one month

So this post is nine days late, but if you've ever dealt with a newborn you know how hard it is to find to sit down and type out a blog entry. Jacob is currently having some cuddle time so I figured I would avoid laundry and update everyone.

Milo is currently around 12 pounds and brings joy to our lives every day. As far as I can tell his favorite song is "New York Groove" by Kiss. His favorite thing in the world is his binky and his least favorite thing is his bassinet. He is already quite the man about town having gone to various brunch spots and art walk on Capitol Hill.

As far as sleep goes he wakes up every 2 hours at night for a diaper change and feeding, but is usually pretty easy to get back to sleep. Jacob being the sweetheart he is always done one of the feeding with a bottle I have pumped before going to bed. Due to his bassinet hatred we've been bed sharing but once he gets bigger I hope to move him out of our bed.

The month has of course not been with out challenges. It took him along time to get back to birth weight, mainly due to being tongue tied. We ended up getting his Frenulum clipped; a procedure that I think was harder for Jacob to watch than Milo to go through. Between that, some supplementing, and many visits with helpful lactation consultants he is growing like a weed now.

This week is a hard one for him and he appears to be more clingy and cranky than usual. We've been giving him lots of love and hardly putting him down. I've been doing some research and apparently this one is a huge one for mental development and can cause a baby to be a little more needy. I can't say I mind the excuse for extra cuddle time.

That's all I can think of now but I promise to update more. Know for now that we're having a great time and attempting to do our best. Who let us have a kid anyways?!

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He's here!

Presenting Milo Snow Olsen-Mendenhall

Born October 14, 2011 at 7:43 PM 

10 Pounds 1 oz. 22 inches 

Birth story to come when I'm not busy napping, playing, and just plain staring at him. 

The Waiting Game

Due dates don't mean anything and first time babies are often late, I've read it a billion times and have had every one tell me, but the truth is tomorrow is October 8 and my patience is running low. I blame the several false labors I've experienced.

I am now mentally preparing myself to allow Milo to come when he is ready. For all of you who are interested here's the plan for going over my due date. 

Tomorrow we hit 40 weeks. If he's not here by Sunday I go in for acupuncture. This will of course do nothing if he's not ready but could kick start the process if he is. I'm also currently drinking a tea the acupuncturist gave me. 

At 41 (if we go that long) we head for testing to make sure Milo is still all good. This will continue to happen every 3 days until either he comes out or the tests come back saying some thing negative. 

At 42 (let's pretend 42 doesn't even exist!) I am no longer allowed to give birth at the birth center due to their policy. My midwives however will continue to see me and if he is still healthy will give the go ahead to deliver at home. Jacob and I have both decided we would prefer this. They have assured me every thing will be tried before I step foot in a hospital. 

Do I think things will go this far? No. Am I glad to have a plan just in case? Absolutely. 

Milo's Song

So about a month Jacob and I's amazing teacher, April Bolding, suggested to our class that we pick a song to sing to the baby while its the womb and to continue doing so after giving birth. Apparently the baby will recognize the song outside of the womb and it can be of great comfort to them through out their life. If you know our household at all you know picking a song for a child isn't as simple as rock-a-bye-baby. To be honest it's taken me a whole month to find one. I decided upon Bob Dylans- If Not For You today and immediately when I began singing along (I don't know it by heart) Milo began kicking. It was such a magical experience and I can't wait to continue doing it.

restless and hopeful

I apologize ahead of hand for how poorly written this is. I'm lacking sleep and my mind is reeling. Hopefully it all makes sense.

It is currently 7 AM in Seattle. I woke up some time around 5 needing to use the restroom and going back to sleep just hasn't happened.

Yesterday was quite an eventful day at the midwifes office and it appears I'm a lot further along than I thought. Since last Thursday I've been having Braxton Hicks at night, I knew it was bound to happen and just kept myself  hydrated. Then on Saturday night they started up and haven't really stopped. Every once in awhile they've become painful. I wasn't too concerned and neither was the midwife but, she said she would check my cervix if I wanted her to. I decided to play it safe and agreed to have her check it out. She was wary of doing too much since I'm just at 36 so it was a really light exam. I was shocked when she told me I was definitely soft down there and that it was short. I had really started to believe again that we were going to be waiting around at week 42. Now I know this doesn't mean any thing really and we could still be waiting forever but, she did say to take it easy this week so that we make it to 37. 37 weeks is pretty much the magic number around these parts that we've been counting down to ever since the rush to labor and delivery at 29 weeks. If we can make it till then we're cleared for the Birthing Center.

