Baby Blessing-Way

This most special occasion was designed and planned and carried out by sisters Bree, Brook, Kaylan, and my mom. There was nothing traditional about it. It was not a shower of baby gifts and games played with toilet paper, but a time to bless and pray over us and our little Mo-to-be. Although a few did bring some lovely things for Mo-mer, which we are very thankful for, the main focus was on fellowshipping with one another and sharing words of wisdom and encouragement with Chris and me. The main area of blessing was for Mo's cloth diapers. God is always faithful and through the lovely women who are invested in our family, we were able to purchase the only diapers we will ever need!!Well, I just told you we didn't play any games. It turns out that my very in-tune, very adorable, very capable midwife, Jen Bozza (caringforwomenmidwifery.com) brought a treasure that I will always cherish, but is mainly for me to wear or have nearby during the labor and birth. She explained the gift to us while holding a bag of beautiful and unique glass beads. Each of my friends and family chose a bead that they loved and spoke a word of hope or blessing over it so I could reflect on them on Mo's birth day.

Jen started off the bead ceremony with a hope for trust...
Now I really did try to retain each and every word spoken over the beads, but I am drawing a blank for some of them. Help me out and leave your comments so I can remember!Mom's bead for the miracle of God's work in me (and?)...
Miss Pam's pink bead hopes for a girl-Mo and memories to be made with our baby...

Banana's bead for minimal discomfort...and "good luck with those cloth diapers!"

And Bree's for a good night's rest before labor day...

Brook's bead for courage and to call her "as soon as I go into labor"...

On a large side note...
Here's what my little niece and nephews, the Monde's cats, and our bunnies have to look up to (37 weeks!)...
Bonnie and Kaylan's beads of blessing...

Stephanie's prayer for abundant breast milk!...

Yeah, that's a good one!

Joni's bead for no fear and
Ashley's prayer for joy in motherhood...

Ginny's blue bead for blue eyes...

Marianne's moment of sentimentality in praying for Mo's purity...

My nieces' blessings...Receiving so much genuine love, support, and prayers from you all is the best gift! Thank you for being wholly invested in our family!

What's that you have?

"Oh it's just me. I've got my chin up, but I'm head-down and I'm comfortably lodged where I should be at week 35. I'm pretty cozy in here and am pleased with the view. I've got a rib-kick in my step and have lots of hiccups lately (what other way is there to learn how to breath in here?). I really like being moved around about every hour and a half no matter what time of day or night. My heart is strong and healthy at about 130 bpm's. I wiggle and wave almost all day long, which is how I like to exercise. I'm getting bigger every day and I'd say I'm about 5 or 6 pounds now. I like listening to the singing voice and the reading voice. It's also fun bumping heads with the cousins. I also can't wait to meet all the nice hands that have been patting me. See you all in 5 to 7 (weeks, that is)!"

Yes. That's Mo!

Unconditional

To my big sister...

You have such a compassionate, open heart toward me
and toward anything in my life
and I am so grateful that we share the bond of sisterhood.
I anticipate the day, soon approaching, that we share another deep bond, motherhood.

To you goes the bulk of the credit
for being a strong support to me (and Chris) in my entire pregnancy
and in my home-birth preparation.
This candidness between us has helped improve my outlook for the huge decisions I have committed to and have helped eliminate any shred of fear.

I think the biggest blessing between us has been the last year of everyday visits.
You said it best in your post, Vicarious.
(You have such a beautiful way of writing the story.)
It's an honor to me that you feel like you can experience the joy pregnancy through me.
I feel that I have been experiencing the joy of parenting through you.

All of our little conversations have added up to immeasurable character development.
I know you feel it too, that we have grown into a pair of the best of friends.
It's so easy being around you
and it's really hard to leave when the time comes.

You have changed and grown over this past year.
You give completely and without hesitation of yourself.
Your attitude is consistently positive.
You complain less frequently.
You stop and correct yourself in wrongful talk or thinking.
You have oceans of patients.
I admire your Jesus-complex.
And I get to be in an unbreakable relationship with you!
You are the reality of what Love does in a person.
I am so amazed at how deeply and unconditionally you love (me!).