April Update.

April!!!! Yay!!! That means nicer weather and spending more time outside in the sunshine!

April started off slow, but before I knew it, it was over. I was happy to spend some time with my nieces and nephews. I am lucky that this seems to be a regular occurrence for me. It makes me so very happy. I wish some of my older nieces and nephews were closer!

John and I had parent teacher conference at the beginning of the month. I have never been more proud of Jocelynn. Her teacher had very positive things to say about Jocelynn. She continues to love math, writing, and spelling....so much so that she is excelling in those three subjects. Reading seems to be the only place she needs improvements and that is because she tends to hurry too much and doesn't really seem to enjoy it when she reads. John and I have been working with her. We seem to have found a routine that works great for her. every night when she goes to bed, she reads for 30-60 minutes. Not only has her fluency improved (she was having a problem with that) but also her love for reading has improved. She actually asks to go to bed to read. Reading and bedtime used to be a battle every night, now she looks forward to both. It has made the stress in the house much less. 

We also managed to really enjoy April vacation together. With very little fighting and arguing when it came to cleaning her room!

The month of april had it's downs for me.....lol....the screen on my iphone broke. Luckily with the apple insurance I was able to get it fixed, but it is still one of those things that stinks.

Gage celebrated his 3rd birthday. I can't believe how fast he has grown.....Aunties (not so) little man!

John was able to convince me to drive the four wheeler....I may be hooked! It is so much fun!

Easter was eventful as always! Its so fun to have the family together and watch the kids find the eggs! Jocelynn's gifts were scaled back this year, and she didn't seem to mind. Thankfully I have managed to not completely spoil her yet!

I started a new adventure! I decided to make and sell some of my jewelry. Check out my facebook page ~ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beading-by-Sam/271575239685854 ~ and the items are available for sale on Etsy!

Also, I guess I did manage to upset Jocelynn at some point because I came across this drawing on out white board...

All in a day as a mother and father!

Congratulations to my friend Angie and her hubby Andy on the Finalized adoption of E!!!!! I am so very beyond the moon excited for the two of you!

On the ttc front.....No news. Still working on getting healthy, both physically and mentally. 

July!!!!

4th of July weekend was fun! I had a couple friends over and we danced our rears off! John, Jocelynn and I ended up at the park/beach for the 4th. We had fun, but it was not the same without the Alexander clan....man I miss them!

Big news for the summer...Jocelynn can swim!!! Actually dog paddle...but it is still swimming! She also has become much more comfortable going under water. We purchased her a pair of goggles and she spends almost as much time under water as above. She is adorable!

Jocelynn's horseback riding lessons are going good! She really seams to love taking care of the horse and looks forward every week to Tuesday. I also think John and I look forward to them too. Tracy has 2 horses, Moe and Logan. Jocelynn takes care of and rides Moe and John and I take care of and walk Logan! We even got to experience what it would be like (at least in the evenings) to own a horse. Tracy and her family went on vacation at the end of July and asked us if we would take care of the horses. Of course we said yes. So for 2 nights we all went to the barn and fed, gave hay, cleaned hoofs and brushed Moe and Logan. They have become part of our family and I adore them so much!

July also saw me taking a couple days off to spend with Jocelynn! We had a couplke mommy and Jocelynn days. It was much needed! We spent the day together shopping, we went out to breakfast and lunch and spent the afternoon by the pool. We loved it! I hope there will be a few more of these in the future!

On the TTC front....July saw cycle 58 and 59...both BFN. I am trying to keep my faith and know and follow God's plan....but it hurts!

Happy 4th of July!

So this past week has been interesting!

First of all, my hours at work have increased (from 28 to 32 and this was the first week) I am tired and miss having the extra time with Jocelynn, but we need the money!

On Sunday (6/26) I was able to watch my Nephew (almost 11 weeks old). It was fun and I always enjoy having my nieces and nephews around! But man, I forgot how much work it was having an infant. We went to a birthday party and I was physically exhausted when we got back home. Looks like I need more practice (with one of my own!!!! soon I hope!)

