Summertime

Yesterday, we went here for the first time. It was marvelous. Welcome, summertime in the city!

Also, am I surrounded by a whole lotta handsome or what?!?!

Birth Story of the Week: The Home Birth of Oskar

This birth story is one of my favorites. It was sent to me by my friend, Nancy Park, and is such a profound, spiritual, poetic telling of bringing her son, Oskar, into the world. Today is Oskar's first birthday, so it is particularly fitting that the story be posted here now, in celebration of that milestone. Happy Birthday, Oskar! And thank you, Nancy, for sharing such an inspiring story with us.

--Leigh

Oskar, you were born on the last day of May, so beautifully and powerfully at home in the water. There are so many parts to your story, to the story of us. This is the one about your incarnation. There are others about our first meeting, about how you were foretold.

I thought your coming was imminent every Saturday for three weeks before you arrived. One of those mornings, I woke up and everything seemed brighter and more beautiful. The light streaming in from the skylights. Your daddy’s face. Everything seemed to shimmer. We went out for flowers and candles and snacks to celebrate your coming. But you did not arrive that day.

We set up an altar for your birth. On it, Sappho’s wood Mother sculpture in the center, surrounded by a circle of stones for the eight directions. Also, the gold bracelet your grandparents gave you, the root chakra gemstone crown, the celestite I dedicated to you, a large rose quartz, the magical candle, and seeds blessed by Amma. The altar cloth came specially from Avalon for you.

Your halmoni came to New York for your birth. I knew I would want my mom with me when you arrived. For many weeks you hovered on the verge of being born, but you held on inside. So she tried to coax you out with some acupuncture needles. The room filled up with a new scent; she said she could smell baby. So we smelled you before we first touched you.

Then, early on an enchanted Sunday morning, bloody show and broken waters. A last hurrah for daddy and me. We waited for contractions, but at noon, everything was still quiet. Anna came over and we had more acupuncture. When she did the tree of life on my sacrum, I could feel your spirit coming in through the needles and filling my womb and your little body. It was so beautiful. I had a first, mild contraction as I was getting off the table. The three of us hung out and ate strawberries.

At four thirty, the first strong contraction overcame me, like lightening from my liver to the arch of my right foot. I had three in the next hour. Daddy went out for snacks. I found your halmoni in the garden of the River Cafe, and we waited in line for pizza at Grimaldi’s. Halmoni and I laughed and cried and held hands and hugged in line, and when a rush came through me, I just rocked back and forth and walked a little. The line was long and so was the wait, so we didn’t get very far when I decided I should go home to labor. I put on some music. Perfect Day by Lou Reed. That was around six at night. I called Anna, and she came back over. I called Therese, who we planned to have as our doula: I need to laugh, please come, I said.

With each contraction, I climbed up on the couch on all fours, and halmoni’s hands were kneading my sacrum, doing just the right thing to help with the intense rushes. Anna gave me cool cloths for my forehead (your daddy’s idea!). Daddy was making the pool. I made lots of loud, deep lows. I paced the living room in between.

I asked daddy to start filling the birth pool. Really? he said. YES! I answered. He started kettles on the stove to boil and pumping up the tub. But he was right, we expected maybe we’d be doing this for twelve or more hours, and we didn’t want to start too soon…

Kristen, our midwife, still hadn’t replied to our texts and phone messages, so we tried her again at another (the right!) number. She picked up! How far apart are the contractions? We didn’t know, so we hung up, and halmoni started keeping track.

7:15
7:20 - 2 mins
7:25 - 1 - 7:26
7:29 - 2 - 7:31
7:34 - 1 - 7:35
7:37 - 1 - 7:39
7:42 - 1 - 7:43
7:45 - 3 - 7:48
7:49 - 1 - 7:50

We called Kristen back!

Then, I felt you kick off my liver and jacknife yourself into a downward dive. You were so strong even then! So I wanted to push! But Kristen wasn’t here yet, and we weren’t ready to deliver you by ourselves. So I jumped into the pool instead, and instantly, I felt so good! Bliss.

It was getting dark, and the house felt quiet. Someone lit candles. I pushed and roared few times in the pool. The water was warm, all was perfect.

