Meet the BABE!

It's a GIRL!!!!

Esther Joy Jensen
Born: 2:01 am
Weight: 7 lbs 13 oz
Length: 20 inches

 Mom and Baby doing AWESOME!

38 Weeks of Pregnancy

Well, it looks like I really like journaling for the end of my pregnancy- I don't mind that you all know I'm a little crazy and not as put together as some posts probably make it sound. Sometimes life is up and down and I like having a record of the realness of my emotions so here are some real feelings:

Feb. 19th:
Grant woke up and started singing....get this....Happy Birthday...
What????!!!!
Where did he even learn that song? Jay's birthday was almost a month ago...so weird.
So yah, I was thinking my kid was onto something-totally expecting a baby today...got a bunch of braxton hicks though.

Oh and we got to go on a tour of the Labor and Delivery area in the hospital. They were going to admit me! ha ha- no, we are here for a tour- that was weird though because I really could be there anytime to be admitted. Anyway the rooms were gorgeous! Just beautiful! And they have a Jacuzzi tub to labor in which seems really nice. They don't have the blow up pool- ha ha-oh well. Oh the view though was to die for with the sun pouring in. I hope I am there around 4 in the afternoon. It would just be so perfect.

Feb. 20th:
Man....taking care of a cranky child does not really make you that excited to have another one. And my attitude needed help yesterday. Today is better- he's cranky but I can give him all the love he needs and I am still excited to have a baby- wow- you just really have to keep your attitude in the right place and it makes all the difference. I know G won't always be grumpy- he's tired and needs better sleep and a better routine- all things that can be remedied. Oh and he's singing Happy Birthday again right now...maybe he learned it in nursery? That's the only other explanation because it sure seems like he knows something or something.

Feb. 21st:
Is Grant sleeping better? No.
That's all.

Feb. 22nd:
I woke up with a sore throat. Duh, I bet Grant hasn't been feeling good. It's just we never get sick. Like ever. The last time he was sick was probably last year and I just haven't known how to recognize that in a toddler- I'm such a beginner mom still. Well, so today I was fine just watching movies and hanging out since we were both sick but it turned out we pretty much did the norm. I'm glad baby didn't come today when we didn't feel good.

Friday night:
I love hanging out with Jay. He is such a good friend! Really- when you say you married your best friend, I just can't imagine having a better friend than this guy! He is funny, and sweet and thoughtful and kind and so fun. When Grant won't go to sleep on time, I find myself getting worked up because I just want to hang out with my hubs! But I just have to remember that not every night is like this and G could totally just be going through some kind of phase and it's all going to work out.

Feb. 23rd:
It just feels like the baby is NEVER going to come now. Now that I've passed up the "due date" that was in my head (37 weeks 3 days- when G was born). So I'm really trying to just focus on doing things with my day instead of just waiting for the baby- so I am planning on taking Grant to the last free zoo day on Wednesday. It's a "plan" but secretly I kind of hope we just have to pay to go to the zoo later because I am really getting excited to go into labor. I never anticipated it with Grant's and it just through me off to have it happen at 37 weeks- I just wasn't even ready to think about going into labor with him for another month almost so to have this one be everyday now, I just am waiting is soooo different. I like anticipating the birth- it gets me very excited and hopefully I can just kick this cold in the butt that I've had for a few days and be healthy and energized to birth this baby!!! I have switched too now thinking the baby could be a boy! I am thinking boy boy boy. So now I'm really confused and I'm definitely anticipating finding out the gender. I'm almost tempted to find out at my next appointment but I don't even think my doctor knows because my ultrasound was so early so even if I wanted to know now I couldn't so it has to be a surprise! AHHHH! Seriously though, every braxton hicks I have I look at my watch going, "This could be it- I'm just going to see how long labor goes" and then every day that passes I just go, "The baby is never coming- how much longer do I have to wait?" So numbers really do mean squat. I don't ever want to be checked again- it's just too much of a roller coaster on what it "could" mean.

Feb. 24th:
I woke up with regular contractions and "bloody show". Today could be the day. But now the contractions have stopped! This baby is a tease. Baby is going to have a fun personality and drive me crazy. We know that much :) Went out to eat...starving! contractions every 15-20 minutes....