Of course the fact that I've now been told to make it easy has sent my mind into a tailspin. Honestly our apartment is some what of a disaster area. I still don't have my cloth diapers, haven't washed any baby clothes, written my birth plan, or packed a bag! It appears I better (cautiously) get my butt in gear. Did I mention we're waiting for the crib to arrive?!

In the end I know that if he comes earlier than expected we will of course be fine. Bags can be packed in a matter of minutes, I can always start with disposables if I must, and we always have the bassinet that comes with the stroller for him to sleep in. The only thing I would really like is to have him out of the hospital. So here I sit restless to get things ready and hopeful that Milo stays in for a few more days.

Stroller!

To celebrate hitting 35 weeks and to make room in the nursery I finally allowed myself to set up the stroller. It was a lot easier than I thought. I love it but both Jacob and I are having a hard time folding it up so I'm a little nervous. The pics are of all the different ways it can be set up.

Some One Is Going To Have His Own Room!

I am so happy to be writing that Jacob and I will be moving to a new apartment tomorrow! After a long search we were able to find a lovely two bedroom in Rainier Beach. We're sad to be leaving Capitol Hill but excited about more space. Expect nursery pics in the next few weeks!

Jacob's First Post

Good news! We have entered the last two months of the pregnancy. A pregnancy that seemed like an eternity a few months ago is slowly closing on the end date. Jana and I are both excited. We’re also in turbo mode to make sure everything is ready for his arrival. I have decided today is a great day to enter something into Milo’s blog. First off, I can’t believe the joy that has overcome me during this process of becoming a parent. I never imagined myself in such situation in my early 20s, but I can’t imagine my life without him (o Jana) now. I have become a member of the most important club in America. I have become a guardian of tomorrow’s future.

So much has happened since Jana last posted. We had our first pregnancy scare! We were at the UW until 4 in the morning dealing with false labor. The good news is everything checked out fine. We had an ultrasound and everything looked fine. On the bright side, we had the chance to see and hear Milo for (hopefully) the last time until his arrival. Spoiler alert! He is a mover and a shaker. We have started birthing classes with a nice woman named April. The class was designed by April and Penny Simkins, a world renowned birthing expert. From the looks of the syllabus and the feel of the first class, we have lots to learn. My only (minor) complaint is it feels a little granola for my taste, but I expected a little granola when we selected the midwife option. All in all, I can’t wait to feel prepared for the birthing process.

Hanging Out By The Lake

Last weekend Jacob and I headed to Idaho for a mini vacation. It was very refreshing and after last night I'm glad we did it so soon.

False Alarm!

Last night we had our first false alarm and its definitely not some thing I would like to repeat any time soon.
Around 8 pm I started feeling sharp pains in my pelvic area. I would learn later these pains were contractions but at the time I had no clue what was going on. We immediately called the midwife who called UW Hospital. We were told to wait a hour with a hot pad and drink lots of water. After that hour the pains had actually gotten worse! So of we headed.
As you can tell by the title of this entry we did not have a baby last night. He also isn't coming within the next two weeks! Out hope is that he stays in long enough to be born outside the hospital but, long gone is my theory that he was showing up late.

The Chariot Has Arrived/ Thanks Grandpa Gene!

My dad came to town a few weeks ago and ended up spoiling Jacob, Milo, I by buying our dream stroller. Our little dude is going be to cruising the sidewalks of Seattle in an UPPAbaby Vista. Don't worry we know that Milo would be just as happy in any old stroller (unless Grandpa wants to keep giving!) we just fell in love with it after I saw a lady with one at my old job. Originally we told my dad we would go halves with him but, he surprised us by paying for the whole thing. What a great guy! My only issue is waiting for October to open the box. It's soo tempting to put it together now!

I Told You I Was Bad At This

Well as warned I am really late on updating this blog. Things are going great on this side though. I just realized that tomorrow marks the 28th week! I can't believe my Third Trimester is already here! It seems like time has gone by so fast though, I hear it slows down near the end.

All of our visits with the midwife have been really positive. Milo's positioning and heartbeat are excellent. Though to be honest, I did get in trouble about my diet at the last visit. I did really awesome the first few month of pregnancy but, being at home all day has made more lax. Don't worry Jacob made sure I improved it asap.

I have completely quit my job at the fruit stand now since walking/standing is still an issue. I'm told I will appreciate all this time to relax but, I have to admit it gets boring.

There's not much else to report here. I go in for some testing on Tuesday but, am pretty sure it should all come back excellent.

