He is just a baby

So this past weekend was a wonderful one minus the blistering hot sun. We took a couple of trips to the mall with Jackson and it was absolutely wonderful just to be able to walk around with our little man. Robert and I early on noticed the stares from various groups of people. From toddlers to the elderly, they were all trying to figure out why our baby had this massive helmet containing his head. We actually started to make a game of it and counted how many stares we were getting. Its almost as if you need to carry a sign that says, " He is just a baby, don't worry he doesn't bite." While I was at the mall with my mom today I joked with her and said it was good thing that Jackson wasn't on oxygen anymore because then would seriously be a circus. I'm glad that I don't get upset at the stares anymore because they really used to bother me. We would only be at doctors offices and still people couldn't quite figure out what was wrong with out baby. Now I just laugh it off and giggle to myself. I just tell Jackson, " Your the star of the show, smile big!" Which is followed by him staring off at the lights because guess what......he is just a baby. He just had a different start on life, that is all!!!!

Jackson at 2 1/2 months old. His preemie clothes swallowed him, he was right around 3 lbs

Update

I know haven't posted in a couple of weeks, sorry. I've just had a ton of thoughts running through my head and wanted to put the right words into writing. First off I want to say what an amazing job everyone did for March of Dimes. We raised $1,017.00 and I couldn't be more proud of my team!

My first Mothers Day was very sweet. I received a t-shirt with Jackson's hand prints, super cute! A dinner cooked by my hubby along with two very awesome cards one from Jackson and one from the hubby. It was a very surreal feeling to be a part of the Mommy team for Mothers Day this year. I just feel so blessed have Jackson in my life who continues to show just how wonderful life is.

Jackson has been doing feeding therapy and physical therapy for about a month now. Feeding therapy is going amazingly well and just becoming a champ at eating. Now he doesn't eat like a typical baby but we are finding slow and steady wins the race with Jackson. It takes about 45 minutes to get him to eat about 3 ozs of any food. He isn't a huge fan of veggies so we find ourselves adding fruits to veggies. His all time favorite food is pears. So yes everything gets mixed with pears. Now physically therapy is an absolute nightmare, Jackson wants no part in any activity that requires using any tummy muscles. Honestly at the end of physical therapy session I find myself completely bummed out and frustrated. Its just so hard to watch your baby cry because he physically has a hard time doing things that other babies do with such ease. His physical therapist is trying to come up with new ideas to keep his interest in tummy time without having a screaming fit.

Also this past week we followed up with Jackson's neonatal specialist. His weight is 19.5 lbs and is 27 1/2 inches long. They said he looks great and sounds great. Also since he no longer needs oxygen support he is considered to no longer have chronic lung disease. Then the doctor said, " Okay, well we don't need to have anymore follow ups." I stood there in shock. Maybe I was a little naive to think that they would stay with Jackson for the first four years of life but it was wishful thinking. This team of doctors has really become a family and helped Jackson to fight for his life. While I super happy to know that Jackson is doing so well I was still a little teary eyed as we left the doctors office. To a new chapter!

Also for all of the readers, please say a little prayer for my sister-in-law, Michelle, today. She is being induced tonight with my very first niece, Carleigh. Praying for a fast labor and delivery and healthy baby and mommy.

For now I will leave you with a picture of Mr. Jackson. This weekend I hope to post about Jackson's first zoo trip!

This is the second time Jackson ever ate baby food. He still kinda makes that face when eating!

This is Why we March

We all have a purpose in life. It might be a teacher to help children learn. A military serviceman/woman to protect our country. Or even the worker at McDonald's who fills our hungry bellies. Regardless of what we do in life, we have a purpose. I used to say my purpose in life was to help others through my work in the medical field. No I was wrong, God had much bigger plans for me. He gave me Jackson. Jackson is my purpose in life. Through him I have learned to be patient and understanding. God didn't give me Jackson because He was angry with me or I had done something wrong in my life. He gave me Jackson to see life is so beautiful and life is what you make it. 

March of Dimes is such a incredible organization that helps spread awareness about premature babies. This Saturday is our March of Dimes walk and I am so PROUD that my little guy will walking with us. Team Jumping Jackson has raised $867.00!!!! I am so thankful for everyone that has donated to help support a good cause. I hope to see lots of Team Jumping Jackson supporters and if not cheer for us that day anyways!!!

MARCH ON!!!!!!

Three days old

Ten months old