Hippy Birth Day

There is an ancient Hawaiian childbirth tradition called “Loopy-Loopy”.

Basically, it involves giving birth while clinging to the side of a cliff, high above the ocean, under a full moon, with waves crashing far below. Meanwhile, the immediate family waits below, navigating the waves, ready to catch the newborn as he or she emerges from the mother’s womb, plummeting into the raging seas. It is said to bring great luck to the entire family. And, when you think about it, that’s a really good thing. Because those crazy bastards are gonna need all the luck they can get.

While my Rachel isn’t quite ready to go to that extreme, she has decided to give birth at home with the assistance of a “Doula”. (A doula is like a mid-wife, but with more of a spiritual, earthy, granola-crunchy edge. The doula is also trained in expediting emergency medical assistance, should the need occur.)

Many of you have asked to participate in a baby shower for Rachel. The logistics of shipping baby gifts to Hawaii just doesn’t make sense. Besides, Rachel and Max have been successful in collecting used items, baby clothing, etc. (They both hate shiny, new “materialistic” things).

Instead, I invite you to participate in the celebration of this new birth by contributing to her at home birth experience.

To be clear, this is not a request for a handout. It is simply an invitation to those who have asked how they can participate. But most of all, what I really want from you is your prayers, thoughts and good vibes towards a successful, healthy birth. I am so, so excited about becoming a grandmother. Not to mention, my relief knowing there’ll be no Loopy-Loopy ceremony.

With Love & Gratitude

~Laurie (soon to be know as KuKu Wahine in Hawaiian terms. That’s right KUKU!) Due Date: Dec 28, 2016