A Melon on Two Tendrils

Metaphor
I'm a riddle in nine syllables,
An elephant, a ponderous house,
A melon strolling on two tendrils.
O red fruit, ivory, fine timbers!
This loaf's big with its yeasty rising.
Money's new-minted in this fat purse.
I'm a means, a stage, a cow in calf.
I've eaten a bag of green apples,
Boarded the train there's no getting off.

-Slylvia Plath

(melon belly)

Team Penny

Meet my birthing team. These are the wonderful people who will help me during this exciting new moment in my life.

Suzanne: Midwife

What's your favorite thing about attending homebirths? When the birth is all done, I get to leave the family very comfortable in their own bed.


Rachel: Doula What's your favorite thing about attending homebirths? After the birth, seeing mom, dad, and baby all cuddled up in their own bed with no interruptions or silly hospital procedures.


Buddy: Dog What's your favorite thing about attending homebirths? Getting to lick the baby.
What makes you think you get to lick the baby? I have my ways.

Seth: Husband (and my personal favorite)

What are you most excited for about homebirth? Getting to be in my favorite place for such a big moment.

Aren't they great, folks? Go Team!

Holy Smokes!

I am full term. That means there are less than 20 days until my due date. Here's my monthly update, a week late.

Real Belly (though it looks awfully small under this dress)

Fake Belly

Penny is obviously crowded and she's squirming nonstop. She weighs about 6 1/2 lbs. and is close to 19 inches long. She'll still gain about 1/2 lb. per week, putting her roughly at 8 lbs. for birth. I love you little girl. See you in a few days!

It's ALIVE!!!!

Which, technically speaking, is a good thing. But watch to the end, and you'll see what I mean. (The lighting is terrible, but persevere. It's worth it.)



Weird.

My New Header

The picture for this post is at the top of the page. It's my new blog header, courtesy of my friend Melissa. You can check out more of her stuff here. She's got loads of cute things--illustrations, photos, and two Etsy shops!

Thanks so much Melissa. I look so professional now.

Penny Earns Her Keep

We decided that Penny needs to help out with the family finances--she's a costly little thing--so she and I posed for some stock photography. We're gonna be rich! Here are some of the shots.

This one's my favorite.

I was forbidden to display this one because it's "cheesy", but I kinda love it.

Thanks to my photographer who made me look like a pretty pregnant lady.

(She's a wonder with Photoshop!)

Now I want some money.

Phase Two: LABOR!

Not me, of course. Seth. And his garden, remember?

With the help of his friend Ben, Seth built two garden boxes.

And then he got to plant

(after brother Trace hauled in all the dirt).

The finished product includes:
Watermelon
Cantaloupe
Zucchini
Pumpkins
Golden Yukon Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes
Broccoli
Roma Tomatoes
Romaine Lettuce
Cucumbers
Garlic
Red Onions
Jalapeno Peppers
Anaheim Peppers
Red/Green Bell Peppers
Cilantro
Rosemary
Oregano
Basil

Yum, yum. Penny and I can't wait for the delicious goodness.

My Mommies

When fast approaching motherhood, it's nice to have great moms to learn from. I am blessed with three:

Lisa: my mom and Penny's namesake

From her I learned to be silly, to let kids make their own choices, and to have a sense of humor.

Sandy: my mom-in-law

She's taught me about generosity and selflessness more than anyone. And how to be terribly paranoid about my child's safety.

Bonnie: my stepmom

From Bonnie I take compassion and service. Always be quick to help, even if I'm fantastically tired.


I love you moms. Without you, life would be dull.

Calling All Aunts

This is Angela.

Stats
Age: 19
Height: 5'2"
Weight: 100ish lbs.

Don't let her small stature fool you. She's vying for the position of Penny's favorite aunt, and her determination level is high.

Favorite Aunt responsibilities include, but are not limited to, playdates, treats, compliments, and maybe even the occasional baby-sitting.

Now, are you gonna let Angela have all that fun, or do we have a little competition on our hands?

A Baby Shower...

...in three parts.

The Beginning:

The Middle:

The End:

An overall success, with a huge thanks to Angela for hosting, and a regular thanks to family and friends for their generosity and support. Lovely time.