Love you all and can't wait for our little dude to get here.

Update On My Health

I did indeed go to the physical therapist last Friday and after trying various stretches was told that there was nothing she could do for me. Oddly enoughs she seemed more upset about it then I was. I had to reassure her a few times that it was okay. I almost find it funny at this point and told my mom it seems fitting that I would have some crazy thing during my pregnancy.

When I went in to do a meet and greet with new midwife I gave her permission to check me out and she agreed that I'm an interesting case. It appears the round ligament pain theory is almost being thrown completely out the window and that this might have some thing to do with either my Cerebral Palsy or from when I broke my hip in 7th grade. She is consulting some friends of hers and in the mean time I'm going to try acupuncture with a lady she suggested.

On the bright side my boss is being a real peach and my job is still open if and when I'm ready to come back.

Let's Hear It For Grandmas

Those of you who know me know that my mom and I are extremely close. I am lucky enough to have her be my best friend and at some points she ends up being the only person who really understands my wants and needs. As you know this pregnancy hasn't been an easy one so I am so grateful she was able to be out here this past week.

For the four days she was here she made me food, walked the dog, helped empty out boxes that have been sitting in the basement, took me shopping for maternity clothes, and even did our mountain of laundry. Most importantly she kept me company and helped Jacob and I see how we can both be better towards each other.

The best part of her visit though was when she helped me check out our new midwife.

A week before my mom came to visit I wasn't comfortable with the midwives at Swedish for a number of reasons and really wanted different care. I also was really trying to not have a hospital birth at all and freaked when one of the groups said they were booked for births in October.  In swoops mom helping me make calls and even figuring out how to do all this with our health coverage. I was able to book an appointment for when my mom was in town which Jacob enjoyed because he was starting to get sick of first visits and was more than happy to have my mom step in.

The visit to the new midwife ended up being amazing and I'm glad to report I've finally settled. The best  moment really was when my mom heard Milo's heart beat. She teared up a little and it was an amazing moment for both of us. This brings me to why this whole thing is such a big deal.

When I first reported to my mom we were going natural and not with and OBGYN she was a bit hesitant about the process, Both my brother and I were very complicated pregnancies and births. I'm beginning to learn that birth is a scary subject for our family. Despite her trauma she has been really supportive of my wishes. It was nice to be able to sit down with the midwife and have my mom really learn why this was so important to me and that it was indeed safe. She was really blown away by the midwife and the birthing center. It was such a wonderful experience and even more I'm happy to report that she has agreed to be my doula during the birth.

I'm so thankful for having such a great mom who really tries to understand me. Love you mom.

Jacob and I

When I talked to my cousin Becky on the phone the other day she asked that I post a picture of Jacob and I. The truth is we don't take many pictures together but I feel this one really captures the playfulness of our relationship. Note: my hair is now much longer.

The Thing No One Tells You About Being Pregnant

Since learning I was pregnant I've had various people tell me about gaining weight, hormones, food cravings, swelling feet, hot flashes, and of course the pains of giving birth. What no one warned me about was the pains of being pregnant.

Sure I'd read about light cramping and was prepared for it but, I wasn't prepared for was round ligament pain and man oh man is it here.

As you know we originally moved up our ultrasound due to pains I'd been having and as you saw every thing is perfect on that end. Our next move was to seek advice from a regular doctor and that ended up happening last Wednesday night after I had to miss work due to sharp pains. Jacob and I ended up going to the ER when he got off work so that he didn't have to miss any more that week. Since I just go to a clinic here for my regular health care it was basically the same thing just a little more of a wait. All of the tests they ran thankfully came back fine also.

So this leaves us where we are now me on my couch with round ligament pain unable to work. I don't mean to write this as some sort of pity party I just feel if I'm going to keep track of this pregnancy I should probably write about the hard times too. The truth is right now is one of those hard times. Luckily I have a lovely boyfriend who is taking care of me (when he's not at work), a dog to keep me company, and a physical therapy appointment scheduled for Friday.

OH BOY!

 As I wrote last we headed to Ballard for an early ultrasound today. I am happy to report that both the baby and I are in excellent health. Oh and we're having a boy! 

We know it's unconventional to share the name this early but the truth is we've been sitting on a name for over a month now and can't wait any longer. We will be naming him Milo Snow Mendenhall. No not after Milo and Otis but, after the main character in the book The Phantom Tollbooth.

Jacob and I are ecstatic and can't wait for October so we can hold him. I was also glad that the Tech gave us a CD so we could post some pictures for y'all. The one above was our favorite but here's a few more.

