Pregnancy #2 | A Day in Mollywood

Baby "B" Has Arrived!!!

May 5, 2010 By Molly

With much pride and joy, Naaman and I welcomed our second beautiful son, Brigham Douglas, to our family. Brigham was born on Sunday, May 2nd at 2:22 a.m. weighing 7 lbs, 3 oz and 20 inches long. He is just as perfect and precious as can be. We are truly blessed.

Minutes after birth . . .

Happy Daddy . . .

10 hours old . . . looking just like his cool big brother!

Landon meeting baby brother Brigham for the very first time . . .

He was a little timid at first but definitely warming up to the idea now that we’re home. And we have the best photos to prove it

We came home yesterday afternoon and have been trying to get settled in with our two boys. Landon already adores his little brother and I cannot wait to upload all the photos we have of them sharing their first special moments together! I can’t stop crying thinking about it. Hello there, postpartum hormones. Nice to see you again

My birth story is one that I just can’t wait to share with you all. We had a wonderful experience at our new hospital. The nurses were beyond amazing. Even though there was a lot of pain involved and a few minor glitches during labor I couldn’t have asked for a better birth overall. And the fact that Brigham came out pink and crying, well, that is ALL I could have asked for. I got that special moment. The wonderful moment right after birth where I know our baby is healthy and he is laid on my chest for the first time without any complications. I just thank God for giving me this. What a gift!

I hope to write up the entire birth story and post it by this weekend but I have no idea if I’ll have the time! I’m sure you all can understand!

Here are a few details to tide you over . . .

I went into labor on my own at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 1st. I began having contractions that were about 10 minutes apart and by 9:00 I knew that something was happening because I had to breathe through them. I called Naaman at work and let him know that I thought it was time but would time the contractions and call him back. Sure enough they went to six minutes apart and I called him back to let him know that I was probably in labor. I called the OB office and the on-call doctor told me to come to the hospital to be checked out.

Naaman came home to get Landon and I and we were off to the hospital with the hope that this was not a false alarm. When I got to the hospital they put me on the monitor and I was indeed having contractions. But when they checked me I was still the same as I was on Thursday (3 cm and 75% effaced). I got upset and embarrassed thinking that I had wasted everyone’s time. The nurse said not to give up hope yet and she told me to walk the halls for an hour. As I walked around with Naaman the contractions definitely picked up in strength. I was stopping in the hallway and breathing through pretty painful contractions.

After about an hour I went back to the room and the nurse came in and checked me. I expected to hear that I was going home. But instead I had progressed to “almost” 4 cm and 80% effaced! She said that my cervix was changing so I was staying put! THIS WAS IT!!! I was in active labor and I was being admitted.

We couldn’t believe it. We thought we had more time as I was only 38 weeks, 2 days. But obviously, Brigham just couldn’t wait to meet his mommy, daddy and big brother.

More details to come soon. And of course, a ton more photos to follow this announcement

Filed Under: Birth, Pregnancy #2 11 Comments

38 Weeks Pregnant – Progress

April 29, 2010 By Molly

The bump:

I don’t really think my belly is changing much at this point. I read that sometimes with second pregnancies you don’t fully “drop” until you are in active labor. But I can tell that B has officially run out of room in there. He is lopsided most of the time with his feet pushing the right side of my belly as far as it will stretch. Looks freaky!

Just a quick update today to keep everyone in the loop. I came down with a bad head cold this week and I have been miserable. Itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose and now it’s moving down to my throat and chest. Can I just say that sneezing and coughing while 38 weeks pregnant does not mix. I’m sure you can figure out what I mean!

So instead of hoping to meet Baby B sooner than later I’ve been crossing my legs and praying he stays put until this yucky sickness goes away. I want to be well and have more energy for when labor begins!