Jocelynn's riding lessons were great this past week. I decided to let her and Tracy do the lesson without me hovering (I am afraid I have become one of those helicopter mom's). It was surprisingly hard for me to do. I believe I enjoy these lesson's as much as she does! I think it was better for Jocelynn and that she listened much better the instructions that Tracy was giving her! I will try again this week to relinquish control!

Also I am happy to report that Jocelynn is now having no accidents at night and hasn't had one in over a month! WOOHOO for my big girl!

It is the 4th of July weekend. What are our plans you ask? NOTHING! In the past we have spent the holiday with family at the park, but at last those family members have moved away.....man I miss them!!!!

I am having just a couple of friends (from work) over to enjoy the evening. We are headed to a co-workers house for a small party and then home to dance our butts of with the X-box! I am hoping to just have fun!

I am hoping I can convince John to go see fireworks somewhere. In the 11 years we have been together we have not been to the fireworks (more importantly, Jocelynn has never been!) Maybe this year I can change that!

Happpy 4th of July to all and have a safe and fun holiday weekend!

Finally....an update!

WOW, what a busy month! Not sure were to start...lol

Vacation!!!!
It was vacation! Relaxing and enjoyable! We were able to spend time with family and friends (some we haven't seen in years) and also spend some time just the 3 of us!
We were able to spend the day at the Baltimore Aquarium (and able to meet, for the first time, one of my friends). Jocelynn loved the aquarium but was more interested in riding all the different escalators......the mind of a 5 year old....lol
Also my in-laws purchased a Wii while we were there. There was a lot of fun had racing Cows....lol. Jocelynn was the champion and everyone was trying to beat her.....lol Jocelynn also had a blast on the plane! First time flying and she was a trooper! I was able to get a picture of her face when the plane fully took off.....

 Walking through the airport!

Take Off!!!!!

Jocelynn is doing wonderful in school. She is reading 4-5 word sentences (I am so proud and sad at the same time) and the teacher says she is a joy to have in class. We did have an incident last week, they were doing a craft and Jocelynn decided to take the scissors and cut her hair.....thankfully it was just a few strands behind her ear, not noticeable, but none the less annoying! When I asked her why, she told me "I want my hair cut like yours Mommy." Mind you, mine is not that much shorter then hers. I told her that if we have a few weeks were she behaves and we have no more scissor incidents I will make an appointment for both of us to have our hair cut together......not sure what I was thinking, agreeing to allow her to cut her beautiful, long red hair......but if that is what she wants  :*(
Jocelynn has also been doing wonderful with staying dry at night. One accident all this month so far! We are no longer waking her up between 11 and midnight to go pee. She is handling this all on her own! She is growing up sooooo fast!!!!!
Daisies! yep, it is official! Jocelynn has joined the Girl Scouts as a Daisy! She is so excited (and is selling cookies until the 3/30 if anyone is interested). The meetings are every other week, and we are joining in the middle of the year, but she is excited none the less! Can't wait to get her uniform and see her all dressed up!

And......Tooth #2 is officially lost! (Tooth #1 (bottom right) is coming in nicely!)

FINALLY I was able to get my new phone!!!! I have felt so far behind the times with my rumor....not any more! I have had the new phone, a Samsung Intercept, for 23 days and I LOVE IT!!!!! My ONLY complaint is that the battery life sucks!

On the TTC front.....another cycle has come and gone.... This cycle we are attempting Clomid again. 100mg CD 4-8. This is really just an attempt to help, but I know it is in God's hands and will happen when He has planned for it to happen!
I have stopped obsessing and decided to enjoy the blessings I have in life! I have a WONDERFUL husband who is my rock and the love of my life! Without his support, understanding and love I don't know what I would do! Also my BEAUTIFUL daughter who manages to know exactly what I need on my worst days and can put a smile on my face always! They are my life and the reason for my being everyday!

I am also excited to meet my nephew.......just over 5 weeks!!!!!!  I can't believe how much I love this little boy already!!!!!!!!

