We talked about when all the kids were born and with the due date rapidly approaching, we are all getting excited in our own ways. We are planning another home birth and are getting our birthing tub in the next two weeks, and I although I am feeling super huge and tired, I am getting more and more excited about meeting this little guy.

All of our kids are so unique; it will be interesting to see how this one really completes our family community. Zoe, the oldest is approaching teenage life and with that comes many changes and revelations. We are trying to help him transition into this phase with ease, but with anything there are growing pains. Our daughter, Lotus is full of love. In fact that is her mantra really. She walks around talking about how she loves the world around her. She sings non-stop and loves creating! Bodhi our little ball of joy, always has a smile on his face, even when he is getting into mischief. He loves to, “nuggle” as he puts it, and climbs all over us. Although he told us he would not be able to kiss and hug River because he will be too, “squishy”. We’ll see!

Its important to take time to honor the special qualities of each of our children, even in small ways, so they know we see them as unique individuals living in our family community. This practice of awareness reminds me that even with the busy lives of school, writing books and having babies, taking time to slow down and bring a level of awareness to this process, helps me appreciate the beauty in the chaos. In this moment, I am grateful.