Roar like a Lion they said...

As I neared the birth of our second babe, fear sets in with all the "what ifs" and the recollection of all the physical pain from the last birth

But I am always reminded of my last line from Sawyers birth blog... "it was epic"... so I knew that the pain I felt during labour wasn't going to amount to much... as the high and happiness I felt after she was born was what make it totally worth it all.

Pushing all that anxiety aside, I enjoyed my time with Sawyer embracing all her craziness, meal prepped, and tried to chill.

Sunday June 11th is when everything started.

My mom took off at noon to Slave Lake with Sawyer and almost immediately I started cramping.

Excitedment set in, as I was SO not ready.. but ready. Makes sense right? haha

Jason and I took the pups for a long walk where the frequency of the cramps increased but didn't intensify.

Haha -- so by the time we got halfway done our walk, I told Jason that our babe was coming soon.

HOW I said it was "ya no worries, go watch the Hockey Game with Chad, but you cant drink mmmmkay. Because we might have our baby soon" with a shit eating grin on my face.

HAHA ya I am all about sappy.

Once back at home, things slowed down but I sent messages anyway to the birth "dream team" (midwife, doula, photographer) that things had started.

Only they didn't, things slowed down and even after a lovely acupuncture treatment from the bestie Nadia, the babe had decided today was not the day, and let me sleep out the night.

All the next day, Jason and I spent time together in a quiet house without our rambunctious kid. It felt weird and glorious all at once, haha as we haven't had that kind of time alone in YEARS. As for the babe, the cramping remained consistent all day, lovingly annoying but I meal prepped LIKE A BOSS.

830 pm rolls around and I slid on into the jacuzzi -- added some Egyptian Bath Salts thaaaaaaat I am pretty sure had some crazy birthing shit in there since labour went thru the roof an hour later when I got out.

O.M.G.

930pm-- labour started, but now that I am out of the tub I half believe it will slowdown like last night... it did NOT.

10pm-- I started timing my contractions as they are now putting me on my knees, but I am still in denial haha

1130pm -- I get a hold of the birth dream team haha but having strong contractions made for an awkward phone conversation.

As for that one minute during the contraction, I felt like I was a 1-900 number calling you -- moaning and breathing heavy on the other end of the phone.

Over the next half hour, everyone arrives.

Jason sets up the birth pool, but I didn't get in right away as I found a decent gorilla position that felt lovely enough for numb hips and pain management.

Once I got into the pool (OMG bliss) I went back to the same position, I did try sitting/lying on my back like I did with Sawyer, but this way felt good.

Gorilla(ish) pose it was.

From that point, things did NOT take long.

There was movement down for every contraction, and at one (pivitol) point I felt rectal pressure... which I was to report to Tara (my midwife) since that was a sure indication that babe was arriving shortly.

"I have that 'poop' feeling" -- haha which was interpreted by a few as "I have a poutine" hahahaha I wish.

It is amazing what we feel and what our body just DOES in labour. At no point did anyone tell me to push, the intensity of the contractions just took over and it felt right.

HAHA -- I also couldn't control how LOUD I was. Nor could I refrain the F-bombs, haha I tried to ROAR them out, it just wasn't happening.

Have I mentioned at this point all of our windows are open and it is now 1am (hahaha #sorrynotsorry)

With a massive F-bomb and almost passing out, our babe was coming earthside.

AND MY FAAAAAK THAT HURT.

Like with Sawyer, I tried to push that kid out in one shot, but nope get the head out first then wait for another push. BAH!

I heard "the head is out, and still wrapped in the membrane" -- oh THAT is COOL! Wish I could see it" I thought), then came another strong contraction and the babe was out

Tara handed the babe to me underwater (squeels!! so so so so incredibly amazing), and as we went skin to skin we found we had created another amazing little lady!

Little Miss Ari Elle Yamniuk was here!

And she was HUNGRY! Haha right out of the water and she was rooting for food.

And who wouldn't want a post-birth selfie!?!?!  (yes I am STILL in the pool)

As we enjoyed the first few minutes of Ari coming earth-side, we hear this loud KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK at the front door.

