Things I'm grateful for today (in no particular order):
Voting with my son for his first time.
Picking tomatoes in my garden....at the END of October!
Spending Sunday morning with my family...All of them.
The SUN. It's warmth, it's healing, it's energy.
Reading.
Knowing I am loved by so many.
Health. Life. Love.
I feel extremely blessed today.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Volleyball
Emilia had her last volleyball game this afternoon, and they WON every match! It was very exciting. All the grandparents were there to watch, along with Savannah, me and Mario. I'm proud of her for trying something new and having fun with it. It was fun watching. Too the bad the season is so short!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama
This is a moving interview. Colin Powell is incredibly articulate, and I respect his point of view.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Utah
Last week we drove to Utah with the girls to visit Mario's family and to attend one session of our church's general conference. The 13 hour drive went smoothly both ways. The girls kept themselves busy listening to music and watching movies on the laptop. We MADE Savannah drive for an hour in Idaho. It was the perfect place for her to practice switching lanes because there wasn't much traffic. But I didn't realize the speed limit was 75mph. This really freaked her out! After getting the hang of it she got her speed up and did a great job.
While in Utah we kept busy for three full days. The following pictures were taken at a place called Heritage Park. It is a small, recreated village from the time the pioneers first settled in the Salt Lake Valley. Some of the homes and shops are original, and during the summer months you can go inside. The homes weren't open when we were there because they were preparing them for halloween. But we were able to sneak into a couple. These pictures were all taken inside the chapel which was also used as a schoolroom. You can see we had fun pretending!
These pictures are from the day we spent on temple square. There is so much to do there! We saw the movie "Legacy", about the pioneers. We enjoyed the artwork and the rich history. The temple grounds are beautiful! This photo is of the Christus, which is just an amazing sight.
Saturday morning we woke up bright and early to head to the conference center to attend the morning session of general conference. This place is a sight to behold. The architecture is amazing and it is enormous. The spirit is sweet when the prophet walks in and the entire building stands in silence. I really enjoyed all the words that were spoken that morning.
While in Utah we kept busy for three full days. The following pictures were taken at a place called Heritage Park. It is a small, recreated village from the time the pioneers first settled in the Salt Lake Valley. Some of the homes and shops are original, and during the summer months you can go inside. The homes weren't open when we were there because they were preparing them for halloween. But we were able to sneak into a couple. These pictures were all taken inside the chapel which was also used as a schoolroom. You can see we had fun pretending!
These pictures are from the day we spent on temple square. There is so much to do there! We saw the movie "Legacy", about the pioneers. We enjoyed the artwork and the rich history. The temple grounds are beautiful! This photo is of the Christus, which is just an amazing sight.
And that evening we went on a horse and carriage ride. The perfect way to end the day!
Saturday morning we woke up bright and early to head to the conference center to attend the morning session of general conference. This place is a sight to behold. The architecture is amazing and it is enormous. The spirit is sweet when the prophet walks in and the entire building stands in silence. I really enjoyed all the words that were spoken that morning.
Catching Up
I took these photos about two weeks ago and meant to post them at that time. So here is the last remnant of color in my garden. I have been enjoying the dichotomy of the coolness of fall making its way in and the color of summer hanging on in my yard.
I planted zinnia's early in the summer season, anticipating lots of flowers for cutting and displaying on my dining room table, but the seed just wouldn't take. I made one last effort at the tail end of summer, throwing a couple packets of seed down and here's what I got.
I bought several packets of sunflower seeds to plant in a row in the front yard. I don't know what happened, in all my yard working days I NEVER opened those packets of seeds. But God graced me with two spontaneous sunflowers just where I intended to plant my own. Hmmm, He does know what we want!
I planted zinnia's early in the summer season, anticipating lots of flowers for cutting and displaying on my dining room table, but the seed just wouldn't take. I made one last effort at the tail end of summer, throwing a couple packets of seed down and here's what I got.
