Pickin' away
Topic: Banjo Pickin'

I haven't posted about my banjo playing in awhile so I thought it was time to update!! I've been going to my lessons every week (well. . .mostly every week) and have tried to go to the weekly jam sessions held on Friday nights.  I'd say I've gone 6-7 times and thoroughly enjoy playing with all the others.

And I'm getting better too!!  That's what rocks! :)  But I wanted to share one of my favorite songs to play.  Annie just taught me the chorus, but I didn't get that one recorded, just the first part.  Here's I'll Fly Away played by yours truly! I hope you enjoy it.

Oh!  Want to know something else?  On Cale's 5th birthday, my grandmother was in town.  She got a call to say that her house had been robbed and the person/people had taken my Pa's guitar and other things belonging to him.   She just hugged me and  told me that she was so happy I had his banjo.  I thank God that I do too. 

First Midwife AND VBAC
Topic: Doula Talk

For those that know me well, you know that I was unhappy about my c-section.  You also know that I fully support VBAC'ing (vaginal birth after cesarean).  I had not had a client that was a VBAC client. . .but that changed.

M found my name on a website.  She couldn't afford a doula, but wanted one and I agreed to help her.  When we first met she told me of her other two births.  The first was a c-section. . .one she felt was totally unnecessary and she was unhappy with it.  The second birth, a VBAC, but she bled incredibly and so it was very dramatic also.  She saw it as a VBAC, but was still unhappy with her experience.  She had asked me to help her make her next birth a happy memory, one not filled with drama and trauma.

M had birthed both of her children a week before her due date. . .that's when THEY decided to come, however that point came and went.  She was getting big, very big and uncomfortable.  She called me on the day before her due date and we talked.  She was scared of having to be induced, she wondered aloud if a c-section wouldn't be the best choice.  I told her that we could wait until that time comes, let's see if she goes into labor.  There was still time.

Her due date came and the next morning, Friday, May 25, 2007, her husband called me from the hospital.  Her body had finally decided it was time. I got to the hospital right as contractions started.  Her water had broken on its own, but she had gone hours with no labor.  Finally it was starting.

We walked, we talked, we rocked, we leaned, we sat and they got stronger and stronger.  When she hit the tub, she relaxed enough that her body went into overdrive.  Panic hit and the midwife and I calmed her down.  She held on for an hour, but finally decided she wanted an epidural.  We supported her decision and as soon as it was in place, the midwife checked and she was 7-8 centimeters dialated.  It was almost time.

The beauty part of having the midwife is that she allowed M to labor the baby down. . .she didn't rush pushing. . .she allowed nature to take over.  The baby descended and pushing started. . .no flurry of people came in the room, it was quiet, dimly lit. . .intimate.  But then a bit of drama insued.  The baby didn't want to tolerate her head being compressed so the room filled with people.  The midwife maintained control of the situation and I got M into a position that would help her push baby out. Within 1 minute of people rushing in, the baby came out on her own, no forceps, no vacuum, just a better pushing position.

The victory for me, the point where I know I smiled like a dork, was seeing that baby come out and also being able to see the scar.  The reminder of how her first baby came out.  

She thanked me numerous times for helping. . .for being there. . .for reminding her she could do it.  M told me that she honestly believes that she might have settled for a c-section, and been very disappointed with her choice.  She told me that she never really understood what the importance of a VBAC was for women, but that she now understands.  She "gets" it. . .and she knows it's one of the reasons that she was released 23 hours after giving birth.

It was a wonderful birth, a birth that also showed me the difference in doctors and midwives.  I thank M and her husband L for teaching me these things. 

Fast and furious
Topic: Doula Talk

She knew what she wanted. . .she wanted to know that her body could work.  She wanted to do it alone, untouched by monitors and needles.  She wanted her baby to pick his own due date.  

K had  been through a previous tough pregnancy and birth.  Tough.  Hard.  Long.  She wanted this time to be different.  She wanted a positive memory.  She had asked me to help her reach this goal. . .be there to support her.  I was honored to accept.  I felt a connection with her. . .a connection I couldn't describe.  An unexpected connection since we'd only known each other about 5 weeks.  But we meshed.  I understood her and she understood me.

K and I had enjoyed a nice long, three hour conversation together on that Wednesday morning, February 21.  She was two days from her due date and we really got a chance to talk.

It happened to be a very busy day for me:  her appointment, getting Cale fed and to school, my appointment, watching Easton, family pictures.  Finally, I got some much needed "self" time that night.  However, it didn't last long.  K called me about 9:15 telling me it was time. . .she was ready.

When I got to the hospital, she was in pain, a suprising pain that she was trying to handle, but that scared her.  She paced, crouched, paced some more.  It seemed she was trying to get away from the pain, but she couldn't.  

An hour later, she was begging to push.  She was letting her body do the work.  Her husband, watching with internalized excitement, talked non-stop.  He was nervous, he felt helpless, but he knew her wishes.  He knew she could do this.

