After weighing out the pros and cons of doing a home birth vs. hospital birth, we have decided that baby boy mitchell will be born in the peace and comfort of our own home. At home, I will be free to labor how and where I choose. Travis and I have been studying "husband-coached childbirth-the bradley method", and we feel confident that a natural birth at home is the best decision for our family. We have chosen a wonderful midwife, Karen Pecora, and our fantastic doula who was present at Lyla's birth, Sherill Sedillo. Karen is a huge believer in water birthing (which was how I wanted to deliver Lyla) and she will be bringing a birthing tub to our home as part of her services. I am really looking forward to this! I feel so relieved that we have made our decision and can proceed with my prenatal care...at home! Yes, Karen does all of the prenatal appointment by house calls.
My plan is to work until Thanksgiving and then start my maternity leave. I strongly believe in getting some time to rest and relax before baby's big day. So, I only have 15 workdays left. The countdown begins!
For more information about home births and water births, feel free to check Karen's website at
www.blessedbeginnings.net.
we went up to see trav's parents for a quick visit and it was cooooooold! here's a picture of us strolling around the village at lake arrowhead. although it's sunny, it was below freezing temperatures and the wind made it extra chilly. good thing there was a coffee shop that served cherry flavored french hot chocolate! delicious.
my little snow bunny.
The table before guests arrived. We had to figure out how to seat 10 adults, so my dad made our table bigger with plywood and duct tape!
Dinner is served! Turkey, sweet potato pie, green bean casserole, broccoli souffle, cranberry salad, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and my favorite: japanese pumpkin soup! I have to admit that the only thing I made was the mashed potatoes. All the ladies came with two or three dishes to help make this spectacular feast.
The kids table. There was a lot of chaos going on at this end of the room. It wasn't long ago that we didn't have a kids table at all...or maybe Trisha and I were the ones sitting at it. Our family has certainly grown!
Taking a break from dinner to have some fun. Lyla is pushing her cousin Emilia in a baby doll bed.
The first big dinner hosted at our new house was a success! Happy Thanksgiving to all! This year I have so much to be thankful for: Jesus, my wonderful husband, beautiful daughter, baby boy on the way, and all in this fantastic house. Thank you, Lord! We are blessed.
I love this photo because Lyla looks so happy!
*35 weeks pregnant*
The baby shower theme was "vintage toys". We decorated the tables in blue and red with jacks and animal crackers (which were the party favors). The centerpieces were mini radio flyer wagons with blue flowers inside. It turned out so cute!
Of course we had to have a sock monkey to match our theme. We also had red licorice and blue salt water taffys.
Sarah Callan and "Aunt Trisha"
This cake was from a place called "Nothing Bundt Cakes" and it was DELICIOUS. The top layer was pumpkin and the bottom later was cinnamon swirl. Yum and yum.
Kandice was the winner of our onesie decorating contest. She went with a lil' cowpoke theme and wrote MITCHELL across the lower back. It was adorable. She got to go home with one of the centerpieces.
The Bravos with their new baby Tallulah. She is almost four months old...and what a cutie! It was so awesome celebrating with all of our wonderful friends. 