Jocelyn is 1 week today!

Her due date was supposed to be July 18th but due to my cholestasis and increase in amnio fluid, my OB wanted me induced just to be safe. I received a phone call on July 2nd from my OB and she said, "So...what do you think about having a baby on Thursday?" Totally took me off guard. She called to see if she was booked that day and she was. So she called me back and said, "So....what do you think about tomorrow?" I remember being filled with excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and somewhat relief. *haha There starts the process. Everything had been packed and things were all set at the Best household, so really, we were just waiting for the go! I have to admit, it was kind of strange knowing when I was going to give birth. I definitely couldn't sleep throughout the night that evening. There was too much going on in my head.

We were admitted to Providence Park Hospital at 6am and started the induction process around 8am. Johnny and my sister, V were with me the entire day! Along with Cherilyn and Simona. With the help from all 4 of them the delivery process went wonderfully! Pitocin (medication used to start contractions) was dosed at 1 for the first 30 minutes and went up from there as my contractions (if any) were being monitored also every 30 minutes. I started out 3cm dilated and about 80% effaced. *Remember at 29 weeks I was 2 cm dilated at 60% effaced...so bed rest paid off!* Anyway, I hovered around 3-4 cm all morning. Epidural was placed prior to them breaking my water--that went well. That "zing" feeling I'm still not a fan of. *haha Membranes were ruptured around 12p I think? ....Then we turned a corner at about 2pm. Pitocin at that point was up to 12 and I started to feel the contractions. This is where my breathing kicked in full mode to help with pain relief. Simona & V had left for Starbucks just 10 minutes before contractions started going. However, I was still able to manage the pain/pressure. Within 20 minutes the pressure got to the point where I felt the need to push this baby girl out! My awesome nurse checked me out and sure enough, cervix was completely gone and baby was on her way. Johnny called Simona & V wondering where they were; he told them "Janice is having the baby now!" and because Johnny jokes around a lot, Simona & V thought he was joking. When they arrived 10 minutes later it was game time! Newborn station was ready, room was set, and everyone took their places.

There were 2 other women on the floor delivering at the same exact moment. It was a race! *haha My OB was in the middle of delivering another lady across the floor and was paged to come deliver Jocelyn. Just like that, after 18 minutes of pushing, Jocelyn Grace, our little miracle, was welcomed into the world. Her cry was precious and the room was filled with so much joy and emotion. Both mommy and daddy were crying...just so grateful to God for being with us every single step of the way throughout this pregnancy.

One week later, Jocelyn is doing fabulous. She was discharged a little jaundiced, which we are still managing now. It's pretty typical in asians and breastfed babies. Her sleep schedule is wonderful! She's pretty much sleeping throughout the night aside from her one feed that I have to wake her up for at around 4am. We're praying that she continues this way and makes it easy to transition to sleeping straight through the night. She is nursing well. I had one day of pain when my milk supply came in but I was determined not to have any issues with engorgement this time around! And to my amazement, the pain went away in 12 hours. Jalyse loves being a big sister. She smothers her with love and attention whenever she can. At some times it can get a bit overwhelming because she wants to do everything--from feeding, to changing, to wanting Jocelyn to color or play dolls with her. *haha

We're looking forward to the many changes both Jocelyn & Jalyse will be going through as the grow and develop in Christ. Raising kids is a journey...and we love it!

July 3rd is going to be a lovely day!

I received a phone call from my OB this morning. And to my surprise she informed me of her decision to schedule an induction for my delivery. I am currently 38 weeks pregnant and our little lady is full term and ready to go! The reason for induction is the condition I developed during this pregnancy, Cholestasis. I mentioned a little bit of what it is in my last entry. I've also had several ultrasounds within the last two month in addition to NST's (Non Stress Tests) twice a week. My last ultrasound showed that my amnio fluid was measuring at 27....higher than normal but nothing they were too concerned about. But with the cholestasis and the high fluid my OB and Neonatal Imaging Physician thought it would be best to be induced this week.

So....here we go! I'm filled with mixed emotions. A little nervous due to being induced but way more excited to meet our little lady, Jocelyn Grace. Bags are packed, her clothes have been washed, crib is set, the Best-mobile is cleaned up, cameras charged up and ready. And as for myself, I've had a pedicure done in the last week and I am beyond ready to bring her into the world!!!!

It's a strange thing to think that today is our last day of being a family of 3. This is Jalyse's last day of being the only child. But it's so rewarding and blessed to know that God is multiplying our family, developing Jalyse and giving her the opportunity of being a big sister, and that through the birth of Jocelyn Grace, His name will be glorified!

On another note, I think our kids will always be born around holidays. Jalyse was born on March 17th--St Patrick's Day. Jocelyn will be July 3rd, day before Independence Day. However, she still could possibly be a July 4th baby...if the delivery takes that long. **i hope not though!!!!**

Happy Monday!

37 Weeks

Eight weeks ago when I was put on bed rest, I never thought 37 weeks would ever come. Thank God it's here and Jocelyn is able to make her appearance any time now. Johnny and I are so excited to meet her! Since it has definitely been a while since I have written anything, I guess I'll start with updates.

Jalyse:

She has grown leaps and bounds this last year. Now an independent, smart, filled with personality 3-year old; Jalyse started going to school, completed potty training, found a new love of dancing & princesses (especially Rapunzel) and most recently, becoming so excited to be a big sister or "Manang" as we call older siblings in my family's culture. Jalyse LOVES Justin Bieber (I know....Oh boy) and has started to hum some tunes of One Direction. How she catches on to these things...not sure but she has. One things that Johnny and I have loved about Jalyse growing up is her learning how to worship Jesus. It's music to our ears when she starts to sing songs from Kids' Church or randomly starts singing "We are" by Kari Jobe. It's beautiful to see her grow...and a blessing from God that we are a part of it.

