We ♥ Baby!

My pregnancy was a relatively easy one, as far as pregnancy goes. I had all-day-long morning sickness throughout the first trimester, a smooth-sailing second trimester and an exhausting, uncomfortable third trimester. I had stopped working when I was 39 weeks along. It was especially difficult to work toward the end because I had to do a lot of driving for my job. Getting in and out of the car was increasingly difficult as time went on. So, 39 weeks seemed like a reasonable time to stop working. Then I just played the waiting (and resting) game!

My check-ups at 39 and 40 weeks were normal. I was still very healthy, as was the baby. However, providers tend to get nervous as women pass 40 weeks with no signs of labor. I was using the midwifery practice associated with Boulder Community Foothills Hospital, Boulder Nurse Midwives, and they wanted me to come in for a non-stress test and ultrasound when I was 41 weeks along. I spent the week waiting for that appointment hoping that I would go into labor at any moment. I did some things that are supposed to help induce labor, like acupuncture, eating basil, oregano and spicy foods and taking walks. There was still no sign of labor, which I had expected since my mom carried both my brother and I to 42 weeks.

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Related to yesterday’s post:

The Girl Effect

For a long time, I’ve had this feeling of profound connection to all women based on the simple fact of our sex. Although, this really isn’t such a simple connection. Women vary in countless ways that certainly influence how we experience our womanhood. In fact, it is up for debate whether or not there even is some common essential element that binds all women. This is part of the reason I majored in Women’s Studies in college. I wanted to investigate what this intuitive feeling was all about.

Nonetheless, even though so much differentiates women all over the world, even women across the country, I can’t help but feel that there is something in our essence that connects us all. This incredible project documents women in several countries around the world. Women in developing countries are usually portrayed in a limited, reductive fashion. This projects aims to buck that trend. It powerfully conveys women’s humanity and strength. I can attest that women are incredible strong; I learned of my own incredible aptitude for perseverance and courage when I gave birth. And there never was a time when I felt more connected to all women, both living and passed on, than when I gave birth to my daughter.

You can see something in the eyes, the expressions, the wrinkles, the imperfections of these women. I’d like to think that it’s something like what I learned about myself the day I gave birth. Certainly, their strength stands in stark contrast to the poverty in which they live and the violence they have suffered.

Mariella Soleil, born on November 1st, 2008 at 4:54pm.

Weighing 6lbs 13oz and measuring 20.5 inches long.

Ella, we love you!