Lullaby
“I rocked my feverish child quietly in my arms and softly sang to him his favorite lullaby. As I sang, I thought of dreams from years gone by.
I recently realized full maturation in my singing voice. Well into my 30’s, the richness and strength of my voice has thrilled me – yet the only ones who ever seem to hear my gift are my little ones when I sing to them at night. I have thought what a shame it is that I am not able to share more with those around me. During my teens I dreamed of singing in the great concert halls and theatres of the world. I spent years developing my talents in musical theatre and worked with some of the best directors, conductors, and musicians in my sphere.
As I have wondered at the irony of my family being the only ones to hear my voice (I do occasionally sing in church) I have come to the belief that maybe the reason I was given this gift of song was simply for and in behalf of my babies. I have used music to calm a frightened child, soothe my babies when they are crying and bring the Spirit of God into my home. My children have developed a deep love for music and I often have observed my toddlers singing to their dolls….”
Jenny Hatch

CDC – Maternal and Infant Health 2004
The cesarean delivery rate rose 6 percent in 2004 to 29.1 percent of all births, the highest rate ever reported in the United States (2). The rate has increased by over 40 percent since 1996. For 2003–04 the primary cesarean rate rose 8 percent, and the rate of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) dropped 13 percent.
The primary rate has climbed 41 percent and the VBAC rate has fallen 67 percent since 1996. See table 1 and figure 1. There may be small discontinuities in rates of primary cesarean delivery and VBAC in 2003 and 2004 due to changes in data collection resulting from implementation of the 2003 revision of the U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth in nine States.
However, for the majority of reporting areas for 2003–04 there appears to be a strong upward trend in the primary rate and a sharp downturn in VBAC.”
Have no idea what to say…
Jenny Hatch

Europe’s baby bust
“In the cradle of Western civilization, the cradles are empty. From the Atlantic to the Urals, in good and bad economies, in Protestant and Catholic societies, the countries of Europe are witnessing an unprecedented decline in birthrates.
This “baby bust,” analysts warn, will affect economic growth, social-welfare programs, patterns of immigration and Europe’s ability to pull its weight diplomatically, culturally and militarily in the 21st century.
In 1900, according to U.N. estimates, one out of four human beings on the planet — 24.7 percent — lived in Europe.
Today, the European population share is a little more than 10 percent. By 2025 — with the average woman in the European Union bearing just 1.48 children in her lifetime — the ratio of Europeans to everyone else is projected to be less than one in 14 — 7 percent.”
Sometimes you reap what you sow.
Jenny Hatch

This year we did thanksgiving alone. Did not have any company and did not travel. It was nice to be home with just our family.
Paul and Jeff cooked the whole supper, and it was so yummy. We have been having a week of the children doing the cooking, and I took Thanksgiving off too. Paul was happy to take full responsibility for the meal. What a great example for our boys! He was kind enough to mention how difficult of a chore it was. He also expressed appreciation for what I do every day in my kitchen, and it was very nice to hear those words. Food for my soul.
This morning I took a long hot bath, watched the parade on television, read, and relaxed. I have watched two full movies during the day, did not stress at all about house cleaning because it was just us, and really have just had a very relaxing day.

While Jeff and Paul cooked, Michelle, Allison, Andy and I watched a movie and Ben took his nap…

Thanksgiving turkey fresh out of the oven

Jeff cooking

Jeff made Rachel Rays five minute fudge

Andy brings out a mountain of mashed potatos

Turkey on the table

Paul gets ready to carve the turkey

Ben and Andy eat thanksgiving supper

Ben eating corn

Ben

Smiling Ben

Jenny eating thanksgiving supper

We give thanks

The Highlight of the meal was Jeff’s Boston Cream Pie.

The Pie – recipe found on Food Network!

Shelly and Jeff thanksgiving supper
Jenny Hatch

Good for Mom,
Good for Baby,
Why not?
Jenny Hatch