I had my weekly appointment today and progress has definitely been made. I was last checked at 35 weeks due to stress and contractions and was 1.5 cm dilated and 50% effaced. I am now 3 cm dilated and 75% effaced. Baby’s head has moved down a lot more than last time. Again, I know I could still be pregnant for two more weeks. I’m okay with that. I’m not very comfortable at all but as long as the doctor doesn’t recommend being induced like last time I’m just going to try to let things happen on their own.

So that’s it for this week! I promise I’ll try to let everyone know when “it’s time!” Can’t wait to say those two little words!!!

Filed Under: Baby Belly #2, Birth, Pregnancy #2 1 Comment

I fell down and other random updates

April 23, 2010 By Molly

I fell down hard on the hardwood floor last night. At first it was a shock. A jolt to my entire body. I tripped and landed hard on my side but used my arm to block my belly. I just laid there for a couple of minutes. It really hurt! Landon was sitting in his booster seat at the dinner table. When I finally looked up at him he was staring down at me with a very concerned look on his face. Then he said, “Mama . . . boo boo!” Yes, buddy, mama got a big boo boo!

It’s our new thing. When he falls or gets a scratch, he says “boo boo” and then comes to me so I can kiss it and make it better. I hate when he gets hurt but I love that he stops crying whenever I kiss him. It’s a special little bond between us. That I can make the hurt magically disappear with my awesome mama kisses.

I woke up this morning to a very sore, very stiff body. Funny how just yesterday I said I was still feeling good. Now I feel like an old lady.

Baby B was moving around within an hour of me falling and is still rolling around today. I probably should have taken it easy but today I have had a strong and sudden urge to nest. I have been cleaning and reorganizing our basement tonight. I found the bottle warmer, baby sling, bottles, two tubs of clothing that were hidden under other tubs of random crap. I realize in my stiffness that I should have done this a lot earlier in my pregnancy. But I’ve got to use whatever motivation I have left to get things done.

Oh, and I also cleaned and vaccummed my car after probably a year of letting it be, well, gross. I wonder if this little burst of energy is a sign of impending labor?

My mom told me that the next full moon is April 28th so we shall see . . .

Filed Under: Adventures in Parenting, Birth, Home, Landon, Pregnancy #2 1 Comment

37 Weeks Pregnant – Full Term Baby!

April 22, 2010 By Molly

The bump:

Ta dah! I did it! I made it to full term. Now picture me doing a little tap dance for your viewing enjoyment! I can’t believe I’m here. In a good place. Ready to welcome our new little boy into this world any day. As you all know it wasn’t easy getting here. Physically, this pregnancy deserves a golden award of some sort. Emotionally, it has been a bit more difficult.

This is a quote from a blog post I wrote on January 2, 2010 . . .

It’s a New Year. 2010. There is so much to look forward to this year. A new little miracle will enter my life and I want so much to be ready to welcome him into the arms of a happy, more centered mama. I want to feel the unspeakable joy that I felt the day we brought Landon home. I don’t think I’ve ever smiled a bigger smile in my life than on the day when we came home and put him in his crib for the first time. I want that with B and I’m trying to remain hopeful that I’ll get that chance.

Guess what . . . I am definitely going to get that chance!!! If anyone had told me that I would be in this good of shape physically or emotionally when 2009 changed over to 2010, I would have laughed in their face. And then probably bawled because that’s how emotionally vulnerable I was at the time. Who knew that staying in therapy during my pregnancy and taking a tiny green pill was the answer? I never would have believed it. But I’m so glad I hung in there and did the work! I feel good. I feel great. I feel wonderful {That’s a What About Bob quote, there, for anyone who doesn’t recognize it}.

I am eagerly awaiting meeting our son. I cry at the thought of that first moment. Happy tears, of course, instead of tears of worry, fear and anxiety. Yuck. I hated those feelings.

Packing the hospital bag was fun! That’s right, I said it. It was pure joy. I was packing B some clothing yesterday, which included some preemie onesies that Landon had to wear because he lost so much weight in the beginning. I was smiling and giggling to myself. I want to see those tiny feet and skinny long legs. I want to see those gummy newborn yawns and strange facial expressions while he sleeps.