And she did.  She got her birth.  A fast birth.  A birth untouched by needles or monitors.  A birth that showed her that her body could birth a baby without pitocin, without augmentation, without interference.  And her words at the end stated it all for me.  She looked at me, eyes glazed over with adrenaline and excitement, as she said, "Did you see that?  I just pushed a baby out of my vagina.  I did it!"

K did it.  She birthed a perfect and gorgeous baby boy, a little over an hour after reaching the hospital.  Fast and furious yes, but also miraculous and beautiful.  It can be done and it's magnificent. 

Testing. . .
Topic: Weirdness

For the LIFE of me I cannot figure out why Tripod keeps EATING MY FREAKING POSTS!  I am seriously ticked at it.  Makes me angry.  I don't know what to do about it.  

Wanna know what I've been doing since my last entry?  Two births, three dentist appointments, one filling re-done, one temporary crown, an IV complete with demerol, three days of doula training, two babywearing classes and one rockin' website.

I'll try to catch up later. . . if this works. 

Pregnant in America
Topic: Doula Talk

I try to be open minded when it comes to birth.  My births went two different directions. . .should I give birth again, it will probably go a different direction.  As a doula, I am here to give information so that my client can make an informed decision.

What do I believe?  I believe there are too many interventions.  I believe that women were meant to give birth.  I believe birth makes women stronger. . .it empowers a woman.  I do not view cesarean sections as birth.  A c-section is a surgical removal of the baby from the mother's womb. . .I do not classify Pruitt's entrance as me birthing him.

It's ok if I don't agree with others and their opinions.  That's fine.  But I do find it interesting to see the number of people standing up for birth and speaking out against insurance companies, doctors and hospitals.  Yes, I do think you can have a great birth experience in a hospital and with the right doctor, but the right doctor can be hard to find.

A fellow doula-friend of mine forwarded me this link.  It's to the trailer for the film Pregnant in America.   Here's the synopsis, copy and pasted from the site:

"Pregnant in America examines the betrayal of humanity's greatest
gift--birth- --by the greed of U.S. corporations. Hospitals, insurance
companies and other members of the healthcare industry have all pushed aside the best care of our infants and mothers to play the power game of raking in huge profits.

His wife pregnant, first-time father & filmmaker Steve Buonaugurio sets out to create a film that will expose the underside of the U.S. childbirth
industry and help end its neglectful exploitation of pregnancy and birth.

Pregnant in America is the controversial story of life's greatest miracle in the hands of a nation's most powerful interests."

Watch it and see what you think.  There's nothing wrong in researching.  You might learn something about yourself in the process.

He did what?
Topic: Momma's Lover Dover

Oh heavens. . .the saying, "He did what?" seems to be more and more a common sentence at our house as of late.  See, Cale's teacher doesn't like him much.  Luckily, our God send is the teacher's assistant, Miss E.  The minute Miss E. walked in the door, all was right with the world.  But you know what? Miss E decided to take time off when her daughter had a baby.  Know what that means for Cale??  T.R.O.U.B.L.E.  Simply put.

He's argued.  He's yelled.  He's WALKED OUT OF CLASS. He's rolled around on the floor singing.  He's proclaimed, "YOU are NOT the boss. I AM THE BOSS."

And last week it reached an ultimate high. . .er. . .low.  Chris picked Cale up from school and called me (mind you it takes 4 minutes to drive across the street to the school, but he called anyway).

Chris ~ Well. . .he didn't have a very good day today.

Cale ~ *yelling in the background* SHAME ON SCHOOL!

Me ~ Uh oh. . .what happened?

Chris ~ It seems that he and D (Cale's friend that he has a love/hate relationship with) got into a fight.

Me ~ REALLY?  What were they fighting about this time?

Chris ~ Seriously.  D hit Cale and Cale decked him back.

Me ~ *laughing my fat butt off unable to reply*

Chris ~ Exactly. . .This is what Miss B told me.  I'll try to get the rest of the story.

Me ~ *still laughing* I have GOT to call my mom.  NO!!!!! I HAVE TO CALL DAD NOW.  See you when you get here.

The story went like this:  It was time to pick up toys.  Cale refused so D decided he'd take care of it for Miss B.  He walked over and told Cale to clean up.  Cale told him no and D slapped him.  Cale, in precise Odie fashion, hauled off and hit D.  Everyone else's response??  "He did WHAT?"  How do you handle that one?? LOL

Also last week, Cale had an ear infection and fell asleep on the couch.  When he woke up to find out school had started, he freaked.  His demand??  "TAKE ME TO SCHOOL IMMEDIATELY!!!"  Everyone else's response??  "He said WHAT??" 

Friday afternoon Chris picked Cale up only to find out that he had decided, within the first 20 minutes of class, that he was going to do what he wanted to do.  Apparently, Miss B couldn't handle him and called the P.R.I.N.C.I.P.A.L.   What did everyone else say when they heard this??   "He did WHAT??"  

Today. . .Monday. . .God answered our prayers.  And not just mine and Chris', but EVERY single solitairy soul in our family = Miss E is back!! HALLELUJAH!!!!  

And today, my blog reading friends, Cale had a FANTASTIC day.  So, I shall end with a quote from Chris:

    "How much money will it take to have Miss E stay with Cale through high school?????" 