And me in my delirious + birth high condition,  thought "did someone order pizza?" -- Jason jumps up and races downstairs.

As laughter erupts from the front door, some one exclaims that the RCMP arrived investigating a "noise complaint" -- no doubt someone called in for domestic violence (as there HAS been some sketchy things going on on our street lately).

So, as Jason describes it, he opens the door and the officer said "there has been a... noise complaint"

Jason laughs and said "I bet there has! We just had a baby!"

Officers blankly stare back "you mean, you just brought the baby home?"

"No! no! we had her here!" Jason laughs again, which brought a smile to the officers -- which I am sure they are glad that it turned out to be better call to arrive to than what was reported!

That's when Tara flashed all her midwife credentials to make it official, as the officers didn't come upstairs to verify me in the birth pool LOL

In all the years that our midwives have been catching babies, they said they have NEVER had the police come.

HAHA I am honoured to put this in the history books for them *fist pump*

What is even funnier, is that when I blogged about Sawyers birth, I was a bit disappointed that no one HAD called the police, being that I was incredibly loud that time as well LOL

Wishes DO come true *wink*

Screen capture from Sawyers Birth Blog

And other than enjoying the sweet sweet snuggles of a newborn, what was left to enjoy?

Only the most EPIC of cakes of course, a BIRTH cake HAHAHAHAHAHA.

And amazing friend (Stacey Williams) crafted this ultra distrubing delicious and moist cake that I have been DYING to put in my mouth!

What was YOUR post birth meal? hehe because I KNOW you are jealous...

By 3am, Ari and I are all doing great but now it is time to rest. So as the dream team all leaves for their beds, I can't help but be so SO SO thankful for everyone who helped me welcome this little lady onto this earth.

Not just here at home, but everyone who sent me strength and encouragement in the days leading up to her birth.

I am one lucky mama to have such wonderful souls in my life.

The Yamniuk Famjam are blessed and cannot express our gratitude enough.

Here is Ari's Birth Video *squeeeee* click HERE to watch amazing video Vannessa Brown created for us with her bad ass talent!

**stands on soap box**

The women who were at Sawyer + Ari's birth are downright amazing, talented, and incredibly empowering!

If you are interested in a Midwife, check out HOPE midwives.

Tara was my midwife, and over the last 2.5 years she is more than just a healthcare professional.

She is an amazing friend, fellow yogi, and book nerd!

If you are interested in a Doula, check out Nadia Houle with Women's Balance Health. She has been my neighbour + bestie for near 9 years now, and I downright could not have learned more about pregnancy/birth/motherhood without her.

Her mind and soul is filled with amazing knowledge and strength.

Don't know what a doula is... Google it.

If you are interested in a birth photographer... DO IT! It is one amazing investment.

Birth is a beautiful thing no matter how your babe arrives -- being that I was a little busy pushing out this kid, I LOVE that I can see what the birth looked like, and I can relive these moments that went by so fast.

Vannessa Brown is just aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamazing, check out her website and get a birth photographer. You wont regret it.

Last but not least, if you need a "birth" cake... hit up Stacey Williams (I can hook ya'll up).

OMFG, this day seriously wasn't complete without this moist cake in my mouth xoxo

Our piece of heaven

As much as every human being on earth has a mother who has gone through this birthing process of one sort or another... It makes it really special when it's you who goes through it.
Seriously.
No matter if you deliver caesarian or vaginally, it is just really awesome to go through pregnancy and then have this amazing little creature of yours in your arms.

Well, as you all know... this little lady made us all wait a little longer, but that was ok! We were able to rest, chill, and prepare.

On September 27th I met up with my midwife for a check up; had an amazing Acupuncture treatment from my bestie at her clinic (babe was moving the whole treatment); then went home and hung out.

It seemed by 2am (September 28th) things might have officially started for cramping, but I slept through it.
Took a wonderful Verbena Cocktail at 5am to see if this natural method of induction would work.
By 8am, Nikita (our dog) was up and needed outside... the last thing we needed was dog poo on the floor that morning.
Haha so I got up and from then on, everything indicated today was the day.

