Emery Valentina

Its so good to be back here- its been months and months. The biggest change is that we have welcomed a new addition to our family. We've blossomed into a happy broad of five. Our third child, Emery Valentina, was born right on her due date, March 15th, 2014 at 1:45 am, weighing in at 9 pounds and 8 ounces. I delivered the dark haired beauty at home in our living room with our incredible midwives. She came by peaceful water birth, and Morgan and Cove were by my side to see their baby sister being born. More details about the birth to come, but I really wanted to share some pictures captured over Emery's first month.

Baby girl-

Emery Valentina Edwards,

just hours after birth. 

First time out of the house in 2-weeks.

(After birth outing- sunshine please.) 

Brydon's mama, Cathy, aka 'Nanabelle', 

meeting her granddaughter for the first time. 

Mmmmm- vanilla latte.
This mama's Sunday treat.
S L E E P D E P R I V A T I O N 

Dreamcatchers have always intrigued me. We picked up this one from

a street vendor in the Mayan. His wife made them using wild turkey feathers. 

I love the unconventional colours.   

Valentina means 'brave'. 

My mother's name was Valerie. She was born on Valentine's Day. 

She was the bravest woman I've ever known. 

I love having a wee baby in our home again. My heart, so full and radiant with our family of five. It was a really tough year losing my mom and getting pregnant literally in the same breath. To our surprise, when my mom's time on earth was over, Emery's began. Timing so impeccable and ironic, surely a gift from my beloved mom.

Mourning the loss of my mother and nurturing my unborn child (while juggling two other little ones and a blooming business), was an incredibly emotional and challenging experience. I had to be so present to every emotion that came over me. The pregnancy hormones elevated everything. Utterly vulnerable, I had to allow the tears to come whenever they wanted. The more I acknowledged and embraced the depths of my loss, the easier it became to find peace. The last thing I wanted to do was lock up my emotions and burden Emery, so I was a bit of a free flowing mess at times. Gratefully, I have amazing support and love in my life. I was able to lean on its abundance.

What did I learn? What did I gain? To always remind myself to keep the FAITH- plant it deep in my being and trust in the life process. We are all so taken with lil Em, and I can feel my mom with me now more than ever. Our darling girl has blessed this home with so much more love and happiness. Didn't think it was possible, but Emery does mean 'strength of the home' after all.