Sweet Baby James

April's pregnancy flew by so fast. I hardly prepped myself for this birth. About a week before baby James came, I talked with April about her wants, wishes, and fears. In preparation for this birth, she took a hypno-birthing class. She seemed pleased with the class and believed in the principles. I concluded a few things after our talk, she was flexible with her birth plan and not totally convinced that natural childbirth was a reality for her. Her energies were more focused on what to do with two children, because one way or another, she was going to have two children soon! I admire her wisdom and priorities. Inside with my thoughts, I wanted her to have a natural childbirth experience because I knew she wanted it!

 April opted to get started on pitocin to avoid going over and/or having an enormous baby. She started around 7 a.m. I got there around 9:30 a.m. Dialation was slow but contractions were coming steadily. When I walked into the room, I knew April was totally present. She was assertive, confident, and calm. I have always known April to be confident, but then and there, she was more. April asked questions and was responsible and engaged. The nurse was awesome to work with. She was very knowledgable and supportive of natural childbirth. I knew that no matter what happened, we had a winning team and April was in good hands.

For the first few hours we sat around. I rubbed her feet, we played cards (I lost everytime), and we talked. Also present, was Brett (husband), Mom, and sisters. There was a lot of support and good energy in the room. April led the way, the team was synergistic and open minded with every milestone.

Finally the decision came, should her waters be broken or remain in tact? It was decided to break them since she was on the highest dose of pitocin, and not opening as fast as expected. After her waters were released, labor started coming on strong. There was no turning back. The dosage of pitocin was immediatley halved and then halved again. Her body took over and knew exactly what to do.

With all of the pairs of hands, we were able to use counter pressure on every surge. Also, our hands were there to serve, comfort, and love April throughout the time in between surges. All too soon, it was time to push. She made it! Within a few moments of pushing, baby James flew out!

It is amazing to know the nature of a baby when he/she arrives. We all knew James was happy, calm, loveable, and beautiful. He hardly cried except when roughed up by the staff. Breastfeeding was established easily and almost immediately.

I was most touched when April's other son, Luke, came to meet baby James with Grandpa. I watched April as her heart grew. Sometimes, it seems like the heart isn't capable of more love and then it is. The love radiated beyond the walls of our hospital room. As I observed, I was reminded again of the powerful combination of family and love. Nothing can touch that.

Congratulations again to April, the woman, mother, and dear friend.

Beacon Bros

If you say 'beer can' with a British accent it sounds like you said 'beacon' with Jamaican accent. Okay, I think I have exhausted that enough. It still makes me laugh though, really really hard...

This is actually a post promoting The Beacon Brothers- as in Kevin our beloved friend who filmed Footloose in Utah. I have this co-worker who is slightly obsessed with them and I am forced to listen to their music.  I actually like it. They have a cool style. I am not too keen on most of the lyrics, but the harmony and music is pretty.

When you get an extra music minute, check them out or not.

Camping Pictures

Summertime Camping

I went camping on Saturday with Melissa. We got my favorite spot! I was so pleased. Usually when I go camping, I tag along with an outdoorsy master. I don't lift a finger to help with fires, food, tents, and the like. Not to speak for Meliss, but she's the same--we just hang out and let the experts do all the work. However, this was totally different. We did it all!! It was all fine until the sun went down and we killed the last of the orange embers. It was pitch black. I brought some fine reading material with me. All three volumes-mind you! Needless to say, I was totally spooked. Suddenly all sounds were threats lurking outside of our tent. Luckily, I fell asleep at some point.  In the morning as we were enjoying breakfast and building another fire, we encountered upon a visitor. He was friendly. I was doing most of the talking until he asked this question: "Did you guys drop a litter over there?" My face fell as I was thinking about what he just asked. It could have meant two different things: Did I drop off a litter of kittens? or Did I go to the bathroom over there? The answer to both of these questions is "Yes, but not over there and none of your business!" Melissa, picking up on my loss for words, replied to his question with "No, we haven't dropped a lure. We didn't bring our poles. What types of fish are in the river?" Saved! and WTF!! I felt like an idiot. Oh well. Later, when I explained my inner monologue to Melissa, we were laughing and laughing and laughing.

For those of you who aren't getting them on fun exotic vacations....

Summer is perfect to get a massage because your probably more active, your skin needs TLC from all the sun exposure, and rates are low! Take advantage! Hope to see you soon. I am pretty good :-)