We Have a Winner!!!

Photo via flickr

It took me all day, but I finally plugged the numbers into the randomizer and came up with a winner of the Retro Repro hat!

And the lucky commenter is Kim, who said,

Congrats, Kim, and thanks to everyone who entered!

Bookmaking Class

My friend Liz is teaching a bookmaking class at Spacecraft in Brooklyn this Sunday, December 6th. Doesn't it sound rad? I love that the project will integrate a vintage book cover.

Email contact@spacecraftbrooklyn.com to get more information, and to sign up. Thanks for letting me know about this, Liz! I hope I can come :)

The Gift

We shared a really sweet, fun Thanksgiving with family in Westchester. Throughout the day, Taro surprised me with little cards hidden here or there containing sweet little birthday messages, culminating in a gift that was the exact thing that I've been wanting for soooo long: a macro lens for my digital SLR camera!!! I am excited to own this piece of machinery to a degree that far surpasses my knowledge of how to use it ;) When I tested it out for the first time this morning I was hooked and I couldn't stop snapping all day. I can't wait to learn more and become a better photographer! Here are a few of my favorite pics so far...

Thanksgiving/Birthday

My birthday falls on Thanksgiving this year, and I can't imagine a better day to celebrate. I am overflowing with gratitude as I reflect on my many blessings.

I hope you have a wonderful, love-filled, and yummy day of blessings today. Be safe.

With love -- and thanks!

XOXO.

Leigh

We Have Winners!!!

Photo via Flickr

Thanks to everyone for the enthusiastic response to all the recent marvelous giveaways! Now I'm happy to announce the next round of winners...

The Message in a Bottle Service from Miniature Rhino goes to Sasha, who left the following comment:

The winner of her choice of hair piece from Its OK My Dear is Ashley Cauthen, who said:And the winner of the array of goodies from The Handmade Project is Julie, who commented,

Congratulations to all of you! Big THANKS to all the fabulous artists who generously offered such great items. PLUS, DON'T FORGET THAT YOU CAN STILL ENTER TO WIN THE AMAZING RED HAT FROM RETRO REPRO!!!

Birth Story of the Week: Martha's Story

Because this week is my birthday week, I thought it would be apropos to invite my mom to tell the story of my birth as Birth Story of the Week! I am so grateful to her for sharing this with my readers. My mother has been THE influence on my life when it comes to all things related to child rearing, but most especially she has made me the passionate birth activist that I am. And even though I have known this story for as long as I can remember, it really moved me so deeply to see it after all these years in written form. My birth was both a trauma and a triumph for my mom, and for all its imperfections and unnecessary interventions, it was the beginning of a journey that led mom to learn more about birth and take more control of the births of my younger siblings. By the time my sister was born (nine years later, at home, with a midwife) I was well on my way to a much better child-bearing future because of what I was learning from my mom. I was present for the birth of my little sister and even as a child I knew that that was the way I wanted to go when having kids of my own.

It is largely because of my mother's experiences and sacrifices that I have had the opportunity and wherewithal to have two wonderful home births. It is also her thirst for knowledge on this topic, as well as her spirit of activism that has inspired me to share so many of my choices on this blog.

So, thanks, mom! Not only for giving birth to me, but for instilling in me the importance of taking control of the processes of pregnancy and birth for myself instead of following along with the status quo of the medical establishment. I love you, and I am forever grateful!

--Leigh

Early morning (approximately 7:00 a.m.), November 26, 1978 I woke up to make my usual morning trek to our very green bathroom, trying as always not to wake myself up. This was not a usual morning. I discovered very quickly that I was spotting and I was wide awake. I knew this would (most likely) be the day I would meet the little person growing inside me. It was exciting now that it was actually happening, although my entire pregnancy I had been just a tad nervous. Unfortunately, my mother’s birth experience with me had been pretty much a nightmare and try as I might it had been difficult to shake some of those fears passed down from her. Our plan most of our pregnancy was to take our time getting to the hospital. I had heard first births, for the most part, tend to be long. Advice from friends and even the instructor of our childbirth class, was to not rush to the hospital at the first sign of labor. Even our doctor encouraged us to take our time. With that advice in mind and because it was so early, I went back to bed, laid down next to my husband and whispered, “Guess who’s coming today.” In his sleep and being the good husband that he was, mumbled, “Who?” I said, “A little baby.” It was hilarious to see this man, who was known for his deep sleeping ability sit bolt upright in bed. He was beside himself and together we were trying to stay calm, cool and collected. We had decided if labor was not intense and it was early, we would try to go back to sleep. My husband stuck to the plan. He slept. My mind was spinning. I was about to be a mother. Would I know what to do with a little baby? After all, I had never been around babies before. Would I be able to nurse? Would there be enough milk? Could I avoid having a section? Would labor be anything like my mother’s description? Then the contractions began. Sleep for me was out of the question and by around 9:30 a.m. we were checking into the hospital (20 minutes away). So much for the “taking our time plan”.

When we got to the hospital my husband went to sign on the dotted line and the nurse assigned to be with me until the baby came took me to what would be my labor room.

