Beth's Perspective

Because we had a photographer taking pix, I really didn't focus on getting good ones myself. (Hers will be available soon.) However, our friend Beth Ritzman, who attended the birth as a sort of homebirth au pair, posted some great sentiments AND great photos. Thanks, Beth!

Speaking of Beth, she was one member of a great homebirth team. Others were Hallie's sister and doula, Jordan, our midwife Rhoda, our photographer and friend Koren, and our four other rugrats.

As for the name, we're working on that. We might do as they do in Sierra Leone, where a baby is named only after the umbilical cord has dropped off. Prior to that it is believed that the baby does not yet have an identity of its own. During the ceremony, the baby's hair is shaved off and the paternal aunt offers chewed kola nut and pepper to the baby from her own mouth, which is to wish the baby a long and brave life.

What do you think, Aunt Cindy???