PLANNING THE OFF-GRID BIRTH.

At thirty-four weeks, the baby could come today. Or tomorrow. Or not for ten more weeks––the baby's keeping pretty mum about it. But either way, we're feeling ready. Most importantly, Hannah is feeling ready.We've spent the last couple of weeks gathering all of the cloth diapers and wipes and towels and head lamp batteries and candles we need for the home birth–-that is, a birth in our off-grid cabin. We have a lot of back up water in jugs (because we ran out of money to finish our water system this fall–-I hate to sound like the Cubs fan I am here, but, you know, maybe next year). We've read a lot and watched the birthing videos. We've done everything our midwife has suggested. Hannah has eaten well––lots of protein and leafy greens––and stayed active. The only thing we're missing is birthing music, holding out in hopes that there will be Christmas music playing on some local radio station. Otherwise, it'll probably be NPR. Or UK basketball.We are as ready as any two kids can be and like I said, Hannah feels good and confident. I am absolutely honored to have such a tough woman willing to carry and birth our baby under these conditions. And not only willing, but excited. She has dealt with a hot, dry summer––no air conditioning. She's done almost every market delivery by herself so I could stay home and farm. She's milked the cow and insisted upon it. Hannah is such a trooper, such an inspiration. And I am a lucky man to have her.So with that being said, I say bring it on, little baby, we're ready for you.- Jesse.