I had no idea that having another child would change my life so drastically! After 5 years I forgot how much work having an infant is, especially when you are nursing! Jackson was born 4 weeks early, on January 14, 2009. I was in the hospital the weekend prior, due to high blood pressure. My pressure had been low/normal through my entire pregnancy until then. I was put on bed rest and when I went to my next appointment, my pressure was high again. 160/100! My Dr. sent me for an amnio (weird experience!) and they determined that the baby's lungs were fully developed. I had no idea amniotic fluid could determine that!
I was once again put in the hospital for observation. At 2:40 the next afternoon, Jackson Charles Brewster came into the world! Even at 4 weeks premature, he weighed 6 lbs 14 oz and was
18 1/2 inches long! He developed jaundice, which is not unusual for preterm babies. He had to be in the bilirubin bed 24/7 for 10 days, which meant we had to rent the portable version to take home. He had to go to the Pediatrician every day to get his little heel pricked to check his levels. Come to find out, there is a condition called "breastmilk jaundice". There is a chemical in the breastmilk that causes the levels to be high. After 2 days of formula and pumping, it was determined that I could resume breastfeeding and the jaundice should go away by itself. It did, and he has been pretty healthy since.
I still find it hard to juggle my home obligations with 2 children, one being an infant. Jordan is home for the summer now, too - so that adds another ball for me to juggle! Luckily, I did Babywise with both kids and Jackson has been sleeping through the night since he was 10 weeks old. He is now 1 week shy of 5 months and is sleeping about 10 or 11 hours a night! Having him on a schedule has helped me to get things done - I know how to plan a grocery trip or a run to Target - because I know exactly when he needs to eat and nap. Now if I could just get Jordan to quit being such a messy little piggy......
