LeeLee & KC's Bambini

How the time flies!!!

2009-07-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

Wow...it's been almost 4 months since we wrote on this blog. Now Lukah is 7 months old, eating yummy mushy foods, getting close to crawling and sprouting little new teeth. She's been to the California Redwoods, camping and swimming near Crater Lake, hiking to Hobbit Beach and up Spencer's Butte. She has fuzzy peachy hair and expressive deep brown eyes. It seems like she grows bigger and taller after every nap!
In two weeks we move to Minnesota and start a whole new life with our family and the Big Lake. What a journey that will be! What a journey it has already been. Let's let the pictures do the talking for now! Will try to update this more often!

Lukah 3 1/2 months

2009-03-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

Weighing in on Tuesday at Baby Clinic, she surprised everyone with gaining ten ounces in the last seven days. The meter read 12lbs. 12ounces.
Wow, BIg Girl! She gained nine ounces the week before, growing and chewing/licking anything she can reach and grab.

We all went to the coast last week. Luminessah taught a workshop in the morning, and performed in the evening. During the afternoon, we had a picnic on the beach in Florence.
Windy but sunny, temp. in the mid fifties. We had a great time. Lukah slept later before the evening show, and then woke up right before her Mama and Luminessah appeared on stage. She even gave a shout during the second quieter song, watching them dance with a smile on her face.
She is stronger and bigger every time she wakes up from a nap, and in the mornings she smiles, laughs, farts, and flails her arms and kicks her feet, happy and ready for another day...

Lukah's baby buddies

2009-02-24T23:41:00.000-08:00

Lukah has been a social butterfly lately, hanging out with all kinds of baby buddies!
It's so much fun to watch them stare at one another, smiling and cooing and even holding hands. Babies are so amazing!!

Here are a few new friends she has:

This is her friend Ian, born only a few hours after Lukah in the same birthing center!
She's got some catching up to do on those cheeks!

Here is her good friend Hannah Marie, born exactly one month before Lukah, also on the full moon! She looks like Snow White!

This is baby Griffin...he's almost 6 months old here (weighing in at 24lbs!!!) Mama worked with Griffin's papa Dave in the Sundance produce department.

The Story of Lukah

2009-02-14T15:11:00.000-08:00

I've created several versions of Lukah's birth story, but this one is a special poetic ballad I created for KC on Valentine's Day. I was so impressed with my rhyming ability, I wanted to share the poem with you all. So here we go...

The Story of Lukah...the Story of Us

It started with an owl, a rabbit and a tree
and two young lovers, walking gleefully.

The night was quiet as the owl came down,
and the rabbit took a bow, forfeiting the crown.

The two young lovers, they quietly observed,
and knew that something cosmic had just occurred.

From that point on, they walked hand-in-hand,
dancing and swaying and sailing across the land.

One special night as they dreamt happily in bed,
the little Light of Lukah entered gracefully into their heads.

They knew is wasn't yet time to bring her to Earth,
but rested well knowing she would be ready for her Birth.

They were engaged amongst the Rainbows,
and married upon the Big Lake,
and after a blissful year in Spooner
headed west to see what they could make.

They crossed mountains and plains, forests and rivers.
Oh! the sights they took in gave them quivers and shivers.

Little Lukah stayed so close, often visiting in dreams
and shining her Light through their art in multi-colored themes.

After several years of growing
and through waves of ups and downs
the two young lovers felt ready
to give Lukah her golden crown.

There was a very special morning
the young man heard angels singing
and out of Light walked in his Grandpa
Oh! what sacred words he was bringing.

"Six day time" is what he said,
six days time and they would know
that inside mama's belly
their little Lukah had started to grow!

And from that point their world took on
a whole new meaning and a whole new song.

They had nine short months
to prepare heart and home
for the upcoming arrival
of this gift from the gnomes.

And quickly those days did fly
but were filled to the brim
with all the love, joy and celebration
that one could possibly fit in.

For this little one was surrounded by Light
that drew family and friends
to witness the sight
that just happened to occur on a Full Blue Moon night!

Her arrival long awaited, as she was ten days past due,
with mama and papa working so hard
all twenty-six hours through and through.

And finally she entered into the world
with Grammy Linda there to greet her
and gently detach her from her cord.

And just ahead of a fierce winter storm
inside they snuggled
all safe and warm.

Star Baby, Star Baby
we welcome your soul
Little Lukah Gracy
you've made our hearts whole.

The Birthing Center needs your help!

2009-02-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

Birth Center in 1923!

The Nurse Midwifery Birth Center where we had our Lukah is in danger of not recieving funds to relocate. The hospital in Eugene has relocated, and the birth center needs to be near it, so they too need to relocate. But now the hospital is threatening to cut out the funds that were reserved for that move. We need to let them know how essential it is to keep the birth center going!

