Baby on a stick? Not exactly, but I would say that my belly was definitely a star attraction at the Minnesota State Fair. I am fortunate to not only live in the same place as fetal-positioning guru, Gail Tully, founder of spinningbabies.com (check it out!!), but to also have an "in" with her, being in the same professional birth community. This past week Gail did some fabulous belly painting for me, which I proudly displayed while enjoying the sights and tastes of the fair.I also had the opportunity to participate in Blooma's "Bellyrama," an incredible yoga-by-the-lake event with over 200 mamas, some with babies in belly, some out. (Blooma is the mama-centered yoga, wellness, and education center where I teach.) I can think of no better way to celebrate being a mother than doing yoga outdoors on a beautiful summer morning.However, yesterday brought the bittersweet reminder of the cycle of life. With great sorrow, my family honored my aunt, who passed away very unexpectedly. I typically don't like the idea of "birthday-sharing," but my official due date is four days before her birthday, so I'm hopeful for a January 29th baby as a remembrance of the incredible great-aunt this little nugget will never know. From her funeral, I went straight to a birth. Although I was still reeling from the day's events, welcoming a beautiful baby girl into the world was exactly what I needed. The mama was so incredibly strong and trusting, as her partner and I gently supported her. I had supported the fabulous couple with the birth of their first child, and was truly honored to share in their joy once again.