I bought several packets of sunflower seeds to plant in a row in the front yard. I don't know what happened, in all my yard working days I NEVER opened those packets of seeds. But God graced me with two spontaneous sunflowers just where I intended to plant my own. Hmmm, He does know what we want!
This is a scraggly old rose bush in the front, and I have another in the back. I have a plan for a space in the back yard to begin a rose garden. Mario even dug out the weeds and began preparing it for me, but I never got around to it. Another plan that will be saved for later. (I have a lot of plans...poor Mario)
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Horseback Riding Hurts My Hiney!
Today the girls and I went horseback riding with our young women youth group at church. It was a long ride, and my bum hurt the second I sat on that saddle. (I won't disclose how difficult it was to get up on the saddle in the first place!) It was the most beautiful fall day in the mountains! The sky was blue, the air was cool and we all came home with pink cheeks. All of the girls loved it!
Here are a few pictures of ME and MY girls...
Friday, October 10, 2008
I love my girls!
Girlfriends....that is!
Who else but your girlfriends
would encourage you to tackle a project that seemed too big to do on your own?
Who else but your girlfriends
would show up on your doorstep, ready to work, and stay until the job is finished?
My girlfriends did just that today!
We removed the carpet and padding in the living room (hopefully it will be recycled and put to good use in the girls room VERY SOON) and exposed the hardwood floors that were in pretty good darn sharp, except for one spot. We removed every staple that held down the padding (thankfully it wasn't glued down like Mario thought it might be) and pried the tack strips up.
Oh, and put everything back where it belongs!
When all was done we were pretty beat!
Thanks girls, it was fun!
would encourage you to tackle a project that seemed too big to do on your own?
Who else but your girlfriends
would show up on your doorstep, ready to work, and stay until the job is finished?
My girlfriends did just that today!
We removed the carpet and padding in the living room (hopefully it will be recycled and put to good use in the girls room VERY SOON) and exposed the hardwood floors that were in pretty good darn sharp, except for one spot. We removed every staple that held down the padding (thankfully it wasn't glued down like Mario thought it might be) and pried the tack strips up.
Oh, and put everything back where it belongs!
When all was done we were pretty beat!
Thanks girls, it was fun!Monday, September 22, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Babies, Babies, Babies
I just had to share this picture.
Sweet baby boy born last week.
Gentle dog, who watched as the newest member of the family was getting an exam.
When the baby cried the dog was right there to watch over us, making sure that all was well.
It was such a tender moment to me.
Sweet baby boy born last week.
Gentle dog, who watched as the newest member of the family was getting an exam.
When the baby cried the dog was right there to watch over us, making sure that all was well.
It was such a tender moment to me.
We had a picnic at Westmoreland Park this week with some of our clients. It was an unseasonably warm (HOT) day. I was so happy to see some of the babies and toddlers that I have been privileged to meet on their way into this world. Chubby, happy babies that came into this world gently, in water. With loving hands catching them, guiding them.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The Dr. Phil Show
I heard a rumor that Dr. Phil was doing a show on homebirths gone bad. I debated whether I wanted to waste my time writing a letter to the show, but in the end I decided one more letter urging Dr. Phil to go another direction wouldn't be a waste of time. I expected an automated response email, but was surprised to find an email in my inbox a few days later from the production assistant of a new show, "The Doctors", which Dr. Phil's son is producing. He requested that I send a picture of myself, my husband and my mom (my mom?) to be considered to be a guest on the show. He also asked me to answer five questions. I considered deleting the whole thing, because there is NO WAY I would be a guest on the show. Instead, I answered the questions honestly and was rather proud of my response. Ultimately, I hope I make a small difference to someone, somewhere.
Here is the letter they sent me, followed by my letter of response.
