Evening July 14

Today has been a very uneventful day!  This is exactly what we are praying for.  I have been able to stay very stable as has Jackson.  I have even felt well enough today to eat a lot more.  They are telling us that while we are focusing on Jackson staying put until 34 weeks (at least) the biggest goal is to get him to weigh 4.4 pounds. In order for this to happen I have to eat, a lot!!! I was able to enjoy an entire bag of gummy bears today, which has become the joke of the room since I did not even realize I was eating the entire bag until they were gone! Oh well more calories for Jackson. 

Several people have been asking about the CDH and I wanted to take a minute to let you all know a few things.  First, the CDH diagnosis while very difficult at first is something DeWayne and I have had time to come to grips with and have come to realize is simply part of Jackson's journary to becoming a strong, amazing, man one day.  It is not something that will define him, but is something that will make him stronger.  All of that being said, it is scary.  The diagnosis is extremely hard to hear and the possible complications with a full-time are high.  We have been able to deal with this reality and feel we have a choice: we can either bury our heads in the sand and ignore the problem and feel bad for ourselves and Jax or face it head on and beat CDH and allow it to simply be a part of our family story.  We have prayed often and will continue to pray for God's healing on Jax and his CDH, but in so many ways our prayers are being answered every single day.  Dr. David Kays is in town, he has hope for Jax, Jackson's heart while shifted to the right is developing normally, he is growing right on schedule (45% I mean really have you met his parents that's kind of impressive he is that big!), he is super active and most importantly he is a child of God.  With all of these positives we firmly believe that one day Jackson Dean will come home with us and we will look back on these days simply as days I was able to be a stay at home (or hospital) mom who gave Jackson her undivided attention.  Until then we will continue to pray that the seriousness of his hernia is at a minimual and that God is able to work through Dr. Kays to repair his hernia. 

During our time here we are going to collect scripture vereses that are encouraging and uplifting to our family.  If you have any verses now or anytime in the future you would like to share please do so.  If not verses simply quotes that are positive and you feel would help us during this time would be great. 

Thank you all again for the love, support, and prayers!

DeWayne, Caroline, Jackson