My nurse was very nice. She had actually heard of my husband, so I thought that was a good sign. She had me slip into my hospital gown, and then empty my bladder. I don’t really remember the order of things after that. I was prepped and given an enema. Then came the needle person to put the IV in. I remember thinking why did all these things have to be done to me? My grandmother’s birthed 18 babies between the two of them, all at home, and they never had to go through any of the prepping I was experiencing. Once the IV was in and the blood pressure cuff was put on, I was pretty much bound to the bed. When my nurse ruptured the membrane (there was no waiting to see how labor progressed, membrane rupture was just part of the routine), I asked, “Why does my water have to be broken? Won’t that just happen on its own?” My nice nurse said, “It will help labor go faster”. I remember thinking, “well that can’t be a bad thing.” So the water was broken and instantly the labor took on a whole new dimension.

It never occurred to me that I could be walking around, sitting up, squatting (no birthing tubs 31 years ago). I was told I would have to lay down. It’s difficult to hold things together laying flat on your back when you’re trying to do things naturally. My husband and I tried to breathe through the contractions but they were very strong and very fast. Unfortunately, I had not done my homework after getting pregnant. I had been conditioned to believe and trust anything a doctor said and so I did. I followed his protocol, never thinking there could be a better way.

Around 1:00 p.m. (not sure about the time) the need for something to ease the pain became overwhelming. Since I was no fan of needles there was absolutely no way I was going to have an epidural or to have anything put into my spine. I was adamant about that before ever going into labor, thanks to those childbirth classes. I assumed (because I had been told), Demerol was a good alternative and that’s what we went with.

Demerol worked perfectly, between contractions. I slept like a baby. It did nothing while I was actually having the contractions except dull my senses. The pain was still just as intense and I couldn’t move. I laid on my back through my entire labor and wasn’t even hooked up to a fetal monitor (they weren’t being used in the good old days). When it came time to push, I was too doped up to push effectively; my precious baby was reaping the benefits of my decision and I didn’t even realize it. I always felt because of the decisions I made that day, her arrival was probably prolonged.

After pushing for what seemed like forever, the decision was made to use forceps. That of course terrified me (even in my brain fog from demerol) because forceps were used at my birth. My mother contracted a life threatening infection from the use of forceps “Childbirth Fever” and I had a life threatening concussion. Then there was my episiotomy (just another part of the routine), all the way to my rectum. The doctor stopped cutting but I just kept tearing. I assumed that had to be done to get the forceps in. Fortunately my beautiful baby daughter was crowning so the forceps didn’t have to go far. Then it happened. Everyone was so excited in the delivery room, “It’s a girl! It’s a girl!” in my drug-induced state I was excited as I could be and then I saw her. She was purple. I thought she was dying. I didn’t get to hold her. She was whisked away.

In between naps (the drugs) I kept asking if she was O.K. I kept being reassured that she was just fine but it was several hours before I saw my baby.

At the time (31 years ago), I thought that was how birthing should be. I thought that was “normal”. When I saw my baby girl, she was absolutely beautiful. I couldn’t imagine that she came from me. I couldn’t stop looking at her and except for some bruising from the forceps she was absolutely perfect.

My husband was so supportive of me and so thrilled to be the father of this little girl. I owe him a huge debt of gratitude for encouraging me to breast feed. I had never been in the presence of anyone who nursed and I wasn’t at all sure that was the thing to do but he nudged me lovingly so I committed to six weeks and those weeks turned into months. That decision changed my life. That decision bonded me to that precious little life. It gave me confidence and purpose .

I look back 31 years and I get teary thinking how I could have better educated myself and when I get down and low from thinking about it, I’m reminded of the gift I was given and the joy that little girl brought to our family. She made us better. I can’t imagine never having had her in my life. Today I look at the adult that little girl has become and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude, love and pride. She is a beautiful, brilliant, wonderful daughter. She’s making a difference in the lives of many women. Women just like that young mother 31 years ago who just need someone to lead the way. What could be better than that?

--Martha Pennebaker,
11.18.2009

Marvelous Giveaway! Retro Repro Hat

Today's giveaway makes me soooo happy: it's the gorgeous Red Hat With Curls from Retro Repro Handmade! What could be lovelier than topping off your cozy winter ensembles with such a chic dash of color?

Visit the shop, then leave a comment here by Sunday, November 29th. Please include your email address or another way to contact you. I'll announce the winner on Monday! BONUS: For extra entries, spread the word on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog and link back to this post. Just leave an additional comment for each entry in order for it to count!

Good luck!

A World of Laundry

I saw this fantastic image on Black Eiffel last week and I can't get it out of my head! Let's just say the idea of a world of laundry really struck a chord with me, as I have two hampers full and overflowing at the moment. Hopefully I can put a dent in the pile of dirty clothes before the holiday. Wish me luck!

What are your tactics for staying on top of the laundry when it just won't stop piling up?