Hi Kelli –
I read through your email regarding home birthing and midwives and thought you might be a good fit for a show we are doing. We have an incredible team of doctors who will be hosting a new medical show premiering this Fall. The new show, called "The Doctors," features a team of medical professionals discussing a range of various health-related topics and answering unique questions from viewers. The doctors include Dr. Travis Stork (ER Doctor), Dr. Lisa Masterson (OB-GYN), Dr Jim Sears (Pediatrician) and Dr. Andrew Ordon (Plastic Surgeon).
I would love to hear more of your story to consider you for this new medical show. At this point, I will need for you to do the following for me right away. Be sure to respond as thoroughly as possible.
Email me recent pictures of yourself, your husband and your mom. Include a full body shot as well as an up-close smiling shot.
1) Give 5 clear examples of how home birthing is good/beneficial.
2) Why do YOU believe some people are against home birthing?
3) How does one handle a home birthing?
4) How does one prepare for home birthing?
5) List 3 questions you would have for our expert doctors.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Dear Mr. Simon,
I would love to answer your questions, in spite of the fact that I am not interested in being on a show to "debate" homebirth. I am not a good debater! As in my previous email I stated that there are many in my field who are better equipped to take that challenge on. Also as I stated in my previous email to the Dr. Phil show I would highly recommend that you contact Ricki Lake to be on your show. She is well known and regarded, she has done a documentary about homebirth and I'm sure would be a perfect guest for your show. Because of her documentary she would also be able to steer you in the direction of those who would better be able to take on your subject in a public forum.
To answer your questions:
1. Home birth is ONE option for pregnant women. Women should have options and be able to find information that is accurate regarding their birthing choices. Because homebirth is only an option for healthy women with healthy pregnancies, it has been shown statistically to be just as safe as hospital birth for women and babies. Midwives who attend homebirths have been trained for the job that they do-attending normal vaginal birth. (OB's are not trained in normal, vaginal birth, they are surgeons). In a homebirth a women is allowed to birth however she wants, meaning she can eat, drink, move around, get in a birth tub, and her or her partner can catch their own baby. The couple make choices about any procedures or testing that they want done. And a woman who is able to go into labor in her home and doesn't have to leave her home, and is left to labor on her own time line, and is attended by midwives that she knows and trusts, will feel safe. Safety, both physically and emotionally is important to the process of labor.
2. I believe some people are against homebirth because of fear, and lack of information. If they looked at the facts and realized that this is a PERSONAL choice, they should not be so afraid. We should not tell women how to birth, just as we don't tell people how to vote, or how to worship. It is none of our business. But for some reason in this culture when a woman is pregnant we think we can give her all of our great advice!
3. If a client hires a homebirth midwife, then they have regular prenatal appointments, on the same schedule they would if they were seeing an OB. They are offered the same testing options, the only difference being I give all of my clients a full, written informed consent about any testing option available so they can make an informed decision. They need to have a few basic supplies in their home for the birth near the end of pregnancy, but I bring most of the needed supplies. When they go into labor they call me and we consult by phone until the woman is ready for me and my assistant to be there. When we arrive we monitor mom and baby continuously during and after the birth. After the birth we do a newborn exam, administer any medications to the baby that the parents have chosen, clean up (which is NOT as bad as most people think), make sure mom and baby are stable before we tuck them in bed and leave. We also do at least 3 home visits in the first week postpartum to make sure mom and baby are healthy and nursing is going well.
4. I think I answered most of that in the previous question. I would add that some couples decide to do childbirth education, but most don't. Our prenatal visits last one hour and we spend most of that time talking about questions the parents have, so that by the time labor begins they feel comfortable and confident in the procedure. We try to deal with any fears that come up prenatally.
