Labor of Love

On December 13th, we welcomed our second daughter into the world. And three weeks later, I picked up my knitting needles again :) I have made minimal progress on a Debbie Bliss designed seed-stith bordered cardigan for little Adeline. And I aim to complete it!

In the meantime, let me digress a bit.

Women freely speak of the pains of labor & delivery, and of birth plans and such, but why do we hesitate to speak of anything post-labor beyond the number of hours we spent in it? I'm not saying we should divulge all the gory details, but I don't know.... for me giving birth has been both traumatic & rewarding in ways that have impacted me deeply. Changed me even. Maybe it's just me? There are days I really wish I was more pragmatic about life, but God has given me a soft heart that feels....ALOT. And in the days and weeks following my second daughter's birth, I have been dying to share and connect with other women regarding their own birth experiences and reflections thereof. Again--I'm not necessarily talking about the traditional convos. that simply involve discussion of pain remedies, length of pushing, etc. I'm talking about the heart---how the thing a foot (two, in my case!)above the uterus was impacted by the event.

I haven't found much of an outlet, and when I have opened up a bit with some women (bless their hearts...), I get a look as though I have 3 eyes, and crickets chirp in the background. Yes, even in the dead of winter crickets will chirp when there is an awkward silence! I sense it's because it is either unfamiliar territory to engage in such convo. and/or I am viewed as making too much of it (which is probably partly true!).

As women, we are given the gift and curse (the pain part is the curse!) of bringing forth little human beings from our very wombs. I find this extremely puzzling & profound...

And I long to engage in a dialogue regarding the topic!

For now, I am thankful for this blog which allows me to air my thoughts without having to witness any awkwardness it may evoke in the reader ;)

Perhaps you are willing to join in the conversation?? Or can direct me to a book or another outlet where I can receive what others have to say regarding the personal impact of their birth experiences?

More to come....

Awkward Knitting Photo Monday

It's 2012, and I'm back!!!! 

And today is Monday--which means it is time to post an awkward knitting photo. 

Here it is:

This one is quite artful ;)  

Have a marvelous Monday!