The Big Push by Josie

In honor of The Big Push Day (which my mom would looovvvee to be at in Chicago, but she sent her babywearing coat along with a friend who was going so it is like she is there in spirit), I (Josie) am guest blogging since I was born at home and mom (Linda) wasn't.

If you, like mom, didn't make it to Chicago, check out The Business of Being Born DVD.

I just want you all to know how super wonderful it was to be born at home and how it made my "birth" day even more special. Both sets of my grandparents were born at home and one of my older brothers. I am very supportive of choice. I would like all women to be able to birth in the space they feel most comfortable and safe. I believe supporting legislation in Illinois to make sure there are trained, knowledgeable, available homebirth midwives is a step in the right direction. I am happy that we may soon see more birthing centers in Illinois and I'm glad the hospitals in my area have certified nurse midwives, birthing pools, etc. The more options the better! I was born in the water and it was a wonderful peaceful entry to a world surrounded by people who love me and whom I love. After much consideration and research, my mom chose not to have a midwife present at my birth, but she is lucky enough to know about the midwifery care available in this area. I'm not saying all babies should be born at home, but I would like to have the option to birth my future children where I/and my caregivers decide is best. Please let me have access to legal, regulated, home midwifery care no matter what state I live in.

Okay, I will step down from my soapbox now since it is not a safe place for me to be...I can't even sit unassisted yet for goodness sakes! While I have the keyboard though, I thought I'd share some other thoughts with you.First, who came up with "tummy time"? First they say I should always sleep on my back, I get used to this position and then they say I need "tummy time" and mess me all up. I'm only four months old, but I can see this inconsistency and I don't like it. I don't feel safe on my tummy. I want to view the world from my back and you'd think they would get the hint by now since I roll over to my back any chance I get.


Second, how did this family get by without me? My dad needs me to help solve interesting puzzles and my mom needs me to entertain my brothers. They are so lucky I came along! I just wish my dad would warm up his hands a little bit after biking home from work in sub-zero weather...brrrr!


Third, is there anything better than snuggling with siblings? It is so worth coming out of the womb for time chatting with Parker and getting kisses from Dema. Kisses are my second favorite thing next to snuggling.







And last, whomever invented toes is so cool in my book. I love playing mom's vegan version of "This Little Piggy". You know;
This little piggy went to the animal sanctuary.
This little piggy stayed home.
This little piggy ate organic produce.
This little piggy had none (fast day).
and This little piggy went "go vegan, go vegan, go vegan!" all the way home.

Who needs a bunch of lead laden toys made with child labor when we have toes very conveniently attached to our bodies? Genius! Life just doesn't get any better than this!