Mother's Blessing

So many thanks to Rae Ann for grabbing my camera and documenting the day!  

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I had such a wonderful time at my Mother's Blessing.  I was feeling a bit "off" all day (lack of sleep? just general pregnancy yuck? who knows...) but I really enjoyed the afternoon.  It was wonderful to be surrounded by such an awesome group of women- some mothers, some who now don't want to become mothers because of some of the stories shared. :-P  

Everyone came into my community in different ways- it was nice to see the diverse group of neighbors, friends from college and Cleveland (fellow PDX newbies), and more random connections from mutual friends.  Each woman adds something unique to my experience as a mother, a wife, and a friend.  I'm one spoiled lady, and I'm so grateful to each of them for coming to celebrate our newest addition.  

My henna artist showed up promptly at the start of the party, so we got to work while the rest of the ladies filed in.  Amazing food was eaten- in fact, I'm pretty sure some folks never put their plates down (no shame in that!)  It was quite a spread of wonderful treats.  

I am so impressed by the talent it must require to do such amazing artwork- especially on a moving target.  Yes, baby tiny was squirming like CRAZY during the entire hour.  

I had brought a sample photo of some henna that I liked (see it in the background?)  She did a great job of recreating it.  I'm so pleased!

Seriously- amazing work.  I'm in awe.  It was one thing to watch from "above" as she worked- I could clearly see that it was beautiful, but I was viewing it from one rather strange perspective and couldn't see the whole picture.....  But when I did, oh my.  In the words of one dear friend- it is breathtaking.

Have I mentioned the spread?  Oh wow, Marissa is a wonder in the kitchen.  She made wonderful party favors of Peach Lavender Butter and Salted Caramel Pear Butter.  Both vegan!  They're absolutely delicious.  I don't know about anyone else, but I think you're just supposed to eat it straight off the spoon.  Ahem.

Kraig was a sweetheart and got a tray of tahini, pita, and falafel from my favorite restaurant.  Oh my word, I could eat that falafel everyday.  Marissa made two kinds of fall vegetable tarts, white bean spread, apple cobbler, and double chocolate chip cookies.  Donna made a citrus salad and there was a cheese and cracker tray.  I didn't eat much during the party, but there are lots of leftovers in my fridge right now.  (Thanks Marissa!)

The artist finished up and I finally got to take a look at the full masterpiece (remember, I can't see the bottom half of my stomach from up here ;-))

I think you'll agree that it is magnificent.  Absolutely gorgeous.

I knew before I got pregnant with Baby2 that I wanted to have a special henna ceremony.  I had heard from a more experienced, wiser mama (Hi, Kate) that with baby #2 there is not as much time or opportunity as there was with #1 to connect with and focus on the new baby growing in my belly.  Obviously a toddler in the house makes it more challenging to spend mental and physical energy connecting with the newest addition.  Thus, having a special ritual to honor this child was important to me.  I didn't want the experience of this second pregnancy to get lost or diluted just because we already had a baby.  He's every bit as anticipated, wanted, and loved as Owen was (and still is), and I'm glad we had a chance to pause to recognize that.  I had the afternoon to celebrate, focus on the upcoming birth, and enjoy some "downtime" without worrying about Owen or Kraig.  The day was all about Baby2 and me.  I'm so grateful for that time.

And I'm so grateful for the generosity, kindness, and love of these women.  Your out-pouring of love has filled me up and our little family is so lucky to have each and every one of you in our lives.

L-->R: Brie, Marissa, Wanda, Donna M, Donna G, Me, Sandi, Heather.  Rae Ann was behind the camera :-)

This is completely out of order, and I wish I could find a way to end with that, but that wasn't all!  Rae Ann had prepared a ridiculously cute flag bunting for Baby Tiny.  Each woman wrote a special note or blessing on the back of a flag.  I read them all when I got home, and I can tell how loved he already is :-)  I also opened a slew of wonderful, thoughtful gifts for me and baby.  We're so blessed.  So, so very blessed.  Thank you all!