 Love, 

    Jana 

Moving Up The Ultrasound Date

Quick update here to let y'all know that we are heading to the doctor tomorrow for our ultrasound visit. We had planned on having the ultrasound in the 20th week so that we could definitely determine the sex but, I've been having a lot of pain in my lower abdomen for the past week.

I know that aches and pains are normal but, these have lasted for a while and the midwife decided we should head in a little early to make sure that every thing is a-okay.

 Right now we're hoping for a healthy baby and healthy me but, at the same time we're also hoping that we can still determine the sex even though it is a little early. We will of course keep you posted.

The Second Check Up/ First Visit With the Midwife Group

Yesterday was our first visit with the Midwife group. I wish I had tons of new for y'all but it was extremely routine. I guess in the end it's a good thing that there's no news this early. Since we lack any excitement I wanted to take this post to address  a few questions/concerns that I've been hearing since letting people know that we plan on doing a natural birth with a midwife.

a) Yes going with a midwife is safe. Trust me if I didn't think it was we wouldn't have even considered it. If you don't trust me simply Google the birthing stats for most other developed countries and you will see that the percentage of women who use midwives (and live!) is extremely high.

b) No we're not doing a home birth. While I think that home birth is an amazing thing and definitely some thing I will consider if I ever get pregnant again Jacob and I have decided that this one will be born in the birthing center. Part of this is due to money reasons and the other part is that we currently live in an apartment that we plan on moving out of in February. We of course like it (on its good days) but we don't quite consider it to be very much of a home. So if you were still worried about my safety please take solace in the fact that we will be close to doctors and all the machinery if we happen to need it.

c) No we're not doing a water birth. I have nothing against water birth and as far as I know neither does Jacob, we just decided that it isn't really what we want to do.

d) And finally, yes I'm aware that giving birth can be very painful. Trust me if I some how didn't think it was I've heard enough horror stories from well meaning women to know how terrible the pain can get. However, I also know that giving birth is beautiful and if done properly can be even more beautiful. I don't want to come across as preachy so I will end here but please believe me I am not going naively in to this birth.

There are tons of books, films, and articles one can read about midwifery and natural birth. I am slowly educating myself by working my way through a few of them. As of right now I highly recommend.

Ina Mays Guide To Childbirth by Ina May Gaskins
  This book has become my bible. The birthing stories in the beginning have helped me find much comfort and the whole book in general leaves me with an empowered feeling when I put it down. It can be a bit hippy dippy at some points but it's amazing.

The Business of Being Born
   I will warn you right now that this movie clearly has an agenda and is extremely pro- natural birth and to some extent home birth. It does however show some compelling interviews with both OBGYNs and Midwives. Also it spits out some statistics I found very interesting. WARNING: If you don't want to watch women giving birth (including Rikki Lake) don't watch this movie. I was very proud of Jacob for watching it with me and am still in shock that it's how he spent a Thursday night.

The First Doctors Visit

We had our first visit with an OBGYN on March 24th. What was supposed to be a routine first visit ended up being quite a trip.

Jacob and I headed off to the doctor that afternoon both nervous and excited. Going to the doctor really made it more concrete that we were indeed going to have a baby together. That morning I had been having some sharp pains to that only added to how nervous we were.

Once we got to the doctor (late of course) we answered the usual questions and I underwent the usual exams. After Jacob mentioned that I had been having some sharp pains the doctor immediately scheduled an ultrasound to make sure the pregnancy wasn't ectopic. This of course sent me in to quite a worrying spiral but, also excitement because I hadn't been expecting a chance for an ultrasound.

As you could have clearly guessed by now the baby was in wonderful health and it ended up being an extra treat to get the ultrasound. It was much bigger than I had expected and the ultrasound tech told me that I was actually twelve weeks along and not the 11 every one had thought. Jacob and I really enjoyed that bit of news because it meant we could start sharing about the baby with every one.

I think the highlight of the visit was when we were doing the ultrasound and in order to get a better profile view (the baby was curled up in a ball) the tech poked at my stomach with the wand. She was positive this would cause the baby to uncurl a little but instead he/she just turned over. Jacob and I both laughed and explained to tech that this was clearly my child. It seems both of us are stubborn and hate being bothered while sleeping.

Our next appointment is today actually (May 3) but we won't be returning to the OBGYN. Now that we know the baby and I are all good and after much research we have decided to transfer our care to a Nurse Midwife center. I have always wanted a natural birth and feel this is the best way to go to make sure my wishes are followed through. I will update y'all with how it went when I have a moment.