Midwife gift

It is customary to give your midwife a gift if you have appreciated your services after a homebirth. I always knew I wanted to give my midwife something handmade. After Ava's birth, we hoped I would have time to make some stained glass, or that Keith would have time to do some pottery. But that didn't happen, so her gift ended up being a check (which is always welcome, as homebirth midwifery does not make you rich!). But this time I really wanted to find the time to make a special gift. And somehow, even though I've got two kids and am finishing my PhD and work as a birth doula, I managed to make it happen. The piece above was actually quite easy to make compared to my previous pieces. There were far less curves to grind out on this one. The lead came and solder are silver in color, though you can't tell from the picture. I like this pattern quite a bit. I think I'll be making another one for myself.

Oh, and the really cool thing about this - the week before I gave my midwife this piece, she was at my house for the Blessingway of another expectant mommy and she commented on the large fish and turtle glass piece I have in my bathroom window. She said it was really gorgeous and remembered that I used to do glass work and was glad to see I'd gotten back to it. :) I didn't tell her at the time I had this gift for her, because it wasn't finished yet. But it made me feel really good to know she was going to appreciate my gift. And she did.