I honestly feel like God has given me another precious gift in a time that is so uncertain for our family. Will we live in this house? Will I find a job? What does our future hold? But I know those questions don’t really matter at all. What is certain is that this baby will be loved. Oh, how he will be loved. By me, by his daddy, by his brother. Love is all that matters.

And for anyone wondering, my appointment was yesterday. She didn’t do an internal and I’m quite alright with that. I know I was 1.5 cm dilated and 50% effaced a couple of weeks ago. Who knows what I am now but she said she definitely wants to check me next week. Baby’s heart rate was great, my blood pressure is normal and I have minimal contractions and/or swelling. So I guess we’ll all just have to stay tuned . . . baby B is running this show!

Filed Under: Baby Belly #2, Depression, Pregnancy #2 4 Comments

Baby B’s Day at the Spa!

April 21, 2010 By Molly

As I said in my previous post, my sister and mom hosted a mini baby shower for me at Spa Tuscano this past Saturday. It was relaxing and perfect! Exactly what I needed before labor and delivery, which is fast approaching!

Here are some photos from baby B’s special day. Special thanks to my awesome sister Kelli who planned this little “sprinkle” for me and B.

Angela, Molly B., Me and my sis Kelli in the European Bath Ritual Room. This part was amazing. They had three hot tubs each with a different temperature so I still got to get in the warm pool and enjoy the jets on my aching back.

Next we went upstairs to enjoy a fancy little lunch. Here we all are in our comfy robes.

Cute little cupcakes from a shop called Sugar Mammas Bakery. . . so tasty!

The gift table even though I requested no gifts (sneaky people!)

And then we all got pedicures or manicures! It was heavenly!

Then we all ate the delicious cupcakes and opened presents.

Aren’t these overalls super adorable? My mom got these in honor of my late grandpa. Before he passed away he told me that he wanted to buy Landon a pair of overalls. My grandpa wore them all the time. Unfortunately he never got the chance to buy them because he passed two months before Landon was born. But Baby B will have some! And I might just have to get another matching pair for Landon. Yes, matching outfits for brothers {gasp!}

One of the gifts I was most surprised by {and giddy over} was this . . .

A brand new Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag! I’ve never owned a designer baby bag and so it’s amazing to be able to put this around my shoulder! It’s perfect and thanks to my lovely sisters I have one of my very own! I love it!

Many thanks to Kelli, Angela, Molly B., my mom and my aunt for sharing the day with me! And to my sisters Jenn and Cindi. I know you would have been there if you could have and you were both missed!

Filed Under: Family, Friends, It's Party Time, Pregnancy #2, Stuff I Love 7 Comments

36 Weeks Pregnant

April 16, 2010 By Molly

The bump @36 weeks, 1 day:

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy . . . we’re getting close people! And I’m getting excited. Excited to welcome our baby boy into this world and into our family. Excited to see what he will look like and act like. Excited for Naaman to meet his second son and for Landon to meet his little brother. It’s an exciting time here in our household.

I am still having contractions, some more painful at times, but it’s nothing that could be considered regular or time-able. And truthfully, I usually don’t have time to stop what I’m doing in order to let it pass. I’m much too busy chasing after our energetic toddler. Seriously, unless he is sleeping he does.not.stop.moving! Another thing that I am excited about for the new baby. Lots of chest to chest cuddles without him squirming out of my arms ; ) Oh, how I miss those newborn baby snuggles.

My back is crazy painful but I kind of expected that. I meant to post this update earlier today but we had an unexpected showing for the house and let me tell you . . . cleaning is just so difficult these days. You know it’s going to be a long day when your back is killing you by 10 a.m.! But it’s all worth it and I just keep telling myself . . . not much longer, Molly, and look at the miracle you get at the end.