Well, that is it in a nutshell......doesn't seem like I was that busy, but if I updated everything it would take uo 6x more pages...lol

I am working on updating once a week........I NEED to make time! I have too many stalkers counting on it   :P

Jocelynn is on a roll!!!!!

I am so proud of her! This morning was her 5th morning waking up dry!!!!!! Something seems to have clicked with her and every morning she get so excited when she realizes she didn't pee the bed.

Jocelynn has even go so far as to stop herself...Monday morning she woke up all upset... crying "mommy I'm sorry I peed the bed". I told her it was ok and that I wasn't mad because honestly I expected a few accidents. So I went to change her sheets and realized that she hadn't wet the bed! I checked her panties and sure enough they were wet, but it woke her up, she stopped peeing before it wet the sheets and went to use the potty! That accomplishment in it's self is amazing to me! I am praying and hoping that this is something that she will continue with and not just a fluke!

I do wake her up once a night, between 11 and midnight. I don't typically go to bed until then so it works out well for us. If Jocelynn continues to stay dry, John and I decided to stop waking her up and see what happens. Since beginning this 3 or 4 weeks ago, it has been easier and easier to wake her up at night. I guess only time will tell.


I received a call from Dr H's office (Cardiologist) this morning. They were able to get a hold of Dr. L's office (Dr. in Mass.). My records are being sent to Mass for review and Dr. L's office will be calling me with appointment information after looking at my records. I am hoping that things will progress quickly. It is in God's hands and I trust in whatever plan He has for me!

The New Hair!

I had a hair cut today. I was able to get 11 inches to donate!

Here is my new hair style!

The Front.

 

The Back

Tucked behind my ears.

I LOVE it! I go in 6 weeks for a trim and to put red highlights in it. We will see if I actually follow through!

Getting better!

Happy Birthday Jody!!!!!!!!!


Things have been good. The Dr. didn't call with a surgery date, but John will call and harass them next week...lol

Work is good, there are changes being made that are upsetting, but life will go on.

Jocelynn is doing great. Still working at staying dry at night, but we are moving in baby steps forward. She is always surprising me with the little things she comes up with.

I have been doing ok. I am feeling better after having some kinda sinus/chest congestion thing. Not sure what it was all about but it can go away. ever since my pneumonia last July, I have had a small cough, but this is crazy. I might head to the Dr. next week if it doesn't get any better.

I am officially late again.....not hoping too much, but always a little. I just wish I could take a pregnancy test and know for sure yes or no. I hate being in Limbo. I suppose if I don't start by Thursday/Friday I will call the Dr. That will put me past the longest cycle I have ever had. It would be great if this was our month.....I guess only time will tell.

Sick, sick and sick....

Things have been interesting in the last week. Jocelynn is doing good again with staying dry at night. I can't believe how proud of her I am for accomplishing this. I know we still have a long road ahead, but we are headed in the right direction!

John received a call from Dr. Cori in Mass. We have an appointment on wednesday 1/20 at 2pm for his surgery consultation. I hope that we have a surgery date when we leave the office.

I have been busy with work and sick. Some kind of sinus/cold thing going on. It started Tuesday(1/12)afternoon around 3pm. My nose became unbelievable stuffy, I left work at 4 and came home and went straight to bed. Tossed and turned all night. Luckily I had Wednesday off from work and I called out of work on Thursday. Both days I spent 3/4 of the day in bed sleeping and napping and didn't get dressed until later afternoon when I had to go to the store for more meds or juice. Nyquil (day and nigh) has become my best friend. I did manage to go to work today and stay the entire day. I am starting to feel better and hope to be 100% by Sunday.

The TTC is going slow. I'm not even sure were I am in my cycle or if I ovulated. John and I have decided to TTC naturally until after his surgery. I am happy and sad about this at the same time. I just feel like life is passing me by. I will be 31 in just 4 weeks and my biological clock is SCREAMING in my ear. I know we are headed in the right direction and everything is in God's hands and by his timing, I just am not a patient person.

"strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously" Colossians 1:11

Slow moving...