For the next 8 hours I was able to distract myself through the crampy stage.
Put in a pot roast, painted my nails (haha I know right), watched/slept through a movie, even went outside to scoop poop.
But by 4pm I sent a message to Tara (midwife) and Nadia (my bestie and Doula) that I was at a point were I had to really focus through the waves of contractions.
One last important piece to the birth team. Photographer. LOL--there was no way this kid was gunna come into this world without some proper documentation!

By 5pm everyone arrived and I was able to send one last text to Taylor before I put it down for the rest of the day. Lol she made me giggle.

The one thing that was amazing to experience was that after every contraction, came peace. 

No pain --literally nothing. 

Near the end, I was even able to take a mini nap between them. 

Ya, it was f*cking painful haha, but the fact that the pain completely disappeared was incredible.

Human bodies are amazing things.

And the pain, well it was intense cramping like most women will attest to... and it came in stages. Each time increasing --most likely following my cervix's lead in opening up lol

Jason asked me why I was smiling at one point (between a long contraction), I said "after these long waits, the next one is usually pretty intense"

Yup. Ouch.

My Rock

I laboured in a few places + positions. Both for comfort or to help the baby decend.

We stayed in the bonus room for an hour or so. Leaning over the yoga ball, then standing and "dancing" with Jason. Lol we haven't really danced since out wedding ;)

But by 7pm or so, I needed the power of warm water.

I didn't get into the birth pool right away, but stood in the shower for a bit, it seemed to slow down the contractions but helped with each one that came.

The hot water only lasted so long, so I asked for the pool to be filled... and oooo boy did that feel immediately better.

Didn't mean the labor process got any less insane (ha) but the comfort was there. The water took away gravity and the weight of everything on the lower part of my belly.

So from here on in, we were in our room and ready for this babe to make an appearance. It might have felt like forever, but by 9pm I was officially "pushy" 

--and LOUD.

OMG I am surprised the cops weren't called. There was no way... NO WAY I could have held back the primal sounds I was making.

Progress was made by my cervix, babe's head was low, and my water was still intact --then came the "bottom" bum pressure.

Oh wow. My hips felt like they were going numb, the pain was insane, but I tell ya... at no point did I want to give up or feel spent. 

I was going to DO THIS! Ha!

Jason was there to supported my back, Nadia was always in my ear saying "your making space for your baby" as well as applying cranial therapy/acupressure, and Tara's wonderful updates on babes position.

Oh and thanks for the cold cloth on my face. That was heaven.

Did I mention the Pot Roast was done? Lol made for a great snack for everyone, but the small bites I took almost came flying out on everyone and it made it verrrry hard to breathe during the contraptions.

Stick to water/juice during late labor stages next time Nicole. Hahaha. Sheesh.

Then ermuhgerd. I felt babe coming down and I wasn't taking this "ring of fire" shit. LOL --it hurt and I was impatient to wait for another contraction to continue.

My water broke on one push, and then on the next I pushed hard. I barely heard Tara tell me to slow down, but I couldn't. 

From what everyone saw... she shot out in that one push. 

And that feeling of her coming out was about the weirdest/bumpiest thing EVER. No joke...hahaha it is something that you really can't explain. 

"It's a girl!" I heard Jason say... our baby girl was out and she was wired for sound! 

She was placed on my chest and it was the greatest feeling ever... her teeny body and cries were about the coolest thing ever <3

Little Yammers was a 7lbs 1oz girl now officially named Sawyer Kayla Yamniuk. 

Our little piece of Heaven, or our S.K.Y. --she is so amazing and perfect. 

In addition to our little lady, what made the day even more perfect was the people present. Jason, Taylor, Nadia, Tara, Heidi (2nd midwife), and Vannessa shared in this experience and I am so blessed to have them in our life.

So, for now, it's sleep-eat-sleep-eat-sleep... oh, and diaper changes haha YUM! 

This won't be easy, but we are surrounded by so many epic human beings that it will be awesome.

Thank you to everyone who sent us love, messages, and gifts. So so so appreciated and Sawyer says thank you in her squeaky cry <3 <3

We are all excited for you to meet her. 