Naaman and I visited the new hospital where I will deliver this time. I think it’s safe to say that we will have an awesome experience here. I feel like we’re in very good hands. I talked to the maternity care coordinator concerning some things that bothered me about the hospital where I delivered Landon and she was quite baffled at some of the things I said. Long story short, she said that those things will not happen at this hospital. And I feel very confident that they won’t.

Since it’s the same hospital where Naaman works we swung by to meet his coworkers. They were all so nice especially his bosses. I suppose I better bring a nice housecoat as they’ll all probably show up to visit us on their breaks!

We also had our breastfeeding class. Out of about 20 women I was the only second-time mom, which made me feel a bit strange. But man I feel so much better about breastfeeding this time. I just didn’t know some of the things I know now . . . not saying this guarantees me an easy ride by any means. But at least this time I am armed with experience and knowledge. I truly hope with all my heart that it works but if it doesn’t it will not be for lack of trying!

Not much going on around the house to get ready. At this time we are still in our 2 bedroom home and therefore there is no nursery to decorate. Although I am still a bit bummed about it I know this is for the best. We will be putting a separate changing table in our master bedroom and it has plenty of room for some canvas bins to store all of baby B’s newborn goodies. He will sleep in the mini cosleeper that will attach to our bed. But we won’t be bringing that upstairs until May 1st, when our house temporarily goes off the market.

My mom came over and we went through the tubs of newborn clothing that I saved from Landon’s infancy. Oh my goodness, the memories just came flooding back! It’s amazing how with every little outfit I picked up I remembered a moment in time when Landon wore it. I thought I would cry but instead I found myself sporting an ear to ear grin. I guess it’s starting to feel more real. Yes, I know, I’m 36 weeks pregnant and it still has yet to fully sink in that in less that 30 days we’ll be bringing baby B home.

And one last note . . . I am super excited for tomorrow. My sister and my mom planned a little girls day for me at a local salon and spa. All throughout this pregnancy I have told them that I do not want any type of shower. It just felt inappropriate to me seeing as how I just had three amazing showers for Landon like, um, five minutes ago, haha! I’m not saying it’s bad if others want to have a shower for their second baby but for me it’s just not something that I wanted.

But . . . this is actually perfect. It will be two of my best friends, my mom and sister and my aunt. We’ll just hang out, have lunch and get pretty together! It sounds so relaxing right now and I need a pedicure in the worst way. So I’ll let you know how it goes.

And now I must go attempt to shave my legs in order to shimmy into my maternity swimsuit . . . it could get dangerous since I can’t see below my belly. If I don’t blog again someone please alert the cops

Filed Under: Baby Belly #2, Birth, Breastfeeding, Pregnancy #2 5 Comments

35 Weeks Pregnant

April 9, 2010 By Molly

The bump @35 weeks, 1 day:

Just for comparison’s sake . . . my 36-week bump with Landon . . .

What do you think? Bigger or smaller . . . lower or higher? Kind of fun to compare the two pregnancies! Personally, I think my belly with Landon was smaller and lower!

I had to skip week 34 due to the recent tragedy in our family. Things have been busy and difficult, to say the least. The visitation for my cousin was on Wednesday and the funeral was yesterday. There are no other words to say than . . . it sucked. Bad. I have cried a lot of tears and lost a lot of sleep over the past week and I know the stress is not good on me or the baby. But I still felt it necessary to go to both.

I’ve never seen anything more sad than a little boy who is smiling and laughing at his mother’s own funeral because he has no idea what is going on. Maybe it’s better that way, I don’t know. All I know is that it made me think about my time here on earth and how lucky I have been to have all of this time with my precious boy. I have soaked up every last hug and kiss from Landon and Naaman this week.

My out-of-town sisters came back for the funeral so we are all four spending some time together. It feels good to have my entire family together at a time like this.

