Pondering doula-ing

I'm seriously considering doula training and becoming a doula/birth assistant. The training isn't until January and I need to get my deposit in by November, so I have some time to think about it. To be a doula, I feel like most that I've met are very quiet, relaxed, zen. that isn't really me. I am however, very forceful, a "bulldog" as one friend put it, when it comes to defending or needing to stand up for something (as so often doula's do during the labor when the mother can't speak to the doctor herself). I also understand and know a lot of medical jargon and am not intimidated by doctors. I went to school with a lot of them - they are no smarter than me, that's for sure. just more specialized. I am also so passionate about healthy births and birthing for the mother and baby, not for the doctor, which is what makes me want to do this. I love being able to support someone, in whatever decision they choose. I feel like doulas need to be there not only for the easy, natural births, or home births, but mothers going through labor who end up with c-sections, who have complicated pregnancies, those who probably need the support even more so. Which is why I'm considering "selling myself" (for lack of a better term) as one who can help with births where genetic disorders and congenital birth defects play a role. Although these women are the high risk category, they too may want as natural an experience as they can have, and they need more support. With my background in genetics I definitely feel i could help. so....thoughts?

The woodland party first birthday post!

Finally! I've been so busy at work, which is (shh!) where i do most of my blogging, that I have completely neglected not only my blog, but reading other blogs! booo!!! i have so much to catch up on - recipes, crafty things...i have found a little bit of time to find a new tattoo idea and a recipe for buffalo chickpea salad. in the meantime, i've also been working on a new embroidery project full of woodland creatures that is long overdue as a gift for someone and rereading harry potter (starting at book 5) to get ready for nov. 19 when deathly hallows part 1 comes out.

So onto baby's first birthday! much thanks to malissa without whom it wouldn't have looked half as nice. unfortunately we didn't get quite as many pictures as i would have liked - the food labels were quite inventive! but the food was fantastic (pork carnitas will be my new go-to slow cooker recipe, and taquitos will be on the menu regularly as well - anyone have any tips for rolling corn tortillas? our kept ripping). We had a huge turnout - i didn't realize merit knew so many little babies! The only hiccup - I found an underground bee's nest in the backyard hours before the party. since we normally do everything in the backyard, everyone ended up staying inside mostly which made for a very crowded house.

The favors: handmade felt stuffed woodland creatures  (and acorns and mushrooms). it took me forever to finish these, and no one took them. I think next time, i'll save my time and not worry about favors. but they (mostly) turned out cute!

The cake: the cake and cupcakes were made by my friend martina (with the help of unky shawn). freaking amazing!!! we looked all over the internet for ideas and came up with a personal cake for merit in the shape of a toadstool (complete with inchworm, grass, bees...) and a to die for red icing! i think i just love sugar crystals all over anything. the cupcakes came in two flavors: strawberry with a strawberry filling and chocolate with  a gooey chocolate center. sooo good!!! and the decorations - incredible!!! i really think she needs to go into business or get her own reality show. she would def. be great on a reality show. maybe a little foul mouthed but at least she's creative about it.

her new dolly.

she learned quickly to defend her presents from her cousins.

the end. i wish i had some better pictures, but the day was so busy i didn't even think to take pictures! and everyone showed up right on time, which i wasn't expecting so i had no lag time b/w when everything was set up and everyone showed up. oh well, it was wonderful and i thank EVERYONE who helped me.
so next year the theme will be.......