Posted Monday, November 21, 2011 by Kally83

Now that we're expecting again, a question I'm often asked is "Are you planning on having a homebirth again?" I usually respond with "We're sure going to try," because as most people know, there are no guarantees when it comes to labour and delivery. Another question I'm often asked is "How do you get the epidural if you're at home?". That's an easy one, you don't. Inevitably, the next question is "Then why do it?" That's a tough question to answer because there's a lot to it. The simple answer is, it feels right for me. Their response to that often frustrates me because it's usually something like "There's no extra crowns in heaven for giving birth without drugs" or "You don't have to be a martyr". I don't choose to avoid pain medication in birth because I'm looking for some kind of reward or acknowledgement (though I do admit that when someone tells you how amazing you must be, it does give a bit of an ego boost). I'm not being a martyr, I'm being a mother. Before anyone jumps the gun, I'm not saying that people who receive epidurals or have c-sections aren't mothers, not by a long shot. What I mean here is this: my job as a mother is to make the best decisions I can with the information I have at the time. A mother that chooses to have an epidural is making the best decision for her and her baby based on the information she possesses at the time. If I aim for a homebirth and the midwife tells me that it's just not going to happen, this baby needs to come out by c-section then off we go to the hospital for a c-section....because clearly, that's the best decision for us at that time based on the information we have. Though I may be disappointed by the outcome, I refuse to feel guilty about it.


It truly blows my mind that birth has become so medicalized that women feel like those who choose not to go down the hospital/drug path are somehow weirdoes. Like we're irresponsible parents because we're "taking a risk" by giving birth at home in the comfort of familiar surroundings. I can think of a million reasons why I wouldn't want to give birth in a hospital (given the choice) but I don't like sounding preachy. Having given birth once in a hospital, I can say I've had the experience but frankly, I don't need it again. It felt like a waste of time and gas to me quite honestly, but I'm lucky enough to have regular, low risk pregnancies, so the hospital isn't a necessity to me as it would be to others.


Mothers should be honoured for simply being mothers. Carrying a baby for 9 months is as important in the process as the actual birth. And what of adoptive mothers....those who sometimes have to wait years to finally be able to hold their child in their arms? We're all moms, just doing the best we can with what we have so let's cut each other some slack ok?

Friday Confession

Posted Friday, November 18, 2011 by Kally83
Have I ever mentioned how much I love the Food Network? There are very few shows that I can't sit through on this channel. I never really thought of it as an addiction but I'm starting to think it might be. Despite my children's protests, I actually watched it for the better part of today...well I had it on but I was only partially watching it however it made me feel happy that when I looked at the TV I saw Guy Fieri instead of The Backyardigans.

My personal favourites are Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Iron Chef America, but I also really enjoy French Food at Home, Chef at Home and Eat St. Boo and I used to love watching Throwdown with Bobby Flay but haven't seen it on lately. I used to watch a lot of Rachael Ray although her talk show isn't on FN so I often miss it.

The biggest problem I have is that it's absolutely essential that I eat something before or while watching most of these shows because otherwise I'll snack on whatever I can find (Ha, like I need to snack more!!!), so I try to plan accordingly.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to Alton Brown and tonight's Iron Chef.

Have a blessed weekend!!
Posted Wednesday, November 16, 2011 by Kally83
Blogging. Oh how I have missed you!!

I've survived the first trimester and am starting to feel slightly more normal again. I had my third midwife appointment yesterday and she commented on how exhausted I looked. I have to admit, it felt good to have someone notice. Apparently, since this is my third pregnancy, I have no excuse to need extra help because I've been there, done that. What people seem to forget is I also have a 3 year old and a 16 month old to look after on top of making a baby. I know, no one told me to get pregnant but, well, I am, so understanding that I may not have the energy to be here, there and everywhere would make things just a little easier. Ah well!!

I'm fighting off the urge to start decorating for Yule! The plan is to wait until we go to the Santa Clause parade on the 26th...our "unofficial" start to the holiday season. It's just so darn tempting, because I LOVE everything about December (even the snow!!) We've started our Christmas shopping (barely) but I'm hoping to be done by mid-December. I'm still collecting ideas for Yule gifts for the kids (our aim is only homemade gifts for Yule...now if only we could convince everyone to do that for Christmas as well!)