For now, I'm gunna go eat and feed this cool kid! 

But before you go, please check out HOPE Midwives, Women's Balance Health, and Vanessa Brown Photography. 

<3 <3 Much love to them, my wonderful husband and Taylor for being there! 

To check out the amazing work Vannessa Brown did on the Birth Video, please click HERE and scroll down to the "Feature Birth Story" to watch Sawyers Birth.

P.S. I can see why women do this again and again. Ya I might be bat-shit crazy, but it was epic.

Jumping Manta Rays... who knew?

We had to get up earlier today (sigh) to catch the low tide... 

Our hour long boat ride beside the coast took us by something unbelievably amazing! 

Have you ever heard of or seen giant Manta Rays jumping out of the water??

OMG they were so crazy funny to watch

They would launch out of the water, flap a few times like they really wanted to fly, then belly flopped back into the water. 

The COOLEST thing I have seen, EVER. 

We were all so awestruck that no one got a video haha, so here is a clip done by BBC about the jumping manta ray ----> Click HERE

Soooo the reason we had to get up early was so we could see this amazing place called the "Lava Tunnels". Back in the day when the molten lava hit the coast and ran into the water, it made these amazing formations... and we get to snorkel through them today !
BUT, we had to arrive when the tide was low, otherwise the tunnels will get flooded for the day.

The boating adventure on GETTING to the location was fantastic, hehehe. The Captains had to strategically time the waves. The swells were so big that they had to wait, wait, wait, then they gunned it in between the HUGE swells. ER MUH GERD it was a crazy experience!!!!! Hahaha. 

Then, it was over and silence of the lava tunnels surrounded us. <3 <3 <3
No one around but the boobies and the sea turtles :P

The blue footed boobie "love dance"

I guess the female wants nothing to do with him lol

Grabbing our snorkel gear, we swam in, under and around the tunnels. It was pretty much like caving, lots of adrenaline pumping going from air bubble to air bubble.

The tide was coming up, so some spots weren't as accessible as they would have been an hour earlier. But it was still so beautiful... As Pablo would say "Ahhhh-mazing!" 

Please check out my YouTube video ^_^

Watch to the very end, since leaving the Lava Tunnels was pretty crazy and entertaining haha ----> Click HERE

(The sharks that are in the video were shot at the second snorkel location we went to after the Lava Tunnels)

The few boats we met up with later had said that they could not access the site due to the waves being too difficult to navigate through... he he he, suckers. Thats what you get for sleeping in :P

The afternoon was "free time".

Tom, Tanya, and I took off adventuring into town to do some 'People Photography'. We were even able to find our "guide-in-training" Cristian and take pictures in his surfer 'hangover' house!

Enjoy all the pictures from the rest of our day, go all the way to the end of the post to read about another member of our group =D

The bar owners cat did NOT let go of me. He purred and purred and purred! haha 

We stopped at a soccer practice, and the kids had no problem with us hanging around

I guess some one wasn't allowed to play

My absolute favourite

Pablo's son Kian wanted to play with the boys so bad that he took off to join the game lol

Kian is a hard workin soccer player !

Happiness is not something you postpone for the future;
it is something you design for the present. - Jim Rohn

We befriended a family doing construction on their house,
 their young son was smitten with Tanya and gave some pretty awesome kisses ^_^

This little boy loved playing dress up with Tom's stuff :P

Lots of dogs around, this little lady was too beautiful

Speed... rope?

Cristian's artwork on the front of his house

His beautiful puppy "Nyky"

Before you go, I would like you to meet Pablo Valladares.

Hands down, the greatest guide any one of us has ever had in our worldly experiences.

He has such passion for his country, culture, and life that it is infectious... it makes you want to be better, do better, or see things in a different light.

You don't meet people like that every day... The world needs more like you Pablo !!

Some little bits about this smiley 39 year old...

-Surfing saved his life (got him away from all the bad stuff)

-Married a UK girl named Laura and has a little boy named Kian

-Wanted to be in the military (had 3 generations of fathers who joined) 

but his father new Pablo to be such a great free spirit, that he told his son not to pursue it

Pablo and his son Kian