Please check out the birth center blog to sign their petition, contribute money, or to simply educate yourself on the situation so you too can spread the word!

www.lanecofbc.blogspot.com

We also have a link on our blog site to them.

Check out the video they posted as a way to get support. There are a few pictures of Lukah in it! It's a beautiful video with one of my favorite songs!

I know that being able to have Lukah at the birth center made all the difference in the world to us. We felt so welcome and supported the whole time, and still do, attending the weekly well-baby clinic and visiting with other mamas.

If we had Lukah at the hospital, I would have had to have a C-Section since I labored for over 24 hours past my water breaking. I would have had to stay there for 3-4 days as well. How different the birth would have been for me...instead of empowered, perhaps I would have felt defeated. Not that having a C-Section means defeat at all, but I knew I could do it on my own, and because of the support of papa, my labor team and midwife, I did have her naturally, on our own time, and in the comfortable homey atmosphere of the birth center.

Please check out the blog and offer as much support as you can. The time is dire for them!

Blessings

Lukah is 2 Months Old!!

2009-02-12T08:42:00.000-08:00

...and what an adventure it has been! She is sizing up to be a lovely lady indeed. At just over 10 pounds, she seems ready to take on the world.

Her grip is becoming stronger as her hands and fingers fill out. She's gotten a few good grabs at mama's hair, and occasionally holds onto one of her toys.

Speaking of hair...hers is getting much thicker! My color too. ;-)

When she's not quietly observing the world with her keen awareness, she is becoming quite the blabber mouth! She spends 20 minutes at a time staring up at papa and me talking talking talking that precious baby language. I think sooner than later words will form. It's already sounded like she's said 'hello' and 'I love you'.

She melts my heart every time I peak into her crib for nursing time, and am greeted with a great big Lukah smile, that special one reserved for mama only.

Bathtime Baby

2009-01-28T22:45:00.001-08:00

I had to post these pics of Lulu in the tub with her bath boat....too cute! She's giving her papa the lovey-dovey eyes.

Here's one of her wearing her baby leg warmers...way too big but I had to try!

Here is most of our baby group that we went through prenatal stuff with. We all had our babies back-to-back starting with Lukah on the 12th, then baby Ian (far left) eight hours later on the 13th, then Emerson on the 14th and Victor (check out that hair!!) on the 15th!

Midwife Emily who was there for Lukah's birth...

Lukah's First Vacation!

2009-01-24T09:29:00.000-08:00

While Grandma and Grandpa Myers were visiting last week they surprised us all with a spontaneous trip to the Belnap Hotsprings. Belnap is about 70 miles east of Eugene right along the McKenzie River. The springs are filtered into two outdoor pools, so not as rustic as some of the hotsprings. It was just what we needed after KC's long week at work and my busy week of appointments.

We stayed in the hotel rooms there with the hotsprings just steps from our door. Lukah did great in the car and was very content hanging out in the room, being held by her grandparents and loved by all.

She had her first big bath while there. Papa and I could both get in with her and float her around. She really likes bathtime now. We even brought her first "World Famous Bathboat" to launch.

She had a few other "firsts" while on this trip, including her first hike, along the river, and her first belly laugh according the Grandpa Kevin!
It was so wonderful to have family here to love up their first grandchild, and made us even more excited to move home this summer, so Lukah can be surrounded by her whole family.

Lukah is a growing girl!

2009-01-21T09:23:00.000-08:00

It's true! She's already 9 1/2 pounds and filling out all over. She's definitely giving my arms a workout as she likes to be held and snuggled a lot. And you've got to hold her tight because she can kick off with the spring of a jack rabbit!

She has discovered her hands and very soon her feet. She's got a good grip when she finds your finger or hair. She's getting good at sucking her fingers or thumb and drooling quite a bit too!

With her eyes she follows objects and faces closely, studying them with the intensity that only an infant, seeing this all for the first time, can reflect. Her favorite objects to look at are her "om" bear and blessing beads hanging above the changing table. She recognizes mama and papa, greeting us with adorable smiles.

She's even been in her first tribal bellydance costume! She is sure going to enjoy playing dress-up with mama! Her voice is starting to take on its own sound, whether it's big yell when she is yawning or sweet little murmers to her bear, coos while she's giggling and smiling or sounding out words like "hi" and "obama" (just making sure you're still paying attention!)

What a dream come true she is for us. We have been transformed by her grace. Children are blessings and come into our lives as our teachers. Please pay close attention to the children around you, for they are messengers from heaven!

what a year!