Then, Kristen came in. She was amazing. She came in quietly, like she was gliding, put her things down, came over to the pool. She did not make a sound. Everything and everyone was quiet. The whole house was hushed. She used the doppler to find your heart beat. It was so beautiful, strong, and steady in the silence. Still no words. She watched me push a couple times more. She felt for your head and she found it. Finally, I asked her how things looked. She said you would be born in a few minutes.

I panicked! I wasn’t sure! Was I ready?! A baby!

It wasn't for a few whole minutes before I realized, too late! Here you are! And you’re coming!

So I decided, and I pushed for real. Real hard. Daddy came into the pool. In between, I rested my head on his knee. It was so nice. But there was not enough space, so he got out. And then everything happened so fast. He went up to the room to dry off, but I shouted DAN! and he ran down, and so he was there when I pushed from everything I had, and still it wasn’t enough, and even though I was out of breath to push with, I kept pushing from a dark place where I found my power lives, and ROARed, and I could feel your head passing through.

Do you want to touch your baby? Kristen asked. She guided my hand down, and I felt your sweet, soft, hairy head for the first time. It was the nicest thing I have ever touched.

I pushed more and more and more, pushing myself inside out and pushing all twenty and a half inches and seven pounds of miraculous you out into the water. Kristen said, Reach down and take your baby. And I did!

I swooped you up from between my legs and sat back and suddenly there you were on my chest. I held you close, and there we were in the birth pool, soaking in a soup full of warm water, amniotic fluid, blood, saliva, a little vomit, a little poop, but no pee. You were so alive and present and vocal and sweet. Your beauty broke my heart. Daddy’s too.

You were just born, but somehow, you felt so old and powerful.

It was just after nine that night.

Weekend Wander

A few shots from our stroll today. I hope you're having a great weekend!

Gisele's Blog

I just discovered that Gisele Bündchen, supermodel-turned-home-birthing-lactivist, has a blog! Moreover, it is full of great posts from Gisele and others on topics ranging from bio-diversity to the history of birth, the profound importance of the birth environment, and the importance of breastfeeding. Here's an excerpt from one of Gisele's recent posts:

"I’ve always believed that to be a mom is the greatest responsibility a woman could have in her life. I’ve noticed a lot of meaningful changes in my life taking place together with a huge transformation of my priorities. The most important thing to me is to be the best mom ever to my children. I want to love them, to communicate with them, to be patient and teach them all I know. I have no doubt that becoming a mom has been the most rewarding experience in my life. I can say for a fact that I knew unconditional love.

I’ve been blessed with a loving mother who understood we were all unique human beings and we all had our paths to follow. Once she told me 'we love you and we’ve raised you the best we could, but you don’t belong to us, you belong to the world, you’ll have to find your own way'.

...I’d also like to talk about a very important issue, which is breastfeeding. It’s essential for the newborn and creates a bond between mother and her child. It’s a unique moment when the body changes to nurture; it’s the Nature’s blessing! Breastfeeding, mainly the first days, poses some challenges, but the reward is sublime. In addition to having all the proteins, fats, and vitamins the baby needs, breastfeeding is an act of love and affection.

It would be great if all the mothers could experience the breastfeeding."

How awesome is she?! I think I am a bona-fide fan now :) You can also follow Gisele on Twitter, and Like her on Facebook to keep up with her as she spreads her mama/baby/eco-friendly message.

Pretty. Practical.

I love the simplicity and versatility of this maternity/nursing dress from Fertilemind. Pretty color, too!

New Fuji Instax Mini 25

I'm pretty sure the camera geek in me will be unable to resist purchasing the new Fuji Instax Mini 25. It's smaller and it has some new, fun features, including a front facing self-portrait mirror. How genius is that?

Become a Marvelous Kiddo Sponsor!

Are you interested in advertising on Marvelous Kiddo? Well then, let's talk! I am seeking sponsors for the months of June, July, and August. I have a strong and growing readership that is passionate about pregnancy and birth, fashion and design, as well as natural family lifestyle topics, and my ad rates are affordable for small businesses, Etsy shops, and blogs.

Please email me for more information and ad rates: leigh(at)leighpennebaker(dot)com.