Hello hello come in??
Topic: Banjo Pickin'

Dude. . .over a month and no entry??  Sorry. . .life gets away sometimes you know?!?  So. . .what's new. . .we made it through Christmas (a story I will DEFINITELY share soon) and we made it through New Year's.  We've also made it through the last 2 weeks when Cale has had 1. Strep throat 2. The Flu 3. Double ear infection.  This POOR child.  And he's been such a trooper.

I finally kicked my never ending cold too (THANK GOODNESS!!) with a little help from my crunchy friends and a lovely extract called colloidal silver.  It's awesome and tastes like water!!

 But here's why I am here. . .for Christmas, my lovely husband found ONE single solitairy person in the Oklahoma City vicinity that gives banjo lessons.  Yep. . .I said BANJO.  I grew up listening to Pa play and I have always enjoyed bluegrass music.  I finally told my Gram one day (very off-handedly) that I wanted to learn to play the banjo.  It is something I've always wanted to do and she smiled and told me that I could have Pa's banjo.  Little did she know that I was serious.  I don't kid about stuff like this.  Chris made a phone call and, with many emotions, my mom brought home Pa's banjo at Christmas.  It hadn't been played since he passed in Feb 1995.  It's a beautiful banjo. . .one that I'm so very proud to learn on.

I have now started lessons.  I have to drive 35 minutes to get there and 35 minutes back. . .for a 30 minute lesson, but to me, it is SO worth it.  I even try my very best to practice every day for at least 30 minutes.  I can truly say I enjoy EVERYTHING about it, which is good because Annie, my teacher, says I'm a natural.  How rockin' is that?!?!  Anyway, I wanted to share my first song that I've gotten down.  I'm working on two new songs, but hey. . .I'm proud of myself for this!  So enjoy!! 

It won't leave my mind

I heard about it today for the first time and it just won't leave my mind - the story of the Kim Family.  I will continue to pray that they find James Kim and I cannot even imagine the ordeal that they have gone through.  I wish I could do something to help, I wish I could hug Kati Kim and tell her what an extraordinary woman she is.  And what a wonderful gift she gave her children, to keep them fed and nourished for NINE days by breastfeeding both.  Do you hear that?  SHE BREASTFED HER CHILDREN FOR NINE DAYS.  You can't tell me that's not a lifesaving gift.

Continue to keep this family in your thoughts. . .my heart goes out to them. 

Mom & Dad
Last year, 2005, my parents both turned 50. It was not readily accepted by my dad, but mom embraced it and rolled with it. I had my dad help me prepare a "surprise" party for my mom, but in reality, the joke was on him because it was really a surprise party for BOTH. I had invited friends and family and prepared a video of their life. It was rather lengthy so I have shortened and want to share it here. Enjoy the show!

Happy Birthday Mom & Dad

Pru's Paci
Topic: Pruitt

I present to you Pruitt's paci. It's called the Binky® Comfort Flex™ Most Like Mother® Pacifier.  We used the same kind with Cale, but since Cale was born, these are VERY hard to find for some reason.  Let me tell you the story of this poor pacifier.

I'm one of those people that doesn't like her kids to have a pacifier.  I guess I just didn't want them to be three and walking around with a paci, so the compromise I made with Chris was that they could have one, but only for sleeping.  That's our paci rule.  When we decided that Pruitt liked the same pacis that Cale did, we inspected them, threw the ones away that were worn, hunted down new ones and washed them all.  We continue to inspect them regularly and only give them to Pruitt when he's sleeping (two naps a day and at night).  We don't boil them, or throw them in the dishwasher.  These pacifiers have not been abused.

So you can imagine my shock when I hear Pru cry like he's being tortured.  I run into his room to see him trying to put this paci back together.  No, he didn't choke on it and we thank God for that, but this scared me!  I immediately called Chris who immediately called Playtex.  He actually talked to two or three people to go over what happened because they couldn't believe it.  They were all worried that the baby was fine, and we assured them that he was, and they all apologized all over themselves.  They sent us three new packages too, but here's what got me.  1.  I never knew this could happen!  2.  I received a "courtesy" call from a representative of Playtex.  She went over what she had heard, then proceeds to tell me that I should have replaced EVERY pacifier after they were 2-3 months old because they break down with "normal" use.  I asked what "normal" use was and she said, "That's an average of being used over a day."  For Pruitt, I don't believe he uses one for the "normal" amount of time in three days combined.  She also tells me that *I* am the one that caused it to break apart because *I* continue to boil them and put them in the dishwasher.  Ummm. . .no. . .not me. . .not this family.  If it's dirty, it gets rinsed off, maybe with a tad of soap if it's not an overly busy day.

I was shocked that this was now being blamed on me, not on a faulty product.  HOWEVER, she did stress a lot how much they want me to send them the pacifier pictured above for quality testing. . .but it's still *my* fault??

I guess the moral of the story can be whatever you want it to be.  It can be a reminder to check your child's pacifiers, it can be a lesson not to buy Playtex, it can be a lesson not to give your child a pacifier.  Take away from this what you want, but I did want it out there.