2008-12-31T20:18:00.000-08:00

It's new year's eve...and I'm a mommy! It's hard to believe Lukah is already nearly three weeks old! I'm still trying to get into this "new normal" while struggling to catch up on sleep, or get anything else done for that matter...besides nursing!
We are all doing so great though...Lukah is growing and healthy and so full of beauty, wisdom and wonder. She reached out for her first item the other day. (her "om" bear that Ali made) She is discovering her voice and says what sounds like "hi" a lot. She follows objects with her eyes, and looks to me or papa when she hears our voices.

Papa goes back to work next week, now full-time at the pre-school! He's been wonderful to have home...cooking scrumptious meals, cleaning the house and changing Lukah at 4am when I wake him up after nursing. He's a natural papa, so gentle and patient and so in love with our daughter.

I am in awe at the transformation that just took place. What a wonder the human body is!!! I am recovering well...feel like physically recovered almost 100%. I have already performed with the troupe at my work solstice party, and will be getting more into regular dance-mode next week. My body mind and soul know now (even more) how important and necessary it is to have dance in my life. It will be a good way to get me out of the house a bit now after Lukah. I've been a hermit since she's been born, but in a good way...I still take showers and brush my hair every once in a while.
Anyways...the main point of this blog was to get more pics up!
Blessings to this year we are saying goodbye to...it has been life-changing. And many many more ahead in the new year.
Have a safe and wonderful 2009!!!

Some of our favorite pics:
Lukah's "graduation pic" ...only 2 days old here!

Lukah 1st Week

2008-12-18T18:20:00.000-08:00

Lukah Gracy Ilminen Myers

2008-12-13T21:13:00.000-08:00

Full Blue Moon Baby Girl!

Lukah Gracy
Came into this world at 5:12pm, on 12/12

7 lbs. 9 ounces 20 inches

Mama labored for over 25 hours and pushed for only 20 minutes!! Recovering wonderfully.

Lukah is nursing well, just had her first bath and is sleeping great!

Thank you to everyone for prayers, and love. Many Blessings from Mama Leelee & Papa KC

Baby's birthing center picture is up: www.peacehealth.org/baby@lbum

Also, will be adding lots-o-pics to the shutterfly site: leeleekc82.shutterfly.com

Grandma Arrives Today!

2008-12-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

...And just maybe that is what our baby is waiting for! Grammy Linda is in the air as I write this, dreaming of holding her first grandchild. I am SO looking forward to her calming presence and nurturing nature. And what a blessing it will be to have her here for the birth after all!!

My weekly baby update tells me my baby is a week old already...hmm, I guess they don't have a past-40-weeks option. We're not worried, just ready. Last weekend I decided dancing would help so I squeezed into a costume and performed with the troupe at Cozmic Pizza. It was quite an amazing thing for people to see...even for me after I watched the video...wow! look at that baby dance! And quite a joyous act for us to do. A good pre-labor test for the girls and me.

Well, today we go in for some monitoring of the baby's heartbeat and some other non-invasive testing. Mom's going to meet us right at the birthing center, as that's when she will be rolling in from PDX. Maybe we'll throw our birth basket into the car...just in case!

I know I said the next blog would have baby pics up, but you'll have to settle for a giant belly picture instead!

Still waiting...

2008-11-30T15:38:00.000-08:00

Ahhh...yes, the waiting game continues. I'm thankful for the quiet, the extra time, the peacefulness, the long sleeps, the pre-labor contractions. All in purpose to ready the mind and body for the journey to come.
I am painting my earth mother painting I have been visualizing this whole time. Feels so good to have hours to devote to creative projects. And everyday I am enjoying them like they may be the last (for awhile at least).
The functional preparations are nearly complete. I can honestly say we are ready when the baby is ready. Tomarrow is the 'official' due date as determined by my doctor, and the 2nd is the due date as given by the midwifery center. If the baby is still whithin after that, we shall implement the age-old techiniques we've been hearing all about:
pressure points, massage and nipple stimulation, walking, dancing, lovemaking and riding mechanical bulls.
Grammy Linda will be here a week from Tuesday already! I am so excited to be surrounded by so many loved ones, whether in spirit or physical form. We already feel so much love.
So...I'm betting the next blog will feature the newest member of our family.
Stay tuned my friends!!!
much love, blissful blessings
Not-so-Little Mama LeeLee

Belly Cast!!

2008-11-22T20:39:00.000-08:00

Wu-hoo! We got our belly casted!! I'm glad we made it this far, because as of three this morning, I thought this could very well be labor day instead of belly cast day! I woke up with pretty strong contractions (compared to what I had been feeling at least) and was up til about 6:30 breathing thru them wondering if they are the real ones or not. Well, after going back to sleep for a couple hours, the went back to the mild ones, so I don't think the real thing is here QUITE yet.

So instead we got to do the belly cast as planned! We had a beautiful circle of friends over to help create it. Candace (who painted baby belly on Halloween) and Simon from Sundance, Serene and Lakota (our 5 year old little buddy), Heather, Jeannie and Ali.

