MEET MOLLY!!!!

You guys! Molly Lou Duggan is HERE! She is beautiful and healthy and perfect and I could not love her more. My heart was capable of this kinda love all over again after all!

I went in to be induced Sunday, June 29th @ 7pm, the cervadil was inserted around 8pm. I started having regular contractions right away and we never even ended up needing pitocin! I made it to about 2:30am without pain management and that's when I got the epidural - I was around 4cm. It took several attempts for him to get it in successfully which was terrifying and painful - especially since Tony was not allowed in the room. 

I felt so much better after the epidural but never felt total relief as I could still feel a whole lot. A couple hours later I was checked (about 5:15am) and I was at a 6cm. It was around this point I started to have extreme anxiety and really started freaking out. I called the nurse back in 15 minutes (about 5:30am) later and I was hysterical. I figured out why - I was feeling so much pain and pressure during each contraction and realized my body was pushing!!!!!! She checked me and my bag of waters was bulging- she told me that she thinks I'm at a 10cm and ready to go. She called the doctor and a bunch of nurses came in to prep. My nurse allowed me to push involuntarily at this point as my body was literally taking over. 

Dr. Podraza (my angel!) ended up being there in thirty or so minutes (roughly 6am) and he told me Molly was posterior (sunny side up... JUST like her sister!) and he flipped her - which did not feel great during contractions. I pushed 2-3 times, felt her crowning with the ring of fire, at which point he told me to stop pushing that she was going to fall out on her own with him guiding her. That happened just a few minutes later which was a WONDERFUL relief!!!! She cried right away, was plopped on my belly, and Tony cut the cord!!! I had one minor "scrape" that required one stitch to stop the bleeding. 

Molly was born at 6:12am and weighed in at 7#12oz - EXACTLY LIKE HER SISTER! She measured in at 20.25 inches and has black fuzzy hair. She looks somewhat like her sister and is just so tiny looking! She latched amazingly and breastfeeding is going so smooth. 

I've experienced what is known as a wet tap and lost some spinal fluid as a result of the epidural. This has caused extreme pain in my head and neck and has literally been debilitating. I had a blood patch (another epidural procedure where they put my own blood into my spine to fill up the missing fluid and block any leak) and it is supposed to help right away but it hasn't. They suggested having another but I am not doing that. I'm taking pain meds and drinking fluids and caffeine - all things that are supposed to help. Finally I've found a drug that offers a little relief! So I will be taking it every four hours until this gets better. 

I am so happy and will be even more happy once this pain hopefully goes away and I can enjoy my family even more.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers - they truly helped and gave me a labor and delivery to be proud of! Not to mention a gorgeous baby. 

38.5 Week Pregnancy Reflection {BABY TWO}

If you've been following along in our pregnancy journey this time around, you may be aware that I was just as recently as last week switching doctors because of a change of insurance.  And if you've been following along ultra closely, you will know that this is my THIRD doctor this pregnancy alone!!!  It's been one wild ride the past 38 weeks, but as you know, pregnancy doesn't last forever and we are nearing the end.

I visited my new doctor on Friday and let me just tell you I fell in LOVE with the staff at this new office.  Every single person I encountered was seriously just a joy to be around and I laughed so much at my appointment!  Just when I thought surely things couldn't get better, I met my new doctor - Dr. Michael Podraza and liked him just as much as everyone else I had just met!

Okay, so enough bragging... back to the doctor visit... it's hilarious that at 38 weeks we spent a good portion of the appointment going over family medical histories and also briefing them on how my current pregnancy has been going up until this point.  They took a urine sample, checked my blood pressure, then checked my cervix, and finished up with an ultrasound.  (Urine was fine - blood pressure was excellent - cervix was at a solid 2cm - and baby/fluid/heart looked wonderful!)  It was at this point that Dr. Podraza told me that while my gestational diabetes has been controlled by diet that there are still risks associated with going past the 39 week mark with Molly.  We talked over the options and together decided that induction was in my near future and that it would be the best option for me and Molly both.

As some of you may know, the chances of needing a c-section increase when you induce labor rather than waiting for it to come along naturally.  (But as you also may be aware, going over the 39 week mark with gestational diabetes also increases my chances of needing a c-section as babies from moms who have GD tend to be gigantic.)  The doctor also explained that my chances of needing a c-section after induction are reduced since I have had a previous, successful vaginal delivery.  The plan is to check into the hospital where they will insert cervadil and then twelve hours later we will start with pitocin.

