Progress

Jackson has continued to grow over the past week - he now weighs in at 2lb 12oz - only 2oz shy of 1lb over his birth weight of 1lb 14oz! Before we know it he'll have doubled his birth weight! That is not the big news of this post though!

Jackson is officially breathing on his own! Tuesday morning the doctors decided that they wanted to extubate him and put him in CPAP. CPAP stands for "Continuous Positive Airway Pressure". He does all the breathing, but this provides him a little extra back pressure to help him inflate his lungs. He has done a great job so far being off of the Ventilator - he really is a strong little boy!

With his breathing tube being removed, we have been able to hear Jackson's "voice". It's so nice to be able to hear him make noises, Our favorite thing is to hear him sneeze!

We continue to be able to hold him for longer periods of time, and more frequently - he really snuggles in when we get to hold him for a long stretch of time. Both of us are looking forward to many many more snuggles when we get home!

So through all this - we have come to rely on a lot of people - our parent's and siblings, extended family, and friends, even strangers...You have freely given us your love, and support with out hesitation - You have prayed for us, you have supported us, and you've given us grace. We've had to drop out on commitments, be away from work and family, and so many of you have stepped in to help, and for that we are so thankful. We won't lie, it's hard to be a preemie parent - It's hard to be away from Jackson when we have to be at work, and it's hard to be away from home when we're with Jackson - but with all your help, you have all made it easier for us.

We can't forget one person who without his help, we'd be more lost than we already are. Jesus - yes, it sounds a little cliche, but without a doubt he is the reason we are in the place we are now - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We have felt great peace (for the most part) over the past 6 weeks. Now don't get us wrong, there have been times where we have been outright angry - At God, at oursleves, and others. So it has not been an easy 6 weeks full of roses and rainbows - but a lot of questions, and fear. We know God has a plan for our family, and we're excited. With a lot of Prayer, and a lot of Trust, we've gotten to a point of peace and excitement for what the future holds.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Philippians 4:4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.