Two weeks ago, we welcomed our second child, Jordan Lincoln, into the world. He’s a healthy and happy little boy, and we’re so grateful to have him in our lives.
Of course, it’s been an adjustment getting used to life with a newborn again. Our daughter Macey is almost 9 years old now, so it’s been a few years since we’ve had a baby in the house. But we’re all settling into our new routines and enjoying watching little Jordie grow and change every day.
Macey is absolutely thrilled to be a big sister. She’s been helping out so much and we are so grateful. I’m already looking forward to watching Jordie grow up and seeing the bond between him and his sister continue to grow stronger.
Birthing Experience
Jordie arrived two weeks earlier than his due date. Based on my first c-section delivery experience and medical records, my OB recommended that it is safer to undergo a scheduled surgery as opposed to an emergency one because of my high blood pressure as well as Covid-19 risk factors.
So we had our c-section delivery scheduled for July 23rd, but my doctor got worried when she saw the sudden spike in my blood pressure during my last prenatal checkup on July 19th. She ordered a RTPCR test and told me to rest at home for a few hours to see if my blood pressure would go down. Thankfully, it did after a few hours of rest, but my OB told me to monitor my BP for the next few days before the delivery.
My scheduled c-section delivery was at 9 AM, but we were already at the hospital by 7 AM. I was so excited and nervous at the same time when I entered the labor and delivery room. I met my anesthesiologist and he was very nice. He told me what will happen during the surgery.
After everything was ready, they brought me to the operating room and I was so nervous. But as soon as I saw my OB-GYNE, I felt a little bit better. The surgery went smoothly and our baby boy was born at exactly 9:39 AM! I was so happy and relieved.
Having a c-section delivery was not at all what I had planned for my second baby, but it all worked out in the end. I was a little hesitant about having surgery, but my doctor reassured me that it was the best option for me and my baby. And I’m so glad she did, because everything went smoothly and Jordie arrived healthy and happy.
Jordie had an infection
When Jordie was born, he seemed perfectly healthy. But after 24 hours in the hospital, I noticed that he was sleeping a lot and didn’t have much of an appetite. His pediatrician also noticed that he was weaker than usual. So the doctor ordered a urine and blood test – and found out that Jordie had a UTI. There were too many bacteria in his urine, and there was an infection in his blood.
The nurses struggled to find a vein that would work for the IV, and my little boy cried out in pain. I sat with him during the whole ordeal, holding his tiny body and crying right alongside him. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced.
Even harder was seeing him hooked up to an IV. But antibiotics through IV finally helped Jordie get better and we were both able to come home after four days in the hospital. He was given seven days’ worth of antibiotics through an IV and returned to the hospital three times each day during his treatment.
Fortunately, Jordie is now two weeks old and doing much better. The antibiotics seem to be working, and he’s slowly but surely gaining weight. We’re just glad that he’s okay now.
Now, every time I look and hold Jordie in my arms, I think of how brave he was during that difficult time.
Giving birth is a huge ordeal for any mother, and it’s natural to want to keep a close eye on your newborn in the first few days and weeks. However, it’s important to remember that even healthy babies can sleep a lot and have little appetite. As a mom, it’s important to trust your instincts and if you think something might be wrong, don’t hesitate to bring it up with your baby’s doctor.
Recovery
I’m feeling pretty good now, just a little tired from lack of sleep. I’m grateful that my recovery has been relatively easy this time around. I think having a c-section can be tough on your body, so I’m taking it easy and listening to what my body needs.
My birthing and postpartum experience with Jordan have been completely different than when I had Macey. I feel like with Macey, I was so worried about everything going wrong and didn’t enjoy the process as much. This time around, I was much more relaxed and just let things happen.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world, but it doesn’t always come easy.
For me, breastfeeding my little boy Jordie has been a challenge from the start. My breast milk wasn’t enough to sustain him and we had to supplement with formula from early on. I felt like I was failing as a mother and I was really struggling to cope.
However, I quickly realized that there is no shame in supplementing with formula. The important thing is that my son is getting the nutrition he needs.
Thankfully, there are lots of resources and support groups out there for women who are having difficulties breastfeeding. I’m so grateful to the nurses at the hospital where I gave birth to Jordie. They helped me to get on the right track. They regularly check in with me to make sure that Jordie is getting enough milk and that I’m coping okay.
I’m also grateful to my friend Kimi, who has been incredibly encouraging from the start and my mom, who has been pushing me to continue breastfeeding even when I don’t want to (because my nipples are already sore or because I’m too exhausted to nurse).
It’s been a tough journey, but I’m so glad that I persevered. Breastfeeding is such a special bond between mother and child, and I’m so lucky that I’m able to share it with my little boy. If you’re struggling with breastfeeding, don’t be afraid to reach out for help – there are people who can support you through it.
Lack of sleep
I’m sure all you parents out there can relate to the sleep deprivation that comes with having a newborn. Jordie is up every few hours throughout the night wanting to eat.
So far, he’s been a pretty good sleeper during the day, but those nighttime feedings are definitely taking their toll. I’m running on coffee and naps these days!
Despite the lack of sleep, I’m really enjoying this stage of life. It’s amazing to watch a new person grow and learn. Jordie is already starting to show his personality and it’s so much fun to get to know him. I’m looking forward to all the milestones ahead and watching him grow into a wonderful little boy.
I’m also so appreciative of all the help and support I’ve been receiving from family and friends. It truly takes a village!
Missing my work
Being a new mom is both amazing and exhausting. I’m so in love with my little guy, but I also miss the intellectual stimulation of work.
It’s hard to find time to do anything else when you’re feeding, changing, and rocking a baby around the clock. Sometimes I feel like I’m living in a baby bubble, and I can’t wait for the day when my son is sleeping through the night and I can have a conversation that doesn’t revolve around diapers or breastfeeding.
But for now, I’m savoring this special time with my baby. I know that I need to focus on him right now, and that going back to work can wait.
Every snuggle, every giggle, every milestone is precious, and I know that before long he’ll be all grown up. So even though I miss work, I know that this season of diaper changes and midnight feedings won’t last forever.
It’s hard to believe that he’s already two weeks old – time is just flying by! The days are long but the weeks are short, as they say. I’m just taking everything one day at a time and enjoying this special time with my baby.
Looking Ahead
The first few weeks with a newborn are always a bit of a blur. There’s so much to do and so little sleep to be had. But I’m enjoying every minute, even though it’s tough at times. I’m looking forward to seeing Jordie grow and change in the weeks and months ahead. He’s already brought so much joy to our lives and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him!
To God be the glory for this wonderful blessing to our family.
Thanks for reading! I’ll try to update more often now that things are settling down around here. God bless!