Jocelynn has made good progress with not peeing in her diaper at night. Thursday, Saturday and Sunday she woke up dry. Friday and this morning she woke up wet. I expect a few wet nights before she gets the complete hang of it. I'm just happy she is starting to wake up dry more than wet!!!!

On a roll!

Saturday night wasn't just a one time thing. Jocelynn has awoke in the morning the last 2 of 3 nights completely dry. Monday morning she woke up to a barely wet diapers. I think she started to pee and realized she shouldn't and stopped. The last 2 mornings she has been completely dry! I will give her tonight and Christmas eve and if she wakes up dry after those nights we will try the big girl panties for bed!

I didn't realize this would mean so much to me and that I would feel so proud of my little girl who is growing up!

Jocelynn also has her annual exam today. I will update with her 'stats' later...lol

John's appointment is today. I am nervous but really want her to give him the answers he need. He did do some research and found a herbal supplement that he has been taking and it has help a great deal with his mood swings and patience. Please just pray that she doesn't give us the run around like the last two specialist have!

As I sit her and type, my brain is going a million miles a minute. Why? I can't say, but this next week could bring some amazing information to John and I. Please keep us in your prayers!

Happy Times!

I want to wish my brother Jeremy a very happy 25th birthday! Man I feel old!

We have finally made some progress! Jocelynn is still in night time 'diapers'. It is frustrating and expensive, but I can't really knock her since it is her genes. I have really started working on getting her through the night dry. No drinks after dinner except about 3 sips at bed time, also keeping an eye on her liquid intake level during the day and making sure she goes potty right before bed.

Well, it did seem to making a difference until last night. She woke up completely dry! I was ecstatic. Also she took a 2 hour nap this afternoon and again completely dry when she woke up! I know it could be a one day thing, but it is progress!

I did praise her and made a huge deal about it. She got excited and said, I guess Santa has me on the nice list now!.....lol so cute!

I guess we will se what tomorrow morning brings!

On another note, my Mom walked into the kitchen tonight to find her getting in the fridge to get herself something to drink (which she knows is a no-no). Well, Mom was working on the grocery list, spoke to Jocelynn about what she was doing wrong, and then went back to her list. With a look of complete horror on her face she asked my Mom "are you putting me on the naughty list"? Mom and I cried we were laughing so hard. It is funny how she takes the whole naughty/nice list so seriously!

My 100th Post!!!!!!

Happy March!!!!! I can't believe it is March already. Where have January and February gone?!?!?!

Not alot going on here. Snowing like a mofo again! It isn't supposed to stop until tomorrow (Monday) evening and we are supposed to have something like 18 more inches! wtf!!!! I am so tired of snow already!!!!!

On other fronts, the trim has been purchased for the basement. We got a super cheap deal on some very nice trim. The painting will begin tomorrow and it will be installed at the earliest opportunity! We are painting it a very nice Medium Gray called 'Tin Man'. More pictures will come when that happens

Then the only thing left is the ceiling and the furniture. The ceiling will take a few more weeks before the funds are available for that!

We were able to utilize the space for the first time yesterday (Saturday). We had family dinner for Kristina's Birthday. After dinner Kristina, Cory, John and I went to the basement and played some board games. Harry Potter Scene It and Clue DVD. It was a blast and so much fun! I hope to have a few more night like that in the near future and it will be even better when we get furniture along with a table.

Right now all we have is 3 folding metal chairs and an over sized bean bag chair. Or the floor if you so choose...lol. It is a work in progress that will be done soon.....I hope!

This weekend has been pretty laid back and relaxing! Friday we did go out to Dinner with Kristina and about 18 of her other friends. FUN!!!!! Margarita's has some of the best drinks and the fact that they accommodate 22 of us on a Friday night is amazing! There was just a bit of alcohol consumed! Every time I turned around there was a waiter bringing out a tray with 5-6 drinks. They were YUMMY! It was nice to just get out and have a great time with 'adults' if you can call them that....LOL

BTW: Happy Birthday Kristina! I hope you had a GREAT day!!!!!

