Time to Grow

Jackson is growing a little each day. The nurses have said that the next phase of his time in the NICU is called the "growing stage". We've been told that the doctors and nurses in Bay 2 are really good at helping babies grow! Jackson is now 2lb 8oz - nearly 1 pound more than his birth weight!!
His kidney's continue to develop - and as of now, the doctors are happy with the way his kidney's are functioning. The rupture in his urinary tract seems to be healing! Once Jackson gets a little bigger they will begin to do some testing, and be able to go in and fix what they believe caused the rupture to happen in the first place.
His lungs have taken a little bit of a step back - They have started him on Hydrocortisone (a steroid) to help his lung development - he will be on this treatment for 7 - 10 days and it should begin to help fairly quickly. If all goes well, he will be extubated in the near future.
Jackson had a repeat head ultrasound earlier this week, and it showed no change. They will continue to check this periodically during our time here - We pray that his body will begin to absorb the blood in the coming weeks/months.
He will have his first eye check next week to check for any damage. This is something most (if not all) preemies are checked for.


So, now we wait...most if not all of these things require a certain amount of time before we know anything. For some, we can wait a few days, or weeks. Some will be months and even years before we may know, or even notice anything.
For Ben and I, the waiting has become a normal part of our lives, but it's not easy. We want answers so badly - we want to bring him home more than anything - and we don't want to wait anymore! But, some very wise people told us to take each day, and focus on that. Not tomorrow or the next day, but to love Jackson, and to enjoy every moment we get with him...and that makes it a little easier. He is just so perfect - made fearfully, and wonderful by God - How could you not just be in awe of the miracle of life - It blows me away every time I look at Jackson. So tiny - but perfectly formed - He has hair, and fingernails - and the cutest little nose!
We are also happy to report that we now can hold Jackson nearly everyday! Both Ben and I have gotten some wonderful cuddle time with him! He really seems to enjoy it!

We have a lot to be thankful for, and we continue to pray and ask for prayer for healing for our little man!