Everything Jensen

Happy Leap Day! It's Eleanor's due date. However, in the true spirit of Leap Day, she jumped ahead one week and was born on Washington's Birthday. So instead of, "Happy Birthday" - today we're wishing Eleanor, "Happy One Week Old Day!" It's been a very busy week, so we understand why she decided to get an early start on things.  Began the week with an exciting late night entrance... ...then took a nap. Had her first play date with birthday buddy London.  Our friends the Ringers were just up the hall with their new son. Came home. Dirtied dozens of diapers. Played with her sister. Took a bath... ...didn't like it. Went to the doctor - perfect in every way! Wore a lot of hats. Had a lot of fun! It's been a great first week! We love you Eleanor.

Adelaide’s only known her baby sister for about 2 days, but she’s completely enamored. She frequently asks to hold, hug, talk to, pat, share things with, and play with “Alanor.” Turns out, she’s always wanted her own baby and feels like it’s about time we brought one home. For her part, Eleanor accepts all of Adelaide’s enthusiasm and delighted squeals by sleeping or looking politely startled. Though we anticipate the normal sibling squabbles in their future...  We just know they are going to be best buddies! In fact, Adelaide already has Eleanor’s back on fashion and style. Adelaide’s first impulse when anyone came into Melinda’s hospital room was to hide behind Dad’s legs, Mom’s bed, or in one of the empty wall closets. She’d stay there until they left. But, if visitor was there to do a check up on the baby, she’d creep back out to supervise and remind everyone that her sister needed to have a hat. She’s very good at picking out Eleanor’s hats, and we’re sure – f...

Eleanor Barbara Jensen (and Dad!) Born 2/22/12, 11:41 pm, 7lbs 7oz, 19.5 inches Last night, we were overjoyed to welcome this beautiful little girl into the world! Everyone is doing fantastic. And, we’re not just saying th at. Maybe the pain meds just haven’t worn off yet – but this was a pretty easy birth. Melinda’s water broke at 8:30ish pm. Just like last time, she went almost immediately into strong, close contractions. Unlike last time, we high-tailed it over to the hospital asap. Our room was already set up when we arrived. We’re not familiar with the terms anesthesiologists use… but evidently Melinda was given some kind of “premium” epidural. It took affect instantly, and the rest was pretty much a breeze. We hung out for a couple hours and when Melinda decided she was ready – the doctor came back. Three pushes later (yep, three – about thirty seconds worth of pushing), we had a beautiful baby girl. Awesome? You’re darn right it was awesome. Eleanor and Mommy Eleanor shav...

In the past week, we've been asked this question a lot: "Where's the baby?" Right Here! That's right, we're not holding out on all of you. She's still right where we left her! The doctor's were pretty darn sure Melinda was going to go into labor last week. But, they were also pretty darn sure that they would have to induce two weeks ago because of low amniotic fluid.  Does anyone really know? Well, maybe the baby does - but she's not telling!  Anyhow, this post is merely to assure all the grandparents, aunts and uncle (yep Jed - you are the only uncle) that we did not run off and have a baby without posting dozens and dozens of pictures via various social networks. Would we rob you of the chance to tell us how cute our kids are? NEVER! In fact, here's a picture of Adelaide - comment away! Adelaide is going to have a "ball" being a big sister!

Ahhh…Valentine’s Day…. Say what you will about manufactured Hallmark holidays; we’ll never snub our noses at a celebration that is accompanied by so much delicious chocolate. Melinda’s been told to take it easy with the pregnancy, and Matt’s work doesn’t seem to know the meaning of “take it easy,” so our Valentine’s Day was pretty low-key this year. However, Adelaide did get things started off right. She climbed into our bed and showered us with kisses. We strongly suspect her adorable display of affection was rooted in an ulterior motive involving the preparation of her breakfast. But, we welcomed the early-morning Valentine’s Day love anyway. Mommy got kisses after breakfast too. We also exchanged some small gifts. Adelaide was very excited about the little box of chocolates Mom had let her pick out at the grocery store. There is a big star on the front of the box. Well, she was excited… until she learned that she was supposed to give the box to Daddy. What?! Adelaide has an iro...

We're in the final countdown until Baby #2 arrives! Melinda's due date isn't until 2/29. But, the doctors have informed us that, if we want another holiday baby, it would be more realistic to shoot for Valentine's Day or President's Day. All signs point to this little girl being on her way out! This pregnancy has been quite the change from Melinda's last one.  On the left we have Pregnancy #1. On the right is Pregnancy #2.  What's the difference? Well, more than 20 pounds... ...and ankles. This time Melinda has ankles. The major driver behind the reduced size this time around is the low amniotic fluid. Fortunately, the baby has decided to ignore the lack of space and is developing like nothing is amiss. While she doesn't look to be as big as her sister was, she's still tracking above average for height/weight. How she fits in there, we can't fathom. But, we're excited to get her out here so we can offer our congratulations on her prenatal...