7 years in 7 days

I'm going to try to do a post each day for the next 7 days to count down to Jackson's 7th birthday. 7 years ago this week we were so uncertain of what was going to happen with him. I had been on complete bed rest for around 4 months (which felt like 4 years) and went to the doctor every other day knowing eventually they'd say "It's time to take him."

On Friday, May 21st we went in for our usual stress test and his heart rate was dropping over and over to extreme lows (as expected) because he was under distress and we rushed to the hospital. We called all the people we were supposed to on the way and both of us just prayed, cried and panicked not knowing what would be. We were prepared to welcome our baby (not knowing "he was a he") and then say goodbye to him. We didn't get any of the invasive testing to know what was "wrong" with him, but regardless we were informed that something definitely was and that he would most likely not survive.

After a hellacious day in the hospital of close

monitoring, his heart rate dropped very low again and it was time. I had an emergency c-section at 6:21 pm and our 2 pound 5 ounce bundle of joy was born. The sound of him crying...I'll never forget. The emotion that overwhelmed us while we waited to find out if he was ok was strangling.

There were around 10 doctors and nurses in the operating room when Jackson was born, ready to resuscitate. He was breathing on his own and was truly a miracle, they were shocked. We lived at the hospital for 5 weeks and brought him home at 3 pounds 10 ounces. 7 years later, I'm still in utter amazement at the work God did. The gift He gave us in Jackson is something I still can't believe and will never stop thanking Him for.

His first year was a roller coaster of neurotic new parents, a surgery or two and lots of sanitizer. Here's a flashback of his first year.

So uncertain, yet still smiling.

Just a part of our incredible support system waiting on his arrival.

The incredible crew who I'll always be grateful for.

He's here and alive and well! Serious thumbs up!

Incredibly tiny. 2 pounds, 5 ounces.

Daddy gets to hold him for the first time.

His first meal.

His bed for 5 weeks.

Kangaroo care with Daddy.

1st bath in the hospital. A bed pan was too big for him.

Nestled in his cave, paci as big as his face.

I love this picture.

Our most special nurse, Teri. What a blessing she was.

We come home!! 1st bath at home in the bed pan.

Our family.

He likes it at home.

Growing...

Smiling...

Back for a vist to his nurses at the hospital.

Cool dude.

Getting a lift from Daddy.

My angel.

1st time he stood up on his own, almost a year old.

He turns one!