It all seems a little bit unreal to me right now and that it is happening so fast!  I went to the doctor thinking I had at least another two weeks before labor would begin but it turns out I only had TWO DAYS!

How far along?:  Almost to the 39 week mark!

I am feeling:  Overwhelmed isn't the word I'm looking for... maybe in shock?  I'm feeling excited about the reality that Molly will be here soon and we will get to begin life as a family of four.  Of course I am also feeling hesitant about the pain associated with labor and delivery - but I'm also pretty confident that I can do this again!  I am already feeling anxious just thinking about being away from Presley more than a few hours because that's the longest I've been away from her at a time.  I have such guilt thinking about how much attention Molly is going to need for a long time and worry how I will be able to give Presley everything she needs/deserves in the meantime.  I'm looking forward to breastfeeding again and hoping it goes as well as it did with Presley!
Things I am currently reminding myself:  #1 We've done this before, we can do it again.  #2 Look at how well Presley sleeps now.  Sleep will become a great part of your life again and you will forget all about the sleep deprivation days!  #3 It will all come more naturally this time.  #4 There is SO MUCH to look forward to and be excited about.  #5 Don't be afraid to ask for/accept help from others.  #6 It's easy to worry - dig a little bit deeper and find the hope in each situation that makes you anxious.  #7 You have a husband who loves you and supports you and will do anything to help you make it through each and every hurdle life will ever throw at you.  You are not alone.  And even when you are alone or when you do feel alone, you are capable and strong.  You have done this, you can do this, you will do this (you have no other choice!) and not only WILL you do this - you will be a freaking rockstar!!!!  Also, you have a beautiful 2.5 year old daughter who loves you and depends on you - do not let her down.  #8 Finally, the newborn phase is much scarier in your head than it will be in reality.  Chill out and just be present.

*Self: Reread this as needed.*

What I miss most:  I miss having time to prepare.  I wish I would have gotten my last-minute ducks in a row sooner... but I am a true procrastinator!!!!
Best moment of the week:  Meeting my new doctor and his staff, touring labor & delivery at the hospital, and all the comfort associated with finally feeling ready for Molly.
What I'm excited about:  I'm excited to get this show on the road!  The human body is amazing and I cannot wait to see how mine reacts to what lies ahead.  I'm excited to meet our baby, I'm excited to do this again right next to my amazing husband, and I am excited for Presley to meet her baby sister.



Oh, and if I didn't mention before - the induction will begin TONIGHT at 7pm!  So if things go well hopefully we will be meeting little miss Molly Lou in the next few days!!!  If you feel so inclined, please keep us in your thoughts & prayers as we could use the encouragement along the way and I promise to keep everybody informed as best as I can!  Thanks for following along with me in this crazy, exciting journey towards baby Duggan #2!!!

If you're on Instagram, you can follow along with me here. 
You can also find links to my Facebook and e-mail address in the sidebar here on my blog.

38 Week Pregnancy Reflection {baby two}

How far along?:  Phew, didn't think I'd still be posting these at this point!  I am 38 weeks along in my second pregnancy and I wholeheartedly thought I would have had Molly by now!

L: Me @ 38 weeks with Presley
R: Me @ 38 weeks with Molly

I am feeling:  I'm not feeling terrible, to be honest with you... I just think I am getting mentally exhausted of being SO pregnant.  I have some pregnant friends who are still in the early stages of pregnancy who have said they're jealous that I'm nearing the home stretch... but I have to be honest and say I think they are crazy to be jealous of ALL this right now!!!!  I know they mostly mean they're wishing they were getting ready to meet their baby's already... but holy moly - the third trimester is TOUGH.

Size of baby:  Still about the size of a watermelon (YOWZA!) at about 6.5 lbs & 19-22 inches!

Movement:  Molly still moves most when I'm in bed for the evening... lately I will feel her down low in my belly on the far right side and simultaneously will feel what I'm guessing is her feet up in my ribs on the far left.  So I am really thinking she is going to be leggy like her dad!  And FINALLY, Tony witnessed Molly when she seriously looks like she is trying to crawl out of my stomach.  And he was as freaked out as I always am when it is happening!!!!!  It's seriously creepy.