Remodel

We have been working on finishing the basement since before the holidays. Then the holidays came and we didn't have time. Well, since the first of the year we have been really plugging along at it. I am happy to say that it was painted last night. I love it. We still have some way to go. Still needs a carpet and a ceiling, but that is all in the works. Here are some updated pictures! If you can imagine, the entire space was so full of boxes that we had a hard time moving around. Also the pictures are from roughly the same angle, so you can see the improvement!

When the work started the beginning of 2009!



All the Drywall up and and ready for the primer and paint!



And the finished paint Job. The color is Cranberry Zing!

Twilight!!!

All I have to say is if you haven't read the book, you need to!!! It was a great book! I started it last night (1/24/09) after Jocelynn went to bed at about 9pm, read until 11 pm, was up at 5am and finished the book about 1pm! I just couldn't put it down! Now i can't wait to read New Moon and the rest of the series!!!!! Plus, I can;t wait until the movie is on DVD (3/21/09) so I can watch that too!!! Wish now I had gone to see it in the theaters!

Where does the time go?!?!?!

Seems like yesterday both my SIL and I were pregnant. Now our little girls are turning 3!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROOKE!!!!

I just can't believe 3 years can go that fast. What a ride it has been and I wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING!

We are having Jocelynn's pictures taken today. I am so excited! I just pray she behaves and we get some good shots quickly since we will be outside and it is only supposed to be 30 degrees. BRRRRRRRRR. Then I will be ordering my christmas cards this morning or tomorrow. Depends on when I get the picture CD. Should be no later then Monday!

On the ttc front, I believe my bbt is broken. I will be buying another one this morning but as I was told, I can't use it until next cycle. It is not good to change bbt mid cycle. SO I am slightly crazy not knowing what my true temp is (staying on 98.6 and 98.5 with the broke bbt). I seriously think this cycle is out. I have been cramping on and off for the last 3 days and I am mega bitchy. Sounds like PMS to me!

Praying for my girls who are going through some procedures in the next 4-6 weeks (M, A and J! You know who you are!)And also praying for those of you who are nearing the end of your pregnancy! You will get to meet your little bundle of joys soon! I can't wait and I am so excited for all of you!!!!!!

Busy

Today has been a great, busy day. We were able to close the pool.....boo....that just reminds me that summer is over, yet again.

Also decorated for Halloween. That was fun. Jocelynn had a blast helping me fill the little pumpkin and ghost bags with leaves so we could hang them on the maple and apple tree in the front and side yard. Of course, we would rake the leaves in a pile to make filling the bags easier and she would run through the leaves yelling, "ha ha, I run through your pile!" It was very cute. below is the picture of the front yard after we were done. We haven't raked the leaves because personally I like them there and I refuse to rake until all the leaves have fallen.


Also the leaves on the trees are amazing. Below is the trees in the front yard and a close up of a tree in the side yard.



When Jocelynn wasn't running through the leaves she was playing with Spanky with his ball. Running and laughing. I so do enjoy these days.

Also Jocelynn helped Grammie plant about 5 dozen tulip bulbs. She was so cute and wanted to be the one to place each and every bulb in the ground. Next spring will be fun, watching for the first signs of life after a cold, baron winter.


So it was a busy day today, but we took full advantage of the unseasonably warm weather.

The Journal...

SO I decided that now is just as good a time as any. Below are the journal entries from when I was pregnant with Jocelynn. The date of the entry will be before the entry......

The Wait -- 11/16/2004
Notes: It has been a long 3 years trying to get pregnant. Finally after the many months of disappointment we decided to get help. I have been seeing a Fertility Specialist for only 1 month now but all the information has been good. I have been diagnosed with Poly cystic Ovarian Syndrome. The link below will give you more information on this syndrome. http://my.webmd.com/hw/womens_conditions/tw9107 The good news is this month because of the stress and pressure to get pregnant is no longer on my shoulders I may be pregnant. I will know on 11/28/04. The Dr, says that my body ovulated and did everything correctly so wish me luck and keep me in your prayers.

