Blessingway

 My lovely friend and doula (in the red shirt) had a wonderful Blessingway party a couple of Saturdays ago.  She shared this time with some of her closest friends (and family of course).  We took turns reading quotes and while Karla (my other lovely friend and doula in the blue shirt) read Bible verses in between.  

Here is my favorite quote that was read:

These Last Few Hours

It is important to me
that I spend a part of the next few hours
here alone with you
in the darkness.

You and I will never be this close again.
Soon you will be a tiny person all on your own.
 No longer the kicking, demanding bulge in my body that I have grown to love so much.

I pray that you will be safely guided on your journey to my arms and I ask for the strength, courage and
the power of birthing, to open my body and mind for you
And ever so gently us as one will become two.
~author unknown

 Father then gave Jessica a blessing and prayed for her.  Here is a prayer (modified from references of "I" to "her") for my sweet friend.

For a Happy Delivery

Lord Jesus Christ, who said "Allow the little children to come to Me, for the kingdom of heaven is for such," I thank you with all my heart for the great and holy privilege You have granted her in calling her to present You with a little child, so precious in Your sight.  I praise and bless Your divine goodness for giving her such a sweet and holy patroness and protectress in Your Mother, the model and exaltation of all Christian motherhood.

Dear Jesus, I beg You to be mindful of the prayers and intercession of Your Immaculate Mother on my friend's behalf; heed her petitions for my friend, and as you have so blessed my friend in this pregnancy, mercifully grant the happy delivery which I now ask for her through Mary, our patroness, the Lady of Happy Delivery.  Amen.

 We were all asked to pick two candles to take with us and light during the labor and delivery.  I picked Birth team as Jessica was part of my birth team and Karla (who was my doula also) is Jessica's doula.  I also picked Placenta because I think I can relate to concerns and need for prayers for the placenta.

 Jessica had her feet and belly decorated with henna for the occasion.  She also had her hair braided by one of our friends.  All pregnant women should have a Blessingway to make them feel beautiful and to know they are loved.

My candles are lit today.  The tears of joy and worry are gathering in my eyes.

Please join me in praying for my sweet friend as she welcomes her third child into this beautiful life.

For the baby - An Irish Blessing

May you always walk in sunshine.
May you never want for more.
May Irish angels rest their wings
beside your nursery door.
And for the proud parents:
May God grant you
a wee bit of heaven
to cradle in your arms -
a sweet bonny baby
to hold close to your heart
A newborn babe
brings light to the house
warmth to the hearth
and joy to the soul
for wealth is family
family is wealth.
Old Irish proverb

A little labor music  - for all of us!