Feb. 25th:
38 weeks today! Baby is HERE!!!
More to come.... :)

37 Weeks of Pregnancy

Journal

Feb. 12th:
Busy day today- 36 week check-up and I was curious to know my numbers so we checked and I'm at 3.5, almost 4 cm dilated, 70% effaced with a "favorable" cervix at an 8 out of 10. That was comforting to find out just because I really have felt things happening and it's just fun to know that you didn't make it up- that in fact, things are happening.
Then, I signed up for the fire department's program to teach you how to properly install a car seat and car seat safety and you end up getting a brand new car seat for pretty cheap- we got 2- one for Grant and one for the new babe. They are humongous. We looked up reviews and mostly that was the only thing people complained about: the size. You can see them Here on Amazon. So we might possibly be really serious about getting a van sometime here in the future....hopefully we will be able to sell our car and get some tax refunds!!! That's the plan anyway.Well, Jay actually went and picked up the car seats with Grant while I started on my freezer meals!
I made beef enchiladas and had to have 4 to serve a family of 4 each. It was kind of a lot of food. I accidentally made an extra one! ha ha so now I have 1 to eat and 1 for my freezer. The other ladies made delicious food which I am excited about too: bean and ham soup with rolls!, homemade spaghetti sauce, and some sort of chicken mixture to go with naan bread. Totally felt like Christmas getting these yummy meals. We are going to HAVE to do another swap soon!

Feb. 13th:
Started feeling sick: nauseous, headache, sooooo tired. So I napped with Grant and nothing and I went to bed with Grant at 8:00 or 8:30 and woke up a ton at night- I just couldn't get comfortable and had to pee and just felt terrible- still not as bad as with G's pregnancy but it was miserable.

Feb. 14th:
Woke up still feeling sick and a little worried because I don't remember this happening last pregnancy but for some reason I have an increase in watery fluid? I kept thinking maybe I was leaking amniotic fluid and I called a few people: my doctor, my mom, and my doula who each said to just keep watching it and if I'm worried go in and get it tested. I ended up praying about it and feeling like I should go take Grant to the park instead of worrying about this. So, we ate at Kneaders for our Valentines/Anniversary Date we are celebrating early since March 13th we might be a little busy with a newborn and adjusting as a family. Jay got me a pressure cooker by the way! I got him some new glasses (he was in dire need of those). So we went out to eat as a family (we like bringing the little guy with us at times- it just felt good to bring him this time- maybe our last time eating out as a family of 3?) to Kneaders (gift card from the Montana Jensens! I love Jay's birthday because that means we usually get a date from those guys- they are the best!) And then we went to the mall and let G run around- It turned out to be a really great day. Oh and turns out I didn't have any more of that happening anymore- it just seemed normal for where I'm at in my pregnancy- so I'm so grateful for personal revelation and prayer so that we could enjoy our day/evening.

Feb. 15th: I think I'm ready to be done being pregnant (at least with this pregnancy....we probably will have another after this...:) ). And not only that but these past few weeks have really been good for me to mentally prepare myself for this new little one coming. I don't think I really will ever be totally prepared but I know I am more excited now- still nervous- but very excited to see my child. This child who will grow and who will have a cute, fun personality like their brother. I just am excited to see those baby eyes lock with mine and know that I helped create a person! It's so weird that I can do that! So neat. So this person will be so new and I get to, with the help of my wonderful husband, love and raise this child- to teach and hug and nourish and tickle and dance with! I am very, very excited to meet him/her.

Feb. 16th:
I am seeing that I need some things for the actual birthing...mood lighting? ha ha- that sounds ridiculous but maybe I would really like it? But guess what I just found out?!!! A secret! One of my friends I've met recently attending a baby-wearing meet-up to learn how to do that (I tried with Grant but I never really felt comfortable or felt like he was so I hope I learn some things), well, she told me that there is a blow up pool they have at the hospital for you to labor in! They just keep it on the down low (well, it would be more work for them, so I don't blame them) but I can just call and ask the head nurse and get my own little labor pool! Ah! GAH! Cool right?

Feb. 17th:
Today I had one of those days where things just weren't working out right. It all started with missing NAP TIME. This is the most important, pivotal, life-changing 1.5-2 hours of the day. We got back late from running errands and I was too tired to put Grant to sleep so I lollygagged around and finally decided to try. By that time, it was just too late- he wasn't going to go to sleep. So then he feel asleep around 6 and I woke him up a 1/2 hour later to eat dinner and he cried his way through that and ate a little bit and then I tried to put him back to sleep after jammies and brushing teeth and a story and he wouldn't GO TO SLEEP! It was the most frustrating thing ever! He is sooooooo tired, yet refusing to sleep. It really had me questioning how in the world I am supposed to help a newborn and my toddler child get enough sleep and food if I am going to get any food or sleep? Today I just think I would have starved and not had sleep if it weren't for Jay being here. He came in after an hour of trying to help Grant get to sleep and Grant went to sleep for him! But today was our last "vacation" day and I know the baby will be here soon  and Jay needs to find a new job (did I mention he got laid off- saddest, best day ever- he hated it so we were both happy about it, but at the same time it is nice to eat so we do actually need some sort of job....)so I was hoping to spend the evening with Jay but he fell asleep too as he was helping Grant fall asleep. So I should go to bed but I'm being bitter about my ruined day and night and looking up movies on youtube. How do moms do this job? I know tomorrow is a new day so I'm going to just go to bed and wake up and try again tomorrow.