What I miss most:  Ahhh... so much at this point.  I just miss the comfort of not having a 6+ pound person inside of you at all times.  As hard and as equally uncomfortable as the newborn stage will undoubtedly be, I am so looking forward to some relief.

Cravings:  PIZZA.  Which is so bizarre to me.  Tonight we are having Papa Murphy's Gourmet Vegetarian Pizza.... delicious as always! 

Best moment of the week:  This morning I was telling Presley how excited I was that she was going to be a big sister soon.  Usually this doesn't return a response from her as I figure the whole thing is too much for her to really comprehend... but today she replied, "Yeah!  Molly... soon?" and after my enthusiastic reply I gave her a hug and my eyes started watering big time.  She is going to continue to be such a wonderful helper and will be such a fantastic sister.  I just can't wait!  I really hope Presley is excited for this huge change.

What I'm excited about:  I'm excited to meet my new doctor on Friday - yes... new doctor at 38 weeks.  What am I thinking, you ask?  Well, I had a change in insurance so it was a mandatory change.  And this doctor will be my first male OBGYN - so that is going to be another big change!  I'm also very excited to celebrate with friends & family this weekend for Miss Molly's upcoming arrival.  It's easy for me to be somewhat of a hermit these days, so it will be extremely nice to see everybody.

**Don't forget - if you want to make a guess at when Molly will be here, you can enter right HERE.  There will be a prize.  And the prize will be awesome.  And I'm not sure what that prize will be yet.**

37 Week Pregnancy Reflection {baby two}

*For anybody who wants to input their guess on when Molly Lou will make her grand appearance - you can enter it in HERE.*
Winner will get a cool prize... still trying to figure out what it'll be.  But beware, my husband Tony won the pool last time with Presley... so my money is on him again!

How far along?:  I've somehow made it to 37 weeks along in my second pregnancy!  Which means, if she is anything like her big sister, she will be here in two weeks (though she is due in three).  For those who might need a refresher, Molly's due date is Wednesday, July 9th!

I am feeling:  Less than 100% lately.  On Sunday we had Tony's folks over for Father's Day - Tony made a Chili's copycat recipe of Monterrey chicken and it was SERIOUSLY delicious. After Presley's naptime we went outside and she played in the yard with her t-ball set and in her pool and it was HOT out.  I don't know what it was, but by the end of the day my legs and ankles were super swollen and I didn't feel so great.  Follow that up with a trip to the park with Presley on Monday in more high temps and afterwards I felt sick to my stomach.  It's just odd that I felt bad two days in a row and I'm still not feeling great.... I just hope it doesn't stick around for the remainder of the pregnancy.

Size of baby:  Finally, the size of a watermelon!  (Tony's favorite!)  She's somewhere near 19-22 inches and 6.5 pounds or so.

Movement:  Molly is still very active and is almost as hiccupy as her big sister was!  Molly must be totally out of room in there because her movements are absolutely CRAZY in there.

What I miss most:  The ease of moving without being super pregnant.  Being able to sleep normally - I've been falling asleep sitting up in bed mostly.  Not gaining weight every week.

Cravings:  Flaming Hot Cheetos.  Also, back to craving BBQ baked potatoes from the Commissary in Germantown.  Tacos also sound really good.  Anything with ranch dressing.  Ice cold water.

Best moment of the week:  I had a lot of fun taking Presley to the Pink Palace this week because I know she really loved it.

What I'm excited about:  I'm excited for my baby shower next weekend thrown by my mother-in-law.  It'll be fun to get everybody together and celebrate Molly coming really soon!


I'm not sure why, but this took me several days to post... and for no good reason!  I apologize for my lack of drive to blog... I am just in one of those ruts where I don't feel like I have a whole heck of a lot to share.  Hope that will be changing soon!

Also, if you live in the Memphis area and have littles who love Sesame Street, there is a contest going on right now through WREG News Channel 3 to win some tickets! You can enter here!

What to Expect: {7 QTs} Late 3rd Trimester

I'm linking up with Kathryn @ Team Whitaker for 7 Quick Takes and this week I'm tackling the topic of what you can expect in the last leg of your third trimester!

