sweet sweaters and booties for our Boomba. She also said that she didn’t want me to post about it on the blog, but when something is this beautiful, I can’t help but share it. In her note to me she included this Bill Cunningham quote: “He who seeks beauty shall find it.” This is such a good reminder for me, and for all of us–when times get tough, to seek out the beauty in the world. I thank you profusely, Jen–for touching my heart and my family with your talent, generosity and wisdom.
I find out on Wednesday if I am going to have a vaginal birth or a cesarean section. Last doctor’s appointment a couple of weeks ago Boomba was still posterior and breached and the placenta was still blocking the cervix. My doctor said that it looks like I may be “meant to” have a C-section. While the prospect of surgery is frightening, I am trying to focus on the health of the Boomba and remind myself that women all over the world have C-sections every day. I’m extremely grateful that up until now, my pregnancy has been a relatively easy and an overall incredible experience and I take comfort in knowing that however she is meant to come into the world will be the best thing for her. Plus, I hear that vaginal deliveries are no walk-in-the-park either :P (This is me…seeking out the beauty…)
With heart,
~J
mary says
when i read this i immediately thought of a birth story i read on marvelous kiddo last week. i don’t know if you’ve seen it, but if you do indeed have to have a c-section, i would recommend it. i thought it was a beautiful example of a woman making the best of a less than ideal situation, and having a fulfilling birth experience because of it. also, what a sweet reader! those goodies are simply lovely. all the best to you as you prepare for your little boomba!
mary says
http://marvelouskiddo.blogspot.com/2012/06/birth-story-of-week-journey-to-natural.html
sorry, here’s the birth story link!
Justina Blakeney says
@MAry- Thank you so much for the link–that helped a lot to read that story!! My blog readers are the BEST IN THE WORLD!! Thank you so!!
Moon to Moon says
You are Beautiful Mama xxx
Elizabeth Rogers Drouillard says
You’re gorgeous and those shots are so clever. Try not to be nervous – either way, as long as the baby and you end up healthy, it’s a good “birth story”. I personally think our culture’s gotten a little neurotic about having good “birth stories” when most of the world still just wants a healthy baby. Much love to you and yours. :)
nicole says
Beautiful photos, beautiful you! I just discovered your blog last night whilst in the middle of pregnancy-induced insomnia. (I’m 29 weeks) I can’t tell you how much I love it…both your sense of style and design and the love you show for the curvy, feminine woman. Thank you thank you for just being here :)
I’m assuming you’ve tried everything for turning the babe? Acupuncture, chiro, etc? Babies can turn right up until the last moment. Placenta placement is, of course, a different matter. ( I’m in north east LA and can give you lots of recs.) There are absolutely life-saving reasons to have a C, but I wouldn’t give up unless you’ve done everything else! Having said that..seeing the magic and beauty in whatever birth you have will ultimately be the best way to greet new motherhood. You are on your way. Best wishes for you!
Larami says
I’ve followed your blog for a while(beautiful, by the way) but thought I’d finally comment as this is such an important issue. I had a c-section with my twin boys and I have to admit, I didn’t want it any other way. As much as I agree with natural parenting (co-slept, nursed both for 16 months, homemade baby food, even tried cloth diapers), the thought of a vaginal birth has always terrified me. I breathed a sigh of relief finding out I was carrying twins and would more than likely require a c-section.
I’m expecting again and will have my 2nd c-section in November and feel even more comfortable with it. It’s a bit nerve-wrecking anticipating surgery, but I loved knowing exactly when everything would take place. It was calm and organized the way I needed it to be. I still cried like a baby when I heard those cries and was coherent and comfortable enough to cry and laugh and embrace my husband who was right by my side. It was incredible. I didn’t get to nurse immediately as they were having some breathing issues. I didn’t even ATTEMPT nursing until we brought them home 10 days later. And you know what, they picked it up immediately and never had another bottle for almost a year and a half. It CAN be a beautiful experience. It was for me and I’m sure it will be for you as well.
oni says
Stunning, and classically beautiful. reminds me of a Cezanne painting
Annton Beate Schmidt says
I am out of words, because of so much beauty. those pictures are pure poetry.
only for weeks and life will be even better. no matter how the little one will enter it, it will be fine.
looking at your post, reminds me of my friend jade. maybe you’ll like a little bit more poetry:
http://jadebeall.com/2010/09/jade-beall-begins/
Brittany says
what gorgeous photos of you!!!
Shannon Flaherty @ HUSTLE UP says
Loved reading this post today, Tina! You are one of the sweetest, most chill & most graceful mommas-to-be. Totally inspiring. Loves you! And can’t wait to meet that chill Lil’Boomba too! : ) S
Raine and Sage says
What truly gorgeous photos!