Feb. 18th:
I just keep thinking: "Today would be a good day to have a baby- yah, I could do it...I'm going to have to do it sooner or later....but today would be good." I mean the weather is amazing today- sunny skies- it's even kind of warm- I had to take layers off! It feeeeeels sooooo good. I really hope the weather is like this on meeting baby day.

36 Weeks of Pregnancy

Weight gain? 37 pounds- same as last week.

I didn't get checked last week to see how dilated and effaced I was because I know it really doesn't mean anything blah blah blah. Well, this week I was just curious, even if it doesn't mean anything, it kind of feels like it means something so I just wanted to know:

3.5, almost 4 cm dilated, 70% effaced.

*Fun fact: last pregnancy at 37 weeks I was 2.5 cm dilated and 90% effaced. 

I had the baby 3 days later :)

So anyway I'm excited even though we know the baby will come when he/she is ready-

Best news of the week?

I AM STREP B NEGATIVE!!!!!!

Do you know what this means to me? When I got the news from the doctor's office I ran around doing air pumps and jumping? (I don't know what I really was doing maybe half jumping sideways? It's a little awkard to explain seeing as my belly is humongous). And them I'm screaming, "Yay!!!!! This is AWESOME!!! NO WAY!!!" and Grant is watching me from his pooping spot (behind the rocker in the living room- he peeks out one way, then has to duck and peek out the other way to track where I am running to as I'm running from the living room to kitchen. Well I finally calm down and Grant looks at me and says with a solemn face, "More, more." 

So I celebrated some more and then got some smiles from the Grantster. 

Anyway so what this means to me:
1. One less thing to stress about as I am deciding when to leave for the hospital when my birthing day comes. I was so worried about it- what if I waited too long and for some reason couldn't get the antibiotics through before the baby came? I would be such an irresponsible mom.

2. I hated being strapped to the pole, even if it was for only 20 minutes or so- it was sooooo irritating as I hit transition.

3. You all know I've had gut problems and I've been trying so hard to help my candida overgrowth. It's been quite the year experience having this problem and finally feeling like I might be doing some good and then to have to have antibiotics would clean out all the good bacteria I've been working on and leave the candida because they don't die from that. So then I would have had to be SUPER careful about eating anything with sugar again after the baby was born and had to focus on rebuilding my gut bacteria and blah blah blah. I just was really hoping to not have to focus so much on that and focus on the baby and adjusting to life- not all that headache with being soooo careful about food. So Yay! I still need to be somewhat careful but I know if someone brought me cookies I would eat it now. 

So, to say the least, this is very exciting news for me. It also means that it will be easier for me to try and do a natural birth because of the factors like staying home longer, not being hooked to a pole etc. So, that's neat too. 

Yah, so I officially "hired" my doula (the one who has attended several births but isn't certified so I would just be paying her a small fee...except she even said if it's quick she might just count it as experience and not worry about anything else so....?) Anyway so I'm thinking I am going to see how long I can go without anything and I'm hoping to just get to the hospital and not have time for an epidural so that I am forced to focus and do natural. Ha ha, good plan right?  Who knows what will happen if I get there and there is time? I might get it again. And you know? I really do know that a healthy baby is the goal so I am just excited to meet this little one and love baby and hold baby close. 

I've pretty much got my hospital bag packed. I think. I just want to print some pictures that inspire me about birth- you know those ones of the new mom holding her new baby in pure bliss right after the baby is born? Those make me cry and I would love to focus on those as I labor. 

I think I'll do a post on my hospital bag just for fun :)

Activity for the week? Making comfort pads for after the birth. You mix aloe vera and witch hazel and some lavender essential oil and freeze 'em. I think it sounds really nice for recovery.