Johnny & I:

We've been married for 5 years now and it's incredible to see where God has taken us thus far. Five years ago we never thought that we would be where we are today. I've enjoyed being home these last 6 weeks because I've been able to spend more time with him, learn more about him and most importantly I've learned how much I need him. Not in a helpless way...but in terms of a team. We need each other and work best when we do things together. Johnny and I like to reflect on our marriage every now and then--it's important to do so! We both noticed that in this 5th year of marriage we've finally found our "nitches" in our little family, knowing when to pick up when the other one can't without verbally saying anything, or even with ministry. But just when we thought we figured it out, we have another kid! haha....It's exciting that's for sure! Life with Johnny has been a beautiful trip and I find myself loving him more with each day, each challenge, each time I hear him teach at church. Sometimes I just look at him when he doesn't know and soak in how lucky I am. *blush

The Best's are transitioning into a Family of 4:

Jocelyn's EDD is in a couple of weeks! July 18th is when we're expecting her to arrive...but I'm thinking she'll come earlier. So now that we are only a couple of weeks away, we are getting antsy! This pregnancy has definitely been a journey. It was just one thing after the other. I began having contractions with this little one in the beginning of my 2nd trimester. I am a visiting RN so I'm always on the go seeing patients. After having several events of contractions during the 2nd trimester my OB put me on medical leave for a week. I went back and then continued to have contractions but showed no signs of progression. However at 29 weeks when I reported having more contractions I started to dilate (2cm) and efface (60%). So as of my 29th week I was put on bed rest. Our church family at UICC were all such a HUGE blessing with covering meals--I didn't want to eat hotdogs and eggs the remainder of my pregnancy. (Johnny doesn't cook much...LOL) We had to cut lots of corners financially to make things work with one income. Then at about 32 weeks I began to itch on my elbows...then spread to my knees. The itching then turned into visible rashes. After some lab work was done I soon found out that I was diagnosed with Cholestasis of Pregnancy. A pregnancy condition that can occur in the 3rd trimester where the hormone levels get so elevated that it effects mom's liver and gall bladder. Long story short, bile was not being properly broken down and spilling into my bloodstream causing the itching. So then of course I was put on medication to keep the bile levels down--Actigal. Within 3 days the itching started to go down but on day 7 of being on it my entire body broke out in hives. On top of the Cholestasis rash I had developed hives from an allergic rxn to Actigal. Sleep at night was non-existent from 32-35 weeks of my pregnancy. I took myself off of the Actigal and started myself on benadryl....and within 3 days the hives cleared up. Bile levels were still high but the itching had subsided. But since about 36 weeks pregnancy has been problem free. *high five* It has been one crazy journey with Jocelyn but we are SO excited to meet her and tell her all about mommy's crazy experience with her in utero. I love this little one!!!! Every single bit of this was worth it.

Soooooo..... I'll leave off on that for now. Just a quick update before I start posting again. Happy Wednesday!!!!

Sunday Sunday Sunday....

Another Sunday has come and gone. We were gone all day today--church, leadership meeting, taught a filipino cultural dance and then....a birthday party! Jalyse did amazing. Gotta love my little girl.



Ephesians 4:29-32. This is a must read:
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

I pray that this scripture is an encouragement to you as it was to me. May it be a passage that God would use to challenge our thoughts and actions. And may He be glorified. That's what it's all about right? We live, breathe and exist to bring Him glory. Simply because He's worthy.

3 years later....

Johnny and I are celebrating our 3 year wedding anniversary today! On May 19th 2007 we got married and it was one of the most memorable days of my entire life. I've learned so much about my husband and myself throughout the last few years. It's so neat the things you learn about your spouse as the years go by. In the next 50 years I pray that God would continue to show me more of this man. I have to remember that there is always more to know about my husband....

I've learned that Johnny is a man of passion. He is very expressive of the things he has strong emotions for. He's passionate about me (of course! haha), passionate about teaching the Word, passionate about his daughter--he loves the craziness out of her! And most of all, he's passionate about our amazing God.

I've learned that Johnny is a man who doesn't compromise. I love this about him. He lives only to please God...not people...but God. It challenges me at times which I love. It's always good to grow right?

I've learned throughout the last 14 months that Johnny is an incredible father. I'm looking forward to having more children with him :). You should see how many things he's taught Jalyse--from knowing where her eyes and ears are, to making "beautiful eyes", to dancing to Single Ladies whenever she hears "put your hands up oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh...". He does the "kissie monster" with Jalyse and she laughs every single time!

I thank God for allowing us to meet traveling the road back in 2004. Who ever thought that this filipino girl would hook up with an icelandic viking :) haha....


this one is for you babe. happy anniversary. i love you.















xoxo
janice


P.S. On another note, one thing that I've learned about myself is that I LOVE to bake! I think I'm going to try making Chocalate Pecan Pie! yummmmm....

New to this...

So....I think I started this blog a few years ago but totally forgot about doing it. Oops! A lot has changed in the last several years. I've been married for 3 years and we have a beautiful 14 month old daughter. My husband and I are now pastoring a church in the Metro-Detroit area (Royal Oak, Michigan to be exact). It's definitely a scary, yet exciting and very humbling journey.

I guess that's where it crossed my mind to start blogging. Living inside out. That's what this is all about, that's what I desire my life to be about. This life isn't about me nor my desires but it's about who lives in me. It's Him who is in me that needs to be living on the outside of me.

I'm learning to see God in everything I do. I'm looking forward to sharing my life's experiences, challenges, stories and funny moments with you.

Have a beautiful Tuesday!



ps. It's me and Johnny's 3 year anniversary tommorrow!!