* 7 *

One thing you can expect is having a routine GBS {Group B Strep} test at which time your doctor will swab your vagina and rectum.  Painless and super quick!  Mine was done at my 36 week check up and is usually done between 35-37 weeks.  My doctor said some women carry this specific bacteria and it can negatively affect baby's health while passing through the birth canal.  If you test positive for the group b strep infection it is my understanding that you will get some antibiotics before labor and delivery!  Nothing to stress over but absolutely something to make yourself aware of beforehand.

* 6 *

You will have gone from having a wellness check up every 4 weeks, down to every 2 weeks, and now you are on VIP status and will most likely be seeing your doctor every week now!  Take advantage of these moments and make sure to ask any/every question you've got while you have your doctor's undivided attention.  Not only will this help give you peace of mind, it will help you and your doctor to form a relationship and continue to get to know each other!

* 5 *

If your doctor is anything like mine is, s/he will start checking your cervix to have a better understanding of your progress around this time in your pregnancy.  You'll likely find out if you are dilated, effaced, and possibly will find out if baby is in a favorable position (head down) for labor and delivery.  And I'm not going to lie - this may hurt a bit or at least will be a little uncomfortable.  You can make it a little bit easier on yourself by not clenching up and relaxing as much as you can.  I know... I know... easier said than done.  I was dreading the pain associated with getting checked this time around but it hurt far less than I remember!  Phew!

* 4 *

You can pretty much expect that your doctor will be going on vacation sometime soon.  This has happened to me with both pregnancies with two different doctors and countless of my friends have had this happen very late in their pregnancy too.  What can you do?  Doctors are people too and lets face it... they probably need time away more than anyone!  My advice is just don't sweat it.  Your doctor isn't the only one who can help you bring your baby into the world.  With Presley we got SO lucky and just fell in love with the midwife who helped through labor & delivery while my doctor was gone.

* 3 *

Swelling happens.  Nothing to be concerned about as long as the swelling is slight.  It helps to keep your feet propped when you can, to eat/drink well, to get some exercise, & believe it or not - to keep drinking tons of water!  (If you have sudden or extreme swelling - don't wait to call your doctor.  Better to be safer than sorry!)

* 2 *

Start saying your goodbyes to sleep if you haven't had to already.  Between more frequent bathroom visits at night and general discomfort with the growing baby - my sleep is definitely a little patchy these days.  However, I've found that this time around I am so exhausted after having dealt with a toddler all day that I will just pass right out... after watching an episode or two of Grey's Anatomy.  {Which I have become obsessed with again... started it from the beginning and almost done with season 4.}  :)  Sleep will become a happy part of your life again eventually.

* 1 *

I would say something to be on the lookout for is fluctuating moods.  Some days I cannot WAIT to not be pregnant any longer!  I can't wait to have my body back to (mostly) myself and to get to meet our brand new baby and get our life as a family of 4 started.  I can't wait to hold a sweet, sleepy baby of my own and to get to know her.  I can't wait to see her little features.  I can't wait for Presley to become a big sister!!!!  The next day I am feeling panicked about HOW in the heck I am going to do this... how am I going to deal with sleep deprivation and a 2.5 year old who is ready to go every single morning?!  I worry whether I will be a decent mom to either girl - how will I split my attention between the two who will both no doubt be needing it?  Oh... and don't get me started on worries when it comes to labor and delivery!  My advice?  You can't help the changes in your mood, but  you can control your thoughts!  Your worrying literally will not change one thing.  You will be birthing and then taking home a child either way and what happens is just gonna happen!  The newborn phase is brutal, but if it was completely awful and not worth the struggle, I wouldn't have subjected myself to this again!  (Something I keep reminding myself!!!)  So go easy on yourself - if you can't stop the worrying then just try not to think about it so much because as I said before, it's going to happen either way!  There is no use stressing yourself out over things unnecessarily.

For you parents who have been there, done that - what would you add to the list?  Did some of these things happen to you?  Any funny third trimester stories? 

35 Week Pregnancy Reflection {baby two}

How far along?:  About 35 weeks along.  Roughly 5 weeks to go!

L: Me carrying Presley at 35 weeks
R: Me carrying Molly at 35 weeks

I am feeling:  Great. Tired. Guilty.

