september mama

WOW. i don't know why it never occurred to me, but why the hell shouldn't you try to keep your baby diaper free? apparently there is a whole method for essentially potty-training infants to go over a bowl or the toilet (of course you have to get them there in time). just think of the water and hassle that would save, not having to wash diapers... i am definitely going to try that. this whole childcare thing literally seems to get easier the more i read. why on earth have we made this process so built-up and complicated? so full of useless stuff and gadgets and disposable necessities? it's madness i tell you.

and i learned of something called a "blessingway" which is described as:

"A Blessingway is a wonderful ritual for the mother-to-be. It celebrates her step in motherhood (or motherhood again!) Baby showers are a lot of fun and they are a wonderful way to gift new parents things they need for the baby. A blessingway, however, is a unique way to honor the mother."

and they give some suggestions for what to do...

"Beads: This is my favorite blessingway tradition. It is so simple and anybody
can do this, even if they cannot attend the blessingway. Have each person
invited bring or send a bead that they have picked for the mother. The bead
should be something the guest has picked with the mother in mind. At the
blessingway string all the beads onto a cord for the mother to wear during
labor. Many mothers have said that these birth beads give them strength and
focus during labor. It is a powerful and tangible way to show your love and the
community support that surrounds the mother."

ahhhh that made me cry! amazing. i would loooove for people to do that for me. nevermind the party and hair brushing and belly painting (though that's nice too), the bead idea totally rocks. i suppose that could be part of a "normal" baby shower anyway, right?