Birth Music

Kelly Fleming

Did you ever notice how rare it is to find songs about pregnancy, labor/birth and the amazing experience of caring for a newborn? Isn't it odd that one of the most powerful, mysterious, transforming and beautiful events in many people's lives is rarely depicted in music and other art forms? Kelly has written two wonderful songs inspired by his baby daughter Anna. This professionally produced CD features some of the most excellent musicians in Nevada County and Nina Gerber.

Singer/songwriter and accomplished guitarist Kelly Fleming is a former Nevada County Musician of the Year. His ancestors have lived in Nevada County since the Gold Rush days.

Kelly has been playing guitar for over 30 years and is the son of a professional jazz musician. All his children have been born naturally without medications. His oldest child was born at home and he loved the experience! He is a homebirth and midwife advocate.

His CD Learning to Wait includes one songs about waiting for labor to begin and another about the odd hours of newborn parenting. The CDs opening song, "Anna" is about Kelly and Anna's mom busily preparing the home for the overdue baby and excitedly and nervously waiting for labor to begin. The song "Up All Night" depicts Kelly's progression of not getting much sleep as a youthful, energetic, mischievous musician and now as a mature man not sleeping because of the odd hours his newborn daughter kept! His style on this CD is a combination of folk, rock, celtic music and jazz.

Recently we opened and closed a client's Blessingway with these two songs.

Kelly is locally famous for his previous "Kelly Fleming Band" and is referred to by some musicians as "Mr. Music". Kelly is often found "playing out" in the community. If you are lucky you might find him barding at Friar Tuck's on the weekends. He also performs professionally at parties, weddings, gatherings etc. Kelly also offers private, patient and excellent in-home guitar, banjo and mandolin instruction. He is available for all levels of students on guitar including absolute beginners. He teaches a wide variety of styles. He is Vanita's guitar instructor.

His Learning to Wait CD is available in our office for $15. You can contact Kelly at (530) 913-7025 or email him at kelly@en.com. Kelly lives in Nevada City.

A beautiful Poem from one of our babies, with a little help from Mom

To Vanita from Nikolai

Not so long ago, in Heaven I played;

That was my home, that’s where I stayed.

I had one small toy, which was more than enough;

A ball made of gold, you know the stuff.

That ball was my pride, my dearest of all.

I rolled it, I bounced it, I threw it up tall.

One day I felt “spunky”, something stirring inside,

Ball in my hands, my heart opened wide.

I took a deep breath, stood up straight, as I should,

And threw my gold sphere just as far as I could.

All around me was silent, for what had I done?

I stood for a moment, then started to run.

I ran and I ran in search of my ball.

I searched and I searched, but with no luck at all.

Then far ahead I saw through the mist.

Something glowed up ahead; something I ‘d missed.

The closer I came to that light in the clouds,

The more I was happy, my heart growing proud.

Then as I reached down to take up my ball

The clouds opened up; I thought that I’d fall!

But what I saw then was a sight to behold.

I looked down to Earth with a feeling untold!

I saw two lovely people, a man and a wife

And two young boys so full of Life!

At ONCE I was deeply in love with them all!

I needed them badly; MORE than my BALL!

I watched for a while their life on this Earth,

And longed to be part of that family of mirth.

I made up my mind right there on the spot

And ran to my Angel, as there was time to waste Not!

From this home to that, I wanted to go;

No stops in between, no hospital show.

I begged and I pleaded, “Can I please go down there?”

And my prayer was soon answered with a smile full of care.

Then some instructions, advice if you like;

Angels are good at this, and they’re always right.

“You’ll need a strong helper the day you arrive,

Find just the right one, making sure that you’ll thrive.”

In earnest I searched, discouraged at first.

I watched quite a few ‘til I KNEW it was you!

You were strong, you were calm, you were everything good.

And I whispered to Mom just as loud as I could.

Thank goodness she heard me and got right down to work,

Seeking out midwives is no easy work.

Now back to my Angel I ran like the wind;

I said “everything’s settled, when can I begin?”

My Angel then spoke in a voice soft and low,

I listened intently. I wanted to know.

“Remember I’m with you wherever you go;

All through your journey I’ll be there you know.”

“Now take off your Heavenly clothes, for you’ll learn

I’ll look after them here until you return.”

I worried a little about my big day,

But my Angel assured me and began to say:

“You’ve made the best choice for your helper-to-be,

There’s no need to worry, for this you shall see.

Her wisdom and strength are beyond what you need,

She’ll deliver you safely, my words you must heed.”

Then I closed my eyes softly and began my long sleep;

Floating down through the rainbow, never making a peep.

9 months I did sleep, the time drawing near.

29th of my birthday month, January was here.

At midnight I thought I’d been in long enough,

So I pushed just a little, it wasn’t so rough.

You came your long distance, driving under my stars,

Prepared in the fullest to greet mom, me and ours.

Those next nine, long hours you stayed by our side,

Attending my mother, listening inside.

With so many people, so much going on, I happened to know what my Mom noticed most

Your focus was her, never leaving your post.

Your hands were so close, I could feel them await;

Almost out, one more push and I’d pass through that gate.

Then I heard words of my Angel once more:

“Vanita’s beside you to open the door.”

Soon I saw light and your hands were both there

You gave me to mommy; my skin was still bare.

I may not remember you all through this life,

Though I’m sure I’ll respect sacred works of a midwife.

And before I forget what we all have been through

There’s something important I wanted to do.

That’s to say “Thank you”, you gave all you’ve got.

I sincerely am grateful, not a little, but a “Lott” !

Birth Humor

"The Middle Wife" (story)

"How Babies are Delivered" (photo, must see!)

"A Toddler's View of Yoga" (short video, hysterical)

Cartoons

Birth Art

Pregnant Earth: www.pregnantearth.com