Let me expand on that last feeling.  I feel guilty for a few reasons here lately:  I haven't been feeling very social.  This isn't any new huge thing for me, but it has gotten even "worse" here in the last few weeks.  It's very common for me to not return texts or phone calls or really just failing to maintain the relationships I have unless it's easy.  (AKA, unless they live with me or I see them on a regular basis.)  It's just how it's been.  I really only feel slightly guilty for this.

The real reasons I feel guilty have a lot to do with me wanting this baby to come sooner than later AND that I have been squandering away my LAST alone times with my baby goose.  Not to mention, I feel guilty that I am about to change Presley's life so majorly.  And then I feel guilty that I am looking at Molly as such a catalyst rather than my baby.  I know it stems from the fear of the unknown - and that a catalyst isn't inherently a bad thing - but I hope there are people out there who can empathize with what I'm feeling.

It just hit me YESTERDAY that I have been focusing on my time alone with Presley lately as a "bad" thing - as in, "Ugh, I wish Tony were with us so he could help me with Presley... I'm so huge..." and everything just feels like it takes twice as long (getting her in and out of her car seat, putting on shoes, walking around the store, etc.) in the third trimester.  And then it hit me, HOLY SH*T.  I will be dealing with TWO car seats, TWO sets of shoes, walking with TWO babies around the store... etc.  It's not going to necessarily get easier once the pregnancy ends - it might get a little better - but it might also be a little harder, too!  And then it REALLY hit me:  Oh my goodness.  These are the last moments that it'll ever just be me and Presley out and about together.  I'll always have Presley for my first baby and we will always have special moments together - but it will probably not be like this ever again.  And I've been squandering it with a negative attitude.

I've also pretty much got my heart set on having a baby in June (rather than July 9th) and that makes me feel a bit guilty knowing how great it is to go the full 40 weeks.  I'm not sure why I want to have Molly early aside from just feeling uncomfortable and ready lately - but I really just feel like I'm gonna be having a baby super early.  And I'm hoping that happens!  And that makes me feel a bit guilty.

Size of baby:  Huge.  Approximately the size of a large cantaloupe and could be anywhere from 19-22 inches long and in between 5-6 pounds.

Movement:  Thank goodness I am feeling her move as often as I am so I don't have to worry about the lack of movement.  She is at capacity in there because her movements feel so bizarre... like she is literally about to break through my skin.  Still getting the hiccups at least once every day.  Still likes to move most when I am either about to fall asleep or just before I need to get up in the morning.

What I miss most:  My pre-kids body.  My stretch marks now have their own stretch marks.  And I don't only have the silvery ones anymore... I have some vicious looking red ones smack-dab in the middle of my belly to which Tony said, "Those look like they hurt."  But they don't.  They are just there.  My body seems to be in much worse shape this time than last time.  I am much less active, weigh more, and I'm a couple years older, too.  So lately, I've been missing the gym.  Mostly, the YMCA in Moline... that place is just so great.  It took moving away and visiting other YMCA locations to really realize how amazing that one is.  As I was saying though, I miss being a gym member in general and have just realized I am a gym person rather than a fitness DVD person or a "do it on my own" kinda person.  It'll be nice to belong to a gym again someday.

Cravings:  Cakes, pies, desserts in general, etc.  Thank you gestational diabetes for keeping me in check, though!  I was really craving potatoes in general - so when Tony requested my pepperjack meatloaf and mashed potatoes for his b-day dinner... I was super excited!  I would love to have a Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut... but I am really afraid I wouldn't be able to just stop at one so right now I will be having NONE!

Best moment of the week:  Celebrating Tony's birthday with some of our best friends.  It was just a relaxing, fun night and I'm glad everyone could make it.  And once again, I failed at taking any pictures throughout the evening.  (The picture below was taken by Damen - thanks Dame!)  Chris & Kristen, Peyton & Damen, and Tyler & Marsha came over for some dinner + cake and it was great to have them over.  Presley was up WAY past her bedtime plus she got her own piece of cake... she was in heaven!!!

Chris, Peyton, Tyler & Tony - three of his best friends!

What I'm excited about:  I'm excited for my next doctor's visit which is scheduled Friday the 13th!  That can only bring interesting things, in my opinion.  Doctor McAdory is gonna be checking my cervix (FINALLY!) and I am seriously beyond anxious for that.

And that's it for now!