5. I would ask the doctors if and why they are threatened by women having the choice to birth at home. I have heard recently that ACOG has made homebirth it's number 2 legislative issue. WHY? Is there a way for midwives and doctors to bridge the gap so that we could attain the ideal relationship of working together to serve ALL women? In my community the midwives have worked hard to come together with the CNM's and OB's in our hospitals that we transport to and it has been successful for us, which is ultimately better for our clients because they get the care they need in a respectful way.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my beliefs with you. I do feel passionate about homebirth and the belief that all women should have a choice in how they birth. I hope if you use homebirth as a subject on your show it will be give the respect it deserves, and not be used as a way to demean those who choose to birth at home and those who choose midwifery as their career. Birth is safe. And yet, sometimes we have bad outcomes. This is life. There are no guarantees.
I would love to answer your questions, in spite of the fact that I am not interested in being on a show to "debate" homebirth. I am not a good debater! As in my previous email I stated that there are many in my field who are better equipped to take that challenge on. Also as I stated in my previous email to the Dr. Phil show I would highly recommend that you contact Ricki Lake to be on your show. She is well known and regarded, she has done a documentary about homebirth and I'm sure would be a perfect guest for your show. Because of her documentary she would also be able to steer you in the direction of those who would better be able to take on your subject in a public forum.
To answer your questions:
1. Home birth is ONE option for pregnant women. Women should have options and be able to find information that is accurate regarding their birthing choices. Because homebirth is only an option for healthy women with healthy pregnancies, it has been shown statistically to be just as safe as hospital birth for women and babies. Midwives who attend homebirths have been trained for the job that they do-attending normal vaginal birth. (OB's are not trained in normal, vaginal birth, they are surgeons). In a homebirth a women is allowed to birth however she wants, meaning she can eat, drink, move around, get in a birth tub, and her or her partner can catch their own baby. The couple make choices about any procedures or testing that they want done. And a woman who is able to go into labor in her home and doesn't have to leave her home, and is left to labor on her own time line, and is attended by midwives that she knows and trusts, will feel safe. Safety, both physically and emotionally is important to the process of labor.
2. I believe some people are against homebirth because of fear, and lack of information. If they looked at the facts and realized that this is a PERSONAL choice, they should not be so afraid. We should not tell women how to birth, just as we don't tell people how to vote, or how to worship. It is none of our business. But for some reason in this culture when a woman is pregnant we think we can give her all of our great advice!
3. If a client hires a homebirth midwife, then they have regular prenatal appointments, on the same schedule they would if they were seeing an OB. They are offered the same testing options, the only difference being I give all of my clients a full, written informed consent about any testing option available so they can make an informed decision. They need to have a few basic supplies in their home for the birth near the end of pregnancy, but I bring most of the needed supplies. When they go into labor they call me and we consult by phone until the woman is ready for me and my assistant to be there. When we arrive we monitor mom and baby continuously during and after the birth. After the birth we do a newborn exam, administer any medications to the baby that the parents have chosen, clean up (which is NOT as bad as most people think), make sure mom and baby are stable before we tuck them in bed and leave. We also do at least 3 home visits in the first week postpartum to make sure mom and baby are healthy and nursing is going well.
4. I think I answered most of that in the previous question. I would add that some couples decide to do childbirth education, but most don't. Our prenatal visits last one hour and we spend most of that time talking about questions the parents have, so that by the time labor begins they feel comfortable and confident in the procedure. We try to deal with any fears that come up prenatally.
5. I would ask the doctors if and why they are threatened by women having the choice to birth at home. I have heard recently that ACOG has made homebirth it's number 2 legislative issue. WHY? Is there a way for midwives and doctors to bridge the gap so that we could attain the ideal relationship of working together to serve ALL women? In my community the midwives have worked hard to come together with the CNM's and OB's in our hospitals that we transport to and it has been successful for us, which is ultimately better for our clients because they get the care they need in a respectful way.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my beliefs with you. I do feel passionate about homebirth and the belief that all women should have a choice in how they birth. I hope if you use homebirth as a subject on your show it will be give the respect it deserves, and not be used as a way to demean those who choose to birth at home and those who choose midwifery as their career. Birth is safe. And yet, sometimes we have bad outcomes. This is life. There are no guarantees.
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