It's a girl!

Nola Anne Oyakawa
Arrived September 21st at 4:05 am
9 days past estimated due date
10lbs 4ozs
21.5 inches
100%adorable

Dear Baby,

284 days ago.

Another day is passing since your due date. My mind wanders to you almost every second. It has been strange not knowing if you are a boy or a girl. I have no firm motherly instincts either way, probably because I will be very happy no matter what. It is a cliche, but I just hope you are strong and healthy.

I'll never ever be comfortable saying for sure, but my heart thinks you may be the last baby in our family. If that is the case you won't be a big brother or sister but you will get to always be the baby of the family. That gives you a tender spot in my heart.

I hope life in a family of six children is not too overwhelming for you and that the craziness of our family is tempered by the joy.  We are all so excited to have you here with us. I hope you never feel left out, but that with eight of us here there will always be a friend for you and someone to talk to.

I am a very lucky woman to be your mother. I have dreamed of a big family since the first time I even considered being a mother. I am so grateful to be here on this earth in a body that has let me realize that dream. Your dad is such a kind person and never once let fears or concerns of being the father to many come before his excitement that you are coming to us.

I know you could arrive at anytime now. And I am so ready for that, but I also want to cherish these last moments of you being very much a part of me. I cherish your kicks and hiccups and writhing movements. And I will miss them.

I know now that childbirth is not just something only mom does but is a feat mom and baby accomplish together.  I know that you are the one that starts the process and I will do my best to wait patiently for you to be truly ready.  I hope we are both strong and brave through the journey of getting you earthside. I know that the moment you are in my arms will be a moment I will remember for the rest of our lives, no matter how much you grow and how far away you go from me.

From the moment I knew you were coming till now there has been a lot of growth and change for me. I can't wait to see the same thing occur in you as you grow.  No matter what I will always be cheering you on.

I hope you never doubt the love we all have for you.
I know life will be hard but I hope it is still fun.
There is so much out here waiting for you.

We are ready when you are.

Love,

Mom

Happy Birthday PJ

Our little Parker James is TWO! Unreal! didn't I just have him? How many people have their birthday cake in the same place they were born?

PS. His little brother or sister was due to arrive today.

Nana made him this awesome cake since he is quite obsessed with buses lately. 

He was actually very sad to see it go and didn't quite understand where it went. He's till walking around asking for the "bus... bus? bus? bus?"

candle: "hot?hot?hot?"

Rock star in the making!

Guesses

Dad:
Sep 14
Boy
9lbs 8

Mom:
Sep 16
Girl
8lbs 9

Ben:
Sep 8
Boy
10lbs

Ella:
Sep 15
Boy
9lbs 2

Maiya:
Sep 9th
Girl
9 lbs 14

Cora:
Sep 21st
Girl
9lbs 2

Taking care of yourself after baby's delivery.

Over the weekend I had a deep freezer with every shelf covered in maxi pads. I have to have some frozen pads after baby. This was one of my last hesitations of birthing at home vs. the hospital, I LOVED those ice pads - they were so convenient and soothing. Then I found out you can buy them online, but they are 2.40 for ONE. And I wanted about 20.  So I learned how to make my own. And I had to learn without google's help. So I thought I'd help out other moms on what I found out to work the best. Last time I froze different things on different brands of pads - this is my favorite:

 I make herbal mixture from this Herbal afterbirth bath - you can get here 

In the video I called it 'tea' its not tea - don't drink it. It won't kill ya but it won't taste good. After baby you can make another batch to refill your peri bottle with. Ahhhh the peri bottle, a new mother's best friend.

The herbal mix has all this wonderful stuff in it: 

Comfrey leaf, Lavender flower, Shepherd's Purse, Uva Ursi leaf, Plaintain leaf, Red Raspberry leaf, Yarrow flower & Sea salt.

 It smells SOOOOOOO good! I wish there was smell-o-blog.

I wrap up a small handful into gauze and tie with rubberband. I made sure to leave enough of the mixture for me and baby to take an herbal bath after the birth, its healing for mom and baby. (my bits and baby's cord)

 bring to rolling boil then let steep - I let steep overnight.

Ok this is my favorite brand of pad for after delivery. They are BIG. They are SOFT. And they don't have wings - I usually like 'wings' but not when I am sensitive down there - no need for something to flip over and turn into a wax strip on me. 

Here they are freezing - once frozen I moved them all into one box, all ready to go.

and here is how I did it: 

Improving Birth Rally was a huge success

Improving birth rally

Birth revolution on labor day!!

Ella and I made posters, and we'll be at Medical Center of Arlington tomorrow hoping to make a difference in our country's birth methods:

http://www.improvingbirth.org/

 The National Rally for Change is to encourage and insist that all maternal healthcare providers practice evidence-based care. On average it takes 20 years for proven research to become practice. For the sake of mothers and babies everywhere, we can’t wait 20 years. The long-term effects of unnecessary inductions and cesareans are just starting to be realized. This matters for all people. Despite the dire situation, this is not a protest, but a public outreach event located where the vast majority of the population gives birth.

Evidenced based care is:

NO elective inductions without medical indication.
NO scheduled c sections without medical indication.
NO induction for 'big baby'
NO stripping of membranes
NO breaking of amniotic sac
NO early cord clamping/cutting