Happy Birthday!!!

Jackson,

On this day a year ago your dad and I were oh so patiently awaiting your arrival at the hospital. After nine months of this waiting, we were finally going to meet our sweet little boy. We were so happy yet anxious - nothing can truly prepare a first time parent for parenting like the real thing. After a fairly quick labor you were here! Finally! Our handsome 9 pound 14 ounce baby was here with us. I was overcome with emotion. Nothing compares to the love the poured out of me the first time I got to hold you. You were absolute perfection - the most perfect thing we have ever seen. The rest of the night was surreal for us, making it hard to get any sleep of course. We were just too excited to close our eyes and rest.

The next morning took a turn when you were whisked away to the nursery to be treated for a possible infection. This was extremely hard for an already emotional new mommy. I hated seeing you with all of the monitors and Ivs. It made it so hard for us to hold and love on you. After 48 hours in the nursery we received the good news that we were praying for - that you were fine and that we could take you home!

It felt so wonderful to finally have you at home wih us. Again, we were just as happy as can be. Some days were easier than others, usually depending on the number of sleep hours mommy got. Then we had another setback. Your bilirubin levels continued to rise and at a week old you were placed on the book blanket. This meant being confined to the room 24/7. We also had to take you to get blood taken ever couple of days. After a week of this the doctors let us take you off the blanket.

With these two minor medical mishaps behind us, things were smooth sailing from there! Well, kind of. We've definitely had our ups and downs but many more ups than downs. Each day continues to get better and more fun than the last. We love watching you grow and learn - learn to eat, learn to move, learn to talk. It is fun watching you take in the world around you for the first time. My hope is that we are doing the very best we can to help you grow into a kind, caring, smart Christian boy and fulfill the plan that God has for your life. We pray this with you each night before we lay you down. I also want to thank you for being patient with mommy and daddy as we are still new to this parenting thing and are learning right along with you. I will say you make it pretty easy on us most of the time! Thanks for that! We are truly grateful to be your parents and are so undeserving of the honor.

You are a true blessing Jackson! Thank you for making the last year the absolute best year of our lives! I can't imagine life without you and I look forward to spending each day with you over the next 17+ years. :) Happy first birthday baby boy!!

We love you!!!