Still Waiting -- 3/12/2005
Notes: Well, No positive test in the last 3-4 months. In the beginning of my last cycle I began taking hormones. Great news, they worked, just a little to well! I have 2 maturing eggs, possible twins, that is news that is hard to swallow. But, still very happy news for my husband and I. We have the support of both of our families and that is great. As well as both of our places of employment are 100% supportive. I guess it pays to work for small companies. I have another Dr. appointment tomorrow and we will see from there how things go. Everyone reading this please keep us in your prayers. Thank You

We're Expecting! -- 3/18/2005
Notes: After 3 1/2 years my husband and I have the news we have been longing to hear. We are Pregnant!!!!! What joyous news. As much as I wanted to wait a few weeks to spread the news it became increasingly harder until I couldn't do it anymore and ended up calling most of both of our families. It was excitement from everyone. It still hasn't hit what wonderful news this is but I'm sure it will soon! Words can't express how happy we are!!!!!

It Begins -- 4/7/2005
Notes: Well, Spoke to the Dr. today, I had a few concerns about what I should and shouldn't be doing and different things I am feeling. Thank goodness she was very patient and helpful. I have allot of questions and concerns since this is my first pregnancy. I am very excited because I was able to schedule my first ultrasound for April 26, 2005. I'm very excited as I will be hearing the heartbeat(s) for the first time and will know for sure whether or not it is twins, which is another avenue all together. My husband and I could not be any happier. Can't wait until we know whether it is a gal or fella, but that will be in time. Right now I am just getting used to the idea of being pregnant and being able to welcome a or many little ones into the world in December.

Ultrasound -- 4/26/2005

Notes: What a wonderful experience. My Husband and My mother were with me for the ultrasound. We were very happy to find out that it was just one baby and not two. Although twins would have been fun. The Dr. says everything looks great and the baby is right on schedule. It was awesome to not only see the baby but also see and hear the heartbeat. "he" also wiggled during the ultrasound which was very cool. I begin my office visits in two weeks and can't wait to have the next ultrasound in 10-14 weeks (when I'm 18-22 weeks pregnant) This has definitely been a great experience and can't wait until I know a little bit more about this little person growing inside of me.

Heard Heartbeat -- 5/11/2005
Notes: What a wonderful sound. At only ten weeks (which is early) I was able to hear the beautiful heartbeat on the Doppler. It has such a calming effect.

Monthly Checkups -- 6/2/2005
Notes: I can see now. I'm going to have a stubborn child! It was great hearing the heartbeat again, I'm sure it will be great every month. What was unusual was the way the baby reacted to the invasion of his/her space. I was able to hear the heartbeat for about 20 seconds before he/she decided it wasn't comfortable so he moved. The Dr. was able to find the heartbeat again, but after about 20 seconds, he moved again and that was it. It was almost like he was running from the Doppler. She tried for about 10 minutes and he just wouldn't give it up.(sounds like his father) She said not to worry that everything sounded good for what she heard and that the baby already has a mind of it's own...great..lol.

Monthly Checkups -- 6/28/2005
Notes: Things are beginning to get interesting. Although I am only 17 weeks, the doctor says I am measuring 20 weeks. I guess in a way that is good considering I'm loosing weight it still lets me know that the baby is growing. They are sending me for an upper Abdominal ultrasound. I have been having some sharp pains and burning, so the doctor wanted to have an ultrasound to check my gallbladder and other organs. I won't know what was found for a few days. The Baby is doing good and the heartbeat is strong. I can't wait until the 18th of July I have a ultrasound scheduled and hoping we will finally know if its a boy or girl.

It's Going to be a Girl!! -- 7/18/2005
Notes: What a thrill and surprise all in one. It a girl. When I thought for sure I was having a boy. I'm excited either way as long as she is healthy and growing.
Monthly Checkups -- 7/18/2005
Notes: Everything is right on schedule. The baby is in the 54% and growing and moving exactly the way she should be. The Dr. is not concerned with the weight loss as I have gallstones that prevent me from eating fatty or greasy food therefor the healthy eating habits are providing enough nutrition for the baby and allowing my body to get rid of some of the fat stores. She said she would be concerned if the baby wasn't so healthy. Now the fun starts. Planning the nursery and buying fun baby stuff. I can't wait. I think she already has daddy wrapped around her little finger. Good news I passed my sugar test, but I get to do it all over again in 8 weeks.

