16 months

We had a very blessed Christmas season! Jackson had a difficult time sleeping during our Christmas vacation down south, but that provided several extra opportunities of snuggling and marveling at the grace of God to us in Jackson's life. We have always been adoring parents, and have always had some reality of the fact that our children are a gift, and life is only a short vapor. But "reality" takes on a new meaning when your child is given back to you from the edge of the grave. I marvel at the gift of Jackson's life. But isn't it wonderful that Jackson isn't the goal? I cling to and cherish his life. I love all of our kids with my whole heart. But they can't satisfy me. Jackson was a nightmare these past two weeks with his sleep schedule and fussiness! So at the same time that I'm reveling in his life I'm looking away from him to Someone else just to help me survive his life! Crazy. But perfect. There have been a few times when those who prayed for Jackson, without ever meeting him, have finally met him, and I can almost feel their disappointment! He's just another imperfect human being. Yes, physical life is a gift. But it's not THE gift. Jackson is a baby. But he's not THE baby. That's why I'm extra thankful this Christmas season. Jesus was THE baby, THE gift. He never disappoints. He always satisfies. He gave me my three little gifts and gives the grace I need to steward them and give them back to Him in the end. Praise the Lord!
Over the last two weeks Jackson progressed from a few unsure steps here and there to walking everywhere in the house. He has always been cautious when it comes to mobility. He waits till he's sure he can do it before he even tries. So I guess it wasn't surprising that he changed so quickly! He doesn't even hesitate to take off walking now, but usually still keeps his arms high over his head for extra balance. It's a sight to see. ;) He has had noticeable weakness for some time in some of the muscles in his lower legs (a common preemie problem). This has caused his ankles to roll inward, and out of alignment. The therapist decided it would be good to go ahead with orthotics to attempt to correct this, so he was fitted for those and should get them in soon. Other than that he gets glowing reports at each doctor's visit! His favorite word right now is "Breeze"--the name of his grandparents' dog. :) We do monthly pacemaker checks from home now, and he tolerates those well. He adores his two older siblings almost as much as they adore him. They are so precious with him!
In keeping with true Jackson fashion he gave us a bit of a scare this week when he woke up from a nap with a purple hue to his lips, fingers, and toes. His fingers and toes were also very cold to the touch. We somehow ended up with the volunteer ambulance in the driveway and Jackson inside getting his oxygen saturation levels checked. They checked out fine though, so we talked with our doctor at home and decided to just monitor him closely (he was acting perfectly normal). It was gone within a few hours, but we are still keeping a close eye. We continue to appreciate your prayers for Jackson. He is a very healthy boy overall, but still has a complex little body.
Mason was able to make contact recently with the doctor who delivered Jackson, and who prayed with Mason while Jackson was in cardiac arrest. It was such a precious conversation, and an obvious encouragement to him to hear how his prayers had helped us. Not to mention hearing how Jackson is thriving! He was a vital piece in the puzzle of God's loving plan for us. We are so grateful this doctor.
Since I'm a month behind on posting AND it was the holidays, you'll have to excuse all the pictures!

-Rachel for the Vanns