I look forward to hearing from you, and sharing your marvelous company with my marvelous readers!

Sponsor Welcome: Metro Minis

I am so excited to introduce my readers to Marvelous Kiddo Sponsor, Metro Minis. This groundbreaking NYC boutique is one of my personal favorite places to shop. In fact, I have the wonderful staff to thank for introducing me to the world of babywearing when I was a new mama looking for an alternative to my hulking stroller and uncomfortable Baby Bjorn (click here to read my post about my first visit to the store, over two years ago).

Metro Minis more than just a store. It is a community and a family. Not only are they one of the (if not THE) premiere babywearing retailers in the country, with a dizzying array of gorgeous carriers to suit every style and design preference, Metro Minis also functions as an educational outlet -- offering classes and support groups (many of them absolutely free) on topics ranging from babywearing to cloth diapering to infant massage. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that customers are happy and comfortable with their purchases.

The bottom line: Metro Minis is an essential resource for all New York parents interested in natural parenting products and info. As a long-time devoted customer, I am honored to have them as a sponsor!

Check out Metro Mini's YouTube Channel as well as their blog, to get great tips and info, like this demonstration of one example of how to wear your baby in a woven wrap:

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Part 3

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Part 2

While we were in Myrtle Beach we discovered an amazing Ethiopian restaurant, called Redi-Et! Ethiopian food is one of our absolute favorite cuisines, and it's not the most common thing to find in small towns, so we were really excited. The food was delicious -- as good as our favorite place in New York -- with the added bonus that it was possible to get free refills of sweet tea with our meal. I love the South!

Also, note that babywearing artwork was part of the decor ;)

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Part 1

A few images from our surprise getaway to Myrtle Beach. We swam, we splashed, we discovered sand. We slept like a pile of puppies. It was great.

We're Back. And We're Tan.

Details to come.

Birthday Surprise

Photo via WeHeartIt

Taro's birthday is tomorrow, so I'm taking today off from blogging to prepare the surprises. In fact, I'll be taking tomorrow off too, since it's the actual big day, and then, well, it's the weekend! So I guess what I'm saying is, I'll see you back here next week!

Have a fantastic weekend, lovely people. What are you up to? I look forward to telling you all about our festivities (once they're no longer Top Secret).

Meanwhile, here are some fun links I've recently run across that have me feeling inspired by all the DIY vibes. I really want to try all four of these projects...

I've always wanted to have a fabric headboard. This one looks amazing and easy-to-make!

This woman is a genius with the fabric gift-wrapping tutorials.

Love this DIY twist on the ubiquitous sheepskin rug.

This project is just too great not to try. Watch out, Japanese masking tape -- there's a new (homemade!) kid in town!

I Knew I Liked This Lady

Photo found here.

Have you seen the show Modern Family? Taro and I occasionally catch an episode on Hulu, and we are always impressed by the smart, fresh, true-to-life writing and the awesomely funny cast.

Well, my fandom of Julie Bowen (she plays mom Claire Dunphy on the show) was cemented as soon as I heard the news that she appeared on Lopez Tonight with George Lopez this week and spent the majority of the time talking about tandem-nursing her twin 1-year-olds! She even brought this photo, which was projected onto a huge screen behind her and George while they talked (George cracked that it must have been taken by Google Maps, LOL):

And here's a clip:

Inspired by Julie's tandem-breastfeeding awesomeness, I'm posting my very own Google Maps shot taken a few months ago of a nursing session at our house (OK, OK, I took it with my cell phone!)

Birth Story of the Week: The Home Birth of Lucia Mae

I love the joyful energy of this video, and the beautiful way the older sibling is involved in the birth. You can also read this story on the blog, Walk Slowly Live Wildly.

Via The Peaceful Birth Project on Facebook.

Lagusta's Luscious

Photos via the Lagusta's Luscious Blog.

Dishes, from top:

Pine nut gremolata;

Teff muffins with caramelized onions;

Persian tempe with mustard greens, flowers, fennel and broccoli;

Mushrooms stuffed with mushroom-walnut pâté;
Spinach fettuccine with artichoke-asparagus sauce and pine nut gremolata.