Monthly Checkups -- 8/15/2005
Notes: Well, the Dr. is a little concerned about my weight loss. Even though I am a larger woman to begin with they don't want to see me loss any more weight. It's funny, the first time in my life a Dr. has looked at me and told me I need to eat more. The good news is that I am only 24 weeks pregnant but I am measuring 26 weeks. So obviously she is still growing. It's nice to finally have the movement going on. It makes everything SOOOOOO real every day.

John (Finally) Felt Her!! -- 8/30/2005
Notes: Finally our stubborn baby girl decided she wanted to show off for her Daddy. We have been trying for weeks to get her to kick for him and she seems to know exactly when his hand is on my belly. She would kick 3-4 times and then instantly stop as soon as his hand got near my belly. Last night I informed him to just barely place his hand on my belly and "wham" 2 seconds later she gave me a wallop, and what perfect timing. Hopefully this is the start of many good wallops although I may change my tune in a couple of weeks when I can't sleep (lol) but until then it's an amazing feeling!

Childbirth Classes -- 9/3/2005
Notes: What an experience. John and I spend the weekend at the hospital for child birth classes. It was an eye opener. Not allot of stuff we didn't know other then the drug options but it definitely made everything a reality. We walked away with a little better understand of what to expect and I think it made John feel a little better prepared.

Monthly Checkups -- 9/13/2005
Notes: Not allot new with this check-up. I'm 28 weeks and measuring 31 so the Dr. has decided to send me for an ultrasound to make sure that she isn't growing to fast. He heart beat is good and very loud! The Dr. thinks we had the Doppler at her back and that is why it seemed to be so loud. I'm feeling really good but seemed to have 'popped' in the last couple of days. My ultrasound is scheduled for 9/15/05 so I will make another entry.

Ultrasound -- 9/15/2005
Notes: She is right on track. 3 pounds 1 ounce. she is in the 64th percentile. Which is perfect. She definitely has an attitude already. She did not appreciate the pressure on my belly. But she did eventually get used to it. She is really moving now and I FEEL EVERY MOVEMENT! It's great most of the time but every once in a while it seems like she does it just to annoy me. LOL I love it anyways. My appointments are now every 2 weeks so I will be adding more frequently!

Monthly Checkups -- 9/27/2005
Notes: Everything is good. This appointment was different then my other because I actually saw a Dr. instead of a midwife. That will not be happening again unless it is necessary. The Dr.'s at the office are great but I miss the 'personal' interaction that you seem to get with a midwife. As long as everything is healthy with the baby I'm happy.

The Nursery -- 9/29/2005
Notes: The nursery is complete! For the most part anyways. The crib, a dresser/changing table, armoire and rocking chair are currently sitting in this beautifully decorated room waiting for the arrival of the bundle of joy. John and I decided to decorate the room in 'Gossamer's Wings' which we purchased at Babies'R'Us and the border we placed in the middle of the room, the top half was painted yellow and the bottom a green. Pictures will be added shortly. I've washed, folded and organized the hand me down clothes and what few new clothes have been purchased. I can feel myself starting the 'nesting' stage. I'm always doing something in her room, even if it is just reorganizing the already organized dresser and armiore. My husband just chuckles at me.

Work Baby Shower -- 10/10/2005
Notes: What a surprise. Here I thought I was staying late at work to help my boss organize and find some papers and low and behold it was a SURPRISE for me. It was great! Jocelynn received all her grooming supplies and bath supplies, diapers and wipes, blankets, her monitor, crib tent, rattles, dishes, ornaments and even a basket of stuff for me to pamper myself with. It was really a surprise and I can't believe they pulled it off. LOL.

Bi-Weekly Checkups -- 10/13/2005
Notes: Finally, John was able to attend a regular appointment. She is great. Head down and gaining and sounding wonderful. I'm feeling the effects of being pregnant. Aches and pains but I'm trying to enjoy all of it.