Papa got some video and we got lots of pics. And now, drying with flowers all around it, is my beautiful pregnant belly to look at always. What a special memory we will have of this time. We may paint it later on, but for now, I enjoy the sun shining thru it and seeing my mama body on display.

I'll let the pics do the talking...

The Waiting Game

2008-11-21T07:56:00.000-08:00

I am officially on my maternity leave from work. The first day was a strange one! Maybe it's because I have more time to pay attention to my body, or that I'm not moving as much as I do at work...but it seems like overnight my body went into preparation mode for the labor. I'm much more aware of that crampy feeling that could be those pesky Braxton Hicks contractions, or a lead in to the real thing! I'm trying real hard to get tons of rest, for one because I'm trying to kick a cold that's been hanging on, and also, the obvious...very little "full-nights-sleep" ahead.

Two nights ago I had a dream that I went into labor today. My mom and sisters were in town and we all went to the birthing center together. I had one of those huge rolling suitcases overpacked with who-knows-what. We arrived and walked past the birthing group I was supposed to be attending. My favorite midwife was working! But all the bedrooms were being used so we had to go down to the basement to give birth! Not a nice cozy basement, but this musty old 'that 70's show'' style basement with ripped up furniture and a moldy smell.

Hmmm...I'm not going to read into that one too much...I'll take to good from it, like my family will be with me in spirit, and that perhaps Patricia my favorite midwife will be on call when the time comes. Luckily I don't think the birthing center has a basement.

A 'self-portrait' taken in the bedroom mirror. Note the belly, and papa in the background.

KC and I both have a strong feeling that baby is going to be an early arrival (start your bets now!) In the mean time, I am using my time wisely, multi-tasking around the house organizing and cleaning. My logical mind is trying hard to get everything checked off that preparation list, get all ready for when baby is here and logic is far away and it's just babymoon time.

Slowly I am falling into that trance that must be compared to the calm before the storm. My cozmic mind is pushing the logical one aside and allowing me to just be in the moment and space of my fullmoon body, to reach in and connect with the bright glowing light within me, growing brighter each day. I want to start a painting to go over our bed based on a sketch I did several months ago. KC and I are going to create an alter to help create an umbrella of love, abundance and good health around us as we settle in as three this winter. This will also help me to stop worrying too much about finances and the 'what-ifs'...to just melt into our positive intentions and know that we will all be taken care of by the universe. This child knew the right time to arrive and it is now and meant to be.

BLESSED BE!!!!

The official count is ten days...we all shall see very soon!
Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and you shall all be hearing from us soon!

Baby's First Halloween Costume!

2008-11-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

My last public performance was last night at the World Cafe with us Lumi's and the Conjugal Visitors (who were just voted BEST acoustice band in Eugene) Well, I couldn't go out with out a bang, so decided my costume would be the baby...painted onto my belly, with it's own costume. It was quite a success and was wonderful to see the little on undulating right along with my movements!

Here are some pics of how it all went down:

My friend and co-worker Candance was the artist, using a growth chart we were given at the birthing center. Baby is just entering the 9th month, so that's the one we used. She did an amazing job!!!

We did two sets that night, so two costumes. Here is number one, kind of a "Mists of Avelon" theme.

Costume number two was a bit more playful. We were more in gypsy/vaudeville more, dancing live to the Visitors music. Ali and I were studly men, and Lila and Jeannie were the frilly ladies. We actually whipped out some 'ballroom dancing' fusion. I thought it was fitting to be a man in my condition!

Harvest Time

2008-11-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

We've had sucha beautiful fall here...an unusual amount of sunshine for the Willamette Valley has brought out more colors than I've seen in a long time. We've been very lucky!

Here are some pics from the Middle Eastern Dance Guide of Eugene's Fall Festival. It was quite a busy day for me! Luminessah taught a workshop in the morning, I then volunteered at the festival, performed a solo in the afternoon, and then performed with our troupe in the evening show!

We got these awsome eyelashes as a trade from a workshop we did last month. They were actually more comfortable to wear than some of the smaller ones I have.

The evening performance ended up being one of our best ever. It was a great way to end a really long day.

Here is some of the harvest abundance at Sundance.

We all made little pumpkins to display in the produce department.

Every year we get a giant pumpkin and have a 'guess my weight' contest. winner gets to take the pumpkin home if they can figure out a way top do that. This year, we're weighing in at 357!! (The pumpkin, not me!)

Randomly, this house was towed down our steet last Sunday. It was quite a sight to see...invloving many police officers on motorcycles, many worker guys, and the moving of street signs and trimming of trees.

My nesting masterpiece...

