Week one as parents

Early Monday morning, I got a phone call from Debbie that would forever change my life.  Jackson wasn't due until the fifteenth, but he decided he didn't want to wait.  We were able to be in the hospital room with Abby through it all which was more than we could have asked for.  She was so brave and tough...much more than I would have been.  She was in labor from one in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon.  After an hour of pushing, Jackson entered this world a healthy baby boy!  He was 7 lbs 4 oz and 19.5 inches long.  He didn't scream when he first came into this world, he gave more of a kitten like cry.  Even then, it didn't last long because when he snuggled into Abby, he seemed content to have been born.  He was perfect in every way.  Even when there were some medical concerns like his bright red color, it turned out to be nothing.  He was just perfect!

We were able to stay at the hospital with Jackson for two nights before heading home.  During that time, we were visited by family, friends, Abby's family and became friends with many nurses and people that were helping us with paperwork.  Abby was able to spend some good time with Jackson which was important to us and her family got to dote on him a bit.  They bought him an awesome outfit and a Utah state hat that he now wears all the time.  We were able to give Abby a quilt that we finished up quickly (wasn't expecting to need to have it done for another two weeks) and then we put Jackson in his carseat.  He was so small!

The worst part of this whole experience was saying goodbye to Abby and her mother.  How do you thank someone for something so preciously placed in your care?  How do you just leave?  I gave her a big hug, said the only thing that came into my mind (thank you), and just turned and walked out.  I sobbed as I walked out to the car then continued to cry on the way home.  Abby had become such an important part of our lives and the thought of what she was going through broke my heart to pieces.  The only thing I could do was to follow through with my promises and take care of Jackson the best way I knew how.  We were in love with this little man, especially Roger.  I love watching roger interact with Jackson.  He just seemed intrigued and fascinated by the little dude!

I found it kind of funny because Roger is so very large and Jackson is so very small!

We have loved having Jack meet the family and his cousins.  They were all cooing and falling in love with him and his pucker face that he now does all the time.  When his cousins met him for the first time, we had to play a little trick on them for April Fool's Day.  I told them that Jackson had 6 toes!  It took a little while and a few counting sessions, but they eventually caught onto my little ruse.  My dad though fell for it flat out.

Even though it's been a bit difficult adjusting to his nightly schedule, we try to work as a team to give him the best.  Today was Easter Sunday, his first Easter!  We had a great easter egg hunt and recieved such a beautiful picture of the savior holding a newborn baby.  I have to admit, it made me cry quite a bit.  He is such a blessing.  

We have been so blessed and given so much in life.  When we thought we would never be able to grow our family, we have been surprised by the gracious gifts of God and the kind heart of Abby.