Picking up a car seat today! Yay! And I think we are getting one for Grant as well seeing as his is expiring this year. Oh and anyone else who is in our same situation (as in hubs going to school and supporting a family...ha ha...meaning pretty much zero dollars...) there are programs out there that help you get brand new car seats- I'm using the fire station this year and getting a brand new car seat for $35 bucks! How cool is that? And it's a convertible one that goes to toddlerhood. It isn't one of those infant ones you take with you to your shopping cart and carry around- but I'm so good with that because I want to wear the baby anyway everywhere I go so perfect!

And the Freezer Meal Swap is tonight! I'm going to have some meals put together for a weekish and I don't know, I think we're pretty ready for baby....

There is always more organizing to do but my cute mother-in-law said she would help me organize when she comes to help with the baby so that will be AWESOME! I think I made it sort of better with those few days of extra energy but I'm out of that now so there is definitely some work to still do.

Okay baby, it looks like you are coming soon and we can't wait to meet you!!!

Pregnancy #2 Wives Tales

Alright everyone. It's time. Time for that guessing game to begin because pretty soon we'll be holding our new baby boy or girl in our arms.

I love the wive's tales because it's just fun. Who knows if any of it is really true? Who cares? It's just fun to see what matches up!

1. Heart Rate: If baby's heart rate is above 140 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl. If it is under 140 bpm, then it's a boy.
Baby's heart rate last time we were at the Doc's was 150 something- but they were moving around? We'll just count it.
GIRL.

2. Shape of Belly- Carrying High or Low:  If you are carrying low, it's a boy, or if you're carrying high it's a girl. I'm going to say the opposite is true for me because my belly shape is different with this pregnancy and my first seemed higher than this one, which was a boy. So this one seems way low which I'm going to say     means girl. Plus, one of my friends carried sooooo low and she had a girl so I think this one is wrong.
GIRL

3. Skin Dry or Soft? Dry=boy and soft=girl on the way. My skin is dry dry.
 BOY

4. Hair: Thin and dull=girl. Full-bodied and glossy=boy.
GIRL

5. Location of Extra Weight Carried: Extra weight in the front= boy. Extra weight in the bum and hips=girl. Also, if dad-to-be is gaining weight with you, apparently you're having a girl. If he's put no weight on, it's a boy.
Jay has totally gained almost as much weight as I have with this one. Yes, he is at a sitting job this time compared with last time being out and walking all the time with his other one but still!
GIRL

6. Numbers: Combine the age at the time of conception with the number of month you conceived and the result is odd= a girl. If the resulting number is even, then a boy for you. I was 24 and month number was 6= 30, even=
BOY

7. Chinese Calendar: I don't know how this one works but I googled it and typed in the dates and I know with Grant it was correct. This one says,
GIRL

8. Sweet, Salty, or Sour: Craving sweet foods like juice, fruits and chocolate? That means girl. If you are craving sour or salty foods then you could be having a boy. It's also said you will crave protein like meat and dairy.
Well, I always crave chocolate- don't all women crave chocolate no matter what? Come on. But I do have to say I have craved more beans and meat and salty things than sweet- even though I have a sweet tooth too. Hmm.... I'm just not sure. I think I'm going to go off of when I just had to have a hamburger that one day, then I stalked up on bean burritos too- I just HAD to have them or I thought I was going to die.
BOY

9. Wedding Ring Test: Get your ring and attach it with a strand of your hair or some string. Lie down and dangle the ring over your belly. If it moves in circles, it's a girl. If it moves in a straight line, it's a boy.
We did this one with Grant and it was correct. This time it went in a circle.
GIRL

10. Morning Sickness: Did you experience morning sickness in early pregnancy? If you did, then you are carrying a girl- but if you didn't have it, it's a boy.
HA! I had with both. Meaning it must be a girl- both times- so that's wrong.
???

11. Cold Feet: If your feeet get colder than pre-pregnancy, it's a sign you are having a boy. If your feet are the same, it's a girl.
I actually feel like my feet have gotten warmer...weird.
 GIRL

12. How You Look: Do you look better than ever pregnant? Or has the pregnancy done your looks no favors? As it goes, if you look great you are carrying a boy. If you don't look so great, the girl is stealing your beauty.
I feel like I can look really great and really not great. I'll go off of the stretch marks- G didn't make me have any and this one oh glorious stretch marks are indeed there- she's stealing my beauty ;)
GIRL

13. Breast Test: Which breast is larger? If is the right, it s a boy- left= girl.
 GIRL

14. Side You Sleep On: If you sleep on your right, it's a girl. If you are more comfy on your left, it's a boy.
GIRL

15. What Does Your Belly Look Like? A basketball or a watermelon? If it looks more like a basketball, then it's a boy- but if it resembles a watermelon than it's a girl.
According to Jay it looks like a watermelon.
GIRL

