August/September 2010
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Dear Readers,
On January 10, 2010, I gave birth to a 9 lb. 9 oz. beautiful baby boy named Jude. I bring this up first because I am a very proud momma, but more importantly because this particular birth experience did something for me and my husband that much of this issue's content is focused on: it renewed and reinforced the love that forms the foundation of our relationship. James and I, like many of you, had settled into our less romantic roles as parenting and business partners. The majority of our time was wrapped up in juggling the children's schedules with the demands of our businesses, and desperately trying to keep a finger on budgets and financial goals. The giddiness of romantic love had become a distant memory. To prepare for the birth of our son we chose a beautiful birth center and midwife (Janette Gyesky with Bend Birth Center), took a birthing class (Hypnobabies), and hired a doula (Kristin LiaBraaten with Sage Birth). We had a dream delivery team and, as this was our third child, looked forward to an uncomplicated, natural birthing experience. To make a long story short, our perfectly planned birth went awry when the anticipated twelve or so hours of labor turned into approximately three and a half days of labor. Throughout those long days of intense contractions I was reminded over and over again of why I fell in love with James. Every minute of those three and a half days he labored next to me, making sure I had everything I needed to stay as comfortable as possible, holding me up when my legs refused, making me laugh when I wanted to cry, and finally leading me through the most challenging final hours of labor and the delivery of our son. During this time I was reminded of how much I love his humor, his strength, the sound of his steady heartbeat, and most dramatically, I realized that I can truly trust him with my life. The natural birth of my son was triumphant in many ways. Not only did we gain an amazing new addition to our family, I fell in love with my husband again and more intensely than ever. I hope this issue of True North will remind you and your partner why you chose each other, and give you both the inspiration and guidance to keep the romance in your relationship alive. What a wonderful Valentine's Day gift for all. Sincerely, Annette Benedetti Editor in Chief Our deep gratitude goes out to Janette, Merka, Kristin, and Kate (our dream delivery team) for truly making the birth of our son triumphant. |
