My Blessingway

Instead of another Baby Shower or Baby Sprinkle, I wanted to have a "Blessingway" to honor my  baby boy and his birth. Here is a brief description of what a Mother's Blessingway is:

The Mother's Blessingway Ceremony originates from the Navajo people.  It is a very positive celebration filled with rituals, affirming that a woman will have a natural and beautiful birth experience.  

  Birth is a key life passage for women, but modern culture has lost touch with birth's profound impact on the expectant mother. This ceremony honors and marks this rite of passage. It is a ceremony of empowerment near the time of birthing.  

Within a small circle of friends and family in a quiet,  gentle, spiritual ceremony, those attending will celebrate sisterhood, welcome a new baby to earth

and honor the mother and her birth.  

Surrounded by the most important women in her life, the mother gains a sense of power, confidence, and support that will help her rise to the beautiful challenge of natural childbirth and motherhood.

My blessingway was perfect and beautiful! It was a fabulous day being surrounded and supported by family and friends and hearing all of their kind words regarding this birth of our baby boy. Liliana came and it was very special to have her be a part of everything. I think her favorite part of the day was watching her birth video--she had never seen it before! When I would get emotional and cry she would pat my back and say, "don't worry mom. Don't cry. You are not a baby." 

 Katie Tollack was the "MC" and she did such an amazing job at organizing everything and narrating for the ceremonies. She also did all of the cooking and everything was delicious! Sarah did a beautiful job on all of the decor...everything was burlap and white and very natural--so gorgeous. She also made the most lovely favors that are photographed and described below. Peggy sent delicious key lime cake pops as part of the favors also. Katie McCasey brought a tasty strawberry shortcake for dessert and Taryn was the hostess and offered to have the party at her home. I am very lucky to have so many amazing women in my life. 

Pinning flowers in my mom and Lila's hair. Everyone wore one in their hair for the day...

Katie, the MC for the day...

My family that was there that day (Nicole is missed in the picture)...

My friends that were there that day (Katie M. is missed in this picture)...

Liliana modeling the new dress that matches Baby Boy's outfit that Katie T. got for them...

My "Strength Box" filled with touching, sentimental tokens and useful candles and potions to give me strength through the natural birth and beyond...

3 generations...

Me n' my belly...

The amazing candle favors. The flower (handmade by Sarah) is a pin that can be taken off and used again. Inside the terracotta pot is a mini-version of a large candle that Sarah and Katie had specially made for me and the birth. It is filled with calming, empowering scents to help me labor. Each guest got a candle to take home. When I go into labor I will call Katie who will let everyone know it is time to light their candles and send positive energy to me and our baby boy. Isn't that the sweetest?!?

Here is the poem that is written on the card inside the pot:
"This is a gift for you today. When I start my journey, please light my way. Sending support and love day and night. Until I'm in my mommy's arms and she's holding me tight."
The poem is written on plantable seed paper and the pot is also filled with soil so that after Baby Boy is born, my friends and family can start a plant.