2008-10-16T05:53:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the crib canopy! I've been working on it for some time, visualizing an enchanting, peaceful and ethereal experience for the baby every time we lay it's head down to dream. The material came mostly from thrifting, and the deep purple from Lisa when she gifted me with her old sewing machine. The center hanging rainbow is a locally made wind streamer, each string hand-dyed. This one in particular matches up with the seven chakra colors and is intended to bring healing and comfort.

View from the bed...

View from bedroom door...

Looking in....

Baby's view...

After putting it up, our bedroom seems trasnformed into a mystical and restful dream space. We both look very forward to hibernating with our new baby very soon!

These are the creatings I made with all the beads from my blessing at the baby shower! All the little charms went on a bracelet. Some of the more earthy beads I made into a necklace for me to wear. The remaining I made into a string of rainbow/chakra beads to hang over the baby's changing table. It feels good to have them all around us now, as a reminder of how much love and well-wishes were created for us during that ritual. Thanks again to all of you!!

random love-filled wackiness...

2008-10-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun pics of our little life in Oregon...most don't need explanations, so just sit back and enjoy!

Luminessah in September...

Passed out papa...

Chico and I demonstrate baby-holding 101...

Um...still practicing!

Onnie gets to wear a collar with a little bell on it now that he's mastered to art of escaping from the yard!

Barry, our yard squirrl...so named because he gets a 'blackberry beard' he eats so many!

A perfect breakfast: fresh mango, blueberries and tropical dragonfruit!

My Blessing Way

2008-10-02T21:46:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday (september 28th) I had my blessing way here in Eugene. It was a beautiful gathering of the caring and loving individuals who have become our 'family away from home' out here. It was held just outside Eugene at Serene's beautiful yurt in the Lorane hills.
A blessing way is like a baby shower, with more focus on showering the mama and papa with love and support, and less focus on showering the baby with gifts. I like both version, personally, and am grateful to have such amazing people in my life both here and back home.

Here are some pics:

After a blessing circle, where individuals spoke their blessings to us, the men left the room and I was bombarded by all these goddesses who sole purpose was to pamper me. I had sisters braiding shells into my hair, giving me massage and an herbal foot bath, dancing a blessing dance a playing me music...all at the same beautiful moment.

Ali and Lila gifted me and the baby with a special dance...we were all very emotional at this point!

Heather, Serene and Ali. All of these special ladies will be there at the birth!

KC and Andrea

Not-So-Little Mama and Ali

I got this shirt from St. Vinnies as a three piece patterned outfit from Nigeria...I figured that big ball of love on the belly was perfect for the big love bug IN my belly!

I was able to collect a few more birth stories as well! I'm so grateful for these. They are keeping me going for sure! I now have 28 and still expercting a few more!!

Our Backyard Faeries

2008-10-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

Oh how we love our new digi camera....for it has captured the most beautiful and amazing Beings floating around right in our own backyard!!

KC took all these pictures during the evening hours, not seeing the orbs of light with his own eyes, but after we looked on the camera...well, see for yourself!

No joke!!! This one is the most amazing...I thought the bright light was just a star, until we zoomed in afterwards...

Although not as clear, this one is a similar winged faery with a purple trail behind!

There are many more where these came from, but these are the most awe-inspiring and clear to see.

Here's a link KC found with similar pictures from around the world.

http://www.celticgardens.com.au/celtic-gardens-spirit-photos.html
http://www.celticgardens.com.au/celtic_gardens_readers_orbs.html
http://www.celticgardens.com.au/spheres_of_light.html

KC's Playhouse

2008-09-29T16:09:00.000-07:00

I have been working hard to finish projects before the rainy season begins.

Here is a bathhouse off the back deck. Our nice little house is great, but only has shower. It was so wonderful to sit and relax in a nice warm tub, and hear geese migrating, and see stars thru the window above,
a good dream 82% finnished, ha

I will be painting the bottom window to resemble a stained glass window shall come to be soon
Mama had her first bath the other night after complaining of back pains...what a relief to have that warm soapy water to soak in. We both think it will be wonderful for the home portion of our labor.

the mama's and the papa's

2008-09-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

I made KC and I "papa" and "mama" collages to focus on throughout the pregnancy and during labor. I just finished mine (with just a few weeks left!), so here they are!!

In my many years of taking many many photos, I've managed to build up quite a collection of doubles. I used mostly old photos in my collage, including most of the cloud pics, all the flowers and trees, and all the landscapes.

I wanted all of the elements to be represented to be reminded of my strength. The flowers are to help me visualize my cervix opening up in case I am having any difficulty dialating. I even have a mama and baby giraffe at the bottom to help me get through the labor knowing that at least I'm not giving birth to a giraffe! The butterfly represents our spirit guides and ancestors who have been watching over us and the baby this whole time.

Detail of the Mama collage...the goddess in the center came from a calender...a very empowering image of birth. The womyn at the bottem are Ali and Lila from our troupe. They will be at our birth to offer support and the power of dance and sisterhood.