I just learned about Lagusta's Luscious Vegetarian Home Meal Delivery. If you live in Upstate New York, Manhattan, or Brooklyn, you could be taking advantage of this amazing-looking service for a healthy alternative to take-out or delivery (and an easy alternative to slaving away in the kitchen all day!) Yes, the price might be a bit higher, but as Lagusta points out on her website, it is much less expensive than hiring a personal chef -- and you still end up with fresh, organic, local, meals prepared by hand! And doesn't the food look delicious?! She'll even customize dishes to suit your dietary needs/preferences.

There's no commitment, either -- customers are free to try the service for a week or longer before setting up a standing order. I think I'll totally try this on occasion when I foresee a particularly hectic week on the horizon and I don't want to forgo nutrition and flavor...

Check it out, here.

Kicks

I'm loving these sneaks with the flashy print by Eley Kishimoto.

Via Oh Joy.

Thought for the Day: The Role of the Unschooling Parent

Photo by Amy Stein, via Coolhunting

I love this list. I recently discovered it on the trove of Unschooling information that is the website Joyfully Rejoicing, and I thought I would share it here:

Show respect for all of a child's interests equally.

Keep the child in mind as I go through life, so that I notice things that might be of interest to that child.

Find ways to include the child in my own daily life - live a more"open-book' life than the norm.

Follow up on things the child is interested in - and do this in a wide variety of ways, not only by "getting him a book on it."

Live a family life that is rich with experiences of a variety of kinds both at home and outside the home.

Have resources around the home that are interesting and stimulating - things that will encourage exploration of ideas.

Discuss things - spend time in conversation. This is probably overall the most important parental"action' involved in unschooling.

Have a playful attitude - play together, have fun, appreciate the amazing world around you. Don't be cynical, be able to be amazed and find the world a fascinating place. THIS is the most important attitude for an unschooling parent.

Be self-aware of your own thinking and behavior. Purposely stretch your imagination - question your own assumptions, check your own automatic impulses.

Be very observant of what your child is really doing - don't view him/her in a shallow superficial way. Recognize that there is a reason for a child's actions, that a child is born to learn and is always learning. Get to know your child's own special favored ways of learning

Wholeheartedly support a child's passions EVEN if, to you, they don't look like "education."

Jessica's Daily Affirmation

Oh. My. Goodness. This video is a whole lot of awesome. It just made my day so much better. Via Capucha's Tumblr.

Happy Monday

I love this Pirate ship playhouse, and I thought posting it would be the perfect way to start the week out right :)

Found here.

Weekend Wonderful

Mr. T Rex print by Jonstich on Etsy, via Old Sweet Song

What are you up to this weekend? Whatever it is, I hope you have a wonderful time :)

Here are a few sweet links...

I love this mix.

50 reasons for breastfeeding anytime, anywhere.

A whole blog devoted to dads babywearing! (Thanks for the tip, Alyssa).

Thank You notes as a (seriously funny) art form.

Amazing demo on how to pack light (I can't wait to try this!)

Photographer Love

I love this series of portraits of kids with their stuffed animals by photographer Davina Zagury. Aren't they almost unbearably adorable?!

Kid Room Awesome

{via The Boo and The Boy}

{Via Table Tonic}

{Via Head Over Heels}

Sonograms

Taro listens to the baby's heartbeat at one of our last pre-natal visits with my midwife, before the home birth of J, in 2007. Photo by Liz Rubincam.

Fact: Taro and I chose not to have any sonograms during either of my pregnancies. I had many reasons to avoid this procedure, not least among them that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Family Physicians and other medical organizations advise against the routine use of ultrasound in pregnancy.

Today I ran across an excellent piece on the subject, via my Facebook friend, Emma Kwasnica. Ultrasound and Fury: One Woman's Ordeal is a must-read. It touches on the many complicated medical, philosophical, ethical, and cultural issues surrounding this increasingly popular proceedure. An excerpt:

"women should be entitled to have ultrasound and other prenatal tests, but...the process of informed consent must be taken far more seriously than it currently is. Women should be told in detail of the limitations of screening, and of the fact that clinical studies show no benefit to scanning during a normal pregnancy"

Read it. And tell me, what are your thoughts?