Jocelyn Amaiya had a long journey before we finally were able to hold her in our arms. It started the day before when Dr. Cimino told us we would have a induced labor. Apparently, little Jocie was enjoying the warmth of Mommy's belly and didn't want to come out. We were ready for her though. It seemed like the 9 awaiting months had gone by soo quickly, and then this last night was the longest night ever. I stayed up the whole time, thinking, "Am I going to be a good mommy?"

We woke up around 3:00AM to get ready. Her car seat had been strapped in the back of our car for a couple months now and her baby bag was already packed. I was so nervous and paranoid. After settling down in the labor and delivery room, I was able to relax a little. The room was cozy and spacious, even Daddy had his own bed. My belly was all plugged up and the sound of her heartbeat on the monitor made me even more anxious. We waited and waited, and around 8 AM, my water broke and I started my contractions. They were pretty regular, about 12-15 minutes apart and was easy for me to handle.

I had made a bet with Alex for $100 beforehand that I wouldn't scream or cry at all, no matter how aweful the contractions and/or labor would be...I also wanted to hold off as long as possible before asking for any kind of medication. I was pretty tired and was able to get a few naps in before the pain actually started kicking in. At around noon, Dr. Cimino checked on me and I was about 4 inches dialated. Still not enough for Jocelyn to come out, my contractions were about 5 minutes apart and more intense. I remembered something another mom had told me an d that was to think that each lil painful contraction and push was Jocelyn's way of saying, "I'm comming mama, I'm almost there!" That was a positive influence that kept me feeling strong inside, though my body felt like it'd collapse. A couple hours later, I couldn't stand the pain, and I asked for the epidural. Now I wish I had gone without it. The epi is probably what scared us the most. I'm not frightened by needles but it wasn't fun being poked in my spine, and having my whole body shake and shiver for about an hour. They had given me an overdosage which completely numbed me for 3 days. But after that, I was so out of it. I went to sleep again and when I woke up, I was 8 cm dialated and it was time to push. Alex stood next to me holding my hand and laughing on the inside as I tried not to scream, I bit my tongue instead. It only took 3 big pushes and she was out. She didn't even cry, and I had no idea she was already out of me until I looked over at Alex. He was looking down and had the most unforgettable expression on his face then he looked back at me and said, "She's beautiful." I had a million butterflies in me at that moment. Then Alex cut the cord and I finally got to hold my little miracle for the first time.

I don't even want to type what I felt at this moment, because everytime I think about it, I get all teary. I don't think I can even explain it anyway.

All I can say is that, dreams do come true, miracles do happen, and I am the happiest mother in the world to have such a perfect little girl a part of my life.