I'm also trying to catch up on all of the blogs that I haven't read in ages and hopefully join a Yule blog party (I see buttons for quite a few!!)

Lastly, we're working on collecting and painting toilet paper rolls for our Santa Countdown Calendar. I'm so tired of buying the cheap chocolate ones, bleah!!

Happy Hump Day!!

Playing Catch-up

Posted Wednesday, September 21, 2011 by Kally83
Bleah! Morning sickness is currently kicking my butt and I'm on meds!!! I can't even imagine how our ancestors survived this when they had so much other work that needed to be done. At least the drugs keep me barely functional...I don't know what I'd do otherwise!

Oh the catching up I have to do! I'm not even sure where to start! I managed to make a night at Kaleidoscope Gathering back in July. It was beyond incredible. We didn't make it to any workshops (the one we did get to got cancelled) but we attended the main ritual (AMAZING!!) and we spent the entire night dancing around the campfire to the beat of drums (literally all night, we watched the sun come up!)

And now I'm drawing a complete blank...I know other things happened but it was early August when we found out that I was expecting again so wrapping my head around that seems to have rendered everything else insignificant. I had my first midwife appointment yesterday and she sounded really optimistic about me having another homebirth so I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!

My Women's Spirituality Group had a Full Moon Ritual in September which was wonderful. Foolishly, I offered to plan the next ritual for November 1st. I've never put a ritual together before but I have my dear friend helping me (she's also a newbie) and one of the more experienced ladies offered to sit down with us and help make our ideas into a ritual format so it should be interesting!

Munchkin turned 3 recently. I can't believe how quickly he's growing up! He's starting to understand concepts better now so I'm excited to really start including him in my practice.

Oh, we did our annual apple picking on Friday! Sooo much fun!! My sister and her boyfriend joined us so our basement is well stocked. Sunday afternoon will be pie baking day and I can't wait!

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Drive By Post

Posted Wednesday, August 31, 2011 by Kally83
Hello everyone! I'm so sorry I've been MIA but we've had a lot of things going on around here lately and I just don't seem to have time (or energy) to sit down and post! I promise to be back soon but I can't say for sure just yet when that will be.

I'm honoured to have been chosen as a Wonderful Web Witch Award winner by Pagan by Design
Wonderful Web Witch Award Winner
Thank you so much!!

A quick explanation for my disappearance and why I'll continue to be MIA for a little while longer: we have a new family member on the way!!! Yes, I found out a few weeks ago that a 3rd little witchlet will be joining our brood in April! Now that we're mostly past the shock, we're very excited although for the time being I'm "enjoying" the ever present morning sickness (whoever named that malady obviously has not seen me pregnant...24/7 nausea is far more accurate!) I warn you, once I start to feel like myself again, this blog will likely turn into my personal pregnancy journal! Our first midwife appointment is September 19th. Hopefully I'll be around before then but if not, I'll be sure to post some updates.

Brightest blessings!

Fun Songs

Posted Thursday, July 21, 2011 by Kally83
I feel like I'm cheating by posting two videos in a week but after putting up the last one on Monday, it made me think of this one. We sang this at our WSG campfire last week and I just loved it so thought I would share! Great for witchlets, although when I sing it with the boys we change the lyrics to "There's a little witch in every person today" Enjoy!

Coffee Talk

Posted Tuesday, July 19, 2011 by Kally83
PhotobucketI hope you all had a lovely Blessing Moon on Friday! I did my usual monthly Esbat although I did it in my room this time instead of the kitchen and I'm not sure I would do it again. Climbing over the bed to cast the circle was really awkward LOL.

I've been wanting to learn more about the Tarot so I did a reading using the Celtic spread while in my circle. It was eerily foretelling so I've decided to study a little more and start doing a daily 3 card spread to start getting a better idea of my personal relationship with the Tarot.

Spirit Voyage is starting their next 40 Day Sadhana and I'm super excited because it's much more active than the previous two have been. I haven't been keeping up with my yoga (other than once a week) so hopefully this will get me get back into the swing of daily practice!