KC's is made mostly using old calanders I've gotten from Sundance. It's great...after February, all the calenders we had in the store for sale for that year are taken off the shelf, covers pulled off to send back for credit and tons of free calenders for the employees!

The image in the middle is of a native american man with an eagle painted on his back. This image reminded me of KC's deep-rooted spirituality and love of nature and all living things. On the left is Oregon...the trees with the blooming magnolias, the tepee as the yurt KC had built in our backyard, and my immage within, nesting and growing our baby. On the right is Minnesota, our true home. The picture of the tree in the center is from the boudary waters area (from a 'great forests of this country' calender), as is the rainbow at the top. The light shining thru the trees is what will be guiding us home when we soon return. The light above KC is his focul point, with baby in mind, to guide him thru our labor with strength and clarity.

Here is what the flyer turned out like that Heather made from our Bryce Creek pics. I have this in a frame with the background a mosaic of a tree picture that I tore up for the pieces.

Practicing Papa...

2008-09-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

Trying out the baby sling...and blankies and new baby clothes....

Onnie is the baby for now...but not for long!!

Mama and Papa enjoying the Eugene Celebration parade on our 5 year wedding anniversary

Visiting our friend Andrea's new family...a mama, papa and baby horse!!

KC's Corner

2008-09-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

Some highlights of the Friendly Street neighborhood, taken on the way to KC's school...

Eugene neighborhoods have lots of these creative doorways...

One of the most beautiful Willow trees we have ever seen...

Another interesting yard feature...

Here are some pics from KC's school, the Hazelwood House...

A cute little "yurt fort" for the kids...

A beautiful loft built in the same style as the one at the Eugene Waldorf School...

Looking out from inside...a gigantic fig tree and a couple apple trees outside. Over by the yurt fort Miss Rachel has a beautiful lush garden and some chickens. What a great place for children to play!

Homeland

2008-09-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

Lisa, mom, Lori and I at Whistling Bird...the Iron Range's ONLY Jamaican restaurant.

My visit home last month meant the world to me. I needed to connect with my family, close friends, and north country roots as a way to gain support, strength and confindence for my upcoming task of giving birth. I also wanted our loved ones to be able to see and feel our baby growing...not just through pictures. Both the new grammas got some good baby kicks, and that right there made everything worth it!

Gramma Dede and Grammy Linda

The baby shower was magnificant...and a bit overwhelming! There were so many lovely ladies there to show their love and support. I wanted to sit down and have a good chat with each and every one there, but it was not quite possible. I want to extend my deep gratitude and appreciation to all those who joined us in celebration, as well as all those who wanted to be there but couldn't. A special thanks from the bottom of our hearts to Lori, Lisa and my mom for making it all happen.

Leelee and Natasha feet in Lake Superior

I am writing down a day-by-day recount of the trip in our baby journal...I'm finally on the last full day, when Natasha and I went to the big beautiful Lake Superior. We travelled to Gooseberry Falls lakeshore site where KC and I got married 5 years before that. It was a day just like that day in fact...cloudy and misty as we approuched to rocks, then warm beams of sunlight as we took in the magik of the place. We wandered down to the shore and even took a dip! These are some of her beautiful photographs from that day.
To see more, here is a link: http://s427.photobucket.com/albums/pp351/breathesun/gichigami/

Here is the bench KC and I visit everytime we go to Gooseberry. We got some cute wedding pictures taken there.

Bryce Creek

2008-08-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

We spent a wonderful afternoon in the 100 degree heat, cooling off in the mountain waters of Bryce Creek, about 40 miles south of Eugene. My first time swimming since I've been pregnant. A beautiful sacred place to enter. Our friends Ali and Heather came with us. Heather is a doula and is having a special workshop for pregnant womyn out on her land in November. She wanted to photograph me for the flyer, as well as take some special pictures for KC and I to have, so here are some of my favorites...be prepared, clothing was optional!
PS: If you're wondering...KC and I are covered in smushed up blackberries. ;-)

More Pics from Faerieworlds!

2008-08-21T10:33:00.001-07:00

Pictures taken during our Saturday night performance with Qntal, an amazing and beautiful band from Germany. We were in the front of the stage and the audience all moved back and sat down to watch us. Afterwards we got lots of yells for "Encore" and people were grabbing our hands to shake them as we were making our way out of the crowd!

More from the Friday opening ritual, shot by a professional. I just love all these pics. What a great way to remember that weekend.