16. Hairy Legs: Has the hair on your legs grown faster than normal? Or about normal? If it's growing faster, it's a boy.
GIRL

17. Veins in Left Eye: When you pull the skin under your left eye and a "v" appears, you are having a girl.
Okay, weird....I don't have a "v" so
BOY

18. Headaches: If you experience a lot of headaches you might be carrying a boy.
I had a lot of headaches with Grant I remember and they were terrible cry-yourself-to-sleep headaches. This time I've had maybe one and it was not bad at all.
GIRL

19. Baby Names:It is said that when you can only think of specific names for a boy or a girl, you will be having that particular gender.
I really can only think of girl names- I really don't have one for a boy..maybe I do but I've spent a lot of         time thinking about girl names.
GIRL

20. Urine: What color is your pee? Bright yellow=boy, and dull yellow=girl.
What kind of wive's tale is this? Really? color of pee? I never really pay attention to that other than knowing if I am dehydrated and needing to drink more water. But...I don't think it's bright- it's dullish so? Okay.
GIRL


Grand Totals:
GIRL: 15
BOY: 4

Well, there it is! A baby girl is the prediction of the wive's tales.

And a guess from Jay and I?
We actually both think girl too. If it's a boy I think I'll be more surprised.

I can't wait to meet this babe!

35 Weeks of Pregnancy

How far along: 35 Weeks

Total weight gain: 37 pounds

Maternity clothes: I have a few shirts that still cover and now I am totally in love with maternity pants that come up really high above your belly button because otherwise the belly hangs out! And you can feel the cold air on your belly.

Stretch marks: Yep. Got some. And they get bigger as you get bigger. Guess you really can't "prevent" them- but I still love coconut oil for making it feel good. Not itchy. Oh and I decided that this is another sign it's a girl because the wive's tales say that a girl will steal your beauty so there ya go.

Sleep: Such a joke you guys. Such a joke.

Best moment of this week: Having ENERGY! Am I nesting? I don't know but I love this energy I've had for like 2 days in a row- I've been going crazy at organizing and running around getting supplies for the new babe.

Thankful for: My new i-pod! I lost Jay's shuffle- I think when I went on a walk the other week and I was sooooo sad. But then we just found out about the Apple program to replace a defective one and guess what? We had a defective one that for some reason we had hung on to so we sent that in and I have a brand spankin' new i-pod touch shuffle and it's wonderful! I can't wait to use it during labor!!!! Or right now!!!!

Movement: For a few days I wasn't really feeling a whole lot- of course enough that I know everything is fine- but now all of a sudden this baby is PUSHING on everything down there and I constantly wonder if I am having Braxton hicks or if it's just the baby being strong....I'm so glad to feel strong movements.

Food cravings: Cereal. I just love cereal. I make myself eat other things and cereal is reserved for my snack before bed if I need one or else I think I would eat it for breakfast and snacks throughout the day all day.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Yah! Water! For sure way better than with G's pregnancy but it will hit randomly and I'm like, "I should have put lemon with that" but then it passes and it's fine.

How you feel: Nervous. Excited. Nervous. Scared. Ready. Not ready. Want the baby in my arms and out of my belly but know there is only one way to really do that....

Gender: I still think girl....

Labor signs: Nada- which is good- I have another 12 days before the baby is full term.

Belly button in or out: I don't know if it can go out any further.

Exercise and preparation for birth: I just do stretches a lot now and squat when I pick up G's toys. I just don't want to go outside anymore. Poor G. He's stuck in the house with me.

Happy or moody most of the time: I've been just normal which is way good considering the weird emotions I had the passed few weeks.

Looking forward to: Seeing my baby. Smelling my baby. Holding my baby in my arms and falling in love with the baby.

Grant 19 and 20 Month Video Time

Are you ready to die from cuteness?

Or from annoyance from my laughing?

Either one proceed:

Grant learned how to push down the handle on the spray bottle the other day. But he only could do it if it was pointed directly at his face.....

The next video shows how creative G is getting in communicating. He is learning so many new words and how to put words together and just talking up a storm. Well, every morning I take my prenantals and Grant asks for "some" "vvvv-bl-vvvs". Vitamins is a very complicated word for him right now so he has his own way, using his hand, of making his version of the word:

The last vid just doesn't do it justice but is the only one I've been able to capture so far. He has this evil/fun laugh that sounds just like the minions on Despicable Me. He gets REally into it sometimes and will go on and on- it's almost embarrassing when you're in public kind of thing. I am just surprised because he is showing so much goofiness and personality by doing this: