It took me some time to feel like myself after the birth of this baby girl, to get to know her, and in reality – I’ve guarded these early hours and days for myself and for our new family of 3 to be together. I consciously did not make an announcement until now, 11 days later, allowing myself to rejoice and crumble and grieve and come up for air again and again. The process continues as I make her known to you today, and as we study each other for a lifetime.
In birthing my daughter, I became a new mother, more deeply woman, and entered a new dynamic between my partner and I – it’s all beautiful and necessary, often messy, and definitely worth it. Shape shifting. Magic.
Please note that I’m not ready to publicly share details of the birthing process and the interventions that became necessary. Boundaries forever welcome for me, for you. We are well, we are home. Thank you.
With no more delay, please help me welcome my daughter into this world.
Welcome Baby!
Fern Alice Ryba
Born Sunday, April 9 at 06:51am
7lbs 5oz and 20 1/2 inches
Enjoy the photo gallery, getting to know Fern and reflecting on your own process of birth and rebirth. Embodied living means opening to change, initiating ourselves into the next ‘incarnation’ of who we are meant to become in this lifetime. Embodiment is a dynamic unfolding, witnessing the physical expression of our self-knowing.
Rites of passage like births, deaths, moves, relationships ending and beginning, pivots all deserve our reverent care and attention. We deserve reverent care and attention because we’re alive. I feel open, vulnerable, more human than I have in a long while, as energy and emotions move through me. As my body heals. As my spirit expands even more.
Thank you for holding space for me to be silent, for sending loving messages. Because deep, sacred stillness is the anchor for the spectrum of all movement. And stillness in the wee hours of the night inspired me to write haikus for her birth announcement. Enjoy.
Early hours at home
with hubby and doula near
soothing me, comfort
3 minutes apart
and getting stronger, longer
Water broken. Go.
Withdrawn, into waves
of pressure. Finally she
sobs, a turning point
Sunset, sunrise, sun
down passed with slow progress
Delicate decisions
More heart beat decels
Descending proved difficult
Final surrender
Taken from my womb
Blinded, I hear her first cry
Bright lights overhead
Jason holds my hand
Skin to skin, mind miles away
I’m being stitched up
Resting after birth
weary but together now.
Her eyes peel open.
Sly smiles while feeding
dozing in my arms you trust
me with everything
Shoulders, back and neck
All covered by fine peach fuzz
Angelic body
Partner, Protector –
He reads Grimm’s fairytales to
her and sips coffee.
day 5, I see you.
Your arrival is complete,
my sweet baby, Fern
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Om shanti shanti shanti.
Amen,
Cheri
Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl:) Your life will never be the same!
Dear Cheri
I am so moved by your beautiful announcement. And by who you are and the examples you set. By your honesty, bravery, openness. You are my inspiration.
Your precious Fern arrived on my grandmother’s birthday! It’s a wonderful day to begin.
May you all enjoy your days together – especially these early and so very special ones.
Love to you all
Rowena xoxoxo
Dear Cheri and Jason
So delighted to hear of your beautiful daughter’s arrival and of her wonderful name which is full of character and evokes unfolding life ….
I do hope you can take proper time to recover and enjoy your time altogether…
With much love … thinking of you all….
Cleo xxx
Welcome home, sweet Fern! Our world is already better now with you among us. Much love!! And congratulations to your wonderful parents, Cheri and Jason xoxoxoxoxo
Many blessings to you Cheri and all. May you move in happiness with each growing moment.
Congratulations and welcome Fern. 🙂
Dearest Cheri,
We prepare body, mind, and spirit, we wait, we anticipate and still these liminal times open the door onto scenes we have not seen before. So glad you are taking the time you need to integrate and celebrate and heal with your new baby girl. Many blessings on you and your family.
Love,
Alethia Sandra
She is beautiful. Happy Happy Birth day Fern.
Beautiful, amazing, unfolding bounty of amazement she will bring you joy and emotions abundant. Thank you for being so expressive and sharing your journey. As always, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti xxxx
You are such a wonderful beacon of truth and light. Blessings to Fern, Jason, and Cheri
Love the pictures. Keep in touch.
She is a beautiful little girl Thanks for sharing your words of delight.
Congratulations Cheri on the beautiful birth of Baby Fern, enjoy your family life.
Congratulations 🎉 to your beautiful new family. I see you and Jason in her, what a wonderful new child. Hope your transition is all you hope for and thankful that all are doing well.
Welcome! Welcome! XOXO
Lovely, lovely, love
In newness an
Yikes! It wasn’t finished!
Awesome is the journey, learning every moment. Resting in the peace of 3 healthy beings joined.
Friends and family support from all corners of the globe.
Blessings and Light to you!
Congratulations! Glad you are all well and healing. Sending much love!
My love to you and your beautiful family. Three is a lucky number. 💖
My heart is happy for you. You are glowing. I am so happy that you took time with Jason and Fern, alone, as a family. Bonding is very important.
I love you sweet Cheri. You’re a mommy!!!! 💖💖💖
Thank you so much for sharing Cheri. Congratulations on your new addition!
My dear Cheri , You made me so happy , and I’m also so happy for you. Please kiss Fern 💗For me . I can’t wait to see her and her Mom!!
Love and blessings ,
Dear Cheri and Jason,
Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful baby girl, Fern Alice! Your birth announcement of baby daughter is very touching and moving, along with the beautiful pictures.
May you take time recover through the process in these early days of Motherhood. Sending our thoughts of love and joy to you all
Mary and Dave
Welcome to the world Fern Alice. You are beautiful and I am very excited to one day meet you. You have the best mom out there, kind, funny, and oh’ so smart! look into her eyes and know she will take care of you forever, learning from you and teaching you her wisdom.
Love and light, little girl!
Barbara O.
This made me cry. I am SO happy for the three of you.
❤
Cheri,,, congratulations on your bundle of joy!!! I did not know!! What a beautiful story. Take care.
Vicki