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The Miracles of Every Day

2008-08-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

This Being within me has opened my soul up to so many more miraculous happenings around me. I am so thankful for every breath, every sense and every moment. Here are just a few recent blessings we have recieved:

-thunderstorms this morning and last night (a very rare occurance in Eugene)
-seeing an angel in the clouds last night with the full moon shining through
-taking baby swimming for the first time at a sacred mountain creek with papa and two soul sisters who will be at the birth
-covering KC and I from head to toe in smushed up blackberries (photos to come)
-communicating with baby thru meditation, journaling, dreaming and yoga
-seeing my belly move
-watching our garden bloom
-connecting with family and loved ones far away
-knowing that soon we will all be together again.

The Faerieworlds Ritual

2008-08-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

Our troupe was asked to perform at this year's Faerieworlds festival, a fast-growing annual celebration of the mysitcal world of Faeries, pixies, gnomes and hobbits. Thousands of people come to Eugene for it from all over the world, including Brian and Wendi Froud, the world-famous illustrators and puppeteers who collaborated with Jim Henson on movies such as the Dark Crystal and the Labyrinth, and whose son Toby (who was also there) played the baby Toby in the Labyrinth.
Anyhoo, we taught a workshop there Saturday and performed that evening with the famous German band, Qntal. Friday some of us were asked to participate in the opening ceremony blessing and ritual. I got to represent the mother muse! Here are some pics.

All the Luminessah ladies dressed for the fest...you actually stood out more if you did not dress up!

Preparing for the blessing...jeannie, Lila and I were veiled in white red and black for the maiden, mother and crone. We mostly spun around in a rotating circle through all the directions. There was a huge circle of faeries all around us.

My belly got a lot of attention!! Baby even kicked a couple people who came in the rub the belly! My good friend Serene made my outfit especially for the ritual.

(more pics of day two to come later)

July Adventures...

2008-07-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

Our most-recent performance during the Oregon Country Fair, July 12th 2008
Not only is my belly (19 weeks) rounder than the others, but also much whiter!! Maybe I should get some sunning in!

I started vending at the Saturday Market. I'm selling my candles, beaded bobbies, and driftwood windchimes. The hangers that Dede made out of old piano keys really come in handy here!

Taken during KC's reletive's visit, early July. They brought a nice little package of goodies from home, including KC's old saxophone and this darling butterfly costume that I believe is meant of the little one, although I couldn't resist trying it on!

A 5-Generation Reunion

2008-07-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

KC's granparents and cousins came to visit just before the 4th of July. We had a great time together...his cousins are getting so big! We celebrated KC's birthday early by going out to eat. We also had them over to our place where we had a foozeball compitition and dress up party!

Little dancing ladies: Abby, Emmy and Makenna

They made the long trek to Oregon for a big family reuion that happens in a different state every two years. KC's great-grandma Susan came all the way from Minnesota for the gathering, and we were lucky enough to be close enough to go and visit her.

5-Generations: Papa, Great-Grandma Susan, KC, LeeLee & Baby, Nana (Susan's daughter)

babys first pictures!!!!

2008-07-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

What an amazing process! We got to see all the major internal organs, the strong beating heart and crazy looking spine, the brain, kidneys and bladder. The baby was moving around a lot and could be seen kicking away, though I haven't felt it much. Also as an added bonus, baby got the hiccups while we were watching. The nurse was careful not to reveal any gender, so it's still a lovely surprise. All looked very healthy and right on par with growth rate and due date.

The nurse had quite a time getting the baby to face the image. Here you can see the face with the arm around it, and the knees folded up on the bottom. The lighter image under the baby's arm is my placenta, and the image between the arm and knees is the umbilical cord!!

Here's a view of the leg and foot. The baby's head is actuallly down near my cervix and the feet are on the left upper side of my tummy, which explains why I've felt a little lopsided lately!

KC's creations...

2008-07-03T09:03:00.001-07:00

Our beautiful garden. KC put a lot of love and intention into growing food for us. It's a blessing to nourish ourselves with this wholesome and healthy food!

Bamboo archway makes a great home for garden spiders!

Besides these yummy peas, we also have corn, kale, lettuce, broccoli, flax seed, mustard greens, melons and squash!

The kitties love the big backyard! They are slightly curious about my growing belly, but not overly-concerned at this point.

KC's Hut...a yurt-like structure he made using bamboo poles and old sheets. A great place the chill out.

looking like a baby home!

2008-06-27T17:06:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to find this used eco-sling that I had to try it out on Onyx. I'm sure the baby will be able to fit into it very well!

The perfect nursing glider. We found this at a Goodwill when mom was here. I recovered the cushions from some material Lisa gave me. The blanket was made by KC's great-grandma Susan for our wedding. She is actually here in OR for a family reunion, along with KC's grandparents and cousins, and she made a little baby blanket! How special that our baby has a blanket made by his/her great-great-grandmother!!

The crib is beautiful and we can't stop gazing at it! What a gift!! The baby picture is me. Mom brought a bunch of my old baby stuff out when she was visiting.

