our baby Molly is here....3 weeks ago

So...as Lily would say in her most cute voice... "I did it!" I attempted a VBAC (vaginal birth after Cesarean), and I succeeded! It was a total shock, up until the very point of her being placed onto my chest. I had kept my expectations low for a vaginal delivery and prepared myself for another c-section, but I wanted to at least try.

To my surprise I went into labor on my own Tuesday, Dec. 21, something that didn't happen with Lily. I was in shock to feel my contractions become more painful, because I was sure they were going to go away. I tried showering, cleaning the kitchen, dusting my bedroom, cleaning the floor, and I even wanted to vacuum, but Mike wouldn't let me at 12am in the morning with Lily sleeping. All of this, and the contractions were still there every 7-10 min and continuing to get worse.

It wasn't until about 2:30 am I felt the urge to get to the hospital because I no longer wanted to be in pain. I had called my Mom to come on over just in case we did need to leave in the middle of the night. She has been watching 'House Hunters' with me while I was trying to decide if I could get a nights rest on the couch. But alas I was in a bit too much pain. I woke Mike, who had JUST fallen asleep and to Fairfax Hospital we fled.

I was already 5 cm when I was admitted and I was ready for my epidural! With the help of my epidural I was able to get some sleep. And by some sleep I mean about 2 hours. All my nurse friends were so excited to see me there in labor we were too busy chatting into the night over whether we thought I would push Molly out, or if I would end up in the OR. I stayed optimistic, but realistic. I was taking it all in very cautiously!

By 6am I was 6 cm, and my doctor went ahead and broke my water. My contractions had slowed down a bit, but there was still no need for pitocin. Around 8:30 I was in a bit of pain again! I could feel my contractions and some pressure so I was dosed with some more medicine through my epidural. 9am, Dr. Kusic checked me and said, COMPLETELY dilated (10cm) lets start pushing!

What? THAT FAST? I was in shock, but totally excited! I gave it a couple pushes, and my Doctor said, 'no problem, this baby is coming out this way.' Meaning he knew I wasn't going to need a c-section! An hour later, and at exactly 10:00am MOLLY WAS BORN, and placed right onto my chest! All I could say was, "I can't believe I did it! I can't believe I did it!" The whole room was full of cheer to Miss Molly! December 22, 2010, 10:00 am 7 pounds 8 ounces, 20 1/4 inches longMy heart had instantly grown two fold! The love that I was afraid wouldn't be there was, and with a single beat I could feel my chest grow with more love. I was in awe of her, so was Mike. We gazed at her beauty and couldn't decide if she looked like Lily or not.

Welcome to the Peterson Family, Molly! We love you 'to the moon and back'!Lily meets Molly! She is instantly in love! Her 'baby sister'! It was a great moment to have them both together on my lap! Our first family photo..My rocks, my L & D dream team! All of this made possible because of them. Their support, cheers, and love is just what you need to make a perfect delivery. I could not ask for better coworkers and most of all friends!from Left to Right: Michelle Lopez, RN-the ultimate baby nurse who was present during Lily's birth, and again at Molly's. She is responsible for the girls cute outfits right at birth. How creative! The most impressive part of it all is that she is still on maternity leave with her two sweet newborn twins at home, but still she came to be with me! Dr. Mike Kusic, MD-my doctor who I have been with since my pregnancy with Lily. His whole practice is full of doctors who I utmost respect in every way, but it was special to have him deliver both Lily and Molly! He preformed my c-section, did a great job, but most of all he supported me through my wish to attempt a VBAC. His sense of humor and silly laughter makes him extremely likable and very comfortable to be around. Kristin Reese, RN-my excellent day shift nurse, but more importantly, my friend! Kristin and I have known each other since freshman year of college, we have lived together, and went to nursing school together. Now we work together and I can proudly say she supported me (held my leg) during Molly's delivery. This is very special to me! MIKEY-my husband! I couldn't have a better partner for life! Through ups and downs of my pregnancy he was always supportive and excited for the birth of our daughter. It was a thrill for him to see me deliver vaginally, cut the cord, and then have baby Molly right there on my chest while he was right next to me. Heather Altland, RN-the first blonde..hehe, my night shift nurse partner! Heather and I have worked together for 5 years, taken vacations together and she even went to high school with Mike. She stayed over into the day shift to see me deliver. Her excitement to see Molly born was just another boost to get me through it! Kate Callahan, RN-the other blonde..another very special friend! We, too, have worked together for 5 years, and also taken vacations together! Kate's energy and positive attitude also made it possible for me to push little Molly out!

Some people may say I am crazy to have my friends see me in my most vulnerable state, half naked, and legs spread open (excuse me for being graphic), but I couldn't imagine it being any other way!!! Some days I may hate going to work, but my job is such an important one. Seeing a baby born is so special and I am so glad I shared it with my friends!

Grandmas capture their first glimpse of little Molly girl....A proud G Pa of his second grand daughter! He has so much love for these little ones!Most of the family joined me in the hospital right after she was born. We spent a lot of time with Molly in her first couple hours! It was such a different experience than with Lily. Something I can now cherish with Molly! I was wide awake, I felt great, and my family was in awe that I had just delivered a baby! There is nothing that I regret about Lily's delivery, and my c-section, but I am so grateful that I was able to experience a non surgical delivery!At the hospital, after Molly was born and Lily was able to spend a little time with Mommy and Daddy, we gave her a big sister gift...a Christmas Mickey Snow Globe. Hmmm, maybe not the best gift for a 2 year old because it has since been shattered! Poor Mickey, maybe we will invest in another next year AND keep it out of the hands of our darling girl.

I was discharged to go home on Christmas Eve! A blessed Christmas present to be home as a new family!

CHRISTMAS MORNING

...my two girls and their first matching pjs :) there will definitely be more to come of those! And by the way, I LOVE saying 'my girls'! Ok, I know they are not just MY girls but Mike and my girls, but it is just amazing to me to say I now have kidssss (plural), and it is even more wonderful to call them 'my girls'

We ventured to my parents house for lunch Christmas day. Keep in mind (no I'm not bragging) BUT I am 3 DAYS postpartum! I think I was a little delusional to think I could be riding around town house to house. I definitely wished I had used to the excuse of just having a baby in my favor! Meaning I should not have left my home, and those who wanted to see me and the baby should have ventured to ME! Oh well! What's done is done, and I am grateful that Molly was able to meet all my extended family on Christmas day!

Our first family photo shot where we are all appropriately dressed.

Uncle Craig meets his new niece.....

Memaw and Pop with Molly....Just as special as the rest of their great grand children...Molly is number 4! I am so happy to have them around to experience a fourth generation!

On another note...what do I do about my blog? Should I be changing the name? I mean we are STILL the Peterson's but I took a spin on Lily's name because we call her 'Lil'....what to do, what to do....