We’ve had the most amazing 48 hours! Thursday night, our friend Julie came over to paint henna on my belly. She was hired as a birth gift from another friend. Julie is an amazing henna artist and actually did henna on our hands before Toby and I got married. So it was very fitting that she do our birth henna.
Here’s my view from above 🙂
And the finished product (with the lemon/sugar mix on it)
Kaia chose a peacock design for her right hand.
Isn’t it beautiful? She also had part of my belly design done on her left hand.
Toby got a part of my design on his left hand too
Then, last night we were given a beautiful Blessingway to welcome the baby into the world. It was absolutely wonderful! We had an amazing group of friends come out… they brought food, set up a lovely birth alter with candles and art work, photographs, herbs, and more and gave us blessings. Then after eating I was given a salt foot rub and herb foot bath while we all watched a belly dancer honor us with a dance of birth and family. It was all so amazing!!
Do I look relaxed??? 🙂
The beginning of her dance was done with a basket balanced on her head… she also used scarves and candles. the pictures were taken with a flash, so it looks bright in there, but the lights were actually off, so she danced by candle light. (Kaia was enthralled!)
Then, today in the mail, I got a wonderful gift box from Kristine that had some wonderful treats along with a beautiful birth goddess statue and a hand crafted tin filled with birth art and positive affirmations! Thank you so much Kristine! These have a special place on the birth alter!
wow! lovely henna art! the peacock is so sweet! and i am amazed of the perfectness of the circles on your belly.
the blessingway looks like it was very lovely. the only regret i have with all 4 of my births is never once having a blessingway. i have to live vicariously through others…
i’m really happy that you liked my gifts! i wanted to make something special for you but couldn’t come up with any drawings. your birth altar looks amazing. many blessings to you for an easy birth!
I LOVE the Mendhi, it looks awesome….great altar, and I am IN LOVE with your rug! Wishing you the best for a quick and easy birth…
Gorgeous! I’ll be thinking of you and sending you good birthing energy.
What a lucky baby to birth into such a warm and loving nest!
What a wonderful time! I love the henna art. I absolutely adore your home! Thanks for sharing your bump – you look amazing! Are you planning a home birth?
so lovely, all of it. i adore the henna. i would like to have that done. you’re due date is coming right up, yes? my thoughts and blessings are with you. it has been really neat sharing our pregnancies via the web. it goes so quickly!!! can’t wait to meet your new family member!
Wow! That sounds like an incrediblecouple of days.
I love the henna designs you all are wearing together! What a beautiful time of sharing in this time of anticipation 🙂
I so wish I had seen these ideas while I was pregnant. I love every bit of this special time you’ve shared with us. Good luck with your birthing. I’ll be back to read more.