Promises

This Sunday, we had the privilege of having our new baby girl, Jocelyn, baptized. It was a chance for us as parents to make a promise to God and the rest of our church to raise Jocelyn to love and serve God. It was also a chance for us and our other children to have a visible reminder that Jocelyn is a child of God, a precious creation that God has sent to our family to love and care for. It was a wonderful day that we shared with our families and friends.

Jocelyn looking very cute in her baptism dress, made by Grandma. A family shot before heading off to church.

Pastor Nathan putting the sign and seal of baptism on Jocelyn.

Proud mom and dad!

Thanks Uncle Sid & Auntie Holly!

I just had to post this picture of Jocelyn. I received this outfit from her Uncle Sid and Auntie Holly and I just love it. It is super soft and is just perfect for December! (the booties were way too big and made her feet look giant size so they are just off to the side for now!)

After 1 week . . .

So, it has been a week since the arrival of little Jocelyn to our family and we are loving her! Here are a few shots of everyday life around our house this week:
Jocelyn posing for a picture in her playpen! Kendra and Owen admiring their new baby sister. I think this was the first time that Owen actually acknowledged that she was in the house! He wanted to give her a toy and didn't quite understand why she wasn't playing with it.

This is a very regular occurance: "Mom, can I hold her?" Kendra is loving being a big sister!

Giving Jocelyn her first bath at home. The kids love watching this!

Another good pose by Jocelyn, this time in her bouncy seat.

There is something just so relaxing and peacful about a house that is decorated for Christmas, the fireplace on, the weather chilly outside and a sleeping baby!

Okay, so this wasn't at home, but we did get a picture of Jocelyn with the big guy in red! This was at the kids' Christmas party at Kevin's work. The other 2 kids still wouldn't come anywhere near Santa!

And finally, today, Owen decided that he would pay a little more attention to the baby that seems to be sticking around!

So, just a few snapshots of life around the deWolde household this week. As you can see, we seem to be a little focused on a teeny little precious miracle!

Announcing . . .

Jocelyn Marie deWolde. Born on December 4, 2009 at 3:54 p.m., weighing 6 lbs 9 oz, 49 cm long and totally cute!! We are so happy and excited to have been blessed with another miracle from our Heavenly Father!

For those of you who would like to know more details about how she made her arrival, keep reading. If you just want to see some pictures, skip the writing and have a look a little farther down!

I went to bed Thursday evening, with a little bit of an upset stomach. In the back of my mind, I thought, "Maybe . . " but I had also just been out for a piece of rich, but oh so delicious, cheesecake with a friend so I thought it might be that too! Anyway, I woke up at around 5:30 a.m. and discovered that my water had broken. I quite calmly woke up Kevin and informed him that he might not have to go into work today. We were fairly calm as this is what had happened with Kendra's birth as well. I had a shower, we packed a few bags, phoned Sylvia and Sid to let them know they would be having 2 little people for the day. We arrived at the hospital by around 7:00 but not really much else was happening. I was assessed and basically told to come back when things were a little more exciting. So, we walked around for while, did some shopping, and then went home for a few hours. We went back to the hospital at around 1:00 but still nothing.

At just before 3:00, we decided it might be nice to get outside for a while. It was chilly but the sun was shining and a walk might do both of us some good. We debated driving to Mill Lake and walking there but thought maybe we would just do around the hospital first. Once we started walking, the contractions finally started. By 3:30, we headed up to the maternity ward again and things were heating up. They admitted me into a room and after a few more good contractions and 2 pushes, there she was! No time for a doctor, just a few kinda surprised nurses!

Jocelyn, pretty fresh after arriving!

A proud daddy with his little girl!

Hilda in awe of her new little miracle!

Jocelyn feeling quite content just after her first bath.

Kevin took the kids to the hospital the next morning to meet their new baby sister. Kendra was completely and totally excited, not really saying anything - which tells you how overwhelmed she was! Owen, on the other hand, walked right by her and proceeded to set up his cars and trucks and his mat on the floor and begin playing. We're sure he'll come around but for now, she isn't a real big priority in his life yet!

What a gift from God!

I'm sure more pictures will follow but for now we are all doing very well enjoying our new little package from above!

I think we're ready!

Well, the walls are painted, the crib is set up, the diapers are bought, clothes and blankets are washed. After a very busy month, I think we might actually be ready! Now, we just wait!!!! :)