Wonder ...

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"I feel wonderful because I see the love light in your eyes.

And the wonder of it all is that you just don't realize how much I love you."

~ Eric Clapton

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Copyright 2009 Patti Ramos

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The rope of life ...

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"We learn the rope of life by untying its knots." ~ Jean Toomer

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Cesarean Crown ...

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Good news from heaven the angels bring.

Glad tidings to the earth they sing:

"To us this day a child is given, to crown us with the joy of heaven."

~ Martin Luther

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Comfort ...

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There is no feeling more comforting and consoling than knowing

you are right next to the one you love, and who loves you.

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Copyright 2009 Patti Ramos

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The greatest work of art ...

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"The greatest work of art, created first by God,

and then by woman/man is the creation of life.

The whole process is an amazing art in itself.

The fact that it takes two artists, man and woman,

each bringing their own part of a pallet to create a

work of art that not only has a piece of both artists

but is also a

living,

breathing,

ever-changing

piece of art

with an identity of it's own."

~ Bethany Jane Andrews Hoey

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Copyright 2009 Patti Ramos

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Letting go and holding on ...

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The art of living lies in a fine mingling of

letting go and holding on.

~ Henry Ellis

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Copyright 2009 Patti Ramos

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The "Amniotic Breast"

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All photos Copyright 2009 Patti Ramos Photography.

All rights reserved.

Please no copying or unauthorized use.

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The "Amniotic Breast"

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The Mother was positioned on her hands and knees

when she began pushing. To our surprise, the amniotic sac

(looking like a water-filled breast)

slowly emerged - strong, intact, glistening, stretchy and

full of the warm, salty fluid we all began our lives in.

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Forty weeks of life growing and thriving in water ... amazing!

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The sac was beginning to fully release itself from the Mother's womb

when suddenly ... the next pushing contraction ...

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... and this baby's head delivered - followed by a gush of more fluid!

Birth is SO miraculous!
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More placenta photos at

www.pattiramos.com/placenta.html

... and more to come!

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January - Romantic Birth Preparation Workshop Retreat ...

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Ocean Shores

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Birth Preparation Weekend Retreat

January 22-24, 2010
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If you are in your 1st, 2nd or even third trimester of your pregnancy

... before your lives get even busier after your birth ...

consider sharing a romantic weekend getaway/retreat

with your partner, while preparing for your birth

at beautiful Ocean Shores on the Washington coast.

www.pattiramos.com/oceanshoresretreat.html
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..

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The weekend schedule looks like this ...

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Friday

Check in to the beautiful, romantic Collins Inn at noon

The class meets from 1:00-5:30pm

We will get acquainted with one another, review the stages of labor,

practice pain coping and breathing techniques, back labor strategies

experience a relaxation session which enhance your sleep

and you will be given an overnight assignment.

Elegant candlelit dinner included.

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Saturday

Class meets from 10:00am - 5:30pm (Lunch included- 12:30-1:30)

Breakfast served in your room.

Introduction of more pain coping and breathing techniques,

medical procedures and cesarean birth info

plus experience the "Father's Ice Journey", a memorable labor simulation

Dinner out on your own. Enjoy the beach!

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Sunday

Class meets from 12:00 - 5:00pm (check out of room no later than noon)

You will have time to sleep in and/or go for a walk on the beach.

Sunday brunch and late afternoon lunch included.

During the workshop we will

review techniques, cover waterbirth information, create birth plans

and experience the "Mother's Ice Journey" - a labor dress rehearsal!

..

Weekend retreat fee: $695.00 per couple

(non-refundable payment due at the time you register)

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For more information or to register please call Patti at 253-565-7981

or email: birthpreparation@aol.com

Include your name, due date, your care provider's name,

location of your delivery, your phone number and email address.

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The fee includes your two night stay in a beautiful view suite with jetted tub,

delicious meals, all class supplies/handouts

and the "Birth Preparation Workshop" class,

featuring the "Ice Journey" labor simulation

plus a complimentary DVD of the film "The Business of Being Born".

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You might want to consider arriving a day early or

staying the day after the workshop so you can share

some additional free time together in your beautiful suite

and exploring Ocean Shores and the beaches.

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More information about the Birth Preparation Workshop here

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Jen and Dan - their "Ice Journey" testimonial

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10-20-09

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Good Morning Patti~

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Dan and I are still glowing from this last weekend!

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It was so hard for him to go back to work on Monday. The "Ice Journey" could not have been more transformational on a personal, couple, mother/father level. It was healing, reflective, full of love, purely beautiful...words really can not describe it well enough. Dan and I were able to connect in ways we never have (even after being together for 15 years).

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You truly have a gift, a calling and we feel so blessed to have had that weekend with you and to have you as part of this baby coming into our arms.

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Thank-you does not seem to be the right words...not nearly enough to express our deep gratitude.