Marvelous Giveaway! Message in a Bottle Service

Today's giveaway is especially for all of you out there who love magic and whimsy, surprise and delight. The amazing Jessica of the Etsy shop Miniature Rhino has offered to provide the winner of this giveaway with the Message in a Bottle Letter Service. Here's how it goes, in Jessica's own words:

I love receiving and sending letters and mail, which is one of my favorite parts of etsy- waiting for and receiving a package! I’m all about facilitating unique mail experiences, so I’m offering a little letter service, via a message in a bottle. Imagine receiving this miniature letter contained in a corked glass vial. This one shown is the first one and made for my boy.

I will type out your provided text on vintage book paper using a vintage typewriter. Because I type out the messages myself, and I am only human, there may be some "x"'s over mistakes, but these add to the handmade and vintage quality of the letter.

The little letter will be sealed with a very small bit of red wax and sealed with any letter you’d like. The final touch is a twine tied copper key hand stamped with a custom monogram.

How about sending a romantic note, a sweet birthday message, an invite, an alternative to a card, a thank you note, or a letter just because. The vial is wrapped like gift in a little box for a truly special mail experience.

Details:
+ little letter is 2" x 4-6"
+ glass vial with cork just under 3"
+ found or thrifted vintage book paper
+ your text: 250 - 350 characters, about 4 to 7 sentences

How fun is that!?! To enter to win, please visit Miniature Rhino and then leave a comment on this post. Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm tomorrow night (Tuesday, November 24) and I will select and announce the winner on Wednesday. Thanks, and good luck!

Tiny Things I'm Loving

tiny bottoms

tiny dress

tiny sneaks

tiny kiss

tiny museum goer

tiny utensils

We Have a Winner!!!

Photo via Just Like a Star

The winner of the Flora Bond gift voucher giveaway is Elizabeth! Congrats, Elizabeth :) Thanks to everyone who entered, and don't forget there's still a chance to win the Its Ok My Dear giveaway and The Handmade Project giveaway. Also, more goodies will be posted later today and every day this week!

Have a Magical Weekend

One year ago this weekend I got the best birthday present ever: my husband surprised me with a trip to Paris! It was a magical, glorious trip and I often think back on the days we spent there exploring, eating, laughing, and taking pictures.

The other day I realized that I haven't used my Diana camera in a really long time. I couldn't remember the last time, actually. So I snapped the last few frames left on the roll of film that was already inside the camera and I took it to the photo lab.

Well, what came back today when I went to pick up the developed photos?

Pictures of Paris.

Imagine my happiness! The perfect early-birthday present :) It was like uncovering a little time capsule. The pic above is of the Carousel near the Sacre Coeur.

So here's to birthdays, memories, and everyday magic.

I hope you have a marvelous weekend! Here are some fun links I've been wanting to share:

Mothers SO rock. We know this. But now there's a museum honoring them!

This is the sleekest treehouse you'll ever see.

I love this tutorial for making a plush alphabet.

These bright, cheerful onesies make me happy.

These films look provocative: one is about school, and one is about infant formula.

How about this for a birth story: a pregnant mom, scheduled for her fourth c-section, unexpectedly gives birth at home and is assisted by her two-year old.

--XOXO, Leigh

P.S. Don't forget that the following giveaways are still active, so be sure to enter if you haven't already: Its OK My Dear, Flora Bond, and The Handmade Project.

GOOD LUCK! I look forward to picking winners next week!

We Have Winners!!!

Photo from Mmaajjaa7's photostream

This week of giveaways has been fun, but the good times are just beginning because now I have the pleasure of announcing the first two winners! Drumroll, please...

The winner of the Nature Design Juniper Honey Spinner is Kiera, who left this comment:

And the winner of the Yokoo English Thompson Hat in Mint is Ramah, who said:

Congratulations ladies! Thanks for entering!

Marvelous Giveaway! Its OK My Dear

I am really so excited about today's giveaway, not only because the prize is extra fab but also because I get to introduce you to Ashley Cheeks, the talented designer behind It's OK My Dear. Ashley is a friend of mine, and a fellow Mississippi-to-NYC-transplant. She is a super-creative person, and one of the most stylish people I know. Check out her blog and website to get a glimpse of her always-adorable exploits.

To enter to win one of Ashley's pieces, visit her shop and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item is by Tuesday, November 24 at 11:59 pm. I will randomly select and announce the winner on Wednesday, November 25.

The winner will receive a gift voucher for any It's OK My Dear hair piece -- winner's choice! Good luck, and thanks, Ashley!

Helmet Chic

Can you imagine a cuter helmet? This makes me want to get a bicycle!

Forts

A-MAAAAAZING fort inspiration over at the Wild Things Forts Project on Booooooom.com.

See (and be inspired and delighted by the entries) here. This made my day and totally took me back to my childhood. Here are my favorites...

Marvelous Giveaway! Nature Design Honey Spinner

Today's giveaway is totally sweet -- literally! It's a gorgeous little honey spinner from Nature Design. It is handmade of Juniper wood and is as decorative as it is practical.

Leave a comment by tomorrow at noon, and I'll announce the winner later in the day. Thanks, and be sure to check out all the lovely items in Nature Design's shop!

Breastfeeding Campaign

I love these posters that are part of a new campaign to promote breastfeeding in New Zealand. See more here. Via The Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog.