Lil buddy

Thank you again to all who prayed for Jackson this past week! He did unbelievably well with his overnight stay in the hospital. His only real complaint was that his hand was definitely "stuck" with all the IV tubing, tape, gauze, and IV protector on it. It was a really precious time of enjoying his life and snuggling with our buddy, as well as meeting up with several very special doctors and nurses. They hold such a place in our hearts! He has recovered wonderfully. He had an aversion to diaper changes for a couple of days (SO much pulling on and off of electrodes, dressings, IVs, etc), but has already moved on from that as well. If his little body continues to follow the same course we shouldn't have to do this again until he's four or five...wow! God is good.

(FaceTime with two of his favorite people)

(Running in the rooftop garden waiting on discharge papers. Guess he's not sore!)

(Headed home)

Done!

Jackson is all done! Buddy had an awful time before the cath with a bad reaction to the Versed they gave to help him relax. He was delirious and inconsolable. We were grateful to see him fall asleep from the anesthesia. The cath showed that though there is narrowing (in the pulmonic artery) it wasn't as advanced as the echocardiograms had estimated. They did attempt to balloon it, but it didn't accomplish much. They were able to successfully balloon his previously stented area (the inominant artery) allowing for much better blood flow in that area. The plan is to continue to monitor with external testing and repeat the cath in 2-3 years if all continues to be stable. Thank you so much for every prayer! We haven't seen him yet but should soon. He'll spend the night on the cardiac floor. Our cardiologist from Columbia was here and so kind and attentive. So grateful for every mercy. 

Cardiac cath

J had a full morning of pre-testing for his cardiac cath tomorrow. He made it through all the tests, but had a pretty rough time. We're praying for a great night of rest tonight, and for the Lord's help tomorrow in every detail! Thank you so much for any prayers...this is so minor compared to all he's been through, but we don't want to take anything for granted. It was so FUN to see a few of our doctors and nurses today! We couldn't be more grateful for them. 

We go in around eight in the morning, and they'll probably take him back about an hour or two later. It should take around 3 hours. 

Yes, ok...

After almost four straight hours of interaction at doctor visits yesterday afternoon, I was worn to a pulp and wondering how Jackson must feel. I told God through tears that this isn't the life I would've chosen for Jackson. He gently reminded me it actually WAS chosen for him...by God. A God who is all-knowing, all-seeing, and all-wise. Could there be a more comforting reality? To be able to rest in the fact that these hard circumstances (as easy as they are compared to what we once thought we were facing!) were hand picked for Jackson and for us with purpose and with limitless love. Yes, ok...even I would choose that.

Happy 2nd birthday!

Precious, precious boy...what can we even say? We are humbled by God's grace in sparing your life. We love you more than words can say. We celebrate your life today with overflowing joy. Happy birthday, Jackson Samuel!

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; speak of all His wonders." Psalm 105:1-2

(Photos taken at a seconds' notice by the talented Alyssa Parr. Thank you!!)