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Much love ... Jen and Dan
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Jaime and Mike ... their Birth Preparation Workshop testimonial

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10-19-09

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Patti,

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I wanted to take the time to say "THANK YOU" for your class on Saturday.

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Mike and I were very sad that we could not join the class on Sunday but we just could not cancel the plans with the kids. The experience we shared was just awesome and we will highly recommend your class to any pregnant couple we come across.

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The last four years since Mike has been injured and not working have really been a struggle but we have kept our faith and that is what has kept us together. Having a child together in a situation like this was hard but we are so thankful that we have chosen to. We recently just had our 5 year wedding anniversary and we had plans to go away for the weekend together. We hit a rough spot that week (entire month of August actually) but in the end we still went away. Long story short, it was a blessed weekend together that brought us back together to where we belong and missed.

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When it came down to taking your class we where very hesitant for two reasons ...

1 - it's another labor class, really do I need it?

2 - in our situation the money was hard to decide.

In the end we agreed it would be a good experience for us to have together. ANOTHER BLESSED DAY! Come Sunday we were thanking each other for the love we have for one another and the experiences that we have shared and endured together through our relationship that just keeps our love alive for one another. We have so much to be thankful for, not only for each other but for those around us and now you are one of those important memorable people that will always remain.

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THANK YOU PATTI!!! You are awesome not only in what you do but you as an individual.

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If we had more time I would definately take your class again just to be able to enjoy day two's journey. We look forward to sharing our story with you and the others come January!!

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Sincerely,

Jaime & Mike

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Congratulations Beth and Kevin!

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Cameron Isaiah

Arrived on October 10, 2009 at 1:12am

Weight: 8 lbs. 6 oz.... Length: 20"

St. Joseph Medical Center

Proud parents ~ Beth and Kevin

Big brother ~ Logan

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Congratulations Darla and Eric!

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Vilia Grace

Born at Swedish Ballard Hospital

Weight: 7 lbs. 8 oz. .. Length: 20"

Proud parents ~ Darla and Eric

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Congratulations Pam and Mike!

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Gabriella Denise

Arrived on September 17, 2009 at

St. Joseph Medical Center

Weight: 6 lbs. 13 oz. ..Length: 19"

Proud parents ~ Pam and Mike

Big sister ~ Sarah

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Congratulations Rachel and Josh!

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Jordan Daniel

Arrived on 09-09-09 at 8:38am

Swedish Medical Center

Weight: 7 lbs. 5 oz. .. Length: 20"

Proud parents ~ Rachel and Josh

Big brother ~ Brandon

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Do you have a late December or January due date?

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"Labor Tools and Techniques"

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... the fast track to your childbirth preparation

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A fun, practical and efficient one day workshop consisting of a variety of pain coping practices, creative labor techniques, videos, relaxation ideas, breathing techniques, support person's role, waterbirth information, optimal fetal positioning, creating your birth plan and familiarizing you with the birth process. Especially useful as a refresher class for parents who have previously attended a childbirth class.

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December 12, 2009

10:00am - 7:00pm

$185.00 per couple

Located in Tacoma

To register go here: www.pattiramos.com/workshopregistration.html

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If you are expecting your first baby, it is recommended that you

consider attending the two day Birth Preparation Workshop

which includes two full "Ice Journeys".

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Sunset ...

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"When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon,

my soul expands in worship of the Creator” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

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5:37 p.m.

6:25 p.m.

Copyright 2009 Patti Ramos All rights reserved.

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Breech birth at home in water ...

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This requires tremendous faith, trust, patience and 100% belief in birth ...

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jD5939e5PZ8

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Priceless Labor "Tools" ...

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"Tools" for your "Labor Basket"

~ Copyright 2009 Patti Ramos
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Faith and Strength
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Endurance and Laughter

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Create a peaceful, relaxing nest and then insist on privacy when you need it

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Make every breath count and labor where you feel safest and the least inhibited
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Let the tears freely flow and share your gratitude for one another

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Surrender to the power - keep an open mind - care compassionately

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Rejoice -- Trust -- Visualize -- Dream
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Wrap it all up with an abundance of

Commitment and LOVE

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"Birth is one day in your life ... don't miss it!

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*The above photos, except for the last, were taken during

Patti's "Birth Preparation Workshop/Ice Journey"

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Uterus ... (warning: graphic)

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The Uterus is the strongest muscle in the human body!

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This powerful muscle has the ability to grow from

the size of your fist to approximately 10x14 inches.

During labor it contracts at 50-100 lbs. of pressure per square inch.

The uterus does 80% of the job of pushing and squeezing

a newborn baby out of the Mother's body.

Even after being cut open to deliver a baby by cesarean,

it can heal and support and protect a future baby within its' walls.

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The "Wounded Womb"

©2009 Patti Ramos Photography .All rights reserved.