Unfortunately, I think the stress has done a number on my pregnant body. I already wasn’t sleeping that great. This unexpected loss has only added to the insomnia. I wake up and look at the clock. It’s 3:00 a.m. and I’m wide awake . . . just thinking and sometimes weeping silently. Of course what comes next is contractions and tossing and turning to try to find a comfy spot to fall back asleep. It hasn’t worked and I wake up tired and in a zombie-like trance for the rest of the day.

I had an OB appointment on Wednesday afternoon right before the visitation. I told her about the recent stress and the contractions. Told her they were painful and I have been very crampy all night long. She wanted to do an internal. I am 1 1/2 cm dilated and 50% effaced. If I were a first-time mom I might take this to be a good sign. But since this is exactly how things went with Landon I’m not hopeful for an early debut. In fact, I’m guessing he’ll be right on time at somewhere around 40 weeks. Doctor thinks that he might be just a tad bit larger than Landon (who was an average 6 lbs, 14 oz at 39 weeks) but not by much. And even though I’m really uncomfortable at this point I’m okay with waiting. These last 5 weeks (or less) will fly by, I’m sure.

I had many internals with Landon and none of them ever hurt. But this one was different. It hurt like a mother trucker!!! I bled afterward, which I know is normal. But I’m pretty sure I am now losing parts of my mucous plug with every bathroom break. It’s not that alarming to me. The same thing happened very early with Landon and I still ended up being induced so only time will tell . . .

I have dropped a little but not enough to help me out in the breathing department. I dropped very early with Landon and never felt this kind of feeling. The feeling that someone is standing on your lungs and you can’t take a deep breath! I had a coughing attack the other night and really could not get enough air. And there is no position that brings relief. So I’m just waiting for baby B to drop a bit lower so I can take a nice deep breath. At this time I wheeze like an 80-year-old man with asthma after walking up a small flight of stairs!

We have our hospital tour (since I’ll be giving birth at a new hospital this time) and breastfeeding class next Wednesday. Lately I’ve been feeling pretty okay about breastfeeding not working out. This is a far cry from how I felt awhile back when I wrote this post. I guess I’m just not that worried about it. If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. But I refuse to spend weeks or months feeling guilty this time. I guess I’m just more realistic about it because I know what a challenge it was for both Landon and I. We’ll just gather all the good info we can and I’ll try my best when the time comes. I think what has helped me let go is that Landon is a beautiful, healthy and smart child and he was formula fed. I’m just so over feeling bad about it!

Well, that’s the pregnancy round up folks. We’re really in the home stretch now. I am anxiously awaiting baby B’s arrival with 34 days left or less! Gotta get that hospital bag packed!

Filed Under: Baby Belly #2, Breastfeeding, Landon, Pregnancy #2 6 Comments

Bitterville: Population 1

March 30, 2010 By Molly

It’s a beautiful day. I call it ‘beautiful’ because I am currently sitting outside barefoot on our back deck, typing on our laptop. The birds are chirping at each other and flying back and forth to each others nests as if they’re in a game of chase. The wind is blowing as if I’m on a beach somewhere but I know I’m far from any beach.

It’s the first day in 2010 to reach over 70 degrees. Yet I’m having one of those days. You know, the ones where you just don’t feel right about anything. I started feeling overwhelmed last night after watching a show on HGTV. A couple was upset that they barely squeaked by with a $100k profit from the sale of their home. As someone who just wants to sell and will most likely take a loss let’s just say my anger snowballed from there. Naaman was right. I should not be watching HGTV while trying to sell our home.

Much to my chagrin the anger has poured over into this beautiful day.

I feel bitter. Bitter about not having a job. Bitter about our house not selling. Bitter about the gargantuan amount of snot leaking out of Landon’s nose. I’m bitter about the fact that he has decided to drop from two glorious naps to one making it nearly impossible to get anything done. I have two hours in the late morning to drink my coffee, make my phone calls, read my emails and blogs, do some laundry, do the dishes I failed to do the night before . . . and oh yeah, don’t forget about maybe taking a shower before he wakes up and is ready to play! I’ll be honest, sometimes the shower gets skipped over.