You’re taking the smart approach re: birth plan – in my books no plan is the best plan – go with the flow – and whatever will be, will be…
Ultimately happy Mamma and happy baba, is all that matters. Simple.
How exciting. Not long to go… x
jenmcox says
I don’t have children, so can’t imagine what you’re going through now. So I don’t have any good advice about what you should do or should be thinking or doing. I do know for 100% sure that whatever happens and however your birth plan (or non-plan-surprise-here-I-am-mama-surprise!) works out, it’s going to be absolutely perfect and the way it was meant to be. How could it not, when all these random folks, spread far and wide, many of whom never having met you in person, are sending every good wishes, prayer and support to you? The boomba’s arrival has just got to be wonderful and perfect because that arrival will come with the force of your family’s love, and the love of strangers (which can be powerful, I think) behind it and making it so. My dad always says, “Things always work out fine in the end. If it’s not fine now, it’s because it’s not the end.” My family is chock full of ridiculous philosophies like this, which is why I never invite friends home for the holidays. That said, this idea is spot on, and has carried me through some serious tough times. I believe it’s true for me. And, for you and your beautiful husband and your wonderous boomba.
It’s going to be awesome when the boomba comes, however the boomba comes, because we’ll all be pulling for you and sending extra love to that boomba as he/she makes her way into the world.
jenmcox says
Oh, she! I missed that! Girl, that girl knows what’s up! Girls always do. As much as it pains me to knit in pink, maybe the promise of a pink bunting blanket will get her to turn herself around. I’ll cast on tomorrow.
Sarah - Squeezed Daily says
Wow. i can imagine an artist would love turn one of those images into an oil painting! And that gift you got,I get warm and fuzzy inside when people do things like that, it’s all about gratitude and connecting. Love it,
Sar x
melina bee says
congrats! my best friend is at 38 weeks, too
mamalooks says
My boy was in breach position until the last 4 weeks, so there is hope she will turn! Otherwise it´s all right too. You know, there is no prize for the most “natural” birth, the only important thing is that the baby and the mama are healthy. And you will be!
Be calm, be strong, and be happy!!
Etemi says
Dear Justina!
I’ve been reading your blog for a while now, and I’ve gotta tell you, finding it was one of the best things that happened to me in the past few months. I am turning 25 in 2 weeks, and struggling to find a meaningful job with my liberal arts degree that’s gonna help me pay my design and DIY appreciating lifestyle, and I am also finding it hard to fit into an Eastern European culture where I actually grew up, because I am mixed race and not as skinny as I think most people would want me to be (including myself, most of the time). Seeing your posts daily after a boring day at work never fails to inspire me, so I wish you all the best for the future and keep up the excellent work!! :)
PS: this picture is something even your grandkids will be proud of!
stephanie says
what an incredible surprise to see a comment on my blog from you this morning! i can not tell you what it means. i am constantly blown away by your writing, photographs, pins……so inspiring! these photos are incredibly beautiful and something you will surely treasure forever. i hope that you hear the news that you hope for at the doctor. (fingers crossed) either way, i can assure you that what you will remember most from the big day will be looking into your sweet babies eyes for the first time. it will matter little which way sweet boomba comes out. sending positive thoughts your way!
Shauna Nep says
You are amazing. Such an inspiration. So much love for you, Jason and the boomba. xoxox
debra says
I was never so confident and comfortable with my body as when I was pregnant. After twins and a third my belly is reminder of how wonderful a woman’s body is. Enjoy and embrace the remainder of your pregnancy. Your baby, when a toddler, will love to see those photos.
Jennifer Young says
GORGEOUS. …and so glad to read about the doc’s news!
Shawna says
My son was posterior and he was breach right up until close to the due date. He turned, and the doctor knew that he turned but did not know he was posterior. He was stuck behind the cervix and I had a horrible labour and delivery. I pushed for hours and hours until they decided he was not coming out on his own and then it was forceps. I had an episiotomy and I tore and it was just a nasty thing overall. Have that C section or at least make sure they know exactly how Boomba is positioned before they let you go ahead with vaginal delivery.
Apt. #34 says
Having not had a baby myself I can’t really weigh in here other than to say I”m wishing you health and happiness no matter how the birth process goes. All I’ve learned through supporting a myriad of girlfriends through this now is that there is no “right” way or “wrong” way – you have to do what you, your body and your advisors that you fully trust feel what is best for you and that’s all that matters! I hope you’re able to enjoy it all.
Amee says
gorgeous, mama. :) hope everything turns out well for your little boomba, can’t wait to “meet” her!
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