Saturday, March 17, 2012

dispatch from labor land

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Oh friends, what a journey we are on! We are still waiting for that day. The past week and a half has been full of ups and downs, starts and stops, hopes and fears. I know I'm getting closer, but at the same time it feels like I will be pregnant forever. There have been two different nights this week, separated by days, that I was certain I would meet my baby before the morning. It's hard to keep my spirits up when things stall out and return to normal, but all things considered I'm doing really well physically and emotionally. I have been getting plenty of rest, I feel strong and SO ready to embrace any hard labor work that might be in store for me. I'm eating and laughing and walking and crying and feeling so very blessed by my beautiful family and friends, even as I search for a light at the end of this tunnel. I am learning the hard and yet freeing lessons of surrender. And I have so much respect for this baby! I know he or she is picking it's birthday and knows when the time is right. Showing tons of activity in the womb, I know he or she is strong and feisty, and a real force of nature.

Thank you all so much for your comments, emails, tweets, and messages of encouragement and love. Every word gives me strength, and I feel so buoyed by your thoughts and prayers.

I look forward to updating you soon with news of the baby's arrival.

XO,
Leigh

30 comments:

  1. what a gorgeous message. Wishing you every strength you need for the hours ahead. God bless your family!

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  2. I love that quote, one of my favorites.
    Treasure this time! What an exciting moment to be on the cusp of welcoming a new being into this world....

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  3. Happy Blooming, Leigh, the light at the end of the tunnel as you say, is a beautiful child with abounding love.

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  4. Leigh,
    i have been checking often to hear any news. Though it's not the best news, I am glad to know everything is still going well and that you are keeping your spirits up. I was 42 weeks(+2 days) with my first and 41 weeks +6 days with my second. I fully plan to be in the place you are now with my upcoming third. That wait is so hard, but, like you said, that baby will pick his or her birthday. Thinking of you and feeling your anticipation. Hope to hear the great news soon.

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  5. Strength and labor dust to you and your sweet growing baby. Bloom, baby, bloom!

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  6. Bloom baby bloom! I know how hard it is to wait. My two were 40+5 and 40+6. It's so worth it!

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  7. Same here, my two were 40 + 10 and 40 + 7. The last fews days are crazy and so beautiful. Now you know he or she is coming soon, so soon, the excitement must be real high!

    Bonne chance!

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  8. I've been thinking about you anticipating the arrival post!! You are an inspiration. I'm due in 11 weeks but I know that I can go over and the wait can make one anxious. But in the end it's all worth it!!

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  9. So exciting! Best Wishes to you and your family!

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  10. We'll be checking to welcome that womb-loving baby!!!
    Thanks for sharing your feelings on the magical journey you are enjoying.
    All the best and happy blooming, Leigh
    xo

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  11. I've been checking everyday. You are so strong!

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  12. In his 1896 Notebook, Mark Twain said, "There is in life only one moment and in eternity only one. It is so brief that it is represented by the fleeting of a luminous mote through the thin ray of sunlight--and it is visible but a fraction of a second. The moments that preceded it have been lived, are forgotten and are without value; the moments that have not been lived have no existence and will have no value except in the moment that each shall be lived."

    He also said, "When your watch gets out of order you have a choice of two things to do: throw it in the fire or take it to the watch-tinker. The former is the quickest," in Following the Equator.

    .... so throw your watch in the fire and enjoy every luminous moment. :) XOXOXO

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  13. Oh Leigh, go gently lovely one.

    If it makes you feel any better, I have had four students, one cousin and one friend who have all gone well past their due date this past week. For some reason these autumn/spring babes are taking their time. No doubt this baby of your will always do things in his/her own time. Blessings x

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  14. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way. May the baby find itself ready very soon!

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  15. your positive outlook is downright inspiring ! thinking of you, your family, and your wee one.

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  16. Rachel and I were JUST talking about you yesterday! We were sending "come and meet the world little one!" vibes from the other coast!
    Sparkle on Mama!

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  17. Thinking about you and wishing you good luck and wonderful thoughts for an amazing labor. Hope baby comes soon!

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  18. Been thinking about you!

    Your little one will be here SOON - and I'm certain your birth story will be well worth the wait.

    P.S. I'm only a few weeks behind you...due April 9!

    stephanie@metropolitanmama.net

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  19. Thanks for the update, now I can get some sleep! I check multiple times a day : ) Sending love, love, love...
    Love,
    Steph

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  20. Good luck Leigh!!! Just read this birth story and thought it might help you to keep sane and remember the little one knows what s/he's doing! (as Dee says in this post, "a reminder that childbirth involves the journey of two people, not just the mother"). Amazing Dee from New Zealand and her FIFTH home birth!!! She writes so articulately and wisely about it (not to mention the beautiful photos):
    http://dee-construction.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/birth-notes-sawyers-story.html

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  21. I dreamt last night that you had a baby girl! Good luck!!

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  22. As a dad,I have only watched the pain ,and joy of a Child coming into the world ,the most rewarding and emotional experience ever ! may your baby bring you lots of joy !

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  23. I love the way you discribe this exciting, emotional, miraculous time! good luck with everything! I'm sending good vibes your way. With love, Nikki

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  24. you've been in my thoughts and continue to be!!
    xx

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  25. Hi, I just stumbled on your blog - I realise you're probably either really busy birthing or still waiting, perhaps with a zillion things to do. However, if it's the latter, I'm just wondering if I could get the image file for your fabulous picture for this article. I'm re-doing my living room and would LOVE to blow it up into an art piece. Thanks, and all the best with you birth! mmereddick@gmail.com

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  26. Lots of love.... I can' t say anything else. Love to you all!

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  27. Hang in there! Both of my boys came this way - so many starts and stops. You're right - eventually the time will be right and your baby and your body will work together to make it happen.

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