I find myself wondering . . . how the heck am I supposed to do this? Most moms would tell me to wait until he’s asleep for the night and then get everything done. In theory, this would probably work. In reality, I am literally exhausted by 7:00 p.m. My back hurts so bad by that point and my eyelids have trouble staying open. I feel my only option is to turn out the lights and find refuge in my snoogle and heating pad.

Ugh, I loathe feeling like this. Because in all seriousness, I know how lucky I am. I do. I get to spend so much time with Landon and I feel blessed for that. I get to hear him say mama all day long and there is no paycheck that could ever equal what that word means to me.

Many of my long-time blog readers will remember back to when I was so unhappy because I felt like I never saw him. And you’re probably thinking, make up your mind, Molly! I realize there are millions of moms out there who would rather stay at home with their children than go into work. I guess I fall on the opposite spectrum? I want a job. I want to work. I want to bring home some bacon.

And although I am excited that a new babe is on our horizon . . . I find myself feeling very overwhelmed at the thought of how I will be able to do it. I am now in awe of stay-at-home-moms. Let’s be real, I love my child. Like totally ADORE him. But I also love adult interaction and feeling like I am contributing financially to our family and our future. I have been unemployed since September 2009 and it’s draining on me. But there is no point in applying and interviewing now. I’ve got bigger things happening very soon. Much bigger things to deal with before I hop back into the job search.

Still, I feel really overwhelmed today. I hope it’s okay to come clean and admit that. I suppose it is since this is my blog. I hope I feel better tomorrow because I don’t want to waste these beautiful spring days in bitterville.

And just so you know, I truly do want this blog to be about much more than just weekly baby bumps and photography lessons. But yeah, um, the internet takes a backseat to my son. Always will. Sorry.

Filed Under: Adventures in Parenting, Blogging, Landon, Pregnancy #2, Work 13 Comments

Maternity Photo Sneak Peek is Up!

March 26, 2010 By Molly

What a wonderful thing to wake up to this morning! I am quite pleased with how the photos turned out. I was hesitant to spend money on professional maternity photos but I’m really glad I did. Now I have some wonderful memories of my last baby belly. Darbi was awesome! I hope you enjoy!

Maternity Photo Shoot Sneak Peek

Filed Under: Baby Belly #2, Family, Landon, Naaman, Pregnancy #2, Stuff I Love 17 Comments

33 Weeks Pregnant – and a few pics

March 25, 2010 By Molly

Our photog sent me a few “teaser” pics through email. So instead of showing you my usual boring bump photo I thought I would show you the photos she sent to tide us over. I think they’re kinda awesome. I don’t know why I was worried! Can’t wait to see the rest . . .

My pretty little family

Hugging his little brother

Belly pride

Mama’s blue-eyed angel

I had another appointment with our new OB yesterday and it went very well. Naaman was able to come and meet her and we both had a good feeling about her this time around. She sat down and answered some questions for us and made me feel better about some things.

It was all a good report . . . normal blood pressure, strong heartbeat, belly measuring perfectly. And we were even able to confirm that baby B is HEAD DOWN! I kinda figured that already because he got the hiccups the other night and I felt them way down below! He is actually in the same position that Landon stayed in for most of the third trimester. Butt is up by my belly button and feet pushing out to the right side of my belly. It looks quite strange, actually. But I’m glad he is preparing for his big reveal.

I start my two week OB appointments now. I have four weeks left and I’m considered full-term. I’m going to pick a weekend and go through the tubs of baby clothes that I saved and wash everything used and new. Naaman and I started to discuss action plans for when I go into labor. We are signed up for our pre-registration at the hospital. New insurance is figured out and ready to go (did I mention that everything with this baby is 100% paid, including OB appointments!!! OH HAPPY DAY!).

So there you have it! Inching closer and closer to two under two and getting pretty freaking excited about it on our way there!