Unfortunately that is where I left off. I can say that her EDD was 12/4/2005 and she mad her grand entrance on 12/12/2005 at 1:58am after 82 hours of labor.

CD 1 SUCKS!!!!!!!!

The witch decided to make this past month an official bust! GAAH!!!! I am happy that she didn't make me wait and wonder, but it would have been nice to not see her for the next 9 months!!!

I have stayed pretty busy today. John, my Mom and I took Jocelynn apple picking. It was fun and Jocelynn LOVED it! I will be making applesauce and pie filling. Mom and I will be canning it to use this holiday season. Also made some salsa from the tomatoes and green peppers from the garden. Can't wait to try that! It was nice to focus on something else besides my failure as a woman!

This week should be pretty quiet. John starts his 4 day work weeks. So we will have Friday, Saturday and Sunday together as a family. I can't wait. Not sure what we will do, but painting the garage (if the weather holds up) sounds like a good idea. Maybe one Friday we can go to Canobie Lake Park. We haven't been this year and Jocelynn loves the rides ~ we will see!

John has his second acupuncture appointment tomorrow. Hoping all goes well. He says he thinks the herbs the acupuncturist gave him are working....we will see in the next few weeks.

I have been thinking about checking out the town library. Seeing what programs they offer to get Jocey a jump start on reading. She loves books and I think just spending some time looking at book that she doesn't see everyday will keep her entertained. ~ Today was better then the past week. She has been listening much better and curbing her attitude more. Seems I have found a form of discipline and praise that is working (thanks Jody!!!).

On the ttc side, we have decided to not do anything this month. No u/s to check follie growth and no temping. I will still keep my chart, just so I know were I am in my cycle.....but we are trying the 'let's not make it the focus of our life' approach. Praying it will work. I'm just afraid I will be more crazy not knowing. Maybe I can keep busy.

Jocelynn's Success!!!!!

ok.....so for the last 2-3 months, I have been in the process of potty training! It has been an interesting journey, both frustrating and rewarding!

Jocey picked up peeing on the potty with ease. She had started asking to go on the potty around Christmas when her 4 year old cousin Gabby was visiting and of course using the potty. So John and I decided to buy a potty seat and go from there. At first we didn't push, if she asked we would put her on the potty but we never pushed the issue. But, when she sis have the timing right during that time, we would praise and be overly excited for her. We did that until May of this past year. decided that it would be a good time to start 'pushing' (I use that lightly) her to go pee on the potty. I knew #2 would be much harder because she always did that during her nap in her sleep. But I figured, lets climb over one hurdle at a time!

The beginning of June, when I became a stay at home Mom, I decided that it was time to do this, after all I had the time! So I started setting a timer for every hour and when the timer went off we would sit on the potty for about 5 minutes (she really wouldn't sit any longer). On occasion, she would surprise me with a #2, and I would get excited with her, but I just wanted her to go pee. Finally after about 2 weeks, she began telling me when she had to pee, so I stopped the timer and allowed her to be in charge. We had our accidents....but nothing like I thought there would be.

About the middle of July we started with the big panties, she loved that idea, of course the few accidents she had meant more clean-up for me, but luckily we have no carpets in the living room! Finally we made it a week towards the end of July with NO accidents, Jocey was able to pick out her own big girl panties to buy, we ended up with Dora...LOL. Every morning she gets to pick out the ones she is going to wear for the day.

Big news , just last week, Jocey started going #2 in the potty. Here we are a week later and I think she has pooped in her pants just 1 time!!!!! I am so proud and amazed that she has picked this all up so quickly!

Well, I still have on more hurdle. Getting her to stay dry through nap and bedtime. I still put a diaper on her for sleeping, but I have noticed that her diaper after a nap seems to be less 'full' so maybe we will be working towards that again soon! I know in the back of my mind that this will take time and I really am not n a hurry for this...I am just happy to be using 2 diapers a day instead of the 4-8 I was using!

YAY JOCELYNN!!!!