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The Mother's uterus is exposed and resting on her abdomen.

The fallopian tubes and ovaries can be seen on either side of the uterus.

The uterine incision has been closed with the first layer of disposable stitches.

Once the uterine repair is finished, the uterus is placed back inside her body

and then the remainder of the repair work is completed, layer by layer.

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It just was ...

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09-21-09
Hi Patti,

I don't think a week goes by that we don't think of you. All of our friends are having babies now. I find myself telling my labor story quite often. I know if you weren't there I would have ended up having a c-section. You didn't once let on to the fact that it wasn't quite normal to be pushing that long. I didn't even realize they were prepping the OR for me. I just knew I could do it. I never let my lack of energy beat me. I never let my fear beat me. I just kept going. It wasn't torture or a horror story. It just was. My body took over. I was just along for the ride. It was as if I was almost in a trance. I don't remember much of what went on around me. It was just me and Zoe. I find myself saying if I can push for 3 hrs and 45 minutes, I can do anything...and I really can. Giving birth has empowered me. It has helped me with my everyday anxiety. It has helped me be a better mom, wife, daughter, and sister. Thank you for being there. Thank you for showing me what my body is capable of and most importantly thank you for being a part of the best day of my life.

~ Leslie

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A September wedding ...

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Congratulations to the beautiful couple ...

Eowyn and Kass

September 12, 2009

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To love someone deeply gives you strength.

Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage. -Lao Tzu

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Do you have an August or September due date?

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If you are due in late November or in December

and would like to attend a quality and fun childbirth preparation

class with an emphasis on nurturing your relationship with your partner ...
please join us in the following workshop ~

"Labor Tools and Techniques"

November 14th

10:00am - 7:00pm

$185.00 per couple

You may register here:
www.pattiramos.com/workshopregistration.html

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Feedback/testimonials from expectant couples who attended previous workshops.

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Hi Patti ~
I've just visited your website today unexpectedly when I was surfing the net and saw your beautiful photographs of couples in your birth preparation workshops and I was blown away by how much you could see the love between the hugging couples....and along with the music and your testimonials .......it almost moved me to tears.

As a childbirth educator myself on the other side of the pond in Scotland in the UK , I'm really interested to know why the men and women were blindfolded and hugging and what looks like dancing blindfolded......whatever you are doing it's working because as I said you could just see the love pouring out of the photos.....just what you need for labour to work well

Would love to hear from you...it looks very inspiring

Warmly
Sandra

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My heart ...

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... my daughter and two sons
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"Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous.

It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body."

~ Elizabeth Stone

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Nathan - Casey - Scott

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August 11, 2009

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The worst and the best ...

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"The worst thing that happens to you can be the best

thing for you, if you don't let it get the best of you."

~ Author Unknown

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09-10-06

Happy 3rd birthday Sofia!

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Dreams ...

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"I think we dream so we don't have to be apart so long.

If we're in each other's dreams, we can play together all night."

~Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes~

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Friend ...

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"Each friend represents a world in us,

a world possibly not born until they arrive. " ~Anäis Nin

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Ali and Cash ... Dani and Rainey

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An apprentice Doula's feedback ...

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Feedback from Patti's apprentice - Jennifer, after assisting with a home waterbirth ...

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"I'll never forget that birth. Trillium, Hope, Sean, Ann, Alissa, you, me, that day! Yes, I am still basking from the light of that experience and absolutely learned so much in so many ways from all of it and also from our conversation afterwards....wow. That family is just a BLESSING to be in the presence of. So much to think about! I love and am WOWED-STOKED-TOUCHED deeply having my vision and understanding expanded by your insights and knowledge. I feel like I learned so much especially in our conversation after the birth--****thank you**** for taking all that time after the long day--I learned so much. I feel like it's all a big opening of my mind and heart. Appreciating differences and understanding you have to be humble in the face of birth. Thank you so much Patti. for your time and energy and encouragement. I feel as I ponder each day I learn more. Plus can I say ...I frikkin love listening to you and Ann talk!!! I wish I had brought a tape recorder but I knew that'd be an invasion of privacy. But I want to osmote (?:)) the things you guys were saying through the birth..... Jennifer

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Congratulations Hope and Sean!

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Welcome little Trillium!

Born at home in warm water on August 22, 2009 at 4:16pm

Weight: 7 lbs. 12 oz / Length: 20 inches / Apgar: 9/10

Thrilled parents: Hope and Sean

Midwife: Ann Olsen (www.midwifeann.com)

Doula: Patti Ramos ... Assistant: Jennifer Wildflower

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"Trilly"

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This very moment ...

"Breathe ... let go ...

Remind yourself that this very moment

is the only one you know you have for sure."

~ Oprah Winfrey

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Pain ...

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Pain ... is no longer pain ...

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... when it is past.

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