Settling In

Hi everyone!  Sorry we haven't posted a blog in a while.  We are a busy family!  A lot has happened in these past two weeks.  

Jackson had an eye exam and a weight check.  His eye exam went great.  His vessels are almost fully developed.  We have to go back to Children's Mercy in February for (hopefully!) the last time to make sure his eyes are completely matured.  Jackson's weight on this past Monday was....6 pounds, 13 ounces!!!!!  Can you believe it?!!!  It hit me this week how much he's grown and how he is beginning to fill out everywhere.  Nick and I talk about how he doesn't look like a preemie anymore.  He is looking so healthy and handsome!  He continues to roll over.  One day he did it three times in a row.  I finally captured a video of it! 

 Jackson has been improving on his nursing, too.  He definitely is beginning to build his stamina when eating, and is becoming quite demanding when he is hungry!  He wakes up about every 3 hours to eat.  He still needs supplements with the extra calorie formula after nursing.  I am hoping at his two month check up we can reduce his supplements.

We are enjoying Jackson's awake time.  This past week he has become more alert, looking around checking things out, and making eye contact.  I still tear up when he looks up at me with his sweet blue eyes.  It is such a wonderful feeling!  I love being his mommy!!!  

Here is Jackson's 7 week photo.  He loves his bouncy seat.  Thanks for my handmade blanket, Marie.  And thank you for my guitar blanket, Lisa!  I am a little rockstar!

Last week we also celebrated Uncle EJ's birthday.  He is 14 years old and way taller than me, and just about as tall as Nick.  It was nice having Grandma Mari, Grandpa B, and Uncle EJ over for the day.

Grandpa B holding Jackson.

Jackson spends most of his day sleeping, but we've noticed he is much more active in between feedings lately.  Thanks for my quilt, Marlina!  You are very talented!  And thank you for my blanket, Heather.
   

Aunt Crystal, Sami, and Isabella came to meet Jackson.

Sweet Sami and her cousin.

Love love love him!

The weeks at home with Jackson have flown by.  I cannot believe he is 8 weeks old.  He is almost full term!

Tummy time.  It's definitely not Jackson's favorite thing to do!

Tummy time wore both my boys out!  Nick went back to school and work this week.  His anticipated graduation date is in May!  Whooo-hooo!  We are so proud of him!

This week my sister Katie and nieces, Adley and Ella, came to visit.  We are having so much fun together!

This is an old photo, but new to the blog and one of my favorites!  Jackson's cousins showing their support while he was in the NICU.  Their shirts say 'Team Jackson'. Thanks, Kate, for making them for the girls and being such awesome supporters during our stay in the hospital!!

Some quality time with my Papa.

Cousins!

Baba and Papa with their three Grandkids!!  Oh boy, what a handful!!!

We love you Aunt Kate!  Thanks for helping my mommy out this week!

Thank you for your continued support and checking in on us!  We are so blessed and thankful!

There's no place like home...

2012 began with a little sorrow.  Grandpa Ed was laid to rest.  We are thankful he is no longer in any pain or discomfort, and is now reunited with Grandma Darlene.  We are also so happy that Grandpa got to meet his Great Grandson just a day before he passed.  Although he will be missed dearly, we are looking forward to sharing Grandpa Ed stories with Jackson as he grows up.

We are settling in at home as a family of three, building lasting memories.  We love having our little boy home.  We've had a couple of doctors appointments this week.  Jackson had a medical procedure done~everything looks good.  We also had a few weight checks.  He currently weighs 5 pounds 13 ounces!!!  His preemie clothes are starting to get to be a little snug on him.

Here is what we've been up to:

Jax sleeping on his Daddy.

Jackson loves to be swaddled, arms in.

Baba time!

First time in the bouncy seat.

Mommy's new favorite picture!

We love our Papa!

First bath at home...he was not a fan at first~but loved getting his hair washed.

Getting warmed up after bath time.

Tummy time is definitely not one of Jackson's favorite things to do!  He rolled over twice this week, from tummy to back.  Yup, we know he's gifted.  ; )

Grandma Mari came to St. Joe to visit and spend the day with us.  YAY!

On Daddy again.  

Jackson is six weeks old now!

Look at those hands!  Jackson has big hands and feet like his Daddy.

Thank you for continuing to read about our sweet baby.  We are so proud of him and he continues to bless us everyday.  Thank you for your continued prayers for Jackson.  We hope the New Year blesses you and your family.