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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Yarn Along: Pigs and Birthing

Today I'm joining Ginny's Yarn Along at Small Things. She says, "Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs.  I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr."

So, without further ado, on this rainy day I am finishing up a sweet little family of pigs for a niece's Christmas present. The pattern is from the book Knitted Animals by Anne-Dorothe Grigaffe. I love the simplicity of her patterns. Many of them only require you to knit a square, and then do some stitching and sculpting into an animal. These piggies have been a super quick project, which is much appreciated this time of year!


The book I'm reading right now is Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method by Marie Mongan.  I cannot believe we only have about 9 weeks before we meet our little boy. In preparation for our home birth (yes, I know some of my friends think I'm crazy, and I simply don't care :)) I'm taking a Hypnobirthing class with my sister in law, Kerri. So far we have had one session, and what I've learned is that I really DO know how to do this already. Hannah's birth in Japan was completely natural, spiritual, and for the most part pain-free. It was really only the atmosphere of the general public hospital that felt "off." Well, that and not being able to communicate with my nurses and midwives in the same language. :) This time around, I feel as though I am learning the philosophy and purpose behind the hypnotic state during labor that I reached without knowing during Hannah's birth. I'll also be surrounded by people who trust that I know what to do, and when my body is ready to birth this baby. Nothing is more disheartening than a nurse walking in the room after you've labored quietly through the night and saying "you still have a long way to go." Little did she know that 30 minutes later I would be holding Hannah in my arms.

We sure showed them.
 For the past few months I have really concentrated on keeping a positive and happy countenance, and what a difference it has made. By removing negative thoughts and influences in my life, I have opened myself to the simple joy of being pregnant. It is easy to fall prey to the ever-present mentality that pregnancy is a miserable process, and birthing an excruciating event. It takes much more effort and willpower to be happy with the changes my body is going through, and look forward to birthing with excitement and joy. I am so glad I've chosen to put in the effort to fill my heart with love and positive energy. My baby will thank me.

9 comments:

www.OhThePlacesWellRoll.com said...

those piggies are adorable! and you are right, sometimes it is hard for us to stick to what works best for us and ignore outside pressures. good luck with the upcoming event! what a season for sweet miracles!

:)
jen

Suzie said...

Thank you for your words of encouragement, Jen! And thanks for stopping by!

WeAreTheRopers said...

Such an exciting time! What a miracle that our bodies can do what they do! What a privilege to play host to such a tender new life! The awesomeness far outweighs any discomfort. Suzie I LOVED everything about being pregnant and giving birth! Go ahead and love it! You and I are on the same team!

My little guy is nursing right now... another miracle! I wouldn't trade this for the world! Yay for babies!

Unknown said...

i'm so excited for you and this new little one to be in your life! i'm happy you found your positive energy in this oh-so-negative world we live in! embrace the last few weeks you've got before you're a mom to 2 kids! :) love ya!!

ps the pigs are super cute!

Erin said...

I wish you all the best on your birth journey! I loved hypnobirthing when I was pregnant last time round. Blessings!

Stacy said...

"For the past few months I have really concentrated on keeping a positive and happy countenance..."

I love this sentiment. With over 3 months to go until I meet my new little one I'm going to try to keep this in mind.

I love the little piggies too...I love knitted animals.

UmmRania said...

Wooo! I love reading about people wanting home birth (and knitting!) I had all 3 of my babies and home and would do it again if I was to be blessed with more. Go for it!

OrangeBlossom said...

The pigs are so cute!

So excited for you! I, too, have been trying to just enjoy the pregnancy ... I have a bit further to go with our sixth due in June.

Suzie said...

Thanks for the love, ladies!