Pregnancy

It was around the middle of October when I first knew I was pregnant. I kept it a secret from everyone because I was scared and worried about what may or may not happen. I practically threw the positive test stick at Alex when I finally came out, and we hadn't told any of our family, co-workers, or friends until I was already a month away from having her. By this time, we couldn't really hide it. I had gained 35 lbs.
I was 95 before I was pregnant, and after 9 months of eating Subway and icecream, I was 130lbs. However, all the weight I had gained was basically Jocelyn and belly fat. I didn't get one single strech mark (cocoa butter lotion is wonderous!) As far as morning sickness, it wasn't too bad. There was only one time at which I fainted at work from exhaustion and dehydration and was rushed to the ER. But I hardly got nautious and I tried staying as active as possible. I worked as a stocker up until the week she was born. Jocelyn was a wild fire from the beginning. She moved around in my belly all night and day. During our ultrasounds we could see her waving her arms around as if she was saying "Hi mom and dad!". At 4 inches long, we even heard her little hiccups. On the day we were going to find out the sex, I had already told Alex that morning that we were having a girl. (I just knew it in my heart!) and when Dr. Cimino announced it to us, I was extremely excited. At the same time we were still terrified. I remember hearing her heartbeat for the first time and holding back tears...I felt so overwhelmed. Every appointment, we asked, "Is she healthy?" "Is she growing?" and sure enough, she was! We could even see her moving around from under my t-shirt. She'd kick at whatever we laid on my belly, like a book I was reading, or her Daddy's hands. Around 30 weeks, she got even heavier, and walking up those stairs to our new appartment was hell for me. But we were now finally prepared for her arrival.

The Baby Shower

We recieved so many gifts from our baby shower which helped us prepare. It was a supprise shower hosted by Old Time Pottery, and we were so grateful especially to Sonja for the car seat. The tons of diapers, that supprisingly we thought would last a year, only lasted for 3 months! It was really nice to have the support and encouragement from our co-workers and associates since we had just moved to Huntsville and didn't have family or friends near us. Everyone there is important and special to us for being a part of Jocelyn's life.

The Baby's Room

BEFORE

AFTER

Daddy decorated Jocelyn's room and it's had quite the transformation as you can see from the before and after pictures. We decided not to go with a specific theme and just concentrated on how we can make it fun and enjoyable for Jocelyn. She loves to play with her toys in her room, and though she's thankful for her crib from Grandma Maria and Grandpa Danny, it's not where she wants to sleep at night, but instead curl up next to mommy. Her name in wooden letters on the wall we painted and paper lanterns in the corner of the room to use as a night light. She has so many stuffed animals! They are everywhere: on the shelf, bed, hanging off the walls. She is deffinately spoiled with the dolls. The changing table was bought by her Opa and Oma when they visited the week she was born and it's made it so much easier on us cleaning up those messy moments.

We adore Jocelyn's room and sometimes it seems like it is just used for show. But we do encourage all Jocie's baby friends to come over and play and have a good time.