Creative Bursts

2008-06-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

A collage I did on a TV tray using old calenders from Sundance. Center art by Alex Grey.

I feel like a new person since the transition into the second trimester. More than anything I want to be at home creating art. I've been reading "Birthing from Within" which goes by the philosophy that the best way to prepare for your birth is to discover what you are holding within, whether it is fear and anxioties, your perceptions of pregnancy and labor or whatever is in there waiting to come out.
So I've been drawing and collaging, making candles and driftwood art to sell at the Saturday Market, working on dance costumes, and writing a lot. The more ways in which I can document this amazing transition in our lives the better. The only problem is not having enough time! I'm working 5 days a week at Sundance and saturdays at the market (when I get a booth space), as well as dancing full-time!! KC is working 3 different jobs at the moment, so he never has extra time!! We realize the importance of staying connected thru this time, so we need to work on making time together too.
Slowly I will have to step back here and there to make more time for reflection. Because the baby's growth sure isn't going to slow down!

All dressed up for a friend's art showing, May 30th. I was 14 1/2 weeks here...just barely showing!

picture pages

2008-06-14T13:48:00.001-07:00

Belly shadow on the beach (12 weeks)

getting some beach time in Bodega Bay, CA on a dance trip

KC in front of the Hazelwood House Kindergarten he's teaching at, 3 blocks from our house

Grammy Linda's visit in May, Luminessah performed down in Roseburg

Stories of Birth

2008-06-06T05:52:00.000-07:00

So far, above anything else I've read or heard about being pregnant, it is the stories I find most inspiring and empowering. Facts and statistics can be daunting, and sometimes all the information out there is overwhelming. But I feel just hearing a woman's own story, from her perspective, can give me all the tools I need for my own birth. It's a web that connects us all as one.
We each have a story to tell, so I am encouraging YOU to add your own story to the collection. I would love to hear your birth stories, to read for inspiration and strength when I am going to need it most in my whole life. If you have not given birth, perhaps investigate the story of your own birth! If you are a papa, or have witnessed a birth, feel free to share your experience as a birth attendant. It will be a great way to revisit one of the most magikal moments we experience as human beings.
If you are so inspired to do so, please feel free to send your story to me. You can email me at leeleebug82@yahoo.com.
Thanks in advance.
Blessings

still dancin'

2008-05-31T18:27:00.000-07:00

Lots of people ask me how long I think I'll be bellydancing for while I'm pregnant. Well, I've seen women bellydance til the end and even into 'overdue' time! My friend Arwyn was doing full beautiful belly rolls when she was a week overdue with her son Tristan!! So I'm going to keep it up as long as I feel I can.
Many people don't know that the origins of bellydancing is a birthing dance. Women in ancient times would gather around a birthing woman and dance the motions of bellydance to promote the baby's movement down the birth canal. Every movement of this dance was created for birth. Amazing! I'm delighted that I've been in birth training for over 7 years already!
Our birthing center has no restrictions on who can be there with you during labor, so I have asked my Luminessah to be there with us when we bring our child into the world. We already feel the deep old connection to all those women who used this dance before us. What a blessing!!
Not only does bellydancing tone up all those birthing muscles, it also relieves back pain that commonly occurs with pregnant women. Our midwife said it was probably the best exercise I would be doing for myself and the baby.

You can keep up with our troupe's happening by going to our new website:
www.luminessah.com

our baby adventure, 14 weeks

2008-05-31T17:58:00.000-07:00

The Universe has blessed us, as we begin the greatest journey of our lives.

We are already at 14 weeks! The second trimester came so quickly.
Some highlights:

VISITING WITH GRAMMY LINDA: we had such a special visit...she brought out both mine and her baby books! lots of old pictures and cute new maternity shirts! we visited the birthing center together, and got to watch old family movies from when I was a baby!
BABY DREAMS...I've already had a few great ones: an easy blissful labor where baby came out smiling & laughing, one where I had a marcupial pouch and could peek in and say hello!, and KC had one where he was holding our little one.
KC PUTTING THE CRIB TOGETHER...I got all teary-eyed when I walked in after a long work day and saw the big beautiful crib at the end of our bed. The crib was gifted to us by a regular customer at Sundance whose little girl Lila opted for mom and dad's bed instead.
HEARING THE HEARTBEAT! It was so strong and the midwife found it right away! We could have listened to it forever.
feeling the first flutter of movement! this just happened last monday. I was working and daydreaming (happens often) and suddenly had this clear image of KC and I holding the baby. Just as the image appeared, a fluttering began in my belly.
BIGGER BOOBS...no explanation needed
THROWING UP: because it only happened once and that's it...I feel lucky. funny story...KC no longer cuts up garlic around me.

most-commonly-asked questions:
"how are you